The Pool Planner is always looking for innovative solutions that challenge our day to day thinking & enhance our swimming experience.  Natural Pools are gaining more attention & rightly so!  Whether you are building a new swimming pool, or renovating an existing one, gartenArt-Australia has everything you are looking for.    Here is an insight from the team at gartenArt-Australia: 

Natural Pools are not just a trend anymore, they are the next step in man-made swimming facilities; they are simply healthier and more environmentally friendly than chemically treated pools.

In conventional pools we use chemicals such as chlorine in an attempt to control all potentially hazardous life forms that naturally inhabit water by simply attacking all life forms, hazardous and beneficial. For a long time this was the only means we knew to make pools safe.

Natural Pools work with the self purifying properties of water; the microscopic and macroscopic life forms that inhabit it. Here we attempt to achieve a natural balance of water that is found in clear rivers and glacial and mountain lakes; a moving, sparkling, oxygen rich, low nutrient and high mineral water.

Natural Pools are a prime example of how we can harness nature’s intelligence efficiently.

Our understanding of natural water has developed to such a degree that we now build Natural Pools in Germany that are visited by up to 6,000 people a day. These pools use very powerful filters and pool robots to maintain exceptionally high public hygiene standards.

With our most advanced technology existing pools can now be converted to natural, healthy freshwater pools with no chemicals. A new generation of powerful natural filters that work on a micro-biological basis create this miracle even without plants.

At the same time you can use almost all equipment that is used in conventional pools including sand filters, in-floor cleaners and heating systems. 

Health and environmental benefits of Natural Pools

   Swimming in natural water can provide real health benefits and the sheer joy of being in such water is one health factor. Children adore swimming in natural water. We warn you, it will be difficult to get them out of the pool!

   For people with asthma or any form of lung illness the natural pool water is a great option to keep enjoying swimming.

   Some people have skin problems and can’t use chemically treated water for this reason. Natural, soft water is usually no problem to your troubled skin and can even provide relief and healing.

   Natural Pools are also the end of dried out, bleached skin and hair.

   No stinging eyes anymore.

   Safe water; you never need to empty your natural pool, simply top it up to balance water lost through evaporation.

   No pool water containing chemicals will enter our sewage systems, soil, groundwater or rivers and seas: Its just natural water.

Cleanliness

The cleanliness of Natural Pools simply depends on the type of pool you want and how powerful the filter technology is that you implement.

Water in our Natural Pools with microbiologically active filters is crystal clear all year round. It is of a very high quality by German hygienic and limnology standards and suitable for public usage.

In some cases there can be a temporary occurrence of filamentous algae which vanishes after a short time.

In more nature-like designs you naturally have more sedimentation, bio film and occasional algae and that is fine in a more natural environment and design. But even here you can invest in a stronger filtration and cleaning system and have a very clean pool.

Aesthetic benefits

If your Natural Pool has a planting area then you can also enjoy your pool as water garden all year round, experiencing the seasonal changes and the garden’s maturation over years; you will enjoy sitting by the water even if you don’t fancy a swim. Whatever planting style, formal or informal, your water place will become an oasis for tranquil hours. Even if it is simply a pool with natural water and no plants, it will still have a very different look and feel.

Sensational water

On a different note, the positive health and environmental effects are obvious but what actually causes clients to rave is the sensation of swimming in natural water. First, the water is soft; it doesn’t sting or smell strange. It is good for your skin, you can feel it. You relax, as swimming in natural water is a most basic and joyful experience that leaves you rejuvenated and feeling good.

Water in its natural state is life affirming on all levels. Water is the birthplace of life on Earth, it is the substance on which our every cell depends and it is no wonder that healthy water has a tremendously positive effect on us.

How do natural swimming pools work?

The family of natural swimming pools is complex and diverse and so are their workings.

The classical concept was that of two zones – a deep, central swimming area and a shallower surrounding area with plants which are specially chosen to purify the water.

Other concepts are based on separated swimming and purifying areas. This generally takes the form of two completely separate pools; one for swimming and the other with plants and/or the filtration system. This method has been used for many public pools in Europe. For some public pools the filtration system has been incorporated into the surrounding landscaping.

The latest concept makes it possible for pools to work without any plants, relying on powerful natural bio filters that can simply be installed inside or outside the pool and provide vividly clear natural water.

This makes it a perfect solution for pool conversions and for small spaces.

gartenART can offer a variety of designs and technology solutions appropriate to your taste and practical requirements; from a natural pool as a wildlife sanctuary to the formal classic pool with natural fresh water that works without plants – just on the micro-biological level.

Whichever system you choose, the water used to fill the pool needs to be analyzed as well as the water used to top up your pool to balance the loss through evaporation. Plants and/or filter systems will be implemented according to the findings of these tests.

Each pool has a specific water flow rate requirement and means of water circulation, influenced by the amount of planting and technology used.

The micro-biological filters used by gartenART are powered by a submerged low voltage pump which needs no separate housing or maintenance.

In addition a skimmer or skimmer pool powered by a small pump is used to collect surface leaves and debris.

Natural swimming pools have almost all the benefits of conventional pools, with many additional advantages: lower running costs, less water consumption, environmentally friendly, healthier, attractive all year round, safe and educational for children when combined with habitats, and are uniquely designed to suit your garden and your tastes.