Pool & Spa Scene: NATURAL POOLS
Swimming Back To Nature
Natural swimming pools are a popular choice in central europe, reports Elizabeth Wilkinson of Lovibond Tintometer exclusively for Pool & Spa Scene magazine…
ABOVE: At a higher temperature and pH, a greater number of ammonium ions are converted into ammonia gas thus causing an increase in toxic ammonia levels within the fresh water. Schwimmbad & Sauna / Grafinger.
Maybe it is their love of Freizeit and Natur but the Germans are leading a stampede for natural swimming ponds across Europe. Very similar to natural garden ponds, they are specifically designed for swimming in clean, pure water that is free from chemicals.
Specially designed ponds first appeared in Germany and Austria during the 1980s but they are gaining popularity throughout Europe with the first UK swim ponds appearing about a decade ago. There are several advantages, not least the aesthetic effect it has on the garden and the lack of chemicals in the water. However, whereas many believe they also offer a low maintenance option to private and public bathing, they do not entirely take care of themselves.
The first pools were actually built in Austria but quickly spread into neighbouring Germany and Switzerland where they propagated very quickly, especially in the domestic market. In
64 Pool & Spa Scene: NATURAL POOLS
1998, the first public pool was introduced so legislation was very quickly put in place to monitor and govern the designs and maintenance.
Apart from their look of course, the main difference between swimming ponds and swimming pools is fundamentally the use (or lack thereof) of chemicals.
NATURAL CLEANSING While swimming pools use chemicals, such as chlorine, to kill bacteria, a swimming pond relies on the water being cleansed naturally – using the purifying properties of plants. An important decision when opting for a ‘natural’ swimming
pond is, therefore, is which plants to select. This will naturally depend on the soil chemistry which in turn is affected by the mineral composition, organic matter and environmental factors. Local designers would be best positioned to advise on this. Natural pools must have a thriving pond ecosystem. The plants
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