Maintenance is still necessary
Routine pool maintenance and servicing is still important to keep in mind. Many of the pool’s natural processes work to keep it clean; however, bi-weekly additions of beneficial bacteria are helpful, but continuous visits by a maintenance professional is not necessarily required. The biggest chore can be keeping fallen debris (e.g. leaves, dirt, sediment, etc.) out of the pond. Further, skimmers and pump baskets need to be checked and emptied regularly just as they would in a conventional pool.
A number of natural bacterial treatment blends have also become commercially available in Canada in recent years.
This development has helped make expansion into natural pools a viable option for established companies within the industry. Landscapers are also getting in on the act, adding natural pools to the repertoire of services offered.
Beyond the regular introduction of beneficial bacteria colonies, NSPs also need a lot of the same attention demanded by traditional pools. Components like pumps, piping, and skimmers are all subject to deterioration with continual use. The pool’s liner should last 20 to 30 years, with the bare liner on most of the bottom, but rocks around the edges need to be inspected and re-positioned if they slip into the pond. Just like any pool, the natural variant requires plenty of attention to stay in top shape.
Designs are evolving
Outside of the practical demands of a NSP, overall design remains a top priority for many homeowners. Swim ponds are a distinct departure from the norm; however, many landscapers are finding growing interest from homeowners who want to transform their backyards into a veritable natural oasis, complete with a vibrant water element.
Clients looking for a sleek pool design may be less interested in the bucolic visual of a NSP, at first glance at least. In response, some innovative designers are tackling this challenge head-on, creating one of the first waves of evolution to occur within the NSP market.
The latest pool designs and concepts that incorporate a natural approach can often mirror the look of a traditional pool. In fact, some pool professionals have even started offering pool conversion. This can be a rather involved process, as the existing filtration system and liner is replaced with a bio-friendly alternative, which ultimately offers the same functionality.
Perhaps the biggest obstacle for pool professionals expanding into this market is simply a question of education. The mere idea of a NSP remains foreign for a vast segment of the population; the concept also has its sceptics within the industry. Surmounting these challenges can prove difficult for some, as misconceptions abound.
Some pool installers have taken proselytizing into their own hands, creating demonstration pools for would-be clients to consider. Whether consumers find themselves stumped trying to visualize the idea or are fearful of the water quality, experiencing a swim pond firsthand often eases the customer’s concerns.
Ultimately, after all is said and done, the decision between a NSP and a traditional pool may boil down to one simple thing: price. Both options share some common costs, such as excavating the ground, installing the pump and piping, and filling the pool with water initially. Unique costs specifically associated with natural pools include planting the various specimens that contribute to the regeneration area and the granite pea gravel that is used to line this section. Adding the right bacterial colonies is also an important consideration.
Most homeowners are likely to spend between $40,000 and $80,000 to install a NSP, depending on its size and additional features, of course. While this certainly represents a healthy investment, the pricing is in line with upscale inground pools. Whether the NSP craze will one day outpace the installation of traditional pools is yet to be seen. What is apparent, however, is this unique alternative is gaining ground.
Derek Lippert is a certified landscape professional (CLP) and owner of Quiet Nature Ltd., a landscape design/build firm in Ayr, Ont. At the helm of Quiet Nature, he works to manage large-scale ecological restoration projects and design practical outdoor living spaces. Lippert has an ecosystem management technologist diploma from the Sir Sanford Fleming School of Natural Resources and is dedicated to sustainable landscape design. He can be reached via e-mail at derek@quietnature.ca.
