Swimming pools have long been synonymous with luxury, health, and recreation. But with growing environmental concerns and a shift toward sustainable living, alternatives to traditional chlorine pools are gaining popularity. Among these are natural pools and living pools, both designed to offer the benefits of a swim without the chemicals commonly used in conventional pools.
While the terms “living pool” and “natural pool” are often used interchangeably, they are not the same. There are subtle, yet important, differences between the two. This article explores what sets these eco-friendly swimming solutions apart, how they function, and which might be the right choice for you based on your needs and environmental values.
Understanding Natural Pools
A natural pool, also known as a natural swimming pool or an eco-pool, is a body of water designed to replicate the cleanliness and balance of a natural pond or lake. The concept originated in Europe in the 1980s and has gained significant traction, especially among environmentally conscious homeowners.
Natural pools rely on a combination of aquatic plants, gravel, and biological filtration to maintain clean, clear water. The water is filtered naturally through a regeneration zone, which is usually a separate section of the pool ecosystem where specific plants are used to purify the water by removing bacteria and impurities. This mimics the self-cleaning processes found in natural bodies of water.
Key Features of Natural Pools
- Constructed with a designated plant-filled regeneration zone.
- Use plants and biofilters instead of chemicals like chlorine or bromine.
- Mimic the natural processes of freshwater lakes and ponds.
- Typically feature a balanced ecosystem with a combination of fish, plants, and microorganisms.
- Can be fully integrated with surrounding landscapes for aesthetic harmony.
One of the most appealing aspects of natural pools is their visual beauty. Unlike traditional white-tiled pools, they often look like a tranquil pond nestled into the surrounding garden. Because of their natural filtration systems, they also tend to be more environmentally friendly and require fewer chemicals and less maintenance than conventional pools.
What Defines a Living Pool?
The term living pool is sometimes used to refer to the same concept as a natural pool, but it often denotes a more advanced or intensive form of natural water purification. A living pool typically emphasizes a more biologically active environment, integrating aquatic life forms more intentionally throughout the pool area.
In many cases, a living pool doesn’t have a clearly separated regeneration zone. Instead, the purification of the water may be spread out more organically—via submerged and floating plants, algae control methods, and beneficial bacteria—across the entire pool area, especially in designs that eliminate the hard boundary between swimming zone and filtration zone.
Distinctive Characteristics of Living Pools
- More integrated water purification without a clearly separated regeneration zone.
- May emphasize biological diversity, including fish, snails, and other aquatic organisms.
- Designed to mimic a more “biological” and less “constructed” aquatic environment.
- May allow for algae presence in small quantities as part of its self-regulating system.
- Can appear more like a natural water body, such as a stream or marsh.
One might think of a natural pool as a more regulated, engineered form of a natural swimming environment, while a living pool is more fluid, embracing the idea of a completely biologically functioning ecosystem that includes the swimmer.
Comparing Natural Pools and Living Pools
While both types of pools use natural processes to maintain water quality, they differ in several important ways:
| Criteria | Natural Pool | Living Pool |
|---|---|---|
| Water Filtration | Uses a distinct regeneration zone with plants. | Distributes filtration throughout the pool, often with no distinct zone. |
| Plant Integration | Plants are concentrated in a separate pool section. | Plants and water purifiers are more evenly spread. |
| Algae Control | Focused on preventing algae growth through balance. | May tolerate or even incorporate algae as part of the system. |
| Design Philosophy | Structured, designed with functional zones. | More organic, mimicking natural aquatic environments. |
| Maintenance | Requires more precise balancing and oversight. | May require less human intervention once balanced. |
These distinctions are important for those considering installation, as they impact the aesthetic, environmental performance, and the level of maintenance required.
Biological Systems Behind Natural Swimming Environments
At the heart of both natural and living pools is the concept of biological filtration, which replaces chemical disinfection with natural means. Understanding how this works gives a better appreciation of their value and differences.
The Role of Aquatic Plants
Aquatic plants play a crucial role in the purification process. Species like water lilies, reeds, and irises absorb nutrients from fish waste and decomposing organic matter, preventing the growth of harmful algae and bacteria. These plants are often arranged in a regeneration zone where water is circulated through their roots for filtration.
Microbial Action
Beneficial bacteria colonize in the gravel or sand beds beneath the plant zones. They help decompose organic matter and convert harmful substances like ammonia into less harmful nitrates, which are then taken up by plants.
Potential for Aquatic Life
In both types of pools, the inclusion of fish, snails, or amphibians is optional but often encouraged in living pools. These creatures play a role in controlling insects and other microorganisms, contributing to the dynamic balance of the ecosystem.
