Spring is soon and there’s nothing more pleasant in spring and summer than sunbathing and swimming. If you don’t have a pool but are considering such an option and if you prefer staying closer to nature, skip a usual pool and think of having a swimming pond or a natural pool. A swimming pond is a water feature that will bring your garden to life with birds, insects and various water creatures and you may use it for swimming. Natural swimming pools and ponds look super harmonious and totally blend the landscape, which is achieved using greenery and water plants plus plants. Is it worth it or not? And how to design one? Let’s see.
Advantages
Swimming in a natural pond does not leave you with itchy red eyes, dry skin or wanting a shower, which is common after swimming in chlorinated water, so chlorine haters, this is your option. A natural swimming pond looks very cool in your landscape becoming an additional decor feature and it looks absolutely natural integrating into the landscape. A natural pond has excellent water quality, it creates a habitat for wildlife and flora and features reduced maintenance costs thanks to that.
a contemporary natural swimming pond with pebbles, rocks and water plants looks very soothing and relaxing, can be used for swimming or just lookign at it
a gorgeous natural swimming pool with greenery around and a cool swing to jump in is a dreamy location for any summer
a large natural pool with greenery around and a wooden deck looks absolutely harmonious in the landscape and invites in
a large natural pool with steps that looks like a real pond thanks to greenery and floating plants on its surface
a large natural swimming pond surrounded with greenery and other plants, with a wooden deck and a tiny plank bridge to jump inside
a natural pool done with stone and a small waterfall, with greenery and other plants around
a natural pool surrounded with rocks, with a waterfall, looks like a small lagoon and is a real centerpiece of your outdoor space
Designs
A usual natural pool creates some space for swimming (50-70% of the surface) and some for filtration. There are lots of different configurations and looks, and minimum pool size recommendations range from 30 to 50 square meters, but there are also much smaller pools that function quite well. Water is pumped to shallow areas with abundant plant life and aggregate that act as natural filters, keeping water pure and clear.
The larger (and deeper) a pool is, the less likely it is to develop an algae problem. A deeper pool will mean a cooler water temperature, which means a slower start to your swimming season, but perhaps a more refreshing dip in the full heat of the summer. Somewhere between one and two meters will protect living organisms during winter. The sun promotes algae growth and photosynthesis, so really, the less exposure to sun the better. Having a natural swimming pond in your yard can actually work to reduce the population of stinging insects, by attracting dragonflies and other natural predators of fully developed mosquitoes.
a natural swimming pond done with rocks and pebbles and with greenery around reminds of a real lake
a natural swimming pond with a wooden ladder, rocks and greenery and water plants all around
a natural swimming pond with gravel and rocks plus greenery and plants lining up the pool
a natural swimming pool done with rocks and pebbles, with a small wooden deck and ladder
a natural swimming pool lined up with rocks and pebbles and with larger rocks inside
a natural swimming pool surrounded with a wooden deck on its whole length and greenery and blooms around plus water plants inside
a natural swimming pool with grasses and greenery growing by its side and a wooden deck for comfortable relaxation
a natural swimming pool with grasses, water lilies and a wooden deck by its side is a dreamy space to stay in
a natural swimming pool with rocks and greenery on its sides and moss resembles a natural lake
Wildlife
Plants, some insects, amphibians and other aquatic life are part of the ecosystem of a natural swimming pond. You end up sharing your swim with all the life (stationary and mobile) who keep your pool clean and clear. Keep in mind – these little creatures will have no interest in you and are likely quicker swimmers than you, so relax and enjoy. Ge tinspired to make one in your backyard!
a small natural pool surrounded with oversized rocks, tropical plants and loungers on its side
a small natural swimming pool with steps, a small deck and some plants surrounding the water feature
a swimming pond with a rock path and a ladder, surrounded with grasses looks super cool
a swimming pond with rocks, various plants and a terrace by its side plus umbrellas is a cool idea and invites to relax here
a swimming pond with water plants and a simple wooden deck is a great idea
a swimming pond with a wooden deck and contemporary furniture, grasses and greenery on the sides of the pond for a natural feel
an oversized natural swimming pool with lots of plants and greenery and some rocks inside it that create totally a natural feel