Alright, let’s cut to the chase — keeping your pool clear without chlorine is totally doable here in New Zealand. Whether you’ve got allergy concerns, skin sensitivity, or you’re just not keen on smelling like a public pool every time you take a dip, there are solid options that work just as well — sometimes better.

First off — Yes, chlorine-free pools are real

They’re definitely gaining popularity, especially with more people wanting natural solutions at home. It doesn’t mean no sanitiser at all though. The goal’s still the same: kill off bacteria, keep algae at bay, and make sure your water doesn’t go green and swampy.

So, here’s what matters…

1. Start with good filtration — this is non-negotiable

Think of your pump and filter like the kidneys of your pool — they don’t stop, and if they’re not working properly, everything else goes off track. Run the filter daily for at least 6–8 hours during summer. If you skip this, no chemical (chlorine or not) is going to save you.

Keep that filter clean too. It’s like vacuuming your house. You wouldn’t vacuum a rug with a full dust bag — same deal.

2. Go for a mineral or salt system

In New Zealand, you’ll find mineral pool systems at places like Pool & Spa2 (https://poolandspa2.co.nz) or from brands like Zodiac and Davey. These systems use magnesium or a little bit of salt to generate sanitising agents that are way gentler than straight chlorine.

MagnaPool is a good example. It uses magnesium and potassium. It’s easy on the eyes and skin, and the water feels softer — kind of like rainwater. You can grab MagnaPool supplies from places like Paramount Pools in Auckland (https://paramountpools.co.nz) or SwimArt NZ (https://swimart.co.nz).

3. UV or ozone systems — these do the heavy lifting

This is where things get a bit fancy (but in a good way). A UV system or ozone unit is installed in your filtration system and zaps bugs and bacteria as the water flows through. No stinky chemicals involved.

It’s kind of like hospital-grade disinfection but made for your backyard pool. Ozone and UV work best when combined with a small amount of natural oxidiser or mineral sanitiser. Don’t rely on them alone — they clean the water when it passes through, not once it’s back in the pool.

4. Try a natural pool setup — for the DIY lovers

If you’re handy and love the outdoorsy, totally natural vibe, a chemical-free ‘natural pool’ could be your thing. Instead of filters and chemicals, you’ve got plants doing the cleaning. Think of it like a pond — but fancier and you can actually swim in it.

These are more work upfront and need space for a regeneration zone (filled with gravel and plants), but they’re beautiful and can blend into your garden like a water feature. There’s a kiwi company called Biotop NZ (https://biotop.co.nz) that focuses purely on natural pools if you want a proper look.

By the way, you’ll want to be realistic with your space and style before diving into this — natural pools aren’t for everyone.

5. Still test your water—yep, even without chlorine

No matter what system you choose, you’ll need to check pH, total alkalinity, and general water balance regularly. Think of it like eating healthy — swapping out sugar doesn’t mean you don’t still need to check what’s in your food.

You can grab chlorine-free test kits at Mitre 10 or order online from places like PoolLab (https://www.poollab.co.nz). Don’t wait till your pool water smells odd or looks cloudy — by then it’s already a problem.

6. Toss in an oxidiser every now and then

Oxidisers like hydrogen peroxide or non-chlorine shock treatments help break down organic gunk (sunscreen, sweat, leaves, etc.) and keep the water crystal clear. You don’t need it every day — maybe once a week or after the nephews come for a swim.

Something like Poppits Peroxsil is a good chlorine-free oxidiser. It works a treat and you can find it through NZ pool retailers like Aqua Technics NZ or The Spa Shop NZ.

Oh, and… cover your pool when you’re not using it

A pool cover is like putting a lid on your smoothie — stops rubbish blowing in, keeps the temperature steady, and slows evaporation. Less debris = less need for sanitiser, no matter which type. You can get custom covers at companies like Just Covers NZ or even Bunnings will have the basics.

And here’s the bottom line…

You’ve got options — from UV, ozone, magnetic minerals, right through to natural setups with plants and pebbles. It all depends on how hands-on you want to be and what fits your home.

The key to keeping it clear without chlorine? Stay consistent. Don’t wait for the water to go murky. Keep the system working, test often, clean the filter, and top up your oxidiser as needed. It’s kind of like maintaining your car — a few regular tune-ups go a long way.

Give it a go this summer — clearer, gentler pool water might be easier than you think.