Natural Swimming Pools: A Refreshing and Sustainable Way to Cool Off
Imagine having your own private swimming hole in your backyard, where you can cool off on hot summer days and enjoy the beauty of nature. Natural swimming pools are a sustainable and affordable alternative to traditional pools, and they’re surprisingly easy to build and maintain.
What is a Natural Swimming Pool?
A natural swimming pool is a body of water that mimics a natural pond or lake. It uses plants and other natural materials to clean the water, so there’s no need for harsh chemicals. Natural pools are typically designed with two zones: a swimming area and a plant-filled water garden. The plants in the water garden help to filter the water and provide a habitat for beneficial insects and wildlife.
Benefits of Natural Swimming Pools
There are many benefits to having a natural swimming pool, including:
- Affordability: Natural pools are much cheaper to build and maintain than traditional pools.
- Sustainability: Natural pools use no chemicals and are less harmful to the environment.
- Beauty: Natural pools are beautiful and can be designed to complement any landscape.
- Health: Swimming in a natural pool is healthier than swimming in a chlorinated pool.
How to Build a Natural Swimming Pool
Building a natural swimming pool is a relatively simple process, but it’s important to do your research and plan carefully. Here are the basic steps:
- Choose a location: The best location for a natural pool is a sunny spot with good drainage.
- Excavate the pool: The pool should be at least 3 feet deep and have a gradual slope from the shallow end to the deep end.
- Line the pool (optional): If you’re concerned about erosion, you can line the pool with a rubber or polyethylene liner.
- Create the plant zone: The plant zone should be about half the size of the swimming area. Fill it with gravel and plant it with aquatic plants that will help to clean the water.
- Fill the pool: Fill the pool with water and let it circulate for a few weeks before swimming.
Plants for Natural Swimming Pools
The best plants for natural swimming pools are those that are native to your area and can tolerate wet conditions. Some good choices include:
- Pondweed
- Duckweed
- Cattails
- Aquatic Iris
- Pickerel Weed
- Water Primrose
- Arrowhead
- Sedge
- Rush
- Hornwort
- Aquatic Canna
- Sweetflag
- Golden Sword
- Water Hyacinth
- Botswana Wonder
- Frogbit
- Water Lettuce
- Lotus
Maintenance
Natural swimming pools are relatively low-maintenance, but they do require some regular care. Here are a few tips:
- Skim the surface: Regularly skim the surface of the pool to remove leaves and other debris.
- Clean the filter: The filter in your natural pool should be cleaned every few weeks.
- Add plants: Add new plants to the water garden as needed to keep the water clean.
- Test the water: Test the water in your natural pool regularly to make sure it is safe for swimming.
Conclusion
Natural swimming pools are a beautiful, sustainable, and affordable way to enjoy the outdoors. With a little planning and effort, you can build and maintain your own natural pool and enjoy the benefits for years to come.
