The pros and cons of a natural swimming pool

Johannes van Graan Johannes van Graan
Ibiza House , TG Studio TG Studio Piscinas de jardín
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Europe is where the natural pool trend originated several decades ago. Proclaimed as stylish and practical, the trend soon breached European borders and reached the US, Australia, South Africa, etc. Unlike traditional rectangular swimming pools full of chlorine, natural pools are often inspired by natural bodies of water in the wild, like forest pools and ponds. 

Another factor which sets these types of pools apart from traditional ones is chemicals. Natural pools are filtered organically instead of using chemicals. This is achieved by building another pool (called the regeneration zone) nearby where the water can enter either a gravel filter or constructed wetlands built from water-cleansing plants. This process is very similar to the one in nature where aquatic plants keep natural ponds clean. 

But before you start dreaming about having your very own natural pool in your back yard, maybe consider the pros and cons first? 


1. Pro: A very flexible choice

With a natural pool, you can opt for a muddy bottom to really resemble one you would find in the woods or mountains. Enhance this look by adding rocks, boulders, and plants. Or, if a more modern and ‘clean’ look is what you’re after, a concrete bottom is also perfectly acceptable (your gravel filter can be hidden away or placed underground). 


2. Pro: A ‘greener’ choice

Many of the cleaning chemicals used in traditional pools can harm the environment. But since they use no chemicals, natural pools is the more eco-friendly alternative. 

Don’t forget to see which of our pool professionals you can contact for your dream natural/traditional pool design. 


3. Pro: Less maintenance

The maintenance of a conventional pool will include buying and adding chlorine, chemical filtration, pH balancing, and committing to other daily/weekly tasks. But with a natural pool, all of this, including the extra costs, gets cancelled.

Just be sure to check for debris to keep your natural pool looking (and operating) well. 


4. Pro: Suitable for all climates

Just like natural ponds, your natural pool will freeze over in very cold weather, and thaw out once the temperature picks up again. No mess, no fuss, no problem. 


5. Con: The costs

One of the downsides of a natural pool is the fact that it requires a higher initial investment. Remember the extra pool you need to buy/build for filtration? 

And since they are more unusual than conventional swimming pools, finding a contractor for your natural pool can be tricky. 


6. Con: More space required

Since that regeneration zone is kind of important, a natural pool will require more property space. If this presents a problem, along with the higher costs we already mentioned, you may want to consider a traditional pool, or even a little splash pool that takes up minimum legroom. 


7. Con: Too natural for some

Many people are disappointed to discover that natural pools are not necessarily synonymous with blue, crystal-clear water. Remember that organic water can become brownish depending on algae, your choice of materials, etc. (although it’s still perfectly safe for swimming). 

From exterior splash spots to interior lighting, let’s see some Brilliant bathroom lighting ideas. 

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