Design Considerations and Installation Challenges
Creating a living or natural pool is not as simple as digging a hole and filling it with water. Both require thoughtful planning and expert execution to ensure an aesthetically pleasing, safe, and eco-friendly swimming experience.
Construction Methods
Natural pools and living pools typically use EPDM liners, PVC liners, or bentonite clay to prevent water leakage. Stone, gravel, and aquatic plants are used to blend the structure into the landscape.
The construction often begins with excavation to create two zones: the swimming zone and the filtration/regeneration zone. The regeneration zone is usually 30–50% the size of the swimming pool. Water is circulated between these zones to maintain cleanliness.
Size and Layout
Natural pools often have a more regulated layout, clearly separating the swimming area from the surrounding plant zone. Living pools, on the other hand, may blur this line, especially in more naturalistic designs that allow swimmers to move through a more holistic biological environment.
Climate Considerations
The success of a natural or living pool depends on the regional climate. Colder climates require additional planning to prevent excessive algae growth or freezing, while hotter climates may need more water reclamation strategies.
Benefits of Eco-Friendly Swimming Pools
Both natural and living pools offer compelling benefits over traditional chlorine pools:
Environmental Sustainability
By eliminating the need for harsh chemicals like chlorine and bromine, these pools are safer for wildlife, plants, and humans. They also tend to use less energy for filtration and can be integrated with rainwater harvesting systems.
Health and Safety
Swimmers avoid the skin and eye irritations often associated with chlorine. The presence of natural microorganisms can help support a healthier immune system due to regular, low-dose interaction with organic lifeforms.
Visual Appeal and Outdoor Aesthetics
Natural pools offer a stunning and tranquil focal point for backyards and gardens. Their integration with wildlife, native plants, and water features enhances outdoor living spaces.
Eco-Friendly Maintenance
Once the system is established, maintenance can be lower than traditional pools. There’s no need for hourly chemical checks, and minor ecosystem adjustments often replace costly equipment checks and repairs.
Challenges and Considerations
Despite their benefits, there are challenges to consider before choosing either a natural or a living pool.
Higher Initial Costs
Both types of pools typically cost more upfront than traditional pools. The design must integrate aquatic plants and water filtration zones, which increases labor and material demands.
Start-Up Time
Establishing a balanced ecosystem may take several months. This is especially true for living pools where the balance between organisms must develop over time.
Maintenance Expertise
While they may require less mechanical maintenance, they do require a level of expertise to maintain the biological components. Adjustments might be needed to manage algae, control fish populations, or manage water circulation.
Regulatory Issues
In some regions, local ordinances might restrict the installation of a pool that contains aquatic life or open water ecosystems, particularly if they attract certain insects or wildlife.
Which Is Right for You: Natural Pool or Living Pool?
Ultimately, the choice between a natural pool and a living pool comes down to personal preference and your commitment to sustainability.
- If you prefer a **structured system** with a clearly defined regeneration zone and are willing to put in effort to maintain balance, a **natural pool** might be your best bet.
- If you’re drawn to a **more dynamic, organic experience** that mimics a stream or marshland and allows the ecosystem to evolve more freely, then a **living pool** is worth exploring.
Consider your budget, local climate, available space, and the level of attention you can devote to ecosystem monitoring.
Conclusion: A Greener Future of Swimming
Natural and living pools represent a forward-thinking approach to swimming pool design—one rooted in sustainability, well-being, and ecological harmony. Though often confused, they offer subtly distinct approaches to achieving chemical-free, environmentally friendly swimming experiences.
Whether you choose a natural pool with its designed filtration zones or opt for the more adaptive living pool model, both options allow you to swim in water cleansed by nature itself. They offer not just a place to cool off on a hot day, but a sanctuary that supports the environment, conserves resources, and fosters a deeper connection with the natural world.
As these systems become more widely adopted and the technology behind them evolves, they could play a key role in making recreational water use more sustainable for future generations.
What is a living pool?
A living pool, also known as a natural swimming pond or ecosystem pool, integrates swimming areas with a self-sustaining aquatic ecosystem. This type of pool uses plants, gravel, and microorganisms to filter and purify the water, eliminating or significantly reducing the need for chemical treatments like chlorine. The design often mimics a natural pond or lake, blending seamlessly with the surrounding landscape and supporting local biodiversity.
Living pools can be divided into two zones: a swimming area and a regeneration zone filled with aquatic plants. These plants help to maintain water clarity by absorbing nutrients and inhibiting algae growth. The filtration process relies on biological mechanisms rather than mechanical systems, making it an eco-friendly option for environmentally-conscious swimmers.
