Natural Pools

There are three main reasons that homes and businesses choose to install a natural pool. Firstly, the absence of chemicals means that it’s better for the environment and less harmful to swimmers, promoting a healthier lifestyle that’s closer to nature.

As a rule, we recommend the regeneration zone is approximately the same size as the swimming area, however this can be slightly flexible depending on the pool design. This is something we would discuss with you in the early stages of planning.

No, you don’t need to worry about getting tangled up in plants while you swim. The regeneration area is kept entirely separate from the main pool, usually on a separate level or divided by a wall. You can even have the plant pool in a different area of the garden altogether and use pipes to move the water around.

The organic system of a natural pond relies on bio-diversity to keep the water clean, inviting everything from microscopic pond organisms to water beetles and larger animals like frogs. However, these creatures are attracted to the regeneration zone and will largely stay out of the main swimming area. Fish will not naturally appear in your pool; however, some pools can support a small number of fish in the swimming area (not the regeneration zone). Please discuss this with your pool designer if you are interested in this.

No. Mosquitos thrive where the water is still (or stagnant), deterring other forms of life that would naturally eat their larvae. In a natural swimming pool, the water is gently moving all the time, encouraging creatures that prevent a mosquito population from growing.

Just like a freshwater river or crystal-clear lake, natural swimming pools use a system of gravel, aquatic plants and natural biological processes to keep the water clean, clear and safe to swim in. The resulting water is often slightly darker than the artificially-tinted water of a conventional pool, but it should never be murky or stagnant.

Natural pools are self-cleaning, so once the proper pH balance has been reached, there is very little maintenance required. The pump will still need to be looked after so that it continues to pass water through the filter, and you may need to monitor plants and wildlife through the seasons.

The way a natural pool can seamlessly blend with its surroundings might give the impression that their installation is straightforward. However, the water has to be carefully tuned to the local climate and environment in order for the pool to regulate properly. At Compass Pools, we have many years’ experience in building natural pools that are beautiful and functional.

Most people find that natural swimming pools tend to be warmer than conventional pools. This is due to a combination of the shallow water in the regeneration area heating up faster in sunlight and dark liners absorbing and retaining more warmth. Installing a pool cover is a good way to boost this heat retention, too.

Any swimming pool can pose a threat to a child if they are not properly supervised. Even with a natural pool, proper safety measures should be followed at all times. However, a natural pool is no more dangerous than a conventional swimming pool and, in fact, the lack of chemicals can be gentler on sensitive skin and eyes. Just make sure there are enough steps, ladders and shallow sections for children to safely exit the pool.

The guidelines around pets and natural pools are similar to those for pets and conventional pools. It’s perfectly safe for your dog to take a supervised dip in the pool, as long as it’s a breed that is a naturally competent swimmer and, just like with children, there is a safe way for them to exit.

One positive is that you won’t need to wash chemicals off of your pet’s fur when they leave the pool, although be aware that larger dogs and frequent use will introduce excess bacteria into the water that will take longer to filter out.

At Compass Pools, we have extensive experience installing pools all around the UK. Our beautiful showroom and head office is based in Horsham, West Sussex, and our installation teams operate in the South East, East Anglia, London, the Midlands and further afield. We also have a network of experienced installers working in Scotland, Wales and the Channel Islands.