Over recent years there has been an increasing interest in natural swimming ponds. Many are moving away from the more traditional chlorinated pools towards installing natural swimming ponds.
People are becoming more interested in natural swimming ponds for a variety of reasons. Natural swimming ponds can be lower-maintenance, eco-friendly, and aesthetically pleasing as well as provide a haven for plants and wildlife. They don’t require the use of harsh chemicals like chlorine to keep the water clean, making them a healthier option for swimming. They also create a tranquil, relaxing atmosphere in your garden, perfect for unwinding at the end of a long day. You can see examples of some of the natural swimming ponds we have created here.
What is the difference between a natural swimming pool and a natural swimming pond?
In a word, nothing. The term “natural swimming pond” is often used, rather than “natural swimming pool” because it’s a more accurate description. Pool implies empty, clear blue water created by using chemicals. Whereas the installation of a natural swimming pond will increase both the plant species of the garden as well as encourage wildlife. It is possible to keep the water in your natural swimming pond clear, but it will also be full of plants and wildlife and therefore natural swimming pond describes it better.
Pros and cons of a natural swimming pond
Swimming ponds are a great alternative to traditional swimming pools, but they come with their own set of pros and cons. Below, we explore the advantages and drawbacks to having a natural swimming pond in your garden.
Pros
- Eco-Friendly: Natural swimming ponds are much more eco-friendly than traditional pools. They don’t require the use of chlorine or other chemicals to keep the water clean.
- Aesthetics: Natural swimming ponds are often more aesthetically pleasing than traditional pools. The pond’s natural ecosystem helps create a tranquil and relaxing atmosphere.
- Low Maintenance: Natural swimming ponds don’t use chemicals as they are self-sustaining ecosystems. This means you’ll spend less money and time on upkeep.
- Cost-Effective: Natural swimming ponds can be a more cost-effective option to create than traditional pools, depending on the design.
- Variety of Plants: Natural swimming ponds provide a great opportunity to showcase a variety of plants and wildlife.
- Healthy Swimming: Natural swimming ponds are a healthier option for swimming, as they don’t require the use of harsh chemicals.
Cons
- Space: Swimming ponds take up more space than traditional pools as they need a planted section around the swimming area of approximately one third the total size of the pond. You’ll need to make sure you have enough space in your garden to accommodate the pond or cut down on the size of the swimming area.
- Personal preference: Not everyone likes the idea of swimming with the wildlife, some people just prefer to swim in a chlorinated pool. However, we’ve found that many people are converted once they’ve tried swimming in a natural swimming pond. The experience of swimming in natural surroundings and the sensation of naturally filtered water on your skin and hair often converts many to a more natural way to take a swim.
- Time: Whilst Natural swimming ponds don’t require the daily input of chemicals and therefore require less maintenance than traditional swimming pools, they do require some time and effort to maintain. To nurture and develop your natural pond you will need to cut back and split plants from time to time, change the UV filter once a year (if used) and regularly clean the biological filter. We will be exploring the upkeep of a Natural swimming pond in a future blog.
Summing up
Overall, natural swimming ponds can be a great alternative to traditional pools. They are eco-friendly, often cost less to build and upkeep and create a tranquil atmosphere. However, they can take up more space in your garden and time in looking after the plants in your swimming pond. Many people however enjoy this aspect of the upkeep. If you’re considering a swimming pond for your garden, weigh the pros and cons carefully before making your decision.
If you want to find out more about how to create a natural swimming pool, why not sign up for one of our courses and/or consider our consulting service which can be carried out in person or remotely?
Contact us now if you have any questions
All of our workshops, courses and the gardening club are held in the stunning National Park of Narbonne and the Mediteranian at our home and holiday desination Villa Ripaud.