Keeping your pool water clear without always chucking in lots of chemicals might sound like a bit of a mission, but it’s actually not that hard. It’s kind of like maintaining your car — stay on top of the little things regularly and you won’t be dealing with major issues later on.

Here’s what matters…

Start with good filtration
Your pool filter is doing the heavy lifting when it comes to keeping the water clear. If it’s not clean, it won’t work properly — simple as that. Backwash your sand filter or rinse your cartridge filter regularly. It’s like vacuuming your house — if you skip it, things get grubby real quick.

If you’re not sure how often to do it, places like Pool Masta NZ (poolmasta.co.nz) or your local Mitre 10 have good guides and supplies to help you stay on track with maintenance.

Skim every day
This one’s easy. Just grab your net and get those leaves, bugs, and random bits out of the water before they sink to the bottom and mess with your balance. It’s like doing the dishes right after dinner – stays much easier to manage over time.

Run your pump daily
Yep, even if it’s cold out. Running your pump 6–8 hours a day helps cycle the water and keep it moving through the filter. Still water is when algae and bacteria throw a party — don’t give them the chance.

Keep plants away from the pool
If you’ve got heaps of trees or shrubs around the pool, think about trimming them back. The less rubbish falling in, the better. Plus, overhanging plants can block sun, which stops your water from warming up naturally. Kiwi backyards love a cabbage tree or two, but man do they drop leaves.

Watch your pH and chlorine — even when going natural
Okay, we’re aiming for a more natural way, but you still need a basic level of chlorine and balanced water. You don’t need to shock it with buckets of product, though. Look into mineral-based sanitisers, like magnesium or saltwater options. These are way gentler and still keep nasties out. You’ll find options at NZ Pool Supplies (nzpoolsupplies.co.nz) or local places like Para Rubber.

Use baking soda and vinegar (not together!)
Baking soda is great for nudging up your alkalinity if your levels drop — way gentler than harsh chemical powders. About 1 tablespoon per 1,000 litres of water can make a difference. White vinegar can help clean the water line and pool tiles without introducing weird stuff into the water.

Cover your pool
This is such a no-brainer, but heaps of people skip it. A good pool cover keeps debris out, cuts evaporation, and traps a bit of heat. It’s like putting a lid on your cup of coffee — keeps the good in and the rubbish out.

Try natural clarifiers
There are some pretty decent natural or enzyme-based clarifiers out there now that don’t rely on strong chemicals. They work by clumping up the tiny particles so your filter can catch them. Think of it like using a lint roller on your clothes — it grabs what you can’t see easily.

You can grab enzyme-based pool clarifiers from places like Bunnings NZ or even EcoStore’s cleaning line — just check they’re pool-safe.

Encourage natural aeration
One trick that helps? Fountains or water features. Anything that stirs the water and adds air improves oxygen levels, which helps good bacteria thrive (yes, there are good ones!). It’s kind of like stirring compost — the movement helps everything stay balanced and clean.

Keep swimmers clean
Sounds a bit funny, but ask people to rinse off before diving in — especially after sunscreen, workouts, or mowing the lawn. All those oils, sweat, and dirt end up in the water. It’s like wiping your feet before you come inside — saves loads of clean-up later.

Use natural shade wisely
Getting the right amount of sun helps control algae. Too much shade and the water stays cold and invites algae, but too much full sun burns off chlorine fast. If your pool’s in full sun all day, adding a circle of shade with some strategic umbrellas works wonders.

Last thing… test your water
Don’t just guess — test. You can get a DIY water testing kit at places like The Warehouse or your local pool shop. This tells you where your levels are at so you can adjust things naturally if needed before they swing too far off.

Anyway, keeping your pool clear naturally isn’t about ditching all sanity and science — it’s just about working with the water, not against it. Stay on top of the basics, lean into natural helpers, and trust your filter. You’ve got this.