Most people dream of owning a home with their very own oasis right in the backyard. Creating a natural swimming pool is a great way to give you family and friends a beautiful environment to while away the hot summer days in without ever having to leave the neighborhood.
Opting for a natural pool has benefits, specifically, a chemical-free swimming environment that looks and feels like you're swimming in the wild. Many luxury resorts tout similar style pools, and you could have access to it all year round!
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How to Build a Natural Swimming Pool
Creating a natural pool will take a bit of planning and work, so make sure you know what you're getting into before you start.
Creating a natural pool will take a bit of planning and work, so make sure you know what you're getting into before you start.
1. Know your plan
Choose a spot in your yard where your pool will rest. You'll need to consider where you will set up your filtration system so you know how much space you need for the proper equipment and piping system. The location will also determine which type of plants will thrive best around your pool area.
Choose a spot in your yard where your pool will rest. You'll need to consider where you will set up your filtration system so you know how much space you need for the proper equipment and piping system. The location will also determine which type of plants will thrive best around your pool area.
You should also know how deep and wide your pool will be. A shallower pool is easier to care for, but deeper pools are less likely to have problems with algae, according to Ecohome.
2. Excavate
You'll need to excavate the area where your pool will be, this means you should also survey the area to make sure you won't be disturbing water, gas or sewer lines. You can rent an excavator or hire someone to do the digging for you.
You'll need to excavate the area where your pool will be, this means you should also survey the area to make sure you won't be disturbing water, gas or sewer lines. You can rent an excavator or hire someone to do the digging for you.
Aim for a 1-foot vertical drop for every 3 horizontal feet, according to Mother Earth News.
3. Sloping and bottom
Consider a gently sloping beach-type entry to prevent accidental falls into the pool area and provide a shallow area for younger kids. Organic Pools notes that depth is important as well, especially if you opt for a natural bottom or allow plants to grow in the water as swimming in the water could make it difficult to spot swimmers.
Consider a gently sloping beach-type entry to prevent accidental falls into the pool area and provide a shallow area for younger kids. Organic Pools notes that depth is important as well, especially if you opt for a natural bottom or allow plants to grow in the water as swimming in the water could make it difficult to spot swimmers.
The bottom of your pool should be as flat as possible.
4. Filtration
A natural pool should be filtered and aerated to prevent the water from becoming stagnant. Stagnant water is a breeding ground for mosquitos and bacteria. There are a few options for aeration including a waterfall system or a pool-bottom system. (If you opt for the later, place it in the deepest section of the pool so swimmers are less likely to hit it). You may also want to consider purchasing a skimmer to remove leaves and other debris (but it's not essential). You should hire a professional to deal with any electrical components as extra caution is needed when working near water sources.
A natural pool should be filtered and aerated to prevent the water from becoming stagnant. Stagnant water is a breeding ground for mosquitos and bacteria. There are a few options for aeration including a waterfall system or a pool-bottom system. (If you opt for the later, place it in the deepest section of the pool so swimmers are less likely to hit it). You may also want to consider purchasing a skimmer to remove leaves and other debris (but it's not essential). You should hire a professional to deal with any electrical components as extra caution is needed when working near water sources.
5. Waterproofing
One of the most important steps (and the trickiest part) is making sure your pool is waterproof. There are several options for natural sealants including the use of bentonite clay or a synthetic liner. Mother Earth News recommends talking to a local specialist to determine if your soil will work with the clay.
One of the most important steps (and the trickiest part) is making sure your pool is waterproof. There are several options for natural sealants including the use of bentonite clay or a synthetic liner. Mother Earth News recommends talking to a local specialist to determine if your soil will work with the clay.
6. The Pool
The next step is to decide whether you'll use concrete or another material for the main body of the pool. An option that looks more natural is called Rastra block. If you go this route, you'll need to use gravel beneath the Rastra and then use concrete to fill the spaces in between each slab of stone.
The next step is to decide whether you'll use concrete or another material for the main body of the pool. An option that looks more natural is called Rastra block. If you go this route, you'll need to use gravel beneath the Rastra and then use concrete to fill the spaces in between each slab of stone.
7. Finish it off
One of the best parts about building a natural pool is the decor. Planting trees, flowers and plants in the surrounding area will create an even more authentic feel to your natural getaway. Look around for plants that work best in your climate. Don't be afraid to get colorful with your options. You can even find plants that will grow in the pool!
One of the best parts about building a natural pool is the decor. Planting trees, flowers and plants in the surrounding area will create an even more authentic feel to your natural getaway. Look around for plants that work best in your climate. Don't be afraid to get colorful with your options. You can even find plants that will grow in the pool!
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