Rise | We've Done the Research
What is a Natural Pool?
Natural pools (also known as natural swimming ponds) are built bodies of water contained by isolating membranes where no chemicals or devices are used to sterilize or disinfect the water. Instead, the pool's water is purified and sanitized through biological filters and aquatic plants rooted in the pool system. Unlike chlorine and other “sanitizing” pool chemicals, the cleansing and filtering agents in natural pools have biological counterparts in the natural world. In essence, natural pools take their cue from nature with water purification methods.
What Is a Natural Pool Regeneration Area?
Natural pools contain a regeneration area, mostly contained within a smaller, separate body of water. In this regeneration area, the water is cleaned, filtered, and oxygenated by aquatic plants such as cattails, water lilies, reeds, etc. A small solar pump is used to circulate the water from the swimming area to the regeneration zone. In some cases, the water is also passed through a gravel filter to ensure all bacteria and potential pathogens are purified before reentering the swimming area.
What Are the Benefits of Natural Pools?
Natural pools provide a refreshing dip in the pool without having to worry about swimming through potentially dangerous chemicals that dry out your skin and hair. The aquatic plants in the regeneration zone attract beneficial water bugs, dragonflies, and other natural predators of mosquitoes, meaning that you won’t have to worry about your natural pool breeding ground for bugs.
While conventional pools need to be drained every year before winter and release thousands of gallons of chlorinated water into the surrounding environment, natural pools can freeze over—making them much easier to maintain while also reducing negative environmental impacts.
Companies Offering Natural Pools
While designing and building a natural pool could be a DIY project that you spend years implementing, several companies specialize in building beautiful, wholesome natural pools.
Biotop
Biotop was one of the pioneering companies in starting up commercially available natural and living pools. During the past three decades, they have designed and built over 5,000 natural pools across the world. They offer two main types of pools: a living pool and a natural pool. While their Natural Pool has a filter function carried out by plants and microorganisms, the Living Pool contains a special phosphate filter with granules that bind phosphorus and help eliminate any algae growth. While this company is based out of Austria, where the natural pool movement began, they do have partners working in North America that you can find here.
Reflections Water Gardens
Reflections Water Gardens is based out of Illinois and offers all sorts of water features for your property. From fountains and waterfalls to Koi ponds and natural pools, Reflections Water Gardens has many water feature products. Their natural pools utilize bacteria, microbes, and constructed wetlands to keep water pure, clean, and healthy for swimming. If your home already has a conventional pool, this company can also help you convert and restore existing chemically-treated swimming pools into natural pools.
BioNova Natural Pools
BioNova Natural Pools is a US-based company that builds natural swimming pools. Their patented biological filtration system is used by the massive Webber natural swimming pool in Minneapolis mentioned above. They also offer a broad range of design options, from traditional rectangular pools to completely naturalistic swim ponds that will fit your landscape layout. BioNova can design and build a natural pool anywhere in the United States, and you can search for local dealers here.
The Bottom Line
Enjoying a swim during the heat waves of summer is refreshing and rejuvenating. Besides allowing you a safe and healthy way to enjoy the water, natural swimming pools can also become a beautiful part of a property that connects your home to the local landscape.
Tobias Roberts
Tobias runs an agroecology farm and a natural building collective in the mountains of El Salvador. He specializes in earthen construction methods and uses permaculture design methods to integrate structures into the sustainability of the landscape.
