How Natural Pools Work: Designs, Pros, Cons And Costs

Summer is right around the corner … hurray! For many of us that means visions of swimming and splashing around in the water with our loved ones. Lakes, oceans, ponds and backyard pools will be buzzing with activity soon.

If the idea of a backyard summer oasis is appealing, you might be thinking of installing a pool. Most people start to imagine a big concrete hole in their backyard with bright blue chlorinated water. However, depending on your own specific wants and needs, you might consider a natural pool. 

What Is A Natural Pool?

A natural pool is, well, natural. Instead of the usual chlorine or saltwater used to filter the water, natural pools use a biological filter to remove debris and microorganisms. A pump moves the water through the biological filter to provide clean, toxin-free water for swimming.

The filter is made up of plants and bacteria, making it completely organic and free of any harmful toxins associated with the usual chlorine tablets. Similar to traditional pools, natural pools use concrete, stone or other similar building materials to prevent the pool water from seeping into the soil around it (and vice versa).

Brilliant, right? So, who the heck thought of this? In the 1980s, researchers from Austria wanted to simulate swimming in natural lakes in the comfort of their own backyards. They came up with this unique organic biological filter design and a trend was born.

Natural pools started to replace their chemical counterparts throughout Europe and eventually in the U.S. Adopted first by eco-friendly resorts, now they can be found in many backyards throughout North America.

How Do Natural Swimming Pools Work?

Natural pools consist of two distinct areas that include the area for regeneration (filtering) and the area for swimming. Aquatic plants feed on the water in the regeneration area while anaerobic bacteria inside a filter made of small stones and vegetation filters the water. This removes nasty elements before the water is sent into the swimming area.

The swimming area is free of the plants and pebbles that occupy the regeneration area, so fear not if you were thinking about getting tangled in aquatic plants while treading water. It’s deeper too, so there’s plenty of room in the swimming area for swimming.

Water is pumped into the regeneration area filter and then passes on into the swimming area clean and ready to enjoy. The regeneration area is sometimes right next to the swimming area, sometimes a little farther away, and sometimes even hidden underground.

The Benefits Of Natural Swimming Pools

Now that you know how these pools work, let’s “dive into” (sorry, couldn’t resist) some of the benefits associated with natural pools.   

• Chemical-free: Ever had an itch after swimming in a chlorinated swimming pool? Many people have a bad reaction, leaving their skin itchy and dry. Natural pools have no chemicals that can mess with your skin.
• Sustainable: If you are big on sustainability, a natural pool might be right up your alley. With a natural regeneration and swimming area, these pools are considerably better for the environment.
• Year-round use: Natural pools can be used year round, depending of course on where you live and how chilly of a swim you are interested in.

The Drawbacks Of Natural Swimming Pools

Natural pools are great for your health and the health of the environment around you, but they aren’t without their drawbacks. Let’s look at a few reasons why you might want to think twice before installing a natural swimming pool.

• Filtration takes up space: Having a regeneration area and organic filter takes up considerably more space than a traditional filter. If you have a tiny yard, this might be a deal breaker.
• Plants require maintenance: Making sure the aquatic plants that help filter your natural pool requires a bit of a green thumb. It isn’t as easy as changing a traditional filter or dropping a few chlorine tablets in the pool.
• More expensive: Given the complexity of the natural filtration system and the need for more space, a natural pool costs considerably more than a traditional pool. Sometimes nearly twice as much.

Natural Pool Designs

Like any pool, natural swimming pools come in many shapes and sizes. Here are a few common types of natural pools to get some ideas flowing.

Rock Garden Pool

One way to frame in your natural pool to protect it from the surrounding soil is by using a simple rock garden. Laying down pebbles and stones of varying shapes and sizes around the perimeter of your pool is relatively inexpensive and not too labor intensive. In addition, a rock garden requires very little maintenance.

Meadow Swimming Hole

Are visions of a secret pond in the middle of a rolling meadow bouncing around in your head? You might consider an array of flowers and tall grass as your pool perimeter to create a meadow swimming hole. This will require some maintenance though, as you probably don’t want leaves and grass floating around in your natural pool swimming area.

Lily Pond

Lily pads are a favorite for many natural pool owners. These live in the regeneration area of the pool and can add the feel of a swimming hole one might find in nature. As an added bonus, having lily pads will likely mean occasional dragonfly and frog visits to your pool. Well, I guess you can look at that as a bonus or a drawback, depending on your specific tastes.

