Nobody wants to jump into their pool and find it looking more like a swamp than a swimming spot. Algae can be a real pain, but if you want to get rid of it without dumping in a heap of chemicals, don’t worry – there are ways to do it naturally. Here’s how.

Brush, Brush, Brush

First up, get scrubbing. Algae loves to cling to pool surfaces, especially in corners and shady spots. Grab a stiff pool brush (you can find good ones at places like Mitre 10 or Bunnings NZ) and start brushing every inch of the pool – walls, steps, floor, the lot. The goal is to loosen up all that green gunk so it’s easier to remove.

Get Your Filter Working Hard

Your pool filter is your best friend here. Once the algae is loosened, you need to trap and remove it. Run your pump for at least 24 hours straight, and backwash or clean your filter regularly. If you’ve got a sand filter, set it to ‘waste’ when vacuuming to avoid spreading algae spores back into the pool.

Use a Pool Vacuum (Not the One From Your Garage)

After scrubbing, vacuum all that loosened algae right out of your pool. A manual pool vacuum works best because it sucks debris directly out rather than sending it back through the filtration system. If you don’t have one, check out Trade Me for second-hand options or head to Pool & Spa Warehouse NZ for new ones.

Bring in the Baking Soda (For Black Algae)

If you’ve got stubborn black algae, a bit of baking soda can help break it down. Just sprinkle it directly onto the spots and give them a good scrub. This won’t completely replace other methods, but it can help loosen up those tough patches.

Shock It with the Power of the Sun

Algae thrives in stagnant, low-light conditions, so using sunlight to your advantage helps. Open up any pool covers and let the sun do its job. Sunlight naturally helps kill algae spores, so the more exposure, the better.

Keep Things Moving

Algae grows fastest in still water. Running your pump and filter for several hours daily (or even all day while you’re tackling an outbreak) keeps the water circulating, making it harder for algae to settle and spread.

Try a Pool Skimmer Sock

This is a simple but brilliant hack. Pop a skimmer sock (or even an old pair of pantyhose) over your skimmer basket to catch fine particles that your filter might miss. This helps trap more algae so it doesn’t float back into your pool. You can grab skimmer socks from places like Para Rubber or a local pool supply store.

Consider a Natural Algaecide

If you’re open to a little bit of help, look into natural algaecides made from copper or botanical extracts, which are less harsh than standard chemicals but still get results. Check out options from Swimart NZ or other pool retailers.

The Prevention Plan

Now that your pool is clean, keep it that way. Here’s how:

• Keep Your Water Moving – Algae loves still water. Keep that pump running.
• Balance Your Pool Water – Even without chemicals, keeping pH, alkalinity, and other levels in check helps (a simple water test kit from Mitre 10 can help).
• Brush Regularly – A quick once-over every few days stops algae from taking hold.
• Don’t Let Debris Build Up – Leaves, dirt, and other gunk feed algae, so skim and vacuum regularly.

Bottom Line

You don’t need to dump a bucket of chemicals into your pool to beat algae. A bit of elbow grease, good filtration, and a few simple tricks will do the job. Stay on top of cleaning, keep the water moving, and let the sun help out. Your pool will stay clear, clean, and ready for swimming—no harsh chemicals needed.