Imagine yourself : taking a sunbath, listening to the birds’ songs and the soothing music of a small waterfall, in a natural and eco-friendly environment… The dream might be closer than you think as you start to build your own natural swimming pool.
But first, what is a natural swimming pool?
Natural swimming pools are based on the development of an eco-system that will maintain the quality of the water through a reed bed system, which is a natural and effective technic of breaking down organic waste.
Natural swimming pools are constituted of three different pools:
– A central zone for swimming which represents about 1/3 of the entire surface. – A peripheral zone, for regeneration, shallower, where aquatic plants are filtrating the water (decorative plants can also be added). – An oxygenation and disinfection area with plants or a small waterfall, allowing water to be exposed to natural UVs.
The water slowly circulates across the three areas thanks to a small pump system and gravity. In other terms, by building a natural swimming pool, you are actually building an eco-system.
What does the law say?
The good news is that, contrary to a traditional swimming pool, you don’t need any license to build your natural swimming pool. On the other hand, you might have to issue a statement at your local council in order to legally start the construction work. Know that if you already have a traditional swimming pool, it is totally doable to transform it into a natural pool by using additional space for the filtration of the water.
The construction process
If you want to undertake the construction yourself, you will surely need to master some specific rules in electricity, as you have to set up the pumps which allow the circulation of the water. Electrical installation in humid areas or underwater forces you to comply with certain standards. If needed, you can get the assistance of a professional electrician in this process.
Then comes the structural work: – Dig the terrain and erect the walls between the swimming and the filtration areas. At this stage of the process you might need construction machinery such as a bulldozer, wheel loaders, wheel excavator and whatnot. – Create the small waterfall that is indispensable to filtrate the water. – Create a paved area, an edge or a pontoon to access the pool.
For those who are not construction masters, you can also hire a contractor for material handling or to undertake all this structural work. Of course this represents an additional cost and you might want to consider the financing of the project.
Which plants to choose for the filtration process?
A natural swimming pool is entirely ecological and the choice of the plants used to maintain the balance in this environment is important. The pool will be composed of three type of plants: – Purifying plants which play the role of natural filter. They absorb the metals present in the water and responsible for the proliferation of algae. – Oxygen producing plants which provide the water in oxygen and support the development of beneficial bacteria. – Floating and decorating plants which also fight algae proliferation as they hide the sunlight from them.
Finally, make sure to inquire about the material and the cost for the maintenance of your natural swimming pool. You’ll soon be able to enjoy your own natural swimming pool.
