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It depends. Some can go for a decade without cleaning and some need backwashing every 2 years or so. It really depends on where it is and what is going into the pool. Organics will break down but fine sand or silt blown in doesn't, and this can clog the wetland over time. We design the gravel wetlands so they can be backwashed if this is required but it is usually only every 2 - 6 years.

It's important to note that excessively warm temperatures can disrupt the ecological balance of a natural pool, potentially encouraging algae growth and stressing aquatic plants and organisms. While it is possible to heat natural pools, it is recommended to limit the temperature to a maximum of 27°C to avoid these issues. Additionally, using a pool heater generally necessitates keeping the pool covered to retain heat, as up to 70% of the heat can be lost otherwise. This requirement can limit some design choices. To maintain a high water temperature, it is advisable to incorporate UV sterilizers into the system to help control algae and pathogens. If the goal is to keep the water warm during winter or the cooler months surrounding summer, this approach is usually sufficient. However, if you intend to maintain very high temperatures year-round, I recommend using a combination of UV sterilizers, phosphate filters, and occasional dosages of hydrogen peroxide. This combination will help maintain water clarity and quality while managing potential algae growth and other ecological imbalances.

Glad you enjoyed it!

Hi There, so sorry you didn't get a reply. How can I help you? My email is info@leafandstone.co.za, please try again otherwise post your question here!

Natural pools do not have mosquitoes for a number of reasons. Mosquito larvae need still stagnant water in order to breed. Stagnant water has very low dissolved oxygen and natural pools have good levels of dissolved oxygen from plants, movement and life. You see, constant movement and circulation of the water prevent the larvae from surviving. Natural pools also have predators that feed on mosquito larvae. Among them are the Notonectidae, popularly known as backswimmers, and the aquatic beetles (Ditiscidae). Larvae of dragonflies and damselflies also hunt mosquito larvae.

@@leafandstone.naturalpools that’s super interesting! These pools are without a doubt very beautiful

The biological filter in the regeneration zone is the unsung hero in controlling pathogens. This zone, teeming with plants and microbes, acts as nature’s defense mechanism, absorbing and neutralizing harmful bacteria and viruses. Imagine the scene: antibacterial agents from fungi-yes, the same family that brought us penicillin-and a host of small critters like nematodes and protozoa actively consuming these unwelcome guests. The complexity of this ecosystem ensures that pathogens are not only trapped but transformed biologically. They're caught in the sticky biofilm, amongst roots and gravel, where, if conditions are right, beneficial organisms flourish, much like the flora in your own stomach. Regarding Naegleria fowleri, a concern in natural bodies of water like lakes and rivers, natural pools present a safer alternative due to the constant circulation through a potent natural filter. This safety is contingent on maintaining water temperatures below 27°C and managing swimmer load to avoid overcrowding. The likelihood of encountering harmful pathogens such as fecal coliforms in a privately maintained pool is exceedingly low. Even if temperatures were to exceed 27°C, the risk of contracting Naegleria fowleri remains minimal, statistically about 1 in 142 million. To put it into perspective, even if you swam in water with detectable levels of Naegleria fowleri twice daily for 50 years, your chance of infection would only be about 1 in 4000. If you feel comfortable swimming in a mountain stream or pond, then swimming in a natural pool should be no less appealing, especially since the odds of infection are even lower. In tropical climates, where conditions are exceptionally warm, integrating UV sterilizers and periodic treatments with Hydrogen Peroxide can further mitigate risks, ensuring your natural pool remains a safe and enjoyable swimming environment.

Yes! Usually the wetland makes this very easy for them as it gently slopes up and out the water or has rocks plants for small animals to use.

Regarding Naegleria fowleri, a concern in natural bodies of water like lakes and rivers, natural pools present a safer alternative due to the constant circulation through a potent natural filter. This safety is contingent on maintaining water temperatures below 27°C and managing swimmer load to avoid overcrowding. The likelihood of encountering harmful pathogens such as fecal coliforms in a privately maintained pool is exceedingly low. Even if temperatures were to exceed 27°C, the risk of contracting Naegleria fowleri remains minimal, statistically about 1 in 142 million. To put it into perspective, even if you swam in water with detectable levels of Naegleria fowleri twice daily for 50 years, your chance of infection would only be about 1 in 4000. If you feel comfortable swimming in a mountain stream or pond, then swimming in a natural pool should be no less appealing, especially since the odds of infection are even lower. In tropical climates, where conditions are exceptionally warm, integrating UV sterilizers and periodic treatments with Hydrogen Peroxide can further mitigate risks, ensuring your natural pool remains a safe and enjoyable swimming environment.

