Spring is soon and there’s nothing more pleasant in spring and summer than sunbathing and swimming. If you don’t have a pool but are considering such an option and if you prefer staying closer to nature, skip a usual pool and think of having a swimming pond or a natural pool. A swimming pond is a water feature that will bring your garden to life with birds, insects and various water creatures and you may use it for swimming. Natural swimming pools and ponds look super harmonious and totally blend the landscape, which is achieved using greenery and water plants plus plants. Is it worth it or not? And how to design one? Let’s see.
Advantages
Swimming in a natural pond won’t give you itchy red eyes or dry skin like chlorinated pools do. They don’t use harsh chemicals. Swimming in these ponds can also boost your immune system due to exposure to beneficial bacteria found in natural water.
Natural ponds are eco-friendly. They use plants and natural processes to clean the water. They create a home for wildlife and plants, and are cheaper to maintain. With such pond you can reduce stinging insects because it attracts dragonflies and other predators of mosquitoes.
A natural swimming pond looks amazing in any yard, adding a cool design element. It looks more like a natural part of the landscape rather than an artificial addition. The sound of water and the sight of greenery can be very soothing, providing a great place to unwind.
Having a natural swimming pond can be a great educational tool for kids. You can learn about different plants, and understand more about natural ecosystems and how they work.
A large natural swimming pool clad with stone and with a small cave looks very cohesive in the space and is all cool for dogs and humans.
A beautiful and natural swimming pond with water plants and a bit of wood to line up the pool, with a wooden deck.
A beautiful and all-natural swimming pond with rocks inside, a rock border and a wooden deck plus a ladder.
A beautiful outdoor space with greenery, blooms and a manicured lawn, with a natural swimming pond and a wooden deck.
A beautiful swimming pond with a brick border and a wooden deck, plants and blooms around is super chic.
A cool and large swimming pond with brick staps and a wooden deck with outdoor furniture, greenery and water plants.
A cool asymmetrical swimming pond with water plants and a wooden deck with some loungers and an umbrella.
A cool large swimming pond with rocks and water plants that allow self-cleaning easily, plus a wooden deck and a ladder.
A large asymmetrical swimming pond with a wooden deck all around it and lots of water plants is a super cozy and cool space.
A large natural pool with a stone path and a ladder plus water plants around it is a cool space to refresh yourself.
A large swimming pond with rocks inside, cool water plants, a wooden deck and some plants around is a cool and welcoming water body.
A modern yet natural-looking swimming pond with steps and water plants is a cool and chic idea to rock.
A natural swimming pond clad with rocks, with a large wooden deck and wooden loungers over the pond is cool.
Design Ideas
A natural pool usually has some space for swimming (50-70% of the surface) and some space for filtration. There are many different designs and sizes to choose from. Most pools are 30 to 50 square meters, but smaller ones can also work well. Water is pumped to shallow areas with lots of plants that act as natural filters, keeping the water clean and clear.
Use only natural materials like stones, gravel, and wood to build your pond. These not only look good but also help maintain a natural ecosystem. Choose a variety of plants. Aquatic plants like water lilies, cattails, and reeds help filter the water and provide habitat for wildlife. Marginal plants around the edges can enhance the look and help with water filtration.
Add water features like waterfalls or fountains. These not only look beautiful but also help aerate the water, keeping it clean and healthy.
You can design your natural swimming pond in various shapes and layouts. Curved, organic shapes often look more natural and blend better with the landscape. You can also create a pond with separate zones for swimming, filtration, and plant life.
The bigger and deeper a pool is, the less chance it has to develop algae. A deeper pool means cooler water, which might make swimming season start a bit later, but it will be refreshing in the hot summer. A depth of one to two meters is good for protecting living organisms in winter. Consider adding a pond heater or aerator to keep a small area ice-free.
A natural swimming pond with rocks around and a wooden deck over it is a cool space to swim in and relax.
