Clear Water Isn’t Luck — It’s About Balance, Filtration, and Consistency
We’ve all seen it — that inviting, sparkling blue pool water that looks too perfect to be real. But crystal clear water isn’t just for glossy brochures. With the right combination of chemistry, filtration, and regular care, any pool in New Zealand can look like that. And no, it doesn’t have to cost a fortune.
Here’s how to achieve — and maintain — that glassy, healthy water all season long.
Start with Balanced Water Chemistry
The foundation of clear water is proper chemical balance. If your pH, chlorine, or alkalinity is off, your water can quickly go cloudy or green — no matter how clean the pool looks.
Check and maintain:
-
✅ Free chlorine: 1–3 ppm
-
✅ pH: 7.2–7.6
-
✅ Total alkalinity: 80–120 ppm
-
✅ Calcium hardness: 200–400 ppm
-
✅ Cyanuric acid (stabiliser): 30–50 ppm (for outdoor pools)
🧪 Not sure? Bring a sample into Poolcare — we test your water for free and recommend exactly what you need.
Run Your Filter Long Enough
A lot of cloudy pool issues come down to insufficient filtration. Your filter should be running 4-6 hours a day in cooler months, and 8-12 hours a day in summer.
Make sure:
-
The pump basket is clean
-
The filter is backwashed or cleaned regularly
-
You’re using the right filter media (sand, glass, or AFM®)
A media change every 5 years can significantly improve filtration — we offer this service in-house if you need it.
Stay on Top of Debris and Contaminants
Organic material like leaves, sunscreen, body oils, and dust can clog your filter and feed algae. Skim your pool daily if it’s exposed to trees or wind, and vacuum at least weekly.
For high-use pools or during summer, consider using:
-
A clarifier or flocculant to help your filter trap fine particles
-
A scum sponge or oil-absorbing product
-
A pool cover to reduce contamination between swims
Use Shock Treatment When Needed
Even well-maintained pools can hit a tipping point — especially after heavy use, storms, or a stretch of hot weather. When that happens, use a chlorine shock treatment to quickly oxidise contaminants and restore clarity.
⚠️ Always test and balance your water after shocking, and avoid swimming for 12–24 hours depending on product directions.
Maintain Consistency
The secret to a consistently clear pool isn’t a miracle product — it’s a routine. Regular testing, cleaning, and filtration will keep your pool looking amazing without needing to panic every couple of weeks.
Set a reminder. Or better yet — book a Poolcare valet service and let us handle it for you.
Talk to the Experts
If your water just won’t clear or you’re constantly battling cloudy issues, drop in and talk to us. We’ll help you diagnose the issue, test your water, and set up a plan that works for your pool and budget.
📍 Visit Poolcare at 54A Hewletts Road, Mt Maunganui
📞 Call us on (07) 575 8471
🌐 www.poolcareltd.nz
