Popular in Europe for the last 20 years, Natural Swimming Pools have made their way across the 'Big Pond' to the U.S.A.
Cheaper to construct and less expensive to maintain than conventional pools, Natural Swimming Pools create a beautiful, private oasis that can be enjoyed by family and friends.
No longer is your only option a conventional pool with it's stark and barren lines, the regular applications of irritating chemicals, and the maze of plumbing. Now you can have a pool that beautifully blends with the surrounding landscape, the absence of chemicals, and very simple concealed plumbing.
How are they constructed and are they safe?
The basic dimensions are much the same as a conventional swimming pool to allow for adequate swimming area for a family and the depth determined by whether diving is desired.
Beyond these basics there are several differences. The perimeter of the pool may be totally or partially vegetative. Part of the pool's perimeter may be decked. A section of the perimeter may be a pebble beach. Some of the perimeter may be sodded. It may be any combination of these features.
The water is filtered and purified by a constructed wetlands filter.
This wetlands filter must be at least 18" deep (deeper if a greater variety of aquatic plants is desired) and comprise at least 30% of the total water surface area. It is filled with a layer of modular units that given various names, such as "BioBlox", "ResCubes". etc. which is covered with a 2" - 4" layer of large gravel. It is separated from the main swimming area by an underwater barrier the top of which is 2" below the water surface.
Water is pumped from the bottom of the swimming area to the bottom of the constructed wetlands where it is forced upward. It is during this upward flow that the water is filtered by the bacteria that colonize the gravel and rhizospheres of the aquatic plants.. These bacteria convert the organic compounds suspended in the water into nitrates which are taken up by the aquatic plants as nutrients. This process results in clean, clear, algae free water.
In addition to the purifying action of the constructed wetlands, a UV sterilizing module is placed between the intake at the bottom of the swimming area and the outlet at the bottom of the constructed wetlands. This UV module is an additional health safety feature that sterilizes the water by killing harmful disease-causing pathogens such as E. coli bacteria. A UV clarifier, such as those used in fish ponds is not of sufficient UV output strength to provide the level of sterilization required. A commercial UV sterilizer must be used.
A skimmer is also incorporated to remove floating debris from the water surface.
Conventional Pool
Natural Swimming Pool
Benefits
- Clean, Clear water
- No Chemicals
- Affordable (lower maintenance costs)
- Year-round beauty
- Can increase property value (conventional pools can de-value property values)
- Passive solar heating
As with any swimming pool. certain safeguards should be observed to restrict water contamination-
-No dogs
-No infants
-No one with diarrhea or incontinence problems
-No Waterfowl
-No fish
None of the above should be allowed access to the swimming pool as they may create a health hazard and substantially increase the chance of disease.
Natural Swimming Pools are not just visually pleasing. They also make possible a reconnection to nature, which creates a special kind of mood. They provide a personal oasis that can be enjoyed year-round, day and night.
For more information, please contact Ripples Inc.