Yes, you can build a greenhouse, but even outside it can work, the plants and biology all come back after the thaw.

Aeration can help keep pool water under 26°C by enhancing evaporation, which naturally cools the water. The process increases air-water contact, promoting heat exchange and faster cooling, especially at night when air temps are lower. Using fountains or waterfalls can boost this effect by creating more surface area for evaporation. Running aeration during cooler parts of the day or night maximizes the cooling benefit."

@@leafandstone.naturalpoolsVery interesting. Thank you !

Yes, but only up to 26/27C - you can use solar or heat pumps

Yes you can and I do. If the system is well designed and maintained the water meets drinking quality standards.

Natural pools and ponds can attract wildlife, including snakes, depending on various factors such as geographic location, surrounding habitat, and the presence of suitable food sources and shelter. While natural pools and ponds may attract snakes, it's essential to remember that snakes are generally shy and prefer to avoid human contact. Taking precautions such as keeping the area around the pool clear of debris, maintaining a well-groomed landscape, and educating yourself about local snake species can help minimize encounters with snakes and create a safe and enjoyable outdoor environment. Additionally, if you live in an area with venomous snakes, it's crucial to be aware of their presence and take appropriate precautions to reduce the risk of snake bites. Remember though. There is no greater risk of snakes or dangerous wildlife in a natural pool than there would be in say a pristine mountain pool or lake. The exception is if you live in an area that is devoid of much life, such as arid areas or a desert. Your natural pool would then be an oasis for wildlife including snakes.

Stone is great in a natural pool, looks great and offers grip.

The biofilm that makes surfaces cannot be easily removed, no need to endure that steps and shallow areas have enough grip. There are ways to remove biofilm using high tech phosphate filters.

Thank you!

Natural Pools are possible in very hot (dry and tropical) climates but one has to take measure to keep the water temperature down. This would include erecting shade over the pool, expanding the wetland size to occupy 50% of the total surface area as well as adding extra aeration to the pool to cool the water down. It's also crucial to understand the risks of parasites in tropical natural pools. To safe guard against these risks a UV steriliser is a requirement. Additionally, biweekly treatments with 30% Hydrogen Peroxide can virtually eliminate any risk, as it destroys parasites while oxygenating the water. Though some beneficial microorganisms may be lost, most will remain in the wetland area.

ahh, indeed. Thanks, Wish I could go and edit that!

Natural pools almost always use pumps to circulate the water. Sometimes an air compressor is used to move the water as well.

Natural pools do not have mosquitoes for a number of reasons. Mosquito larvae need still stagnant water in order to breed. Stagnant water has very low dissolved oxygen and natural pools have good levels of dissolved oxygen from plants, movement and life. You see, constant movement and circulation of the water prevent the larvae from surviving. Natural pools also have predators that feed on mosquito larvae. Among them are the Notonectidae, popularly known as backswimmers, and the aquatic beetles (Ditiscidae). Larvae of dragonflies and damselflies also hunt mosquito larvae.

I am currently working on courses for natural pools from start!

With clever design you can add space between the wetland and the swimzone. Make the water from the swimzone overflow constantly into the wetland for example, so that its hard for insects, spiders etc to land and stay in the swimzone as they get swept into the wetland area.

It's all personal preference at the end of the day BUT dark colours hide the natural streaky, mottled appearance of natural biofilm on the pool surface.

The biological filter in the regeneration zone is the unsung hero in controlling pathogens. This zone, teeming with plants and microbes, acts as nature’s defense mechanism, absorbing and neutralizing harmful bacteria and viruses. Imagine the scene: antibacterial agents from fungi-yes, the same family that brought us penicillin-and a host of small critters like nematodes and protozoa actively consuming these unwelcome guests. The complexity of this ecosystem ensures that pathogens are not only trapped but transformed biologically. They're caught in the sticky biofilm, amongst roots and gravel, where, if conditions are right, beneficial organisms flourish, much like the flora in your own stomach. Regarding Naegleria fowleri, a concern in natural bodies of water like lakes and rivers, natural pools present a safer alternative due to the constant circulation through a potent natural filter. This safety is contingent on maintaining water temperatures below 27°C and managing swimmer load to avoid overcrowding. The likelihood of encountering harmful pathogens such as fecal coliforms in a privately maintained pool is exceedingly low. Even if temperatures were to exceed 27°C, the risk of contracting Naegleria fowleri remains minimal, statistically about 1 in 142 million. To put it into perspective, even if you swam in water with detectable levels of Naegleria fowleri twice daily for 50 years, your chance of infection would only be about 1 in 4000. If you feel comfortable swimming in a mountain stream or pond, then swimming in a natural pool should be no less appealing, especially since the odds of infection are even lower. In tropical climates, where conditions are exceptionally warm, integrating UV sterilizers and periodic treatments with Hydrogen Peroxide can further mitigate risks, ensuring your natural pool remains a safe and enjoyable swimming environment.

