Guide to Biological Filters
Built-in biological filters are the secret to creating high quality natural pools and ponds. A biological filter consists of tubes that move water past special filter gravel which is home to a hearty colony of beneficial bacteria. Once created, you can jumpstart your filter with a double-dose of beneficial bacteria (varieties created for ponds not septic systems), then dose again each spring/summer as needed. Water plants are typically installed on top of biological filter areas (sometimes called "regeneration zones").
To successfully create a biological filter within your natural pool or pond, you will need various plumbing materials, a specific amount of bio-filter tubing, several cubic yards of bio-filter gravel and a pump that is sized to move the correct amount of water through the biological filter at the correct flow rate. All of these elements need to be sized specifically for each individual natural pool based on its size, depth, temperature zone and sun/wind exposure. These calculations can be found in the educational materials available at The Natural Pool Academy. An experienced natural pool designer can help you size your biological filter on an individual basis with a design consultation.
To successfully create a biological filter within your natural pool or pond, you will need various plumbing materials, a specific amount of bio-filter tubing, several cubic yards of bio-filter gravel and a pump that is sized to move the correct amount of water through the biological filter at the correct flow rate. All of these elements need to be sized specifically for each individual natural pool based on its size, depth, temperature zone and sun/wind exposure. These calculations can be found in the educational materials available at The Natural Pool Academy. An experienced natural pool designer can help you size your biological filter on an individual basis with a design consultation.