Why Balance Pool Chemicals Naturally?
As a pool owner in New Zealand, keeping your water clean and safe is essential. However, many traditional pool chemicals contain harsh ingredients that can be tough on your skin, eyes, and even the environment. If you’re looking for a more natural way to maintain your pool, there are several methods you can use to balance your pool chemicals with fewer synthetic additives.
Here’s how you can achieve a naturally balanced pool while still keeping it clean and safe to swim in.
Test Your Water Regularly
The first step in maintaining a healthy pool is to test your water frequently. By knowing your current pH, chlorine levels, alkalinity, and other important factors, you can make adjustments as needed.
You can find test kits or digital testers at local retailers like Bunnings New Zealand or Mitre 10. A reliable test kit will help you monitor the key elements in your pool without guesswork.
Maintain Proper pH Balance Naturally
Your pool’s pH level should stay between 7.2 and 7.6. pH that’s too high can cause scaling, while low pH can lead to corrosion and eye irritation. Instead of relying on synthetic pH balancers, try these natural alternatives:
- Baking Soda (Sodium Bicarbonate) – If your pool’s alkalinity is low, baking soda can help stabilise pH levels while avoiding harsh chemicals.
- Vinegar – If your pH is too high, regular white vinegar can lower it gradually. However, it takes a large amount to make a real impact, so it’s best used for minor adjustments.
You can find baking soda in bulk at Countdown or New World.
Use Saltwater or Natural Chlorine Alternatives
Instead of adding chemical chlorine, you could consider switching to a saltwater system. Salt chlorinators convert salt into chlorine naturally, reducing the need for added chemicals. While a salt system does still produce chlorine, it’s typically gentler on the skin and less irritating to the eyes.
If you’re looking for a different alternative, some pool owners in New Zealand have started using liquid hydrogen peroxide as a natural oxidiser to keep bacteria under control. It’s important to do your research before switching systems, though, as salt and hydrogen peroxide pools have different maintenance requirements.
You can explore salt chlorination systems from retailers like Splash Pool & Spa or Para Rubber.
Use Natural Enzymes to Keep Water Clean
Enzymes help break down oils, lotions, and other organic materials that enter the pool. This reduces the demand for chlorine and other chemicals. Many natural enzyme treatments are plant-based and biodegradable, making them a great alternative to traditional algaecides.
Check out stores like Pool & Spa Warehouse NZ for natural enzyme pool treatments.
Harness UV and Ozone Systems
Adding a UV or ozone sanitisation system can drastically reduce the need for additional chlorine, as these methods kill bacteria and algae naturally. While the setup cost can be higher, using a UV or ozone generator helps minimise the amount of chemicals needed to keep your water clean in the long run.
For more details on available systems, you might want to visit Waterco NZ or consult your local pool specialist.
Keep Your Pool Clean Naturally
One of the easiest ways to keep your pool balanced is by reducing the number of contaminants that enter the water.
- Use a pool cover – Covering your pool when not in use prevents debris from falling in, which reduces the need for added chemicals.
- Encourage swimmers to shower first – Rinsing off before swimming helps limit the introduction of oils, sweat, and cosmetics.
- Maintain proper circulation – Running your pump for the recommended hours each day ensures water stays filtered and balanced.
Pool covers and accessories are available from Warehouse Stationery and Noel Leeming (both of which stock household and outdoor items).
Growing Popularity of Natural Swimming Pools
For Kiwis wanting to embrace completely chemical-free swimming, a natural swimming pool could be an option. These pools use plants and biological filters to purify the water instead of chemicals. While they require a different design from traditional pools, they’re becoming more popular among environmentally-conscious homeowners.
You can explore natural pool options with companies like Biotop Natural Pools NZ.
Final Thoughts
Balancing your pool chemicals naturally is possible with the right tools and techniques. By testing your water regularly, maintaining proper pH levels, and using alternatives like saltwater systems or UV treatments, you can enjoy a cleaner, healthier swimming experience with fewer synthetic chemicals.
Have you tried any of these natural pool maintenance methods? Let us know in the comments below!
Leave a Reply