Maintain a Pool

Owning a pool in New Zealand is great—long summer evenings, BBQs, and a quick dip to cool off. But let’s be real: a pool won’t take care of itself. If you don’t stay on top of maintenance, it turns into a headache fast. Don’t worry, it’s not rocket science. Here’s what you need to know to keep your pool clean, safe, and ready to use without stressing over it.

Keep the Water Clean and Balanced

Think of your pool like a cup of tea. If you leave it sitting too long, it’s going to get murky. The water needs to be cleaned and balanced regularly so it doesn’t turn into a green, slimy mess.

Test the Water Regularly

At least once a week (more if it’s super hot), check the pH, chlorine, and alkalinity levels. If you don’t, the water could become unsafe and start irritating your skin and eyes. Pop into Bunnings NZ or Mitre 10 for a simple test kit, or take a sample to your local pool shop—they’ll test it for free most of the time.

Chlorine Is Key

Chlorine fights off bacteria and algae, so don’t skip it. If you’ve got too little, your pool turns into a germ party. Too much? You’ll feel like you’re swimming in bleach. Balance is everything. If you’re after good-quality pool chemicals, check places like Pool & Spa Warehouse or Para Rubber NZ —they stock all the essentials.

Shock It Every So Often

Even if your pool looks fine, it still collects invisible nasties. Shocking (a fancy way of saying “dumping in a lot of chlorine at once”) resets the water and keeps it fresh. Aim to shock your pool after heavy use, especially if you’ve had a big weekend with mates over.

Keep the Pool Debris-Free

Leaves, bugs, and the occasional dead worm—whatever’s flying around outside will eventually end up in the water. If you don’t deal with it, your pool filter has to work overtime, and no one wants that.

Scoop It Out

A simple net skimmer does the trick. A quick skim every day (or whenever you walk past) stops debris from sinking and causing bigger problems.

Clean the Filter

Your pool filter is like your home’s vacuum cleaner bag—if it’s clogged, it won’t work. Cartridge filters should be rinsed once a fortnight, and sand filters need a backwash every few weeks. Not sure how? Your best bet is checking out guides from Poolquip NZ or Trade Depot, which sell filters and have good maintenance tips.

Keep the Pool Cover On

If you’ve got a cover, use it! It’ll keep fallen leaves, dirt, and unwanted garden visitors from getting in. Plus, it helps with heat retention—super handy when you’re trying to extend swimming season into autumn.

Stop Algae Before It Takes Over

If your water starts looking a bit green, don’t wait—algae spreads fast. Treat it with an algaecide (which you can grab from Swimart NZ or The Warehouse) and up the chlorine levels. Running the filter longer also helps clear things up.

Pool Equipment Needs Love Too

Your pump, filter, and cleaner all work together to keep your pool healthy. If they stop working, you’re in for a costly fix.

Keep an Eye on the Pump

The pump is basically your pool’s heart—if it’s not running enough, everything else suffers. Run it at least 6-8 hours a day in summer, less in winter. If it’s making weird noises, don’t ignore it—call a pool technician before it becomes a bigger problem.

Check Automatic Cleaners

If you’ve got a robotic or suction pool cleaner, make sure it’s not clogged up with leaves. Hoses and wheels also wear out, so keep a close eye on them. If you need replacement parts, Kiwipool Supplies has a solid range.

Don’t Forget Safety Rules

A tidy, clean pool is useless if it’s not safe. NZ pool laws are strict, and for good reason.

Fencing: Pools over 400mm deep (which is basically all backyard pools) need a compliant fence. Check with your local council or visit Building.govt.nz for the latest rules.
Gates & Locks: Make sure pool gates close and lock automatically—kids don’t always think twice before running toward the water.
Non-Slip Areas: Wet concrete or tiles can turn into a slip-and-slide. If your pool area gets slippery, look into non-slip mats or treatments from Safe Tread NZ.

Stay on Top of It

Let’s be honest—if you ignore your pool, fixing it later is way harder (and more expensive). A little maintenance every week means you’ll spend less time scrubbing and more time relaxing.

Need supplies? Check out:

Para Rubber NZ – Heaps of pool covers, pumps, and test kits.
Swimart NZ – Good for chlorine, filters, and algaecides.
Mitre 10 & Bunnings NZ – Stock basic pool cleaning tools.
Trade Depot NZ – Pumps and replacement parts at decent prices.

Anyway, the bottom line is—stay consistent. Keep the water balanced, clean debris regularly, and don’t forget about safety. Do that, and your pool stays crystal clear all summer long (without you tearing your hair out).