Beginner’s Guide To Pool Maintenance

Why Pool Maintenance Matters

Owning a pool in New Zealand is a fantastic way to enjoy our long summers, entertain family and friends, and cool off in the heat. However, a pool requires regular maintenance to keep it looking great and ensure it’s safe to swim in. Without the right care, water can become cloudy, algae can take over, and equipment can fail—leading to costly repairs.

Whether you’re a new pool owner or just want to improve your maintenance routine, this guide covers the essentials for keeping your backyard pool in top shape.

Understanding Pool Water Chemistry

Keeping your pool water balanced is one of the most important aspects of regular maintenance. Poor water chemistry can lead to problems such as cloudy water, skin irritation, and damage to pool equipment. Here are the key water chemistry components you need to manage:

1. pH Levels

Ideal range: 7.2 – 7.6
A pH that’s too high or too low can cause swimmer discomfort and affect how well your chlorine works.

2. Chlorine Levels

Ideal range: 1 – 3 ppm (parts per million)
Chlorine disinfects the water by killing bacteria and algae. Too little can allow bacteria to grow, while too much can cause irritation.

3. Alkalinity

Ideal range: 80 – 120 ppm
Helps stabilise pH levels.

4. Calcium Hardness

Ideal range: 150 – 250 ppm
Prevents corrosion and damage to pool surfaces and equipment.

5. Stabiliser (Cyanuric Acid)

Ideal range: 30 – 50 ppm
Helps maintain chlorine levels by protecting it from being broken down by sunlight.

You can test your pool water using testing kits, strips, or digital testers, all of which are available from Pools & Spas New Zealand or your local pool store.

Regular Pool Cleaning Tasks

A clean pool is a healthy pool. Here’s a basic weekly cleaning routine:

1. Skim the Surface

Use a pool net to remove leaves, bugs, and debris. This prevents them from sinking to the bottom and becoming harder to clean later.

2. Vacuum the Pool

A manual or automatic pool vacuum will help remove dirt and debris from the floor of the pool. Some popular automatic pool cleaners are available from Para Rubber.

3. Brush the Pool Walls

Algae and grime can build up on pool walls, especially in corners. Use a pool brush to scrub these areas once a week.

4. Empty Skimmer and Pump Baskets

These baskets collect debris and should be emptied regularly to keep water flowing efficiently.

Pool Filter Maintenance

Your pool filter is essential for keeping water clear and clean by removing fine debris and contaminants. There are three main types of filters:

1. Sand Filters

Sand needs to be backwashed every 1–2 weeks to remove trapped dirt.
The sand should be replaced every 5–7 years to maintain efficiency.

2. Cartridge Filters

Cartridges should be removed and hosed down every 2–4 weeks.
Deep clean with a chemical soak every 2–3 months.
Replace cartridges every 1–2 years, depending on usage.

3. Diatomaceous Earth (DE) Filters

Requires regular backwashing and recharging with new DE powder.

For filter products and replacements, check out Pool and Spa Warehouse NZ.

Preventing and Treating Algae

With New Zealand’s warm summers, algae can quickly take over if chlorine levels drop or circulation is poor. Here’s how to prevent and control common types:

1. Green Algae

The most common type, making water look cloudy or green.
Prevention: Maintain proper chlorine levels and circulation.
Treatment: Increase chlorine, scrub affected areas, and use an algaecide available from Waterco NZ.

2. Mustard Algae

Yellowish-brown film that clings to pool surfaces.
More resistant to chlorine and harder to remove.
Treatment: Use a specialised mustard algae remover and thoroughly clean pool accessories.

3. Black Algae

Forms stubborn black spots on walls and floors.
Treatment: Requires aggressive scrubbing and high chlorine shock treatment.

Seasonal Pool Care Tips

Summer Maintenance

Test water 2–3 times per week due to higher chlorine loss from UV exposure.
Run your pump 8–12 hours a day.

Autumn/Winter Maintenance

Reduce pump time to 4–6 hours per day.
Continue water testing but adjust chemicals to lower levels if not swimming regularly.
Consider using a pool cover from Bunnings NZ to reduce debris.

When to Call a Professional

If you’re struggling with persistent water clarity issues, major algae blooms, or equipment problems, it may be time to call in a professional pool technician. Companies like Poolwerx New Zealand can help diagnose and resolve issues.

Final Thoughts

Regular pool maintenance doesn’t have to be overwhelming—by keeping on top of water balance, cleaning, and equipment care, you can enjoy crystal-clear water all year round. With the right tools and knowledge, maintaining your pool can be a simple and rewarding task!

For great local advice and products, be sure to check out retailers like Para Rubber, Pools & Spas New Zealand, and Waterco NZ for top-quality pool care solutions. Happy swimming!