Keeping Your Pool Clean Without Harming the Planet
Owning a pool is great, especially in summer when you just want to cool off without heading to the beach. But keeping it clean? That’s where things can get tricky—especially if you want to avoid dumping loads of chemicals into the water. The good news is there are plenty of ways to maintain your pool in a way that’s better for the environment without making life harder for yourself. Here’s how.
Use a Pool Cover (Seriously, Just Get One)
This one’s a no-brainer. A pool cover keeps leaves, dirt, and who-knows-what-else from ending up in your water. That means less cleaning and fewer chemicals needed to balance things out.
Oh, and it also helps stop water from evaporating—so you’re not constantly topping up the pool. If you don’t have one already, check out local options like Para Rubber or Pool & Spa Warehouse NZ for covers that fit different pool sizes.
Swap Out Harsh Chlorine for a Natural Alternative
Chlorine kills bacteria, yes. But it also releases nasty by-products into the air, which isn’t great for your health or the environment. The good news? You’ve got other options:
- Saltwater Pools – Instead of dumping chlorine straight in, a saltwater system slowly converts salt into a low level of chlorine. It’s easier on your skin and eyes. NZ Pool Supplies has saltwater chlorinators if you’re thinking about making the switch.
- Mineral Pools – These use magnesium and other minerals to keep things clean with way fewer chemicals. Bonus: The water feels amazing on your skin.
- Hydrogen Peroxide – Works as an oxidiser to keep water clear but doesn’t release nasty fumes like chlorine.
Ditch the Single-Use Test Strips
You test the water, you throw the strip away. Do that every few days over a summer, and that’s a lot of wasted plastic. Instead, grab a digital pool tester or liquid test kit. It’s just as easy, and you won’t be sending stacks of used strips to landfill. Bunnings NZ has a few smart testing options, or you can look at specialty pool shops for reusable alternatives.
Clean the Pool Filter—But Be Smart About It
Your filter keeps the water clean by catching dirt and debris, but backwashing (the process of flushing out the filter) dumps litres of chemically-treated water straight into drains. Instead of backwashing too often, here’s what to do:
- Use a skimmer to manually pull out leaves and debris instead of relying on the filter.
- Check the filter pressure gauge—only backwash when it actually needs it (usually when pressure is 8-10 psi higher than normal).
- Rinse instead of full backwashing when possible, to reduce wasted water.
If you need replacement filters, check out Pool & Spa Warehouse NZ.
Use a Robotic Pool Cleaner Instead of Chemicals
Instead of chucking in more chemicals when your pool starts looking murky, get a robotic cleaner to do the heavy lifting. They scrub and filter out debris before it becomes a bigger problem. Plus, they run on low-energy motors, which means they use less power than traditional pool pumps.
Local stores like The Warehouse and Mitre 10 sometimes stock affordable options, but if you want something high-end, check out a specialist like Maytronics NZ.
Go Solar for Heating
Pool heaters chew through electricity, which isn’t great for your power bill or the planet. A simple fix? Switch to a solar cover or solar heater and let the sun do the work. These help trap heat in, so your water stays warm without adding to your energy costs. You can find solar heating options at retailers like Plumbing World or Stirling Sports’ outdoor section (yes, they stock some eco-friendly outdoor gear too).
Switch to Natural or DIY Pool Cleaners
If you’re dealing with algae or murky water, don’t rush for the strongest chemical cleaner you can find. Some simple, eco-friendly options work just as well:
- Baking soda can help manage pH levels.
- White vinegar works as a natural algaecide.
- Enzyme-based cleaners break down oils and organic materials without the chemical overload. You can find enzyme pool cleaners at Green Man Cleaning Supplies NZ.
The Bottom Line
Taking care of your pool doesn’t have to mean dumping litres of chemicals into the water or wasting power and resources. With a few small changes—like using a pool cover, switching to mineral cleaning systems, or going solar—you can keep your pool clean and safe while looking after the planet. Plus, most of these swaps will save you money in the long run.
So, next time you go to throw in more chlorine or backwash the filter for the third time this week, ask yourself: Is there a better way? Because chances are, there is.
Leave a Reply