Bringing nature back to your pool

Over the past few years, doing things the natural, GREEN or organic way has become a way of life rather than a passing fad.  However, the swimming pool is arguably one of the biggest eco-sinners in our homes, but with the introduction of natural and organic swimming pools, it seems that this will soon change.

We chatted to Dr. Jerome Davis from aQua-design to find out more about how one can invite nature back into your life and pool…   

Q: What is a natural swimming pool and how does it differ from chlorinated and salt swimming pools? 

A: “Natural Swimming Pools recreate pristine ponds and mountain pools found in nature. The water is kept sparkling clean by circulating it through an ecosystem of water plants. The result is a lush indigenous aquatic garden cradling a clear, natural pool, the water of which is perfectly clear, soft on the skin and infused with healing energy. No salt, chemicals or sterilisation equipment is needed to maintain these pools. 

Q: Tell us more about the science behind organic swimming pools? 

A: “The water in aQua-designed natural swimming pools trickles through filters inoculated with beneficial micro-organisms. Wastes are broken down here and absorbed by the roots of selected indigenous plant species, leaving no nutrients available for algae and bacteria to develop. As the plants grow, they strip the water of impurities, leaving behind nothing but pure, fresh water. The design system is based on natural principles whereby the forces of nature are harnessed rather than combated.”

Q: How does this kind of pool work?

A: “Aquatic plants and animals are established in a biological ecosystem in a separate part of the pool. Water is pumped between the swimming zone and the ecosystem. The life in the water uses nutrients in the water to grow. This strips the water of nutrients that would otherwise be used by algae resulting in crystal clear, algae free water that is pure and of drinking quality.

Q: What are the benefits of having a natural swimming pool? 

A: “The benefits are:

Low maintenance: Once established, aQua-designed swimming pools are essentially self-regulating. This is because the system is designed to reach the stage where it operates as a completely balanced aquatic ecosystem. The only maintenance required is cutting away dead plant material and emptying the leaf collector from time to time. Twice a year the system needs to receive a biological service where the ecosystem is analysed in our laboratories by our team of scientists. The interventions are then biological; there are no nasty shock treatments, no harmful chemicals, no toxic substances, and no salt. In fact there are zero artificial inputs. The only work required by the swimming pool owner is the trimming of the aquatic plants from time to time and the emptying of leaf traps. 

Water quality: Although it is difficult to describe in words the feeling of swimming in a natural swimming pool, the closest one can come is perhaps “delicious”.  The feeling is more like flying through silk than swimming. No burning eyes, dry hair, itchy skin. No chemicals or additives, only pure, clean, natural water infused with healing energy. You can drink as you swim. The water from our pools has been analysed and has been found to be better than municipal drinking water. The water is so pure that it can be piped into the kitchen.

Health: aQua-designed pools are nurturing, healing and energizing – as opposed to traditional pool products which have been linked to cancer, allergies, asthma and immune stress. The aquatic ecosystem also ionizes pollution and allergens.

Year-round enjoyment: The swimming season is extended as the shallow aquatic garden acts as a natural solar heater. Every day of the year, you will be treated to an exquisite, tranquil, ever-changing aqua-scape full of flowers, dragon flies, frogs and birds. Eco Pools are not just for swimming, they are a landscaping feature that invites nature into your backyard.

Other advantages are that: 

- you will pay 60% less on electricity costs as well as have a water feature and pool in one.”

Q: What kind of maintenance does a natural swimming pool require? 

A: “Very, very little maintenance is needed. All you need to do is to vacuum the bottom once every second month; trim plants once a year and empty the leaf catchers every three weeks or so (depending). Biological testing and balancing twice a year is essential.”

Q: Can one convert your own pool (DIY-style) or is it essential to get someone in to convert your pool? 

A: “It is essential to have an experienced and reputable eco pool builder to help you convert your pool. Natural swimming pools can be a disaster if not properly designed and installed. Eco Pools succeed or fail around the biochemistry of the water. Aquatic biochemistry is complex and getting this right is not as easy as it may seem. Eco Pools are not simply putting plants into a pool. The experience of an established contractor will save you money and frustration as they will be able to supply or source better and cheaper materials and will help avoid the many pitfalls that can crop up along the way. You will also have a guarantee that they will work.”

Q: How does one convert a regular pool to a natural swimming pool? 

A: “Eco Pools consist of two separate parts: a swimming zone and an ecosystem containing the plants. There are 3 ways we create this setup. In order of most to least expensive these are: building an external ecosystem; building an internal wall dividing the pool into two parts; installing our patented floating planter system. It is best to install a new energy efficient pump and skimmers to catch leaves and debris before they fall into the water.”

Q: What must readers keep in mind when deciding to convert their regular pool to a natural pool – what aspects must be considered? 

A: “The shape and size of the pool; the use that you want out of it; the structural and biochemical nature of the existing shell; the species of tree surrounding the pool; wind; sun; usage and most importantly: what do they want it to look like.”

Q: Please give our readers some tips on what to consider when choosing a service provider to come and convert your pool? 

A: “Experience is paramount – find out how many pools they have installed and even more important - what the quality of those pools are. Ask yourself the following:

Do they have proof of the pools they have built; do they offer a guarantee and does this guarantee ensure that the pool will be completely free of both plank tonic algae (green water) and filamentous algae (string algae on the sides)? 

How eco-friendly is their installations (what materials do they use and where do they come from)? What is their background and understanding of the complex biochemistry of the system? 

How flexible are their designs? Do they offer a range of building methods to suit budget? 

Do they offer backup and do they have the scientific ability to solve problems should they crop up? It is all very well building from a recipe but only an installer who understands how the systems work can solve problems should they arise.”

Q: Tell us a bit more about your company and product? 

A: “We are a bioengineering company specialising in natural water filtration technology. We provide bioengineering solutions to water bodies of any size; be they large water bodies such as dams and lakes, eco pools, or small ornamental systems. We also consult in aquaculture internationally. We are the pioneers in Eco Pool technology in South Africa and pride ourselves on having developed Eco Pool technology locally and our systems are engineered and proven under South African conditions. This also means that our installations are affordable and parts and components are commonly available and do not need to be shipped from Europe with the accompanying financial and carbon cost. Our head office is in Cape Town, we have an established branch in Johannesburg and are busy establishing branches in Durban, the Garden Route and Bloemfontein and operate throughout southern Africa via our remote consulting service.”

Link

http://www.naturalswimmingpools.co.za/