Best Way To Keep Pool Water Clear Naturally

Why Keeping Your Pool Water Clear Naturally Matters

As a Kiwi homeowner, having a backyard pool is a real treat, especially during our warm summers. But keeping the water clean and crystal clear without relying on harsh chemicals can be a challenge. Whether you’re eco-conscious or just want to create a healthier swimming environment, there are plenty of ways to maintain your pool naturally. Here’s how you can achieve a clear and inviting pool without relying too much on chemicals.

1. Maintain Proper Water Circulation

One of the simplest ways to keep your pool water clear is to ensure good circulation. This helps prevent algae growth and keeps debris from settling.

💧 Tips for Better Circulation:

Run your pool pump regularly – at least 6-8 hours a day in summer.
Check and clean the skimmer basket weekly to prevent blockages.
If you have dead spots where water tends to stagnate, consider adjusting your return jets to improve flow.

For pool pumps and filters, Kiwi retailers like Bunnings NZ and Mitre 10 stock a good range of energy-efficient options.

2. Keep Up with Regular Skimming and Cleaning

Leaves, bugs, and debris can quickly cloud your water. A simple habit of skimming your pool daily and vacuuming the bottom weekly will go a long way.

🛠 Essential Tools:

A pool skimmer (available from places like Pool & Spa Warehouse NZ)
A pool brush for scrubbing walls and steps
A manual or robotic pool vacuum

Pro Tip: If trees around your pool constantly drop debris, consider investing in a pool cover from The Warehouse NZ to reduce maintenance time.

3. Use Baking Soda for Balanced pH

Keeping your pool’s pH balanced is crucial for clean water. Instead of commercial pH balancers, you can use baking soda, which is a natural and affordable option.

⚖️ How to Use Baking Soda:

Test your pool’s pH level (aim for around 7.2-7.6).
If the levels are too low, sprinkle baking soda into the water and let it dissolve.
Retest after a few hours and adjust as needed.

Baking soda is easy to find in most supermarkets, including Countdown NZ and Pak’nSave.

4. Use Natural Enzymes to Break Down Contaminants

Instead of chemical shock treatments, you can use natural enzymes to help break down oils, lotions, and organic debris in your pool. These enzymes work by digesting surface oils and preventing cloudy water.

🔎 Where to Buy?
Brands like Lo-Chlor Natural Enzyme (available at SwimArt NZ) are a great way to maintain water clarity without strong chemicals.

5. Consider Using a Saltwater Pool System

Many New Zealanders are switching to saltwater pools instead of traditional chlorine-based ones. Salt chlorinators generate chlorine naturally from salt, reducing the need for chemical additives.

🌊 Benefits of a Saltwater System:

Gentler on skin and eyes
Automatically balances chlorine levels
Lower maintenance in the long run

For saltwater chlorinators, check out Para Rubber NZ for different options suitable for home pools.

6. Use Plants and Natural Filtration

Some Kiwi pool owners opt for a natural swimming pool that uses plants and bio-filters instead of chemicals. While this setup requires more planning, it offers a beautiful, eco-friendly alternative to traditional pools.

Top native plants, such as flax and reeds, help filter water naturally. To learn more about setting up a natural pool, sites like Stuff.co.nz often have great home & garden articles on the topic.

7. Regularly Shock Your Pool with the Sun

A natural trick to keep your pool water clear is letting UV rays from the sun help sanitise it. Leaving the pool uncovered for a few hours during peak sunlight can naturally break down bacteria and algae spores.

☀️ Best Practices:

Avoid leaving the pool exposed for too long to reduce evaporation.
If you’re experiencing excessive algae, opt for a UV pool sanitiser from Waterco NZ.

8. Try Essential Oils for Natural Freshness

Did you know some essential oils have algae-fighting properties? Eucalyptus and tea tree oil, both native to Australasia, can deter bacteria and keep water smelling fresh.

🪴 How to Use:

Add a few drops of eucalyptus or tea tree oil to your skimmer basket.
Be mindful not to overdo it—too much oil can affect filters.

Essential oils are available at New Zealand retailers like HealthPost NZ and Tui Balms.

Keep Your Pool Naturally Beautiful

Maintaining a clear pool without harsh chemicals is possible with a few simple daily and weekly habits. Whether you’re skimming debris, balancing pH with baking soda, or using natural enzymes, small changes can make a big difference.

By choosing eco-friendly solutions, you’ll create a healthier swimming environment for your family while protecting our stunning New Zealand waterways from chemical runoff.

Have you tried any of these natural pool cleaning methods? Let us know in the comments! 🚿💦

Pool Owners New Zealand