About Natural Pools

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.

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 along 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.

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. If you would like to have Total Habitat help you build a Natural Pool or offer consulting help please visit our extensive design and fabrication website at www.totalhabitat.com

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/
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 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 concrete pool styles, local rock prices (which vary widely throughout the USA) as well as additional Natural Pool-specific features like waterfalls, rock bubblers, water plants and landscaping often result in greater design and construction costs.
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. This includes regular netting of leaves and emptying 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) and taking steps to prevent algae blooms while the ecosystem is maturing.

Where to start with a Natural Pool Project?

Check out our DIY Natural Pool guides and references page for inspiration information to start your own project.
Create a plan of your own using advice from the how-to book, Natural Pool & Ponds: THE TOTAL GUIDE, 3rd Edition created by Total Habitat (available as a digital PDF or a printed spiral-bound manual)
Purchase and download pre-made Natural Pool construction plans
Contact an experienced Natural Pool designer for consultation or have them build your Natural Pool for you. Total Habitat has been building NSPs for over 20 years and would be happy to help you achieve your Natural Swimming Pool design dreams!