Ignoring Water Balance

It’s not just about throwing in chlorine and hoping for the best. Your pool water needs the right balance of pH, alkalinity, and sanitiser levels. If you don’t check these regularly, you’ll end up with murky water, itchy skin, or even damage to your pool equipment.

What to do: Get a water testing kit (Mitre 10 and Bunnings both stock them in NZ) and check your water at least once a week. Or, take a sample to your local pool store like Pool & Spa Warehouse for professional testing.

Not Running the Pump Enough

Your pool pump is like your pool’s heart—it keeps everything moving so the water stays clean. Not running it enough? That’s a fast-track ticket to a green swamp.

Rule of thumb: Run your pump for at least 8 hours a day in summer, and about 4–6 hours in winter. If you want to cut costs, run it during off-peak electricity hours.

Forgetting About the Filter

Your filter catches all the dirt and grime, so if you don’t clean it, your water quality drops fast. A clogged-up filter also puts extra strain on the pump, which could lead to expensive repairs.

How to fix it: Backwash sand filters every couple of weeks and clean cartridge filters with a hose every month. Check the manufacturer’s guidelines—most filters need a deeper clean or replacement once a year.

Overloading on Chemicals

More chlorine doesn’t always mean cleaner water. In fact, too much can make the water harsh on your skin and eyes. Not to mention, it can damage pool liners and equipment over time.

Better approach: Stick to recommended dosages. If you’re unsure, Pioneer Pool & Building has good guides on chemical use, or have a pool technician test the water for you.

Ignoring Leaves, Dirt & Debris

A few leaves here and there might not seem like a big deal, but if you don’t scoop them out, they break down and throw off your water chemistry. Plus, they make the pool look gross.

Easy fix: Use a skimmer net daily and empty the skimmer basket often. If you’re short on time, consider a robotic pool cleaner (Harvey Norman stocks them in NZ).

Not Brushing the Pool

Vacuuming and filtering help, but algae and grime still cling to pool walls and steps. If you don’t brush it off, your pool can develop slippery surfaces and stubborn algae spots.

What to do: Brush the walls, steps, and corners at least once a week—especially in shaded areas where algae tend to grow.

Draining the Pool Without Knowing the Risks

Think draining your pool is a quick way to refresh the water? Be careful. If done wrong, it can damage the pool structure, especially if groundwater pressure is high (a big risk in places like Auckland or Christchurch).

Safer option: Instead of draining completely, replace about 20% of the water every few months to help dilute any built-up chemicals. Always check with your pool installer before draining!

Thinking the Pool is ‘Set & Forget’

Pools need regular maintenance. If you only check on it once in a while, you’ll eventually end up with cloudy water, algae blooms, or damaged equipment.

Best approach: Set a routine. Weekly water testing, monthly filter cleaning, and seasonal equipment checks will save you time and money down the road. Websites like The Swimming Pool Shop NZ offer handy maintenance guides if you’re unsure where to start.

Keeping your pool in good shape isn’t hard, but it does take a little care. Avoid these common mistakes, and you’ll spend more time enjoying the water instead of fighting with it.