Why Are Natural Pools So Expensive?

Introduction

Natural pools, also known as natural swimming pools or eco-pools, are gaining popularity worldwide as a sustainable, chemical-free alternative to traditional chlorine-based pools. Their unique blend of beauty, ecological friendliness, and health benefits makes them an attractive option for homeowners seeking a closer connection with nature. However, one major barrier stopping many from installing these stunning backyard features is their high price tag.

So, why are natural pools so expensive? This article dives deep into the factors that contribute to the cost of natural pools, from design and construction complexities to advanced filtration systems and long-term maintenance strategies.

Understanding What a Natural Pool Is

Definition and Components

A natural pool is a man-made body of water designed to mimic a small, self-sustaining ecosystem. Instead of relying on chemicals like chlorine or bromine, natural pools use biological filtration through plants and gravel to keep the water clean. They typically consist of two main zones:

Swimming Zone: The area where people swim, designed to look like a conventional pool.
Regeneration Zone: A biologically active area containing aquatic plants that help filter and purify the water naturally.

Design Philosophy

Natural pools are designed with aesthetics, function, and sustainability in mind. Their shapes, often organic rather than geometric, and integration with native plants and wildlife create a harmonious outdoor environment. Landscaping around natural pools often plays a crucial role in enhancing both the visual appeal and ecological balance.

Why Natural Pools Cost More Than Traditional Pools

While the allure of a natural swimming environment is clear, the elevated costs can be surprising. Here are the primary reasons natural pools come with a hefty price:

Custom Design and Engineering

Unlike most traditional gunite or vinyl-lined pools, which can follow fairly standardized construction methods, natural pools must be custom-built to integrate with the local ecosystem.

Topographic Assessment: Engineers and landscape designers often conduct in-depth terrain and soil analyses to determine how to best position the pool within the land.
Water Circulation System Design: The water must be constantly circulated between the swimming zone and the regeneration zone without disturbing the water balance.
Hydrological Expertise: Managing water flow, filtration, and oxygenation requires specialized knowledge, often involving professional engineers and biologists.

All of this demands more time, labor, and expertise, which drives up costs.

Higher Material Standards

Natural swimming pools require high-quality materials that can withstand biological activity and avoid contamination. For example:

EPDM Liners or Reinforced Concrete: These must be durable and non-reactive.
Natural Filtration Media: Gravel, sand, and other media must be carefully selected for biological filtration.
Planted Zones: Aquatic and marginal plants need to be compatible with the local climate and water conditions.

The materials are often more expensive than their conventional pool counterparts and not as mass-produced or readily available.

Advanced Filtration and Water Quality Systems

One of the hallmarks of a natural pool is its lack of traditional chemicals. Maintaining clean, safe water instead requires an advanced ecological filtration system.

Skimmers and Pumps: Must be powerful yet quiet and efficient.
UV Sterilizers: Sometimes used alongside biological filters to control algae and pathogens.
Subsurface Gravel Filters: These beds of gravel and stone support beneficial microbes that help break down organic matter.

While it enhances environmental and health benefits, it also significantly increases the required investment in filtration components.

Specialized Labor and Expertise

Natural pools are not something a typical pool contractor can install without significant prior experience or collaboration with specialists. The construction team often includes:

Landscape Architects: To plan the aesthetics and integration with the garden.
Biologists or Ecologists: To ensure the proper functioning of the self-sustaining ecosystem.
Engineers: To manage water flow, structure durability, and pumping systems.
Plant Specialists: To choose and install appropriate vegetation.

Having multiple subject-matter experts involved means higher labor costs.

Comparing Costs: Natural Pool vs. Traditional Pool

Factor

Natural Pool (per sqm)

Traditional Pool (per sqm)

This table shows the clear contrast in costs between natural and traditional pools, with natural pools being significantly more expensive to install but often more sustainable and less costly in the medium to long term.

The Role of Regulations and Permits

Another often-overlooked factor that contributes to the high cost is the complex process of securing permits and meeting regulatory standards.

In many jurisdictions, natural pools are considered more like water gardens than swimming pools. As a result:

Water Safety Standards: Governments may require certain barriers, fencing, and safety features, just as they do for traditional pools, which add to costs.
Environmental Permits: If a natural pool draws on or discharges into local water systems or ecosystems, permits and environmental assessments are often necessary.
Zoning Laws: Local zoning requirements may restrict pool placements or require extensive landscape modifications that increase building costs.

These regulatory hurdles require time and additional fees, all adding to the final price.

Design Complexity and Aesthetic Precision

Natural pools are intended to blend seamlessly with their surroundings. Achieving that “untamed” but intentional look requires:

Landscaping Integration

Incorporating native plants, stones, and natural elements that complement both the pool and the local ecosystem creates a beautiful natural aesthetic, but it also adds cost due to:

Selection of drought-tolerant or regionally appropriate species.
Professional planting and planting bed preparation.