@@leafandstone.naturalpools omg! thank you so much for the detailed reply. ^^ I always wondered if it was safe and you completely convinced me that it is safe. Also, the comparison between mountain streams and natural pools made perfect sense. Thank you so much for putting in the effort in replying and answering with such details. Amazing!!!!!!

Depends on the pool owners preference but fish can live here as well!

The biological filter in the regeneration zone is the unsung hero in controlling pathogens. This zone, teeming with plants and microbes, acts as nature’s defense mechanism, absorbing and neutralizing harmful bacteria and viruses. Imagine the scene: antibacterial agents from fungi-yes, the same family that brought us penicillin-and a host of small critters like nematodes and protozoa actively consuming these unwelcome guests. The complexity of this ecosystem ensures that pathogens are not only trapped but transformed biologically. They're caught in the sticky biofilm, amongst roots and gravel, where, if conditions are right, beneficial organisms flourish, much like the flora in your own stomach. Regarding Naegleria fowleri, a concern in natural bodies of water like lakes and rivers, natural pools present a safer alternative due to the constant circulation through a potent natural filter. This safety is contingent on maintaining water temperatures below 27°C and managing swimmer load to avoid overcrowding. The likelihood of encountering harmful pathogens such as fecal coliforms in a privately maintained pool is exceedingly low. Even if temperatures were to exceed 27°C, the risk of contracting Naegleria fowleri remains minimal, statistically about 1 in 142 million. To put it into perspective, even if you swam in water with detectable levels of Naegleria fowleri twice daily for 50 years, your chance of infection would only be about 1 in 4000. If you feel comfortable swimming in a mountain stream or pond, then swimming in a natural pool should be no less appealing, especially since the odds of infection are even lower. In tropical climates, where conditions are exceptionally warm, integrating UV sterilizers and periodic treatments with Hydrogen Peroxide can further mitigate risks, ensuring your natural pool remains a safe and enjoyable swimming environment.

@@leafandstone.naturalpools Thank you so much! I just wasn't aware of or sure about the risks of pathogens. I love the idea of ecological collaboration in permaculture but I wasn't sure about the risks of pathogens (or even how risky they are). I know chlorine, alcohols, and salts are great sterilizers but not great for the environment and cause a lot of irritation. Biochemical/Bioreactive sanitation is an exciting alternative to more traditional chemical sanitation approaches, so keep us posted!

Yes, I have a few videos of me drinking the water. :)

Natural pools do not have mosquitoes for a number of reasons. Mosquito larvae need still stagnant water in order to breed. Stagnant water has very low dissolved oxygen and natural pools have good levels of dissolved oxygen from plants, movement and life. You see, constant movement and circulation of the water prevent the larvae from surviving. Natural pools also have predators that feed on mosquito larvae. Among them are the Notonectidae, popularly known as backswimmers, and the aquatic beetles (Ditiscidae). Larvae of dragonflies and damselflies also hunt mosquito larvae.

No, not possible. You need to isolate the system from soil to get it really clear, so you need a liner or something keeping it separate. Pumps and water movement also critical, however, there is a method of creating a natural swimming pool using thermal circulation, It involves leveraging water temperature differences to maintain water quality without a pump. This system relies on the natural convective flow, where warmer water rises and cooler water sinks, to create circulation. The pool must be deep (at least 3 meters) to establish a significant temperature gradient. A funnel or conical shape helps concentrate cooler water at the bottom. A separate regeneration zone, housing aquatic plants and biofilters, is essential for natural filtration. This zone is typically shallower, benefiting from solar heating to enhance the temperature gradient. Benefits include energy efficiency, natural aesthetics, and lower maintenance, as there are no mechanical parts. However, challenges include managing adequate temperature differences year-round, higher initial costs for excavation and setup, and maintaining ecological balance. Implementation involves assessing the site for thermal properties, designing and excavating the pool to the required depth and shape, planting and landscaping the regeneration zone, and monitoring and adjusting the system to ensure effective circulation and filtration.

@@leafandstone.naturalpools thank you for your thorough response! Very helpful. I had never heard that conical shapes, when deep enough, help circulate water - I'll do that! And I'm building in slopes and shelves everywhere for aquatic plants - about 30% of surface will be living. There is also a seasonal creek running in and a good outlet - so, fingers crossed there is enough circulation and oxygenation for a healthy pond.