Swim ponds – The au naturel backyard

by jason_cramp | November 30, 2017 3:06 pm

By Derek Lippert

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When most homeowners think of adding a backyard pool, they picture pristine, blue water and expertly installed tile in a myriad of stunning colours. Few people jump to pond waters replete with frogs and wildflowers, but a growing trend in the pool and spa industry looks to change this.

Enter the natural swimming pool (NSP), an innovative alternative to the traditional aquatic playgrounds that dot homes across Canada. Also called a natural swimming pond, this unique twist on the standard pool has relatively little in common with its better-known counterpart, aside from the obvious.

Indeed, NSPs more closely resemble something one would stumble across in a pasture or buried deep in a forest. Yet, for some out-of-the-box thinkers, the natural pond represents a much more appealing option for homeowners looking to add a pool to their backyards.

Gaining ground

First developed in Western Europe in the ’80s, NSPs have only started to gain ground in the Canadian market in the past decade. Although the concept is still somewhat of a rarity, a growing number of pool professionals have started to offer these pools as an option for their clients.

As more Canadians embrace this eco-sensitive substitute for a traditional pool, some experts wonder whether the trend could be indicative of a large shift within the pool and spa landscape.

The first creators of NSPs hailed from Austria. These innovators aimed to recreate the esthetic charm of a natural pond or lake, while simultaneously giving pool owners a safe place to enjoy some fun in the sun. For the environmentally conscious consumer, the novel idea made perfect sense. The resulting pools are not only beautiful, but also practical.

Much like the name implies, NSPs do not rely on a traditional assortment of chemicals. Instead, they rely on a unique combination of microbes and vegetation to keep the water treated. Rather than chlorine, these pools use aquatic perennials such as Pontederia cordata to keep the pond water crystal clear.

In fact, while the phrase ‘natural pond’ might conjure up images of marshy lagoons full of stagnant water, a NSP is nothing of the sort. Just like a traditional backyard pool, these natural alternatives must efficiently deal with the bather loads and rid themselves of the harmful nitrates that could otherwise contribute to algae blooms. Natural or not, most people do not want to emerge from a dip in the pool covered in sticky green slime.

Sophisticated treatment program

The overall treatment process involves a sophisticated series of steps. Just like traditional water treatment systems, there is an art involved in finding the right balance of different components to keep the water safe and pure. For this reason, pool professionals interested in offering natural options to consumers need to focus on their own education, developing the skillsets necessary to ensure a successful installation.

In place of a chlorinator, most NSPs feature a small section cordoned off from the main swimming zone called the regeneration area. This portion of the pool features several layers of gravel, which hide a network of plastic piping that contains the used pool water. The gravel itself is home to a thriving colony of microbes.

A pump continually moves the water from the pool to the regeneration area, where it begins its cleansing journey. The healthy bacteria hungrily consume the nitrites in the old water, transforming them into nitrates. In turn, the nitrates serve as food for the selection of plants living in the regeneration area. While the exact array of plants present varies greatly from pool to pool, many professionals include water lilies, irises, and a wide assortment of submergible species among their pool’s plant life.

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Before the purified water makes its return to the general swimming area, phosphates in the water also end up serving as plant food. Many natural pools feature stunning waterfalls, particularly if the regeneration area is upstream. The cleansed water tumbles down to the main pool, refreshing the supply of the pond and adding a stunning visual element to the overall design.

The water treated in NSPs is similar to health standards in recreational waters (e.g. lakes, beaches, etc.). In fact, this process of regeneration and purification closely mirrors what actually takes place in natural bodies of water. However, to maintain similar health standards to what one would find in a public beach or swimming area, it is often recommended to install an ultraviolet (UV) disinfection system. Although it may not be necessary to operate for the entire season, it provides peace of mind that any harmful anaerobic pathogens will be kept in check, especially if waterfowl frequent the pond.

This process is repeated, with the average NSP recycling its water supply up to four times each day. Just like a traditional pool, the treatment frequency can be adjusted based on the bather load. This is one reason why NSPs are an intriguing option for families of all sizes and could even give municipal authorities alternatives for their public facilities.

While the treatment mechanisms are downright fascinating, the natural pool’s impact on its surroundings is one of the main reasons many people are embracing this new trend. Without chlorine in the mix, NSPs do not pose any risk to the ground around them.

They also do not need to be drained on an annual basis, which keeps sewer systems free of chlorinated water. In turn, the cost to refill the pool come spring is also eliminated. In fact, some homeowners take advantage of their pool year round, transforming the surface into a skating rink during the winter.

Embracing nature’s own cleaning agents also has benefits for swimmers. Pool chemicals can breakdown hair follicles and strip moisture from the skin. Some bathers also experience eye irritation.

Unique challenges of swim ponds

Eschewing the traditional treatment process for a biologically sound alternative does bring unique challenges, however. Just like a naturally occurring body of water attracts wildlife of all shapes and sizes, it is also common for natural pools to serve as the epicentre of activity in a backyard landscape. From dragonflies to amphibians, swimmers will be sharing their pool-time fun with a wide range of different creatures.

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In fact, some NSP experts say the average pond serves as a home for thousands of insects and their larvae. The pool acts as a model of biodiversity, a mini reproduction of what takes place in ponds and lakes around the planet. In fact, adding a NSP is often just as beneficial for the environment as it is for the homeowners.

Many families with young children absolutely love the opportunity to see nature in action, all without leaving the comfort of their homes. No longer is the backyard pool simply a place to escape from the hot summer sun; a natural pool becomes an educational wonderland.

Of course, while the flora and fauna are happy to coexist in the same space as the human swimmers, some homeowners might feel differently. Watching frogs jump to-and-fro could prove unpleasant for some, making it imperative for pool professionals to manage client expectations effectively before installation. If the mere idea of encountering an insect during one’s daily plunge sends a shiver up his/her spine, it is safe to say they are not the right customer for a NSP.

The rustic nature of these pools is not the only factor that needs to be taken into consideration. Space is another important component in the equation. While a traditional pool can fit neatly into a compact backyard, a large NSP needs up to 50 per cent more space. This additional square footage is imperative for the regeneration area. In most cases, the natural pool should also feature a smattering of other plantings in the general swimming area, further increasing its overall footprint.

Maintenance is still necessary

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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.

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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.

[6]Derek Lippert is a certified landscape professional (CLP) and owner of Quiet Nature Ltd.[7], 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[8].

Source URL: https://www.poolspamarketing.com/construction/natural/natural-swim-ponds/

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