Keeping your pool water clean without leaning too hard on chemicals? Good news—you can absolutely do it. Pool chemicals are important, sure, but overloading on them isn’t great for your health or the environment. Let’s go through natural ways to balance those chemicals without turning your backyard into a science lab.

Start with Fresh, Clean Water

First things first—if your pool water is already a mess, no amount of “balance” is going to fix it. That means staying on top of things from the start. If your water’s cloudy or full of algae, you might need to drain some of it and start fresh. Your local council has guidelines on draining pool water responsibly—check out Auckland Council’s advice on swimming pools if you’re in the area.

Keep pH in Check with Baking Soda and Vinegar

Think of your pool’s pH level like the seasoning in a good meal—too much or too little, and it’s all off. The sweet spot is between 7.2 and 7.8. Instead of store-bought pH balancers, try these:

• Need to raise pH? Baking soda works great. Start with about ½ a cup per 10,000 litres, let it circulate, and test again.
• Need to lower pH? White vinegar can help. Add small amounts gradually, give it time to mix through, and re-test.

Oxygen is Your Best Mate—Use Aeration

Ever noticed how waterfalls or fountains seem to keep their water clear? That’s aeration—basically, adding more oxygen to the mix. It helps balance pH and prevents buildup. If you’ve got a pool fountain, use it. No fountain? Just running your pool pump longer each day can help.

Keep the Chlorine Natural with Saltwater Systems

Chlorine is necessary, but there are ways to go gentler on it. Saltwater pools are a great alternative—they create natural chlorine from salt, so you aren’t dumping in extra chemicals all the time. If you’ve been thinking about converting, New Zealand companies like Pool & Spa Warehouse have saltwater systems that do the trick without the chemical load.

Use Plants and Natural Minerals

If you want to cut down on chlorine while keeping bacteria and algae away, minerals like copper and silver can help. That’s why many natural pools in NZ use specially designed mineral systems instead of full-on chlorine. You can check out places like Trueform Spas for mineral-based alternatives.

Regular Maintenance Means Fewer Chemicals

Here’s the easiest way to cut back on unnecessary chemicals—just stay on top of basic maintenance. Nobody likes skimming leaves and vacuuming, but the more gunk you pull out early, the less you’ll need chemical shock treatments later. Quick things that help:

• Brush and skim your pool daily. Less organic material = fewer chemical reactions.
• Run the pump longer. At least 6–8 hours a day keeps things circulating.
• Ditch phosphates. Algae love them, and they sneak in from fertilisers and rain. You can find phosphate removers at places like Bunnings NZ.

The Bottom Line

Balancing your pool naturally doesn’t mean skipping the science—it just means using smarter, gentler methods. Keep the water moving, test the balance often, and use natural alternatives where you can. Do that, and your pool stays clean with way less chemical hassle. Happy swimming!