As a veteran landscaper in Perth, our team had the pleasure over the past 20 years to design and construct gorgeous natural swimming ponds that become beloved backyard features. Using natural filtration instead of chemicals, they create healthy havens for swimming and soaking amidst thriving pond plants and wildlife. Let’s explore what natural ponds entail and key elements in their creation.
Defining natural swimming ponds
Natural swimming ponds utilise plants, rocks, gravel filtration beds and beneficial bacteria to clean and circulate water instead of chlorine or salt like standard pools. The deep swimming zone is separated from the plant-rich regeneration area which filters water effectively. Constructed thoughtfully, they become chemical-free, sustainable swimming and relaxing spaces. Their natural beauty fosters harmony with the surrounding garden instead of jarring as an artificial feature.
Design considerations
Constructing a living pond suited to human enjoyment differs from simple wildlife ponds in several ways:
- Size – Natural swim ponds should span a minimum 9x5m surface area up to a spacious 20x10m or more for ample swimming space. Allow 1-2m depth in the main basin.
- Zones – Clearly delineate deep swimming areas from gradually sloped plants beds. Having adjacent but separate zones supports water health through effective nutrient uptake and filtration.
- Materials – Reinforced concrete shells prevent erosion and maintain structural integrity long-term in the bathing zone while pond liner suffices on plant shelves.
- Slope – Design gentle slopes with level areas to allow easy entrance and exit from water along with installing stepping pads or stairs.
- Filtration – Divert water through gravel beds across a complex network of underlay drainage to trap particles so crystal clear water returns from plant zone to swimming space.
- Circulation – Strategic placement of water jets, rainfall fountains, spillways and air pumps prevents stagnation while countering evaporation.
Plant selections & care
Choosing suitable native aquatic plants foliage types enhances natural filtration while adding biodiversity and beauty including water lilies, reeds, rushes and marginal plants. We train homeowners in balanced feeding, dividing, pruning and occasional thinning as ponds mature to maintain lush growth.
Benefits of natural swimming ponds
Constructing natural swimming ponds offers numerous benefits:
Healthy bathing
The nutrient cycling process eliminates the need for harsh chemicals resulting in healthy water for swimming and bathing without irritation to eyes, skin or hair. Natural filtration actively removes contaminants.
Wildlife habitat
Thriving aquatic plants and nutrient availability attract frogs, dragonflies, even water birds that add beauty and interest while supplementing natural pest control around your yard.
Sustainability
These living systems recycle nutrients onsite and can be designed for full integration into existing ecosystems using local plants. This supports biodiversity rather than requiring external chemical input.
Aesthetic appeal
Natural ponds lend gorgeous focal points to gardens whether building simple rustic designs or ornate ponds and rock waterfalls. They provide serene natural views from the home.
Property value
Quality natural swim ponds raise property prices significantly as sought-after lifestyle features while costing less over time than traditional pool upkeep.
Conclusion
Blissfully swimming laps amongst water lilies and dragonflies in sustainable ponds tailored to individual landscapes gives great joy over decades. We consult from initial concepts through construction to ongoing pond care so Perth homeowners can enjoy the benefits for years running.
