Keeping your pool water crystal clear without relying on loads of chemicals is totally doable. Plus, it’s better for you, your family, and the environment. Here’s how to make it happen naturally.
Keep Leaves and Debris Out
First off, don’t let your pool turn into a swamp. Leaves, dirt, and other junk can mess up the water quality fast. Skim the surface daily, and if you’ve got trees nearby, consider a pool cover—especially in autumn when everything seems to be falling into the pool. If you don’t already have a pool cover, check out Para Rubber for some great options.
Let Your Filter Do Its Job
Your pool’s filter is like its kidneys—it keeps things clean by cycling water and trapping dirt. If the filter isn’t working properly, your water isn’t going to stay clear. Run it daily, even in winter, to keep things moving. Generally, you’ll want to run it for at least 6–8 hours a day in summer, a bit less in winter. Also, clean out your filter regularly—whether it’s a sand filter, cartridge, or diatomaceous earth filter.
Balance the Water Naturally
Pool chemicals aren’t the only way to balance water. You can use baking soda to maintain pH levels and household vinegar for small pH adjustments. If your pool gets cloudy, try using crushed limestone or a pool clarifier made from natural ingredients instead of harsh chemicals. Need pool water testing kits or natural alternatives? Try Poppys Pools—they stock a variety of pool maintenance supplies.
Use Plants and Natural Filters
Ever heard of a natural pool? They use plants and gravel filtration instead of chemicals. While that’s a bigger commitment, you can take inspiration from the idea. Adding aquatic plants around the pool’s edge (if your setup allows) can help absorb excess nutrients that would otherwise create cloudy water. Plus, they look amazing.
Baking Soda for Algae Control
Algae loves warm water and sunlight. If you start seeing green patches forming on the walls or floor, don’t panic. Sprinkle plain old baking soda on affected areas and scrub it off with a brush. It helps loosen algae without dumping a bunch of harsh chemicals in the water. You can grab bulk baking soda from Bin Inn if you want to keep it stocked.
Keep Sunscreen and Oils from Building Up
Sunscreen, body oils, and sweat can make pool water look murky over time. A simple trick? Toss in a few clean tennis balls. They absorb oils naturally, keeping your water clearer. You can also rinse off in fresh water before jumping in to reduce the amount of stuff getting into your pool.
Shock with Hydrogen Peroxide – The Natural Oxidiser
If your pool starts looking a bit cloudy or funky, food-grade hydrogen peroxide can act as a natural shock treatment. It breaks down into water and oxygen, making it a much cleaner alternative to chlorine-based shocks. Make sure you’re getting at least 35% food-grade hydrogen peroxide—try checking Huckleberry or health stores that stock eco-friendly products.
Good Old-fashioned Elbow Grease
There’s no way around it—regular scrubbing is key. Brush the pool walls and steps at least once a week to stop algae from taking over. A basic pool brush will do the trick, or you can check out Mitre 10 for different scrubbing and vacuuming tools.
Rainwater Can Help (Or Hurt)
Rain can be both a blessing and a curse. On one hand, it helps refill your pool and dilute any excess chemicals. On the other, heavy rain can bring in dirt and mess up your pH levels. After a big downpour, test your water and adjust as needed. If you’re collecting rainwater for your pool, consider using a simple filter to remove debris before it gets in.
Final Thoughts
Keeping your pool water clear naturally isn’t about avoiding maintenance—it’s about using smarter, eco-friendly solutions instead of dumping in heaps of chlorine. Regular cleaning, natural balancing agents, and good filtration make all the difference. Plus, you’ll enjoy a pool that’s healthier for you and better for the environment. Give these tips a go and see the difference for yourself!
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