What is a natural swimming pool?

Author: Mr. Donald Spinka DVM  |  Last update: Friday, July 1, 2022

Natural pools rely on filters and moving water to do all the heavy lifting. Natural pools are constructed with walls or membranes that keep out soil and silt. They can be created from scratch or converted from an existing in-ground pool system.

What's a natural swimming pool?

A natural pool or swimming pond is a swimming pool that's filtered and purified biologically by water plants and a special biological filtration system. Natural pools can be any shape, size or style and designed to blend with your garden.

Is it safe to swim in a natural pool?

Typically, no. Sensitivity to aquatic plants is not common. People who enjoy swimming in natural pools tend to experience less skin or eye irritation than they do in traditional pools with chemicals like chlorine.

What are natural pools made of?

The materials and designs of natural pools can vary widely. Many are lined with rubber or reinforced polyethylene. In most popular models, such as those offered by Kansas-based Total Habitat, the swimming area is separated from a zone planted with aquatic vegetation, which acts as a biological filter.

Can a natural swimming pool be heated?

FAQ: Can You Heat a Natural Swimming Pool? Yes, you can heat a NSP using just about any conventional swimming pool heater or solar heating system to extend your swimming time each year (84 degrees is noted by most to be the ideal swimming temperature).

How natural swimming pools work – CHOICE

Do natural pools attract snakes?

Snakes and frogs may be attracted to natural pools, but typically won't stay long, as there will be no reliable source of food for them in the pool; however, occasional hand skimming of the natural pool might be required for unwanted visitors.

Do you need planning permission for a natural swimming pool?

Do I need planning permission? As with a conventional swimming pool, permission isn't generally required except in AONBs, where it can be easier to gain approval for a natural swimming pond than for a traditional pool.

Do natural pools need chlorine?

Both natural and living pools rely on nature to filter the water, including the good bacteria and bio-organisms that attack the algae. “In a controlled environment, we're starving the algae of food. If we can do that, we can have a pool without any chlorine in it,” says Wayne.

Do natural pools get algae?

Algae is an expected inhabitant of natural swimming pools. But this single-celled plant can be relegated to the plant zone by simply including the right mix of flora that will use up resources the algae need to flourish.

How do I keep my natural pool clear?

As far as plants go, you'll find that natural pools usually contain three types: biological filters, oxygenating plants, and floating plants. Floating plants like water lilies will protect crucial microorganisms from UV rays. At the same time, biological filters will ensure the water stays clear.

Can you turn a pond into a natural swimming pool?

Yes, you can convert an existing pond into a Natural Swimming Pool/Pond, though the process is expensive (typically costs more than building a NSP from scratch) and must be done on a custom basis.

Can I swim in a natural pond?

Yes, you can swim in a backyard pond as long as the pond is big enough and the water is clean. A pond needs to be free of harmful bacteria and large enough to support a swimmer without destroying its ecosystem.

Are natural pools expensive?

Building a natural swimming pool is not an inexpensive venture. It costs an average of $70,000 to build a natural pool, which is comparable to the average cost of building a traditional pool. But the process of building your natural pool will take much longer than a traditional pool.

Do natural pools attract mosquitoes?

3. Do They Attract Mosquitoes? Since natural swimming pools have constant moving water, they are almost completely mosquito-free (mosquitoes prefer standing water).

How deep should a natural swimming pool be?

Most people choose to construct a pool 5 feet deep. For the bottom, either pour a concrete slab or cover the bottom with a rubber liner. Then line the bottom with gravel. Make sure to install a drain and backflow preventer.

How do I keep algae out of my pool naturally?

How to Prevent Algae in Pools
  1. Good water balance; pH 7.2, Alk 100 ppm, Cal 200 ppm, Cya 30-50.
  2. Good water filtration; two turnovers per day, 16-18 hours total run time.
  3. Good water circulation; brushing, eyeball fittings, pool cleaners can help.
  4. Good water sanitation; keep consistent daily chlorine levels of 2-4 ppm.

What is the healthiest pool system?

Mineral Swim is the only system of it's kind combining Australian made ozone water purification technology with 100% natural Dead Sea minerals to make it the safest, healthiest swimming pool about.

Are salt water pools better?

Pros of Saltwater Pools

There's less chlorine and less of the heavy chemical scent and content. They're gentler on the skin, with less irritation to the eyes, hair and swimsuits. The water has a softer, silkier feel to it compared to chlorine water. They have lower maintenance costs than chlorine pools.

How warm are natural pools?

Natural swimming pools with 50% or more shallow planting warm from the sun, hold heat well and sit at around 21C. They will often reach daily maximum air temperatures by the afternoon. Pools reached as high as 30C in 2014.

Can I put a swimming pool in my garden?

The good news is that most homeowners with a large enough garden can build an outdoor pool under their permitted development rights. Swimming pools are covered by Class E for householders, and can be built without planning permission as long as you stay within the regulations.

Does a swimming pool add value to a house UK?

Whilst owning an outdoor swimming pool, endless pool or hot tub will not add value to your home they are certainly a wonderful lifestyle investment if you enjoy having fun in the water and are prepared for the cost of upkeep!

How do I keep snakes away from my pool?

You can also use vinegar to keep snakes and other pests out of your swimming pool. Pour white vinegar around the perimeter of the pool. Snakes can absorb the vinegar through their skin so they will avoid slithering over it once it's poured on the ground. Snakes also try to avoid humans at all costs.

How do you keep snakes out of pool noodles?

Use your pool noodles to noodle as much as you can noodle.
...
What you can do to avoid rattlesnakes showing up near your noodles:
  1. Keep your pool toys up off the ground, or in a box.
  2. Store them in a place that can get hot, and avoid areas alongside the home that receive more shade than other areas.

How do I keep snakes out of my swimming pond?

The best way to get rid of snakes in a pond is to make the area undesirable for habitation.
  1. Cut the grass surrounding the pond with a lawn mower on a regular basis. ...
  2. Use a weed trimmer to cut back tall shrubs and weeds. ...
  3. Move all wood piles, rock piles, compost piles, mulch and tarps far away from the pond area.

Previous article
Is cyanuric acid a stabilizer?
Next article
How often should I add chlorine to my pool?