Chances are, when you envision a swimming pool, the most common shape for swimming pools comes to mind: the classic rectangle. However, that’s not the only option. In addition to rectangular and round swimming pools, some pool owners also choose more elaborate designs or those that hint at antiquity. But depending on your budget, imagination, style, and space available, you might not be limited to those options, either. For those desiring the look of a natural body of water, a Natural Pool design would be the, well, natural way to go.
Natural Pool History
While currently trending, the concept of Natural Pools is far from new; in fact, the first time one was built was over 40 years ago in Austria. In the 1990s, Germany became home to the first public Natural Pool. Since then, these delightfully designed pools have been increasing in number throughout Europe, giving swimmers a sense of being out in the wild.
Natural Pool Basics
To envision a Natural Swimming pool, you need to eliminate that mental image of a standard rectangular, commercial swimming pool. Instead, start with a natural body of water – perhaps a pond. It’s not symmetrical, is it? Nor is it bordered by brightly colored tiles or fiberglass. Instead, a Natural Pool will often be complemented by natural rocks and boulders and possibly enlivened by natural-looking waterfalls.
A Natural Swimming Pool or Pond (abbreviated NSP) not only blends in well with the natural environment, it’s also friendlier to it, since it will be filtered organically, rather than chemically. This filtering is accomplished through a second nearby pool, which functions as a “regeneration zone.” In that secondary pool, the water enters a gravel filter and functions in a way similar to how natural wetlands help clean pond water, using real plants.
As you might expect, like natural bodies of water, your backyard NSP and its surrounding ecosystem will change and grow over time, incorporating insects and animals. But don’t worry: the critters won’t overtake your pool; it’s the natural environment, rather than the water itself, that will feel familiar and inviting to them.
Natural Pool Benefits
Offering an organic-looking centerpiece for any yard, a Natural Pool is actually only one facet of creating an entire ecosystem. Offering the amazing benefit of allowing for complete customization to suit your unique space, these pools are also more ecologically friendly as well as offering lower maintenance than traditional swimming pools and are particularly well-suited to warmer climates with year-round sunlight.
If you think a NSP might be for you, you can continue to learn about the pros and cons of this intriguing swimming pool option in our next post.
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