Owning a pool in New Zealand is great—until you realise keeping the water clear and healthy isn’t as simple as just adding chlorine and calling it a day. But here’s the thing: you don’t have to rely on heaps of harsh chemicals to keep your pool balanced. There are natural ways to do it that are gentler on your skin, better for the environment, and still keep your water clean. Let’s get into it.

Start with the Basics: pH Balance

If your pool’s pH is off, nothing else will work properly. Too high, and you’ll get cloudy water and scaling. Too low, and the water gets corrosive, irritating your skin and damaging your pool.

• Ideal range: 7.2 – 7.6
• Natural fix: Baking soda (yep, the same stuff you use for baking) can raise alkalinity and stabilise pH. If your pH is too high, white vinegar or citric acid can help bring it back down.

Keeping Algae in Check Without Harsh Chemicals

Algae is a big problem, especially in warm Kiwi summers. Instead of dumping in loads of algaecide, try these:

• Shade & circulation: Algae loves sunlight and stagnant water. Keep your pool covered when not in use and make sure your pump runs at least 6-8 hours a day.
• Hydrogen peroxide (food grade): A natural alternative to chlorine shock, this can kill algae and oxidise organic matter. Look for it at health stores or eco-cleaning suppliers in NZ.
• Barley straw: Sounds odd, but a small mesh bag of barley straw in your skimmer can help prevent algae growth naturally. Places like Palmers sometimes stock it for pond use, and it works in pools too.

Saltwater Systems: A Cleaner Alternative

Instead of manually adding chlorine, consider converting your pool to a saltwater system. A salt generator turns salt into chlorine at lower levels, which is easier on your skin and eyes. If you want to go this route, check with NZ pool supply stores like Pool and Spa Warehouse for the best options.

Natural Enzymes: They Do the Heavy Lifting

Pool enzymes break down oils, sunscreen, and organic buildup, reducing the need for shock treatments. Some NZ pool maintenance shops, like The Pool Shop, stock natural enzyme treatments that help keep your water crystal clear.

Oxygen + UV Systems = Less Chlorine

Want to go really low-chemical? Look into an ozone or UV system. These use oxygen or ultraviolet light to kill bacteria, cutting down chlorine use by up to 80%. A bit pricey upfront, but it saves on chemicals long-term. Check stores like Hot Spring Spas NZ for options.

Regular Maintenance Is Key

Even if you go the natural route, you still need the basics covered:

✔ Skim the pool daily (leaves and debris throw off your balance)
✔ Brush and vacuum weekly (stops algae before it starts)
✔ Check your levels regularly (pH, alkalinity, and sanitizer levels)

A good test kit is your best friend here. Grab one from Bunnings NZ or your local pool shop.

Final Thoughts

Balancing your pool naturally isn’t about ditching all chemicals—it’s about using fewer of them and making smarter choices. A little effort upfront keeps your water clean, safe, and way more enjoyable to swim in. And let’s be honest, no one likes that overpowering chlorine smell anyway.

Got an awesome natural tip for pool care? Share it below in the comments!