Natural Swimming Pools

Natural Swimming Pools, sometimes referred to as Natural Swimming Ponds, are a hybrid between the traditional swimming pools and the ecological natural garden pond. With the new buzzword, environmentally-friendly, the Natural Swimming Pools use purifying plants and the latest technology to keep the water clean without the use of harsh chemicals such as chlorine.

So are these the new Swimming Pools of the future? Although there is an increase in popularity for these pool designs, the traditional pool is likely to be the first choice for the Mediterranean type villa. The latter is probably the better option for a vacation dwelling but let us consider the benefits of the natural pool designs.

Divided into two sections, the deep swimming area is used for recreation and a shallower surrounding area known as the regeneration zone. This zone is for purifying plants and rocks to keep the water clean, clear and debris-free.

A very cost-effective filtration system and surface skimmers keep the water circulating sufficiently throughout the two sections. A barrier wall divides the sections to ensure that the swimming area is kept separate from the plants whilst allowing water to circulate freely between the two zones.

The benefits to having Natural Swimming Pools are that they offers a completely natural alternative to chemical pools/ozone or salt pools and is certainly more economical being chlorine-free. Ensuring algae free and hygienic conditions of operating a natural swimming pool, a good system of design and technology is required. Technologies available include ground source heat pumps, solar thermal panels, wind turbines and small scale biomass boilers.

Additional benefits include wildlife attraction, a habitat for many rare plants and animals, low swimming pool maintenance and unlike traditional pools they don't de-value property prices. So how is it achieved? By harnessing nature's processes, with microorganisms and plants balancing the water chemistry and maintaining a clean and chemical free environment.

New builds can be designed in any style to fit any space, often created with landscape design software to show 3D graphical visualisations. Or they can be retro-fitted for conventional swimming pool conversion.

Clear Water Revival classifies their pools into 5 types;

• Classic
• Freeform
• Classic Planted
• Compact Planted
• Freeform Planted

Classic - Built for practicality, contemporary and formal styles, pristine conditions and indoor environments. A traditional pool in many respects due to its appearance and function, best suited to a more formal space both for in and outdoors with a 100 percent swim zone.

Freeform - Described as the romantic design of a traditional natural swimming pool, this is best suited to the larger garden with an 85-95 percent swim zone. This requires a greater investment in maintenance and a practical understanding of the pool system.

Classic Planted – Clean architectural designs incorporating nature but with a separate planted filter. It is a smaller-scale design with a 75-85 percent swim zone. Incorporating more technology for maintenance, it demands greater practical understanding.

Compact Planted - This is smaller than the other types of pool and is ideal for restricted garden space and smaller budgets. Needing little attention, it is a design for nature lovers with its vibrant wildlife with a 50-70 percent swim zone.

Freeform Planted - Large planted areas and large overall size with a 'close to nature' experience. Suited to the larger garden, it has close contact with flora and fauna, incorporating water features, streams and lush planted zones. Blending seamlessly with the growth of natural eco-systems, the swim zone is only 40-60 percent with lower maintenance than other styles.

Plants and flower beds soften the harsh lines of natural swimming pools equipment and help swimming pools to blend more naturally with the surrounding environment although they should be chosen wisely. Low-maintenance plants will help reduce the amount of manual cleaning required. Swimming pools should be covered in autumn to protect them from falling leaves. Avoid fruit trees (they attract bees) and plants with invasive root systems.

Protection can be harnessed from existing trees but avoid areas of heavy shade or areas that are exposed to the elements. Adding a closed gazebo or other garden structure, which doubles up as a changing room or a place to relax in the shade, is worth considering in your garden design.

Outdoor furniture such as seating, parasols, barbecue equipment and outdoor furnaces around the swimming pool are the finishing touches by creating eating and lounging space.

Proximity to the home is an important consideration, as well as proximity to bathroom facilities and changing facilities in the home.

Last but certainly not least, is safety. This is always an issue with all water gardens. Keeping a clean moss free patio or deck will also prevent unexpected accidents. Fencing around swimming pools is a must when small children are present. Depending on the pool location, many areas require fencing by law, so it is wise to make enquiries, before starting the project.

Another safety feature around pools is outdoor lighting. Colour can be maximised in this area with the use of small but powerful LED's. Fluorescents can now be dimmed, coloured, waterproofed and come in a variety of warm and cool colour temperatures allowing you maximum flexibility for your swimming pool lighting design.

By David Nettleton of Clear Water Revival

Click Projects below to view details

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