A clear pool isn’t just about looking good—it makes swimming way more enjoyable and means less hassle with maintenance. The good news? You don’t need loads of chemicals to keep your pool in top shape. There are plenty of natural ways to keep your water crystal clear without relying on harsh treatments. Here’s what matters and how you can do it.

Keep the Water Moving

Stagnant water is your worst enemy. If water just sits there, algae and bacteria take over fast. Your filter is your best friend, so make sure it’s running enough each day (usually at least 6-8 hours). Think of it like keeping air circulating in a stuffy room—it just feels fresher.

Got trees nearby? Those leaves dropping into your pool clog things up and make it harder for your filter to do its job. Skim the surface every day, and get a decent pool cover from somewhere like Para Rubber NZ to keep unwanted debris out when you’re not swimming.

Use the Right Plants

Sounds weird, but plants can actually help keep your pool clean naturally. Certain aquatic plants, like water lilies or duckweed, suck up excess nutrients that algae love to feed on. If you’ve got a natural or partially natural pool, adding plants can help balance the water and reduce the need for chemicals.

Keep an Eye on the pH Levels

Here’s the deal—if your pool’s pH is out of whack, everything else goes downhill. The sweet spot is between 7.2 and 7.8. If it’s too high or too low, it messes with water clarity and makes life easier for bacteria and algae. To keep things balanced naturally, you can use baking soda to raise the pH or white vinegar to lower it. Just test the water regularly (you can grab a test kit at Mitre 10 NZ) so you know where you stand.

Try Natural Clarifiers

Instead of dumping in chemicals, you can use natural methods to clear up cloudy water. Here are a couple of tricks:

• Diatomaceous earth (DE) – This fine powder helps your pool filter catch even the tiniest particles. Just add a small amount to your skimmer and let your filtration system do the rest.
• Barley straw – Weird but effective. As it breaks down, barley straw releases natural compounds that help prevent algae growth. Toss a small bundle into your pool in a mesh bag.

Stay on Top of Cleaning

Pool maintenance isn’t just about chemicals—it’s about keeping things clean in general. Scrub the pool walls and floor regularly with a brush to stop algae before it has a chance to spread. And don’t forget to vacuum! A pool vacuum (even a basic one) can help clear out fine debris that settles at the bottom. Check out Pool & Spa Warehouse for supplies.

Use Salt (But Not Too Much)

If you’re after a more natural sanitising method, a saltwater system could be worth looking into. It’s not like dumping regular table salt into the pool—it uses electrolysis to turn salt into a mild disinfectant. This means fewer harsh chemicals, less irritation for your skin, and water that feels softer. If you’re thinking about making the switch, talk to a local retailer like The Pool & Spa Shop.

Keep an Eye on Phosphate Levels

Phosphates are a huge trigger for algae growth. The bad news? They get into your pool from leaves, dust, and even rainwater. The good news? You can naturally reduce them by keeping debris out of your pool and using something like lanthanum chloride, which binds to phosphates and removes them. You can find phosphate removers at Bunnings NZ.

Encourage Natural Sunlight

Sunlight helps keep bacteria in check naturally. If your pool is completely shaded all day, it’s more likely to develop issues. Try trimming back trees or hedges that block the sun from reaching the water. Just a few hours of direct sunlight a day can make a big difference.

Keep Swimmers Clean

This one’s easy but often overlooked. The more dirt, oils, and sunscreens that get into the pool, the harder it is to keep the water clear. Encourage everyone to have a quick rinse-off before jumping in—this helps prevent unnecessary buildup in the water.

Final Thoughts

Keeping your pool water crystal clear naturally isn’t complicated—it just takes a bit of regular upkeep and smart choices. With the right setup, a bit of effort, and some natural tricks, you can enjoy fresh, clean water without relying too much on chemicals. Give these methods a go, and see what works best for your pool!