Natural Pool

18 years ago

I was wondering if anybody on this forum has experience with a natural pool. The type of pool that uses water plants to keep the water clean. These pools are more common in Europe than in the US.

I'd like to throw out our ugly above ground pool and instead build a natural in ground pool with plants and frogs.

My questions:

- Does this type of pool effect the property value?

- Could I get into legal trouble with neighbors that don't like frogs croaking?

- Will the run off water from my neighbors property, that very likely is saturated with fertilizer, cause havoc on the natural pools equilibrium? Should I build the pool so run off doesn't get in it?

- Have (natural) in-ground pools typically acceptable water temperatures (without heater) during the summer or do I have to be a polar bear to enjoy swimming in it?

I'm looking forward to your constructive comments.

Ralf

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Comments (3)

annedickinson
18 years ago
Ralf,

I'm not an expert, so any comments are just my thoughts, doesn't make them true. :-)

That said, here's my thoughts on your post: A number of ponders use plants for filtration and to keep pond clean. I have one with a pump and filter and one with plants only.

I can't tell you about property value or the noise from the frogs bothering neighbors. I guess checking with town authorities and/or real estate agents would answer that. Many regulations require a fence around any water of a certain depth.

As far as swimming in it, yes, it would be comfortable as far as temperatures, but whether it would be safe or not is a question that comes up from time to time on the forum. See the PLOND post for links and other comments about swimming in a natural pond. Some people do and say they have no ill effects, other people don't and are concerned about the ill effects. I, personally, would not want to swim in a man-made natural pond.

You are right,it is not a good idea to allow run-off in a pond. You sure don't want a pea-soup pond to swim in!! That's one of the results of fertilizer getting into the pond. Pesticides, bacteria and parasites are other possibilities.

Good luck.
Anne
sheepco
18 years ago
Ralf,
Did you try doing a search on this forum for natural pool, or try clay-lined pond or pool. There was a good thread going last summer with lots of info.
S
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green_skinnydipper
18 years ago
Ralf-

You need to keep the fertilizer run-off out of your water.

The water temperature will be slightly higher than your chemical swimming pool (assuming the chemical pool is not heated).

There are just a few books on natural swimming pools. There is also quite a bit of info if you do the google on them there internets.

I'm in the process of building one now. You need to check your local building codes for permits. Do not look up swimming pools, look up farm and amenity ponds. Farm ponds in Virginia do not require a permit if they meet certain criteria and you are not renting it as a swimming facility.

It's a very interesting subject and am hoping mine works out!

Peace,
gsd