Everything You Need to Know About Natural Swimming Pools

These stylish pools with plant life are chemical-free and easy to maintain.

Natural swimming pools are the latest trend in pool construction. They require no chemicals to maintain — instead, natural pools benefit from perennial plants and water flora, which help keep them clean.

When properly contained, this European wetland flower species (<i>Lythraceae</i>) makes a great addition to a natural swimming pool from<a target="_blank" href="http://www.biotop.us/"> BioTop Pools.</a>

Bathing Beauty

This natural pool by BioTop Pools features a traditional rectangular swimming area connected to a regeneration zone filled with flowering plants.

Photo by: Photo courtesy of Bio Top Pools

Photo courtesy of Bio Top Pools

This natural pool by BioTop Pools features a traditional rectangular swimming area connected to a regeneration zone filled with flowering plants.

How Natural Swimming Pools Work

So, how does a pool without chlorine provide a natural swimming experience with a water quality equal to or above your community's standards for bathing water? 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.

These pools use biological filters (such as natural shale) to absorb phosphates and promote the growth of "good" bacteria to eat algae and bad bacteria. A "regeneration zone" with plant life is built adjacent to the primary swimming area. The plants in the zone provide flora that acts as a natural filter for water from the swimming area, which circulates in and out of the plant life and can be used with a special pump or skimmer system. The water is always in motion, which helps prevent the growth of unwanted organic material. In warmer climates, natural filter materials may be installed into the pool itself, and hydroponic plants assist in the filtration system — and they also look pretty!

A living pool and a garden pool complete the natural swimming pool suite at this mountaintop getaway built by <a target="_blank" href="http://www.biotop.us/">BioTop Pools.</a>

Double Dip

A living pool and a garden pool complete the natural swimming pool suite at this mountaintop getaway built by BioTop Pools.

Photo by: Photo courtesy of BioTop Pools.

Photo courtesy of BioTop Pools.

The Benefits of Natural Swimming Pools

Natural pools come in many shapes and sizes and can mimic the look and feel of a lake or pond, with sloped entries lined with stone, rock or clay instead of concrete. Unlike a traditional pool, you don't cover, drain or refill the pool in different seasons. In cold climates, natural pools can be used in the winter as mini ice rinks (if frozen solidly); pool owners in warm or tropical climates can install solar or alternative heating systems for year-round swimming.

Because natural pools are filtered and cleaned by water in motion, filter materials and plant life, they deter pests. 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.

Pool Design Ideas

Installing a Natural Swimming Pool

There are many natural pool system designs on the market, including ones pioneered by European pool manufacturers in the 1980s. If you're considering installing a natural pool, do some research to find out which design firms use a system that works with your micro-climate.

There are DIY kits and pool installation companies that discuss land size and depth requirements, materials, design plans and ballpark costs for building and maintenance of a natural swimming pool. The costs are roughly the same as if you installed a traditional in-ground concrete pool.

Although the pools have been popular internationally for a few decades, the trend is relatively new in the US, which means you may have to look beyond your local community for a qualified company to design and install your pool.

What can a square backyard do? House a phenomenal place to swim. This shot of a backyard swimming pool by<a target="_blank" href="http://bionovanaturalpools.com/"> BioNova Natural Pools </a>demonstrates how an average yard can be transformed into a living water paradise!

Backyard Paradise

What can a square backyard do? House a phenomenal place to swim. This shot of a backyard swimming pool by BioNova Natural Pools demonstrates how an average yard can be transformed into a living water paradise!

Photo by: Photo courtesy of BioNova Natural Pools.

Photo courtesy of BioNova Natural Pools.

Plants Used in Natural Swimming Pools

In natural pools, many types of plants can be used to provide oxygen and aid in water filtration. Plants can be classified into three categories within the natural pool environment: emergent, deep water-rooted and floating plants. Some of the most commonly used plants in natural pools for temperate climates include water lilies, perennial grasses such as reeds like Sparganium or cattails, pond sedge and swamp hibiscus.

More Swimming Pool Advice

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Saltwater and chlorine systems are two of the most common pool sanitization systems. Learn about the pros and cons of each system and find some new alternatives to each.

Learn More

Check out the following sites for more information about natural swimming pools: BioTop Natural Pools, BioNova Pools, Aquascape and Total Habitat.

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