What is a Natural Pool?

A Natural Pool (aka a Swimming Pond, Swimming Hole, Farm Pond, Eco Pool, Organic Pool or NSP) is a freshwater, zero-chlorine, zero-salt swimming experience, ideal for nature lovers and backyard adventurers! A Natural Pool can be created in just about any shape or size, and is typically custom designed to naturally fit within each particular landscape. Natural Pools use built-in biological filtration systems along with water pumps, jets and other plumbing elements to filter and circulate water. 

There are a few natural pool "systems" that you may come across out there on the internet, but the only one we've seen repeated and reliable success with over the course of our 25 years in the industry is the system pioneered by Mick Hilleary (of Total Habitat). You can learn all about this system - which was specifically designed in the USA to handle the warmer, more varied climate of North America - at The Natural Pool Academy.org. We encourage you to explore those resources to help you form a solid natural pool design and construction plan.

How does a Natural Pool work?

Using a combination of mechanical and biological filtration along with nearly continuous water movement, a well built Natural Pool will produce reliably clear, clean water.  A hefty built-in biological filtration system that is engineered specifically for the pool's size, location and water movement requirements, paired with a water pump, skimmer and water jet system, moves water through special filter media that is teeming with beneficial bacteria. This beneficial bacteria strips the water of impurities and excess nutrients, leaving the water clean and clear. Want to know more? Learn all about it at The Natural Pool Academy. 

Where can you have a Natural Pool?

When designed correctly, Natural Pools are suitable for all climates across the United States. For especially warm climates, a Natural Pool will typically require more water movement and more biological filtration in order to keep the water clear and clean. A Natural Pool in an especially cold climate will need special winterizing accommodations to withstand the annual freeze/thaw stress on plumbing and equipment. For help with concerns like these, consult with an experienced Natural Pool designer.

How is a Natural Pool Built?

A Natural Pool is typically built more like a pond than a traditional chlorinated pool, featuring a liner bottom, wooden pier or dock, water plants, decorative river rock and natural boulders with any personal additional features (waterfalls, streams, jumping boulders, etc.) that you may want. Natural pools can be designed in just about any shape or size from a small dip pool to the size of small lake!

*We urge customers to consult with a Natural Pool professional if new to construction before starting a project of your own. The Natural Pool Academy has educational resources available including an eBook, online video course and downloadable construction plans. 

What to Expect from a Natural Pool.

A Natural Pool is:
  • A Thriving Ecosystem, including beneficial bacteria, water plants, frogs, fish, dragonflies, water fowl, deer & more!
  • A Chemical-Free swimming experience, with no chlorine and no salt (salt pools use salt to create chlorine)
  • Pet Friendly: water dogs rejoice!
  • Beautiful All Year long with no need to drain or cover in the winter; leave the waterfall(s) running and enjoy!

A Natural Pool is Not:
  • A pump or piece of equipment you can just hook up to any pool: The biological filtration and plumbing system needs to be integrated into the pool design from the start.
  • A clinically sterile swimming experience: Natural Pools are teeming with life!
  • Cheaper than a traditional pool: Though some Natural Pool designs are comparable to traditional gunite pools in cost, and it may be possible to create one that is actually less expensive (for example, if you have a lot of rock already), this is not usually the case. In fact, local rock prices (which vary widely throughout the USA) as well as additional Natural Pool-specific features like waterfalls, engineered walls, water plants and landscaping often result in greater design and construction costs. A good way of thinking of it is that a natural pool has just about everything a swimming pool has (i.e. pump, jets, ladder, UV Sterilizer, plumbing) AND everything a pond has (i.e. rocks, plants, fish): With a natural pool, you are really getting the best of both worlds!
  • A zero maintenance swimming pool: Though Natural Pools are typically lower maintenance than traditional chlorine pools, which require regular vacuuming, chlorine monitoring/dosing and annual covering/draining/refilling, you can expect to do some maintenance with a Natural Pool, especially at the start. This includes regular netting of leaves, occasional vacuuming and the emptying of the skimmer basket as well as start-up maintenance like seeding the biological filter with beneficial bacteria (this is especially important in a new Natural Pool). You may also need to take steps to prevent string algae blooms especially while the ecosystem is maturing.

Where to start with a Natural Pool Project?

A successful natural pool project always starts with a solid design plan.