Keeping your pool water clear naturally isn’t as complicated as it sounds. If you’ve ever battled with cloudy water or unwanted algae, you know the frustration. The good news? You don’t need to rely on loads of harsh chemicals to keep your pool sparkling. Here’s what you can do to maintain clear water naturally, using simple and effective methods.
Stay on Top of Skimming & Cleaning
First things first—keep debris out of your pool. Leaves, insects, and other bits floating on the surface eventually break down and mess with your water quality. A daily skim with a pool net helps a lot, plus a quick vacuum once a week will stop dirt from settling on the bottom. If you don’t already have a good-quality skimmer, check places like Bunnings NZ or Mitre 10 for options.
Use a Pool Cover
This one’s a game-changer. A pool cover stops leaves and dirt from getting in and helps prevent too much evaporation, which can mess with your water balance. Plus, it keeps the sun from turning your pool into a breeding ground for algae. You can pick up decent pool covers from retailers like Para Rubber NZ or check with local pool supply stores.
Keep Your Filter Running
Think of your pool filter like your home’s vacuum cleaner—if you don’t use it regularly, things start getting messy fast. Running your filter for at least 6–8 hours a day keeps everything circulating and helps trap unwanted particles. Clean out the filter regularly too; a clogged one won’t do much good.
If you have a cartridge filter, give it a rinse every few weeks, and if you’re using a sand or DE filter, backwash it when needed. Need supplies? Have a look at The Warehouse or check pool specialists like Pool & Spa Warehouse NZ.
Use Baking Soda for pH Balance
Maintaining the right pH level is key to keeping the water clear. If it’s too high or too low, algae and murky water become a problem. Instead of chemical pH adjusters, try baking soda—yep, the same one you use in your kitchen. Baking soda helps stabilise pH and is much cheaper than specialised pool chemicals. If your pool’s pH is off, start with about half a cup and test the water before adding more. Grocery stores like Countdown usually have baking soda in bulk.
Try a Natural Algaecide
Algae love warm, stagnant water, so if you’re battling greenish tints, you need to get ahead of it. Some pool owners swear by adding a bit of white vinegar to prevent algae buildup (just half a litre for a standard pool), while others use essential oils like tea tree or eucalyptus for a mild algaecide effect. If you want something pre-made but still on the natural side, check out eco-friendly pool treatments from places like Eco Pool Supplies NZ.
Keep Water Moving
Still water is a magnet for algae and bacteria, so good circulation is important. If your pool has spots where water barely moves (like corners or steps), that’s where grime collects. Stir things up—literally. You can do this by adjusting your pool jets to keep water flowing evenly or, better yet, grabbing a pool brush and giving those areas a sweep every few days.
Use Plants & Natural Treatments
Some people go all out with natural pool systems like bio-pools, but you don’t have to go that far. Adding pool-friendly plants around your swimming area can help filter the air and reduce dust blowing in, which means less grime in the water. Lavender, lemongrass, and mint are great for keeping bugs away too.
If you’re interested in pool plants or eco-friendly water treatments, places like Kings Plant Barn can help with plant choices, and NZ Pool Products has a range of natural pool care options.
Test & Balance the Water Regularly
Even if you’re going the natural route, you still need to test the water to keep an eye on things like pH, chlorine (if using salt or minimal chlorine methods), and general alkalinity. At-home test kits are easy to use, and regular testing means you can catch issues before they turn into bigger problems.
Check out local hardware stores or pool shops like Placemakers for test kits and simple pool maintenance guides.
A Few Simple Fixes Go a Long Way
You don’t need to rely on expensive chemicals to keep your pool clear. Regular cleaning, good water flow, and a few natural solutions make a huge difference. Plus, it’s better for your skin, your wallet, and the environment. Give these methods a shot, and your pool will stay fresh, clear, and inviting all summer long.
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