First things first – clear pool water without chemicals? Yep, totally doable, if you’re ready to put in a bit of steady effort. Think of it like keeping your car clean without going to a car wash – it takes more hands-on time, but you’ve got full control over what goes in and how it’s done.

Here’s what matters: natural methods are all about balance. You’re not fighting nature, you’re working with it. Instead of zapping everything with chlorine, you’re setting up your pool so it can more or less look after itself. So, let’s cut to the chase.

Start with a good pool filter
Seriously, this one’s non-negotiable. Your pool filter is your best mate when it comes to clearing out all the gunk – leaves, dirt, sunscreen, dead bugs (yep, they all end up in there). A cartridge or sand filter will do the job, but you’ll want to rinse it out regularly.

Tip: Look at Trademe or Mitre 10’s pool section – they’ve got options for filters, or you can check with Kiwi-owned places like Pool & Spa Warehouse for different sizes and advice.

Use a pool vacuum – often
If you’ve ever vacuumed up sand from your deck, you know it doesn’t just magically vanish. Same goes for your pool. Manual vacuums are fine, or you could look into solar-powered robotic ones which don’t need chemicals or mains power. Check local stores like Bunnings NZ – they sometimes stock eco-friendly options.

Skim every day (yep, every single day)
It’s kind of like doing the dishes: if you don’t stay on top of it, it builds up fast. Skimming the surface daily takes five minutes, and it’s way easier than dealing with algae later. Always get leaves and bugs out before they sink – it’s much harder once they’re sitting on the floor.

Add plants – nature’s filters
Here’s where it gets cool. You can add water plants around your pool in what’s called a regeneration zone (like a mini pond connected to the main pool), and those plants suck up all the nasties. It’s like a natural Brita filter. Kiwis who’ve done DIY natural swimming pools often buy native plants from places like NZ Plant Producers or Kings Plant Barn.

Okay, it’s not an overnight job to build one of these zones, but it’s worth a thought—especially if you want a lush backyard. There’s a great example at Natural Pools NZ you can Google for inspiration.

Top up with clean, fresh water regularly
Over time, your pool water gets “tired.” It’s filled with microscopic bits of grime, sunscreen, sweat – all the stuff that builds up even in “clean” looking water. So now and then, drain a bit out and top it up with fresh water from the hose. Just don’t forget to check with your local council about water use, especially in summer when bans sometimes kick in.

Use UV or ozone purification – high-tech, low fuss
These systems sound a bit flash but they’re pretty clever. UV systems blast bacteria with ultraviolet light (no chemicals needed), and ozone systems release ozone into the water to oxidise gunk. Think of it like giving your pool a natural detox every day without harsh additives.

You’ll be looking at a few hundred bucks to get this installed, but it’s a long-term move. Many NZ homeowners go through Auckland-based companies like Certikin or Trueform Spa Pools for these setups.

Balance the pool water the natural way
Even without chlorine, your pool still needs the right pH level. If the water’s too acidic or too alkaline, it clouds up or starts to irritate skin. You can use things like baking soda to raise pH or vinegar (yep, just regular white vinegar) to lower it. Test strips from places like Waterco NZ or Poolstore will help you keep tabs without needing a chemistry degree.

Let the sun in—but not too much
Sunlight helps kill off some bacteria naturally, but too much can throw the water out of whack, especially if you’ve got algae trying to move in. The trick is balance. Use a pool cover when you’re not using it – that keeps out leaves and stops too much UV cooking the water. Kiwi-owned brands like Just Covers NZ do proper custom pool covers that’ll last.

Get the water moving – always
Still water = mozzies, algae, and slime. Running your pool pump a few hours a day helps stop everything from just sitting around and getting stale. It’s kind of like stirring a pot when you’re cooking – it keeps everything circulating evenly.

Oh, and clean those walls and steps
Algae loves shady corners and surfaces that don’t get much action. Grab a soft-bristle brush and give the walls and steps a scrub once a week. It’s like brushing your teeth – regular effort keeps the green stuff away.

Check your pool after heavy rain
Rain tosses all sorts of stuff into your pool – dirty runoff, plant bits, even bird poo if you’re unlucky. After a big downpour, skim, vacuum, and maybe do a partial water change and top-up just to be safe.

Last thing: don’t forget the human factor
Remind everyone to rinse off before jumping in. That means less sweat, oils, and products going into your water. Just a quick hose-down before swimming makes a big difference in keeping that pool clear and clean.

So, there you go. No mystery solutions—just consistency, a few clever setups, and working with nature instead of battling it. You’ll end up with a pool that’s fresh, chemical-free, and way nicer to swim in. Plus, you’re doing your bit for the environment, right from your own backyard.