How To Make A Natural Swimming Pool

Making a natural swimming pool includes deciding on a design and then selecting the best vegetation for your specific wants and needs. We’ve covered some possible designs, so let's take a look at some good plant choices for natural swimming pools.

Best Plants To Use In Natural Swimming Pools

Much like natural pools, eco-friendly landscaping has become more and more popular lately. Plant selection, whether it be for general eco-friendly landscaping or natural pool landscaping, is important. Here are a few types of plants to include in a natural swimming pool. This is not a complete list, but hopefully it’s a good place to start.

Floating Plants

Like little natural boats dotting the water of your pool, these floating plants will be the centerpiece of your natural swimming retreat.

Water Lily

These come in many colors, shapes and sizes, so you can customize to your specific tastes. They also require very little maintenance.

Lotus

Another floating plant, like the lily, these offer a more floral look, with pedals and greater height. They also require a bit more maintenance.

Emergent Plants

Emergent plants have roots in the bottom and then grow to the surface of your natural swimming pool.

Pontederia

Sometimes referred to as pickerelweed, it grows at the bottom of shallow water and then emerges past the surface, growing to about 3 feet tall.

Arrowhead

These little green plants help keep your water clean while growing from the bottom up about 2 feet to the surface. They also grow little white flowers during the summer months.

Underwater Plants

Some plants grow down in the depths of your natural pool, providing important water cleaning services.

Sweet Flag
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Also referred to as muskrat root, this underwater plant is a bit like grass. It grows on the bottom of your natural pool and is great for keeping insects away.

Juncus Effusus

Sometimes known as soft rush, this plant grows in wet, shaded soil. Soft rush is great at cleaning the water in your natural pool. 

Natural Pool Maintenance

Maintaining your natural swimming pool is a lot like gardening. Trimming plants, removing debris from the swimming area and tending to plants that might need a little TLC are the main duties. Draining the regeneration area and taking apart the organic filtration system to make sure everything is working properly every now and then is a good idea too. 

How Much Does A Natural Swimming Pool Cost?

Much like traditional inground pool costs, the expenses of a natural pool come down to size, materials and labor. Typically, you are going to spend about $70,000 on the construction of a natural swimming pool. However, if you select modestly priced plants and materials, you can reduce the costs significantly. And of course, with any project taking the DIY approach will reduce costs even further. 

What To Consider Before Installing A Natural Swimming Pool

Ready to get swimming in your new natural pool? First, here are a few important things to consider.

Your Budget

Evaluate your budget for initial costs, maintenance and hiring professional help (if applicable) before installing a natural swimming pool. Similar to a home renovation budget, things can get out of hand quickly if you don't think about cost in the beginning. 

Climate Conditions

Think about your year-round climate conditions before installing a natural swimming pool. Winter in Michigan is very different from winter in Arizona. Understanding which seasons you will want to use your pool in as well as the specific plants that will thrive in your local climate is critical.

Space In Your Backyard

If you have a small backyard, you might not have room for a natural pool. As discussed previously, they take up a bit more space than a traditional pool. Think about which areas of your backyard are open for a natural pool and what spaces are already filled with outdoor areas you currently enjoy.

FAQs On Natural Pools

Hopefully you have a good understanding of natural swimming pools at this point. That said, questions may remain. Let’s look at a few frequently asked questions about natural pools.

Can I turn my chemical pool into a natural pool?

Yes, you can! The cement or stone footprint of your current pool can be emptied, cleaned and then modified into a natural pool.

What happens to natural swimming pools in the winter?

Depending on your climate, some might freeze. Usually the pumping water will prevent this in most climates. Depending on the plants you use, some of them might become dormant in the winter. 

Do natural pools get algae?

They can, but there are a number of ways to reduce it, including limiting the natural sunlight shining on the natural pool.

What’s the difference between a natural pool and a living pool?

A living pool requires no maintenance but does not have the regeneration area and organic filter that keeps the water clean in a natural swimming pool.

The Bottom Line: Natural Pools Are A Great Chemical-Free And Eco-Friendly Alternative

Natural pools are a great way to create a tranquil swimming oasis in your backyard. They might require a little more money and maintenance than a traditional pool, but they are certainly a more eco-friendly option. If you are interested in a natural swimming pool, create a plan that starts with your budget.  One way to finance it might be to apply for a cash-out refinance with Rocket Mortgage.^®