Architectural Detailing

Natural pools often feature stone edging, gravel beach entries, or rock waterfalls, which require careful craftsmanship.

Hand-placed stone features
Natural transitions between the regeneration and swim zones
Custom stairs or beach shelves for easy entry/exit

These design elements all demand expert attention to detail, and often require specialized labor and materials.

Plant Integration & Regeneration Zone Cost

The Importance of Plant Zones

The plant zone, which can occupy up to 50% of the total pool area, is not just for show—it performs the critical role of filtering bacteria and absorbing nutrients. To be effective, the regeneration zone must be carefully engineered. This includes:

Constructing and lining a separate basin
Layering gravel and sand of specific grain sizes
Installing irrigation for root zones
Choosing and maintaining appropriate aquatic plants

Each of these elements adds labor, planning, and material costs to the project.

Plant Sourcing and Establishment

Selecting climate-appropriate, non-invasive, and water-friendly plants isn’t as simple as going to the local nursery. Oftentimes, pond specialists must cultivate or source specific species. The initial planting and the time required for those species to establish themselves also increases overall cost.

Equipment Involved in Natural Pools

Natural pools rely on a sophisticated range of equipment for water circulation, filtering, and oxygenation, sometimes even more complex than in a conventional pool. Here are the typical components included:

High-efficiency pumps for circulation
Biological filter systems (gravel beds, reed beds)
UV systems for algae control
Skimmers for removing surface debris
Water features to increase oxygenation (waterfalls, fountains)

Each piece of equipment, while vital to maintaining water quality, adds cost not only during installation but also through its maintenance.

The Long-Term Cost Benefit

While installation costs are high, it’s worth mentioning that natural pools can be more economical long-term.

Lower Maintenance Costs

Over time, you save on:

Chemical costs (no chlorine or algaecides)
Less frequent cleaning (natural systems keep water relatively clean)
Water replacement (natural pools use water recycling systems efficiently)

Lower Health Risks

No harsh chemicals mean less irritation to skin and eyes, potentially reducing health-related costs like dermatological treatments or allergy concerns.

Sustainable Value

The environmental benefits also translate to potential tax benefits or incentives (where offered) for homeowners implementing sustainable water systems or wildlife habitats.

So while the upfront costs are steep, the lifecycle cost may surprise many with its potential for value appreciation and reduced chemical dependency.

Regional Cost Variability

Whether natural pools are more expensive can also vary by geographical region.

Factors affecting the regional cost differences include:

Local labor rates for specialty contractors
Climate suitability for aquatic plants
Local regulations requiring complex or redundant systems
Cost of specific materials (like high-performance EPDM liners or special gravel)

For example, building a natural pool in a hot, dry climate may require more advanced irrigation and plant selection, whereas in more temperate areas, suitable plants might be easier — and less expensive — to grow.

Custom Design and Size Considerations

Natural pools are often custom designed to the property, rather than following any set standard. More specifically:

Larger pools require proportionally larger regeneration zones, increasing the overall size and cost.
Natural shapes and curves need more labor and materials than standard rectangular forms.
Larger family homes might require additional features like plant filters or swim channels, increasing complexity.

A 40 square meter natural pool with integrated stream and waterfall feature might cost two or three times more than a 25 square meter standard pool.

Professional Design and Planning

Finally, one of the most significant drivers of cost is the planning and design phase itself. While many people dream of a natural pool, few realize that this phase can last months and include:

Soil and ecological assessments
Designing aesthetic zones and aquatic flow areas
Creating digital 3D models or blueprints
Hiring eco-specialists and water feature consultants

All of these efforts cost money but are crucial to ensuring the pool functions as intended.

Conclusion

In answer to the question, “Why are natural pools so expensive?”, there’s much to consider. Their eco-friendly design, extensive planning, custom construction, plant integration, and specialized equipment all contribute to high upfront costs. However, unlike traditional pools, natural pools may offer long-term savings and environmental benefits that make them a worthwhile investment.

For homeowners considering sustainability, natural beauty, and a swim zone resembling nature more than a chemical tank, the cost of a natural pool is often justified by the experience and benefits it brings.

Additional Resources

If you’re considering installing a natural pool on your property, we recommend consulting with:

Certified natural pool builders
Regenerative landscape architects
Ecological consultants

These professionals can guide you through the entire lifecycle of your natural pool, ensuring beauty, function, and long-term sustainability.

What factors contribute to the high cost of building a natural pool?

Natural pools require intricate design and construction that mimics natural ecosystems, which increases their complexity and expense compared to traditional pools. Unlike conventional pools that rely on chemical treatment systems, natural pools use a balanced aquatic ecosystem involving plants, gravel, and biological filters to maintain water quality. This biological filtration system must be carefully engineered to ensure proper water circulation, filtration, and balance between the swimming and regeneration zones, which demands extensive planning, specialized materials, and skilled labor.

