If you want to learn how to build a natural swimming pool, you are on the right page. You need simple materials, not chemicals, to build a beautiful natural swimming pool in your backyard. These pools use clay and gravel stone instead of fiberglass or concrete. For cleaning, plants are used rather than mechanical filters or harsh chemicals. Following are the easy steps you can follow to do the job.

salt water pool

Dig It

First off, you need to dig a hole in the ground. The pool can be as deep or shallow as you want. But make sure that the sides of the pool slope or the soil may cave in. Ideally, for every 3 horizontal feet, the ratio of slope should be 12-inch vertical drop.

Zone Your Pool

It’s better to reserve half of the surface area of your pool for shallow plants. They will do the same job done by chlorine and costly pumps and filters. Also, don’t forget to separate the filtration area and swimming area of the pool.

Pool Filtration

If there is no continuous water circulation in the pool, the plants won’t be able to clean the water. You can use PVC tubes to channel water from the pump to the pool. Make sure you bury the tubes at least 18 inches deep in the soil.

Underwater aeration uses less power than the waterfalls and offers better water circulation. It works by diffusing air the bottom of the pool. A DIY aerator can be made with an air compressor. This thing sits at the bottom of the pool and bubbles air in the water. For a quality aeration system, you need to spend at least $1000.

natural swimming pool

Seal Your Pool

You can apply a bentonite clay layer to seal the soil to ensure the pool can hold water. Alternatively, you can choose to lay a synthetic liner. Bentonite is a glue-type gel and bonds with the soil to prevent the water seepage into the ground.

Use a plate compactor or a lawn roller to compact the soil before using bentonite. Put on a mask and apply bentonite powder on the bottom and along the sides of the pool. Pack it down with a plate compactor and then apply a 12-inch layer of topsoil and then compact it once again.

Once you have installed a liner or bentonite clay, your next move is to cover the bottom with at least 4 inches of gravel to offer a natural habitat for bacterial growth. Lastly, you can run a plate compactor around the pool perimeter to prevent soil erosion. This is important if you want to know how to build a natural swimming pool.

Work on the plant zone

After the construction is complete, you can work on the plant zone. Around 6 inches of soil will be enough. Ideally, the soil you choose should be free of organic matter. The plants will keep your water clean and prevent the formation of algae as well.

Once you have set up the soil, gravel, and other hardware, go ahead and fill your pool. Before you install the plants, you need to wait for at least 7 days. In the meantime, you can test the hardware to ensure it works well.

swimming pools designs

Maintenance tips

It’s a great idea to get rid of plant litter in the cold season to maintain your natural pool. Keep adding more water to keep the water level constant. Also, don’t forget to examine the mechanical systems each year. If you follow these tips, your pool will stand the test of time.

So, these are a few simple steps you need to follow if you want to learn how to build a natural swimming pool.

Call Premier Pools & Spas!

If you need help building a natural swimming pool, you can give a call to Premier Pools & Spas.

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