Natural Pools & Swimming Ponds

Water has been an important aspect in most cultures since the beginning of time. Water gods/ goddesses have been worshipped, dances have been dedicated to bring rain every year, and the birthplace of civilization was revolutionized forever with the invention and implementation of irrigation. Water itself is intrinsically linked to humans in one way or another, be it for survival or for it's aesthetic appeal. This article that I linked shows various examples of natural pools and swimming ponds, both of which allow people to swim, cool off and enjoy the simple beauty of water without the need for harsh and expensive chemicals or natural gas to heat it. Why you ask? Because the plants used, (typically cattails, bulrushes, sedges, duckweed and water lilies) become the filter themselves and continually filter the water in the pool or pond. I like how towards the end of the article they also mention that you can convert an artificial filter/ chemical built pool to a natural pool, and still have it perform just as well and be just as aesthetically pleasing as one that was designed to be a natural pool! Can you imagine the savings both in money and in stress if more home owners with pools or owners of pools knew about this or considered looking into it?

Ultimately, if it were up to me and I was designing one, I would want a natural pool with the qualities of a swimming pond. Half regeneration area, half pool, and half pond, much like the ninth photo in the article, with qualities of the seventh and first photos combined. An area that I can swim in but also to go and get away from the chaos of life and entertain family and friends. Lastly, instead of a diving board, I'd install an in ground trampoline on one of the corners!

But that's simply my dream. Has anybody else dreamt or thought of doing something like this, or has actually had the pleasure of being able to swim in either a natural pool or swimming pond?

 * I've included a link to my LinkedIn Profile if you would like a more detailed outline of my education and work experience.