Many gardeners consider building a swimming pool in their backyard. However, the idea of struggling to keep the water pure is generally off-putting. Fortunately, the new concept of ecological swimming makes it possible to consider this project from another angle. Indeed, in addition to a more natural integration into the environment, this solution provides new sensations without requiring too restrictive implementation.
What a joy it is to dive and swim in clear waters. Those who have already had to maintain a swimming pool, however, know how difficult it is to maintain pure water in the middle of summer, often with a lot of chlorine, which is not always very pleasant. Hence efficient and expensive technical installations.
Did you know, however, that some easy-growing plants are capable of purifying water to the point of safe invigorating swimming? Make nature your best ally by planning an installation that is both attractive and ecological. You will then enjoy a privileged environment to frolic, swim, or bask in the aquatic vegetation. To do this, it is essential to have sufficient space to set up a lagooning surface, with natural filtration adjacent to and in direct connection with the bathing basin itself. Allow 30 to 70% of additional and essential surface area to be fitted out and a minimum of 50m² dedicated to swimming.
What there is to know?
A natural swimming pool is made up of two or better three distinct zones:
– The deep bathing zone of at least 1.50 m on average. It can be a transformed traditional swimming pool, masonry work, a cover, or even a liner (shell). In all these cases, count a slope on the sides of less than 30%.
– The purification zone is a basin filled with various strata of mineral elements of various granulometry: gravel or porous materials such as zeolites or pozzolans which fix or stop polluting materials. On the surface, the plants installed complete this role of the filter by retaining the finest organic elements, phosphates, nitrates … The plants to be used are hardy and vigorous, perennials such as Loosestrife , reeds, typhas bringing height and color to the whole.
– The regