DIY Natural Pool Conversions

Natural Pool Definition

• A natural pool, also known as a swimming pond, is a constructed body of water that relies on natural elements and uses chemical-free water to provide a place for swimming. Natural pools are especially popular in Europe as environmentally sustainable alternatives to traditional swimming pools. Natural pools use plants to naturally filter the water. Some have pumps to increase circulation, while others rely on the natural flow of water. Some natural pools resemble ponds while others look more like traditional swimming pools.

Conversion Process

• To convert your pool to a natural pool you'll need to have an in-ground swimming pool. After emptying the pool and sealing off the drains, lower the edge of the pool so it's nearly flush with the surrounding landscape. Many natural pool owners choose to remove a wooden or concrete deck, planting turf grass or laying gravel instead. Fill the pool with clean water but don't add any chemicals. FInally, plant aquatic plants that are native to your region around one edge of the pool. Over the course of several months these plants will grow into the pool and filter the water, making it safe for swimming.

Benefits

• Natural pools have several benefits over conventional swimming pools. They reduce your exposure to chemicals and cause less damage to your skin, eyes and hair. They also require significantly less maintenance since the plants in the pool filter the water and remove bacteria and algae. Natural pools also blend into the environment more easily than other types of pools, making them part of the landscape instead of disrupting it.

Considerations

• The cost of installing a natural pool from scratch is similar to the cost of adding a traditional in-ground pool. This means that you can save money by choosing a natural pool when you first decide to add a place for swimming in your yard. However, converting an in-ground pool to a natural pool is far less expensive since you can reuse the same hole. The exact cost will depend on the landscaping you perform and how much you alter your yard.