Keeping your pool water clear naturally isn’t as hard as it sounds. You don’t need to rely on heaps of harsh chemicals to get that sparkling blue look—you just need the right approach. Here’s how to do it with simple, natural methods that actually work.

Keep Things Moving

Still water is a breeding ground for algae and bacteria. If your pool pump isn’t running long enough each day, you’re asking for trouble. Ideally, you want to circulate the water for at least 6–8 hours a day. If your pool gets a lot of sun or has high use, you might need to run it even longer.

Oh, and check your pool filter regularly. A dirty filter won’t do its job properly, so clean or backwash it when needed. If you’re not sure whether yours is working well enough, Pool & Spa Warehouse NZ has good guides on maintenance.

Skim, Brush, and Vacuum—Like Clockwork

Think of it like cleaning your house. If you don’t do regular upkeep, things get messy fast. Here’s what you should do:

• Skim daily – Leaves, bugs, and debris floating on the surface? Scoop them out before they sink and start breaking down.
• Brush weekly – Algae and gunk love to stick to pool walls and steps. A quick brush-down prevents buildup.
• Vacuum weekly – Whether it’s a manual vacuum or a robotic cleaner (check out options from Bunnings NZ or Mitre 10), this step stops grime from settling on the pool floor.

Balance Your Water Naturally

If your pool’s pH and other chemical levels are off, it won’t stay clear—end of story. Instead of dumping in loads of chlorine, try these natural tricks:

• Baking soda – Raises alkalinity and keeps pH balanced. A little goes a long way!
• Borax – Helps prevent algae and also stabilises pH. It’s available at some New Zealand cleaning product suppliers like Trade Me or NZ Chemical Suppliers.
• White vinegar – Lowers pH gently if your water is too alkaline. Just add a small amount at a time.

You should still test your pool water regularly. Test kits are easy to grab from places like Christchurch-based Splash Water Specialists.

Use Natural Purifiers

You don’t need to rely only on chlorine to keep bacteria at bay. Here are a few natural ways to help:

• Saltwater systems – If you don’t already have a saltwater chlorinator, consider switching. It produces chlorine naturally and keeps water softer on the skin. There are good options at Pool & Spa Warehouse.
• Oxygen-based treatments – These work like chlorine but in a gentler way. Some Kiwi pool stores stock them, like The Warehouse NZ.
• Plants and bio-filters – If you have a natural swimming pond or want to reduce chemicals, aquatic plants can help filter the water. Native New Zealand plants like reeds and rushes are great for this.

The Sun: Your Friend & Enemy

Sunlight helps keep pools warm but also burns off chlorine fast, making it easier for algae to grow. To strike a balance:

• Use a pool cover – It reduces evaporation and prevents debris from getting in. You can find good ones at Bunnings or Para Rubber.
• Add stabiliser (cyanuric acid) – This protects chlorine from breaking down too quickly under the sun. Many New Zealand pool supply stores stock it.

DIY Algae Prevention

Algae loves warm weather and still water, so stay on top of maintenance. If you do see green starting to creep in, try this:

• Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) – A natural way to remove metal stains and some algae buildup.
• Hydrogen peroxide – A great alternative to chlorine, often sold as an eco-friendly pool cleaner. Make sure to get food-grade hydrogen peroxide from New Zealand suppliers.
• Barley straw – It’s an old trick for ponds that works in pools, too! As it breaks down, it releases compounds that prevent algae growth.

The Bottom Line

A crystal-clear pool doesn’t have to mean chemical overload. With regular cleaning, good water balance, and some natural solutions, you can keep your pool looking great and avoid unnecessary costs on chemicals. Keep an eye on New Zealand stores like Poolquip NZ, Bunnings, and Mitre 10 for natural and low-chemical pool care options.

Stick with these habits, and you’ll be diving into clear water all season long.