Additionally, the cost includes not only the pool itself but also the landscaping that integrates the regeneration zone—a section where water is naturally filtered through aquatic plants. This area must be adequately sized and designed to handle the volume of water being cycled, which often requires more land and customized planting. The excavation work, waterproofing with natural liners, and integration of pumps and biological filters also add to the expense. These specialized elements collectively justify the higher upfront cost of natural pools.

Are natural pools more expensive than traditional chlorine pools?

Yes, natural pools are typically more expensive to install than traditional chlorine pools. The construction process involves designing a balanced aquatic system rather than simply building a water-holding structure with a mechanical filtration system. While chlorine pools use readily available materials and standardized equipment, natural pools require specialized knowledge in ecology and landscaping, which increases labor and design costs significantly.

That said, natural pools may offer lower long-term operating costs. They don’t require chemical treatments like chlorine, which eliminates ongoing chemical expenses and associated equipment. However, they do demand more in terms of initial investment, regular maintenance of the regeneration zone, and possibly higher energy use due to water circulation systems. Therefore, while the upfront price is higher, some cost savings can be realized over time depending on how the pool is maintained.

Why do natural pools require professional design and installation?

Natural pools are complex systems that rely on the careful balance of biological and mechanical components to maintain clean, safe water without chemicals. A poorly designed system can lead to algae overgrowth, stagnant water, or insufficient filtration, all of which compromise the pool’s function and aesthetics. Professional designers and installers with specific expertise in natural pool ecosystems are essential to ensure that the pool mimics natural water bodies effectively and operates without major issues.

Furthermore, each natural pool must be tailored to the specific landscape, climate, and usage patterns of its location. Design professionals consider factors like sunlight exposure, water temperature, and the right mix of aquatic plants to support water quality. They also manage construction challenges such as grading, waterproofing with natural membranes, and integrating sustainable water circulation. Without this expertise, costly mistakes are likely, which is why professional installation is crucial despite the added expense.

Do ongoing maintenance costs for natural pools affect their overall price?

While the initial construction cost is the largest factor, natural pools do have unique maintenance requirements that can impact their overall cost. They require regular upkeep of the regeneration zone, including pruning, replanting, and managing aquatic plants to maintain water quality. This plant-based filtration system also requires periodic adjustments to ensure balance, which can be labor-intensive and may require hiring professionals with horticultural and aquatic ecology knowledge.

In addition, mechanical components like pumps and filters still need maintenance, and in some climates, winterization or seasonal adjustments may be necessary. However, unlike traditional pools, there are no chemical costs for maintaining water clarity and sanitation. This means that while maintenance for a natural pool can be more hands-on and knowledge-dependent, it often balances out over time with the absence of recurring chemical costs.

How do design and environmental considerations drive up the cost of natural pools?

Designing a natural pool involves much more than just creating a place to swim; it requires crafting a self-sustaining aquatic ecosystem that integrates with the surrounding landscape. To achieve this, extensive planning and custom design are needed to match local environmental conditions. For example, the regeneration zone must be planned according to the local climate and sunlight patterns to ensure that the plants used for filtration thrive and effectively clean the water, increasing the design complexity and cost.

Environmental integration also requires the use of natural materials such as stone, gravel, and native plants, which can be more expensive than traditional pool finishes. Moreover, larger land area is often needed to accommodate both the swimming zone and the surrounding wildlife-friendly landscape. Drainage and water conservation must also be considered, adding further layers to the planning and execution process. These detailed environmental considerations make natural pools both unique and more expensive.

Are there hidden costs associated with installing a natural pool?

Beyond the initial construction, several potential hidden costs can arise when installing a natural pool. For example, site preparation—including excavation, grading, and soil stabilization—can be more involved than for traditional pools due to the larger footprint and ecological requirements. If the land requires altering to accommodate the regeneration zone or proper water circulation, additional costs for retaining walls or soil treatment can be incurred.

Another hidden cost might involve securing permits and complying with environmental regulations, as some regions have specific guidelines about water features that interact with local ecosystems. Also, in some cases, homeowners may need to install additional components like UV sterilizers, advanced filtration systems, or underwater lighting, which may add to the overall project cost. These elements, though optional, can significantly influence the final price depending on the desired functionality and aesthetics.

Can I reduce the cost of a natural pool with DIY methods or alternative materials?

While some aspects of natural pool construction may be handled by experienced DIYers, the complexity involved in creating a balanced ecosystem means that critical parts of the project still require professional expertise. Attempting to cut costs by self-installing major components like the biological filtration system or waterproofing membrane without proper knowledge can lead to long-term issues such as leaks, poor water quality, or system failure. In many cases, such mistakes result in higher repair expenses than if a professional had been hired initially.

Alternatively, using locally sourced or recycled materials for parts like stone, gravel, or certain pool features can help reduce costs without compromising the pool’s function. Choosing native plants for the regeneration zone can also cut landscaping costs and improve long-term maintenance efficiency. However, the foundational design, mechanical components, and critical construction phases should generally be left to professionals to ensure the pool functions correctly and lasts for many years.