What is a natural pool?
The term “natural pool” is often used interchangeably with “living pool,” though some distinctions may exist depending on context. Generally, a natural pool refers to any body of water designed to mimic a natural water body while offering a swimming area. It can include man-made ponds that use natural filtration, but may also refer to renovated natural ponds or pools that simply blend into the landscape without specific ecological systems.
Natural pools can vary widely in construction materials and purification methods. While many natural pools are designed using the same principles as living pools—such as using plants and biological filters—others may use minimal to no chemical inputs while not achieving a fully self-sustaining system. The defining feature is their visual integration with the natural environment rather than a rigid adherence to a specific filtration system.
How do the filtration systems differ between a living pool and a traditional chlorine pool?
A living pool uses a biological filtration system that relies on aquatic plants, gravel, and natural microorganisms to break down contaminants and maintain water quality. These components work together to create a balanced ecosystem, reducing or eliminating the need for chemical sanitizers like chlorine or bromine. The biological system mimics natural water purification found in wetlands and ponds, resulting in a unique, organic swimming environment.
In contrast, traditional chlorine pools rely on a mechanical and chemical filtration system to keep the water safe for swimmers. Chlorine or other chemical sanitizers are added to kill bacteria and algae, while mechanical filters remove debris. This system requires regular chemical testing and adjustment to maintain proper water balance, which can be costly and potentially harmful to the environment and swimmers’ health over time.
What are the environmental benefits of a living pool compared to a natural pool or traditional pool?
Living pools offer significant environmental benefits due to their reliance on natural filtration systems, which reduce or eliminate the use of chemicals. This makes them safer for local wildlife, plants, and humans, and they contribute to local biodiversity by supporting insects, amphibians, and beneficial plants. Their construction often uses natural or sustainable materials, and they can be powered by renewable energy sources such as solar pumps.
While natural pools may also offer some environmental benefits—particularly if they avoid chlorine and use native landscaping—they may not always incorporate a fully functioning ecosystem like living pools. Traditional chlorinated pools, on the other hand, consume more resources through chemical and energy use, and their runoff can harm natural water systems. Therefore, living pools are generally recognized as the most eco-friendly option for natural-style swimming.
Are living pools safe for swimming?
Yes, living pools are safe for swimming when designed and maintained properly. The biological filtration systems help maintain clean, balanced water by using plants and microorganisms to remove contaminants. These systems mimic natural purification processes found in healthy lakes and wetlands, resulting in water that is free from harmful bacteria and safe for humans, though it feels and smells different from chlorinated pools.
However, ensuring safety requires proper design and ongoing care. If the balance between plants, nutrients, and swimmer load is not maintained, water quality can decline, leading to algae blooms or bacterial accumulation. Regular care, such as pruning plants and monitoring water quality, is essential. Nevertheless, with the right setup and upkeep, a living pool provides a non-toxic, chemical-free, and enjoyable swimming experience.
Do living pools require more maintenance than traditional or natural pools?
Living pools do require regular maintenance, but the nature of the upkeep differs from traditional chlorine pools. Rather than testing chemical levels and cleaning mechanical filters, owners must care for the plants, remove debris, and monitor ecosystem balance. This includes pruning aquatic plants, checking pumps, and ensuring biological filters function properly—tasks more akin to gardening than pool maintenance.
While traditional chlorine pools may have simpler daily maintenance routines, they depend heavily on chemical treatments and mechanical systems, which can break down and require professional servicing. Natural pools without fully integrated biological systems may fall anywhere on the maintenance spectrum. Overall, living pools require a different approach and may take more time, but they offer long-term benefits with reduced chemical and energy use.
What are the cost implications of building and operating a living pool versus a traditional pool?
Building a living pool can be more expensive initially due to the complexity of creating a self-sustaining ecosystem, which includes custom landscaping, planting zones, and specialized biological filters. The design often requires hiring professionals experienced in ecological systems, which can increase upfront costs. However, the long-term operating costs are typically lower because they don’t require regular chemical purchases or intensive mechanical filtration maintenance.
In comparison, traditional chlorine pools usually have lower initial installation costs, especially if opting for a prefabricated design. However, ongoing costs related to chemicals, water testing, and equipment maintenance can add up significantly over time. Electricity for pumps and heaters can also be a major expense. While some natural pools may share the lower operating costs of living pools, it depends on their design and whether they incorporate natural filtration. Ultimately, the lifetime cost of a living pool may be competitive or even more economical than traditional options.