Building Blocks of a Healthy Natural Pool

Aquatic life is an important part of a natural pool’s ecosystem. Insects, snails, and amphibians will all feed on each other to ensure healthy water and really do add to the appeal of these swimming oases.

Daphnia are microscopic creatures common in most lakes and ponds. They play an important role in regulating the cycles of nitrates, phosphates, and phytoplankton. They are predators of bacteria and are an important source of food for other aquatic life. They are harmless to humans and do an amazing job at protecting your water quality.

Plants are the third block you will need and there are four kinds of plants used to regulate the natural health of these swimming pools.

1. FLOATING PLANTS: These plants are not attached to the bottom of a water body and can be small, floating foliage, like duckweed, or large, like water hyacinth. Most floating plants have roots that dangle in the water to absorb nutrients. They can grow out of control and clog skimmers, so they need to be properly contained. The right plant in the right place is an important part of creating a successful natural pool.

that out-compete them for nutrients and shouldn’t become an issue for the rest of the pool. However, if any algae does make it into the swimming pool, a traditional pool sweeper or vacuum will take care of the problem.

Now on to the big question everyone is curious about - wildlife. If you are creating what is essentially a pond in your backyard, you will be sharing that with some local wildlife. The aquatic life that will make its way to your pool’s edges are actually a really healthy part of a natural pool - they help keep algae, bugs, and larvae at bay. Another concern, especially in Florida, is mosquitoes. You might be surprised to find that natural pools mean less mosquitoes, not more. The moving water and the natural predators of mosquito larvae that inhabit chlorine-free water will make these swimming pools practically mosquito free. You will also probably see a reduction in stinging insects as well since natural swimming pools attract dragonflies and other local predators of bugs you really don’t want around.

When thinking about wildlife, the idea of Introducing fish into your pool will be tempting. They can seem like a fun addition but keep in mind that including fish will lead to fish excrement, which then encourages the growth of algae. If you are trying to create a pool that requires the least amount of maintenance, fish are not a great option. Additional work is required once you add them, so prepare yourself for that by finding people online or in your local community who are experts in maintaining a pool with fish.

Maintaining a natural pool is completely different than a chlorinated one. Most people will do this maintenance on their own but if you plan on hiring a company, make sure they know the differences or are willing to learn about correct natural pool maintenance techniques. The natural environment makes pool maintenance more like gardening and different pools will require different levels of maintenance but they will all have some similarities. The three main maintenance tasks will be pruning plants back to keep them healthy, using a skimmer net to remove organic materials from the surface of the water, and then dismantling, cleaning, and draining the filter system and pumps to keep them running in the best possible condition. It’s also suggested that you cover the pond surface with a net to prevent the accumulation of leaves and debris if your pool isn’t inside a screened in area. Dead leaves create the perfect environment for algae growth so keeping them out of your pool all together is ideal.

If you are convinced that a natural pool might be a great option for you and your family, you can always retrofit your existing pool, but keep in mind that you will have to add a regeneration zone so that will either limit the size of your swimming area or require you to take back lanai space or add more surface area to your existing pool. In addition, plumbing will be modified to handle the water’s movement from the regeneration zone to the swimming area so consulting with an expert is recommended. Many people have taken that leap though and are very happy with the results - a pool filled with clean water that adds beauty to their home, removes chemicals from their lives, and connects them to nature as they cool off on hot summer days.

2. SUBMERGED PLANTS: Submerged plants are rooted below the water surface. Some portions may stick above the water, but most of the plant mass remains beneath the surface with the soft, fleshy stems of these plants generally never coming above the water. Pondweeds make up a great portion of these submerged plants and come in a variety of options that will add beauty to your pool.

3. EMERGENT PLANTS: These are rooted plants often along the shoreline that stand above the surface, like cattails. These stems are firmer to help stand the plant up straight. The taller types of grasses, rushes, and reeds offer habitat for frogs and shelter for dragonflies. Using these wisely in a regeneration zone adds vertical interest to sightlines and even more biodiversity to an organic pool. You can also pick plants like Marsh marigolds that add amazing color.

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Growing in the pond’s margins, these plants share nutrients with other terrestrial plants nearby. Marginal plants prefer to have their roots and crown wet, so they grow in continuously saturated soil. These plants have the ability to filter and clean water as well as soak up pollutants. Additionally, they are necessary for the small animals that will eat the mosquitos tempted to set up shop in your pool as they provide shelter from heat and predators.