A natural swimming pool is one which is designed to harness the processes of nature to produce clean, clear water. These types of pools have been available in Europe for a while, but have yet to catch on in the United States, unfortunately. We always like reading about sustainable & better alternatives to common practice, and were extremely excited to read about the growing movement of natural, no-chemical swimming pools in this recent New York Times article >
Natural pools work by filtering the water through a filter zone, which generally involves a number of different aquatic plants on haydite rocks, as well as ultraviolet filters and a very small amount of chlorine. Through these processes, the water of a natural pool is able to meet European standards for bacteria levels, making it safe for swimming. Furthermore if designed properly the water looks crystal clear — and it won’t turn your hair green!
Obviously natural pools aren’t for everyone, as these pools require a fair bit of maintenance, as well as a different mindset as to how to deal with them. But for the interested the benefits are clear. The very low use of chemicals, means a lower impact on the environment, and the regeneration zones required for these pools lends itself to an integrated landscape design that will give your backyard a more organic and natural look. And we can only imagine that once you sort out the filtration issues, a natural pool is probably a lot healthier for swimmers as well.
+ TotalHabitat
+ New York Times Article on Natural Pools
In the OLD days….we called them “ponds” or “swimmin holes”
I remember finding some information on these a few years ago and thought that these links might be of interest to those inhabitat readers with more of a hands-on attitude.
http://www.motherearthnews.com/Nature-and-Environment/2002-08-01/Natural-Swimming-Pools.aspx
http://www.motherearthnews.com/Homesteading-and-Self-Reliance/1998-06-01/Build-Your-Own-Backyard-Swimming-Hole.aspx
This is great, not only is it beneficial to the working surroundings, it is also astatically pleasing. Good use of lanscaping design.
While I agree with Tom that the item was eyely ecstatically pleasing, it was deeply surficial.
Thanks to Peter for the two Mother links to articles one can become immersed in.
would their be a negative impact if fish were added?
Such “ponds” (as was called before) are still there in certain countries…so I don’t think they are such an innovative idea!
Peter, you beat me to providing the Mother Earth News links. I had read those stories back in 2002 or so. It is funny how old reported items become news again. It is kind of like the green movement. It is hip to be green now when the Mother Earth community was trying to get the message out years ago. Finally the message has gotten out!! Even though the pond issue is not new, it is worth reporting because a new generation gets to learn about it.
I agree about the existence of swimming ponds long before the fad. These guys seem to also agree. A group of Biologists in the US who have been building natural ponds for years with substance and without fanfare: http://www.aquahabitat.com/ponds.html Oh and their work actually look like ponds instead of funky pools.