A natural swimming pool clad with stone around, with a wooden deck over it and nothing else looks as if it was always there.
A natural swimming pool with greenery and water plants, a wooden deck with a ladder and some blooms is cool.
A natural-looking swimming pond with rocks around and a wooden deck is a cool solution if you love natural landscaping.
A pretty small swimming pond with a wooden border, rocks and water plants, a small deck with loungers and greenery around.
A pretty small swimming pond with water plants, a large wooden deck with loungers, chairs and a table and blooms and greenery around.
A pretty swimming pond with natural borders and a small deck plus a ladder is ideal for a garden.
A wooden and stone deck with a small and cool natural swimming pond, just like a plunge pool and greenery.
A contemporary natural swimming pond with pebbles, rocks and water plants looks very soothing and relaxing, can be used for swimming or just lookign at it.
A gorgeous natural swimming pool with greenery around and a cool swing to jump in is a dreamy location for any summer.
A large natural pool with greenery around and a wooden deck looks absolutely harmonious in the landscape and invites in.
A large natural pool with steps that looks like a real pond thanks to greenery and floating plants on its surface.
A large natural swimming pond surrounded with greenery and other plants, with a wooden deck and a tiny plank bridge to jump inside.
Wildlife
Plants, insects, amphibians, and other aquatic life will live in a natural swimming pond. You’ll share your swim with these creatures who help keep your pool clean. Don’t worry – they won’t be interested in you and are usually faster swimmers than you, so just relax and enjoy.
Aquatic plants are essential for filtering the water and providing oxygen. Common types include water lilies, reeds, and cattails.
Marginal plants grow around the edges of the pond and include plants like irises and marsh marigolds. They help stabilize the pond’s banks and provide additional filtration.
Dragonflies are first guests. These insects lay their eggs in the water. Their larvae help control mosquito populations by eating mosquito larvae. Water beetles are always swimming in the pond, feeding on smaller insects and organic debris. Bees and butterflies usually are attracted to the flowering plants around the pond, they help pollinate these plants, enhancing their beauty and health. Frogs and toads often breed in natural pools. Their presence is a good indicator of a healthy ecosystem. Many birds are also attracted to plants and fresh water. If you choose to add fish to your pond, opt for small species.
Get inspired to make such pond in your backyard. You won’t be lonely.
A natural pool done with stone and a small waterfall, with greenery and other plants around.
A natural pool surrounded with rocks, with a waterfall, looks like a small lagoon and is a real centerpiece of your outdoor space.
A natural swimming pond done with rocks and pebbles and with greenery around reminds of a real lake.
A natural swimming pond with a wooden ladder, rocks and greenery and water plants all around.
A natural swimming pond with gravel and rocks plus greenery and plants lining up the pool.
A natural swimming pool done with rocks and pebbles, with a small wooden deck and ladder.
A natural swimming pool lined up with rocks and pebbles and with larger rocks inside.
A natural swimming pool surrounded with a wooden deck on its whole length and greenery and blooms around plus water plants inside.
A natural swimming pool with grasses and greenery growing by its side and a wooden deck for comfortable relaxation.
A natural swimming pool with grasses, water lilies and a wooden deck by its side is a dreamy space to stay in.
A natural swimming pool with rocks and greenery on its sides and moss resembles a natural lake.
A small natural pool surrounded with oversized rocks, tropical plants and loungers on its side.
A small natural swimming pool with steps, a small deck and some plants surrounding the water feature.
A swimming pond with a rock path and a ladder, surrounded with grasses looks super cool.
A swimming pond with rocks, various plants and a terrace by its side plus umbrellas is a cool idea and invites to relax here.
A swimming pond with water plants and a simple wooden deck is a great idea.
A swimming pond with a wooden deck and contemporary furniture, grasses and greenery on the sides of the pond for a natural feel.
An oversized natural swimming pool with lots of plants and greenery and some rocks inside it that create totally a natural feel.