Keeping a pool clean doesn’t have to drain your wallet. If you’re in New Zealand and want to save money while keeping your pool in top shape, you’ve got options. Let’s break it down.

Stick to Regular Maintenance

Prevention is cheaper than fixing a green, murky disaster. Skipping regular maintenance means algae and bacteria take over, and suddenly, you’re forking out for expensive chemicals and treatments.

Here’s what you should do:

• Skim the surface daily – Leaves, bugs, and random debris build up fast. A cheap pool skimmer does the trick.
• Brush and vacuum weekly – Algae loves to grow on pool walls and floors. A simple pool brush and manual vacuum (or an affordable robot vacuum if you’re willing to spend a little more) will save you from bigger problems later.
• Check and clean the filter – Depending on whether you’ve got a cartridge, sand, or DE filter, keep it clean so it works efficiently. Dirty filters make your pump work harder (which means higher power bills).

DIY Your Pool Chemicals

Fancy pool chemicals from the store can be pricey, but did you know you can get the same results with alternatives?

• Baking soda (from Pak’nSave or Countdown) works like alkalinity increaser. A bag of baking soda is much cheaper than dedicated pool alkalinity products.
• Generic bleach (like Janola from your local New World) is basically liquid chlorine – just make sure it’s unscented and doesn’t have additives.
• Pool stabiliser helps chlorine last longer, so you don’t need to use it as often – check Trade Me or Bunnings for bulk deals.

Use Pool Covers to Stop Evaporation

Evaporation isn’t just about losing water; you’re also losing heat and chemicals. A simple pool cover (or even a DIY bubble wrap-style cover from Mitre 10) keeps costs down in the long run.

Run Your Pump at Off-Peak Hours

Power isn’t cheap in NZ, so don’t run your pool pump during peak hours. Check your power provider’s rates – running the pump overnight or in the early morning can save you a decent chunk of change on your power bill. Plus, running it for shorter periods (but still circulating all the water) is often just as effective as having it on all day.

Buy in Bulk or Shop Smart

Instead of grabbing individual, overpriced chemical treatments from retail stores, look for bulk deals from places like Pool Warehouse NZ or Trade Me. Also, joining local Facebook groups or asking around your neighbourhood might land you some shared supplies or second-hand equipment at a bargain.

Use Natural Methods Where Possible

Plants around the pool help reduce debris blown in by the wind. Also, getting your family to rinse off before jumping in the pool keeps body oils, sunscreen, and dirt from clogging up the filter – it’s a simple trick but makes a big difference.

The Bottom Line

Pool maintenance is all about staying ahead of problems before they get expensive. The more consistent you are with the basics, the less you’ll spend fixing major issues. So, skim often, grab cheap but effective chemicals, and don’t waste money on things you don’t need. Your pool (and your wallet) will thank you.