Owning a pool is awesome—until you realise how much the maintenance costs can add up. Between chemicals, cleaning supplies, and basic upkeep, it can start to feel like your pool is draining your wallet as fast as it’s draining water. But here’s the thing—you don’t have to spend a fortune just to keep your pool clean and running. There are ways to cut costs without sacrificing quality.

Start with the Basics—And Don’t Overbuy

It’s easy to walk into a store and grab every “must-have” pool product on the shelf. But half of that stuff? You don’t actually need it. Start with these essentials:

• Chlorine or pool sanitiser – Keeps the water clear and safe.
• pH balancer (up or down) – Prevents cloudy water and skin irritation.
• A basic pool brush and skimmer – Clears out leaves and dirt.
• A floating chlorine dispenser – Helps maintain chlorine levels evenly.

That’s the foundation of pool care. Anything else? It’s either nice-to-have or completely unnecessary.

Where to Find Cheap Pool Supplies in New Zealand

Alright, let’s talk about where to get these supplies without the crazy markups.

• Bunnings New Zealand (www.bunnings.co.nz) – A solid option for basic pool chemicals, nets, and cleaning tools. Their home brand products are usually cheaper than big-name brands but work just as well.
• Trade Me (www.trademe.co.nz) – Great for finding discounted pool supplies, sometimes in bulk. Just check the seller ratings before buying.
• The Warehouse (www.thewarehouse.co.nz) – Seasonal stock, but when they have pool supplies, they’re budget-friendly. Keep an eye out during summer months.
• Pool & Spa Warehouse NZ (www.poolandspawarehouse.co.nz) – Specialises in pool gear, and you can sometimes find discounts compared to local pool shops.

Save Money by Buying in Bulk

If you’re using your pool regularly, you’ll go through chemicals faster than you think. Buying a small tub of chlorine tablets every few weeks adds up. Instead, get a large container—it costs more upfront but saves heaps in the long run. Pool & Spa Warehouse or Trade Me are good places to find bulk deals.

DIY vs Store-Bought: Which Is Worth It?

Here’s where you can stretch your dollars:

• Pool Shock Alternative – Instead of expensive name-brand shock treatments, buy standard liquid chlorine (sodium hypochlorite) from places like Mitre 10 or a local hardware store. It works the same way and costs less.
• Homemade Cleaning Solutions – Baking soda can help balance pH, and white vinegar removes waterline stains. No need for overpriced specialty cleaners.
• Reuse Filter Cartridges – If you have a cartridge filter, don’t rush to replace it. Spray it down with a hose or soak it in a simple solution of water and vinegar to extend its life.

Don’t Waste Money on Gimmicks

You’ll see plenty of fancy pool gadgets marketed as “time-saving” or “ultra-effective.” Reality check: Most of it isn’t worth the price. Take robotic pool cleaners—yes, they work, but they can cost over $1,000. A manual vacuum does the job for a fraction of the price. Unless you absolutely hate cleaning your pool yourself, save your cash.

Pool Covers = Huge Savings

If you don’t have a pool cover yet, get one—seriously. It keeps water from evaporating, saves on chlorine use, and cuts heating costs if you use a heater. Even a budget-friendly solar cover from Trade Me will do wonders.

Final Thoughts

Pool maintenance doesn’t have to burn a hole in your wallet. Stick to the essentials, shop smart, buy in bulk when it makes sense, and avoid unnecessary gadgets. Keeping your pool clean on a budget is totally doable—you just need to know where to look and what to avoid. Happy swimming!