Combine the perks of a swimming pool with the beauty of a pond.
What Is a Natural Swimming Pool?
Natural swimming pools have two key parts: a swimming area and a water filtration area.
Credit: Courtesy of Total Habitat
Natural swimming pools also incorporate microbes; the main filtration relies on bacteria inside the built-in biological filters.
This approach hides filtration, often behind rock walls or on the floor of the pool.
For example, a waterfall might move water between the regeneration zone and the swimming area.
Credit: Courtesy of Total Habitat
They also can be formed in an organic shape to mimic the look of a naturally occurring pond.
How Big Is a Natural Swimming Pool?
Natural swimming pools are likely to be bigger than traditional ones, though that’s not always the case.
Credit: Courtesy of Total Habitat
One reason is the regeneration zone required for many natural swimming pools.
Generally speaking, the larger the pool, the larger the regeneration zone.
“I’ve even designed a stock tank natural pool.”
Credit: Courtesy of Total Habitat
How Much Does a Natural Swimming Pool Cost?
Is it a swimming pool with a secondary planted filter pool?
That will impact building material and construction costs since, in effect, you’re building two pools.
Pools that rely on built-in filter systems might be more comparable in price.
BioNova’s website says a biofilm filter pool costs $60,000-$75,000 for a typical 16x32-foot pool.
Total Habitat has example installations on their website ranging from $75,000 to more than $175,000.
Since they don’t rely on chlorine (say goodbye to the chlorine smell!
The lack of chemicals also makes them more affordable to maintain.
But just because they don’t need frequent testing and chemical balancing doesn’t mean they’re maintenance-free.
Like traditional swimming pools, natural pools need periodic skimming and debris removal, and theirfilters and pumpsneed cleaning.
Another major benefit of natural swimming pools is their style.
Natural pools typically only need to be filled once and provide a serene view for the colder months.
Natural swimming pools are also more flexible than traditional pools.
Not every local pool company can design and install a natural swimming pool.
Obtaining a building permit is also a potentially less straightforward process.
Selecting and installing a natural swimming pool can also be a longer, more involved process.
It’s not quite as turnkey as picking out aprefab pool.
Elniff also notes that construction times vary based on the design, location, and availability of materials.
Again, since some styles require building two pools, it’s logical it might take more time.
Time is also needed for water plants and bacteria to take hold.
