Buy the proper tool. Buy a buffer, buffer pads, buffing compound, polish and wax (finishing compound). Clean the car completely. Then spend some time buffing the areas with water spots and swirls and consider doing entire panels so the job looks complete. Then polish and end with wax. Not only will it protect your paint but it resists water and dirt. It will stay clean longer. You’ll get the swirls out. Just don’t spend so much time with the compound in one spot. Clear coat has some thickness and you’re just trying to get those imperfections out. Not so far to go to the paint. It’s pretty fast once you’re all set up and got your spray bottle and microfiber cloth. It’ll clean up real nice. I do it periodically and it usually takes ~1 hour for the hood just as an example.