Alright, so you’ve got yourself a pool—nice work! But now comes the part that every new pool owner has to figure out… how do you keep it clean, clear, and actually safe to swim in? Pool maintenance might sound complicated at first, but once you get into the rhythm, it’s honestly pretty straightforward. Here’s what you need to focus on.

Keep Your Water Balanced (Because No One Likes a Green Pool)

Water quality is everything. If the chemicals are out of whack, you’re basically inviting algae, cloudy water, or even skin irritation.

At its core, you’re balancing three main things:

• pH levels (should be between 7.2 and 7.6)
• Alkalinity (80-120 ppm to keep things stable)
• Chlorine (1-3 ppm to keep bacteria from taking over)

Get yourself a good pool testing kit—you can grab one from places like Bunnings or SwimArt NZ. Test the water at least once a week, and adjust chemicals as needed. If you notice it getting murky or slimy, don’t wait—sort it out quickly, or you’ll have a bigger (and more expensive) job on your hands.

Skim, Brush, and Vacuum (Yes, It’s Like Cleaning a Giant Bathtub)

The easiest way to keep your pool looking good? Regular cleaning. It takes a few minutes a day, but it’ll save you hours of hassle later.

• Skim the surface daily – Leaves, bugs, and random debris? They all need to go.
• Brush the walls and floor (at least once a week) – Algae loves sticking to surfaces. A quick brush prevents buildup.
• Vacuum regularly – If you don’t have an automatic cleaner, a manual vacuum does the trick just fine. It’s like vacuuming your house, just wetter.

If you want to make life easier (and spend less time cleaning), check out robotic cleaners from places like The Warehouse or Spa & Pool Warehouse NZ—they do the hard work for you.

Keep an Eye on Your Pool Pump and Filter

Your pump and filter are basically the heart and lungs of your pool—if they’re not working properly, your water won’t stay clean.

• Run your pump daily – Around 6–8 hours in summer, 4–6 hours in winter.
• Clean the skimmer basket – A clogged basket means less water flow and more mess.
• Backwash the filter – If you have a sand filter, backwash it every couple of weeks to flush out dirt. If you’ve got a cartridge filter, rinse it out regularly.

Check your pump and filter system every so often—if something seems off (weak water flow, strange noises), don’t ignore it. The faster you address issues, the less it’ll cost you later.

Shock Your Pool (No, Not with Electricity)

Even if your water looks fine, bacteria and contaminants still build up over time. Every couple of weeks (or after heavy use), give your pool a shock treatment—basically, a high dose of chlorine that kills off anything lurking in the water.

You can find pool shock treatments at stores like Mitre 10 or Pool and Spa Warehouse NZ. Just follow the instructions, pour it in during the evening, and let your pump run overnight. By morning, your pool will be fresh and ready to go.

Watch Out for New Zealand Weather

NZ’s weather can be a bit unpredictable, and it actually affects your pool more than you’d think. Heat, rain, and wind all mess with your pool chemistry.

• After rain? Test your water—rain can dilute chemicals and throw off pH levels.
• Windy days? Expect more leaves and dirt—skim and vacuum more often.
• Hot summer days? Chlorine burns off faster, so you might need to add more.

Keeping an eye on how the weather affects your pool will help you avoid surprise problems.

Invest in a Pool Cover (Seriously, It Makes Life Easier)

A pool cover is one of the best investments you can make—it keeps debris out, helps maintain water temperature, and reduces evaporation (so you don’t have to keep topping up the pool).

Look for options from Para Rubber or Pool Covers NZ. A proper cover can save you a ton of time and money on maintenance.

Don’t Forget About Regular Professional Checks

Even if you’re doing all the right things, getting a professional check-up once or twice a year isn’t a bad idea. They can spot issues you might have missed—like small leaks, worn-out filters, or hidden chemical imbalances.

Companies like Swimart NZ or Poolwerx offer maintenance services if you ever need an expert’s eye.

Final Thought – Stay on Top of It, and You’ll Be Sweet

Pool maintenance isn’t scary—it’s just about staying consistent. A little effort each week means fewer problems (and less money spent) in the long run. Stick to these basic habits, keep an eye on your water quality, and you’ll have a crystal-clear pool ready to enjoy all summer long. Now, grab a cold drink and enjoy your backyard oasis!