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Natural Swimming Pools Give You And Nature A Place To Cool Off |
11 Comments |
| By Michael d'Estries in Green Building, Green Living | March 25, 2008 | ||
I first discovered the concept of natural swimming pools a few years back and have been smitten with the idea ever since. Basically, these are pools that have no harmful chlorine or chemicals, low maintenance, natural heating, and a limited impact on the environment. They also help foster aquatic communities and can expand positively upon already-established ponds or springs. From one site,
Natural swimming pools are fairly common in Europe but just starting to take off in the United States as people are becoming more interested in a lifestyle of simplicity and natural beauty. These pools are fairly complicated to build and run 10-20% more than a traditional in ground custom pool. You can keep the size down and the landscaping around the pool at a minimum to cut down some of the cost. The goal is to achieve a balanced eco-system just like in a lake where rocks filter particulates, plants beat out algae and a natural bacteria additive keeps the water clear and safe. You can even add fish (in fact, it’s recommended!) to complete the cycle.
I stumbled upon one website for a company called Woodhouse and was truly impressed with their natural pool creations. They even have a photographic step-by-step for those curious how the entire process comes together. It may cost a bit more, but in terms of environmental beauty, you truly can’t beat it with the standard variety. More images available here.
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N. & J. said,
Wow! I never thought about building a natural pool but I guess it makes sense. Eventually I’d like to have a pond in my backyard (when we buy a house that is)
N.
http://badhuman.wordpress.com
urbanmike said,
I’ve also seen the concept of turning unsightly chlorinated blue concrete pools into an urban oasis/pond through introducing fish and aquatic plants, (once it has been de-chlorinated). Now you can’t expect to swim in this as you would a swimming pool, but it makes a great home for water birds and aquatic wildlife.
I think it would take some commitment to do this to a swimming pool, unless it was already in disrepair!
Eco-Friendly Cement Pond - All Natural Swimming Pool | Eco-Thinker said,
[...] –> // –> // –> // –> // –> // –> Thanks Michael d’Estries at GroovyGreen for the great [...]
Uncle B said,
Stagnant water carries typhoid germs, Blood suckers are no fun, theere’s gotta be aa reason for all that chlorine for all these years or as usual, were we sold a bill of goods for the profit of the vendor mostly?
jackmo said,
[removed for disrespectful comment]
Barabara Huelat said,
How do we find a builder for a natural swimming pond, using existing ground water? This is for a residence.
Thanks
JK said,
jackmo, you really need to chill. Your language and name-calling are inappropriate.
ann said,
Where do I find a contractor in California to convert my swimming pool to a natural pool? Do building codes allow for this?
Kyli said,
Natural swimming pools are not stagnant water pools but do contain a simple filtration system. Please check out http://www.gartenart.co.uk/
they have a great site and information also they design and do construction supervision for North America.
Jeff said,
I found out from the internet and books, combined with construction knowledge how to build my own natural swimming pool.
You can too!
[IMG]http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk42/jeffr100rs/ourpool460.jpg[/IMG]
Phisherman said,
I would never have to leave the house to go fishing! Stock that damn thing well enough & maybe never run out of trout! Heaven!
Ahhh… I doubt my wife is going to let me go fishing in the backyard anyways… I’ll leave the Euro thing to the Euros. I love it when our Euro & Japanese friends tell me how much they love to fly into LA & see the sparkling pools in the people’s backyards. Then they see my black bottom pool for the first time! Break out the sake & bbq some schnitzels & you’re having a good ol’ California pool party! I won’t mention what happens when the lights get low in a black bottom pool with a bunch of care I say “curious foreign folks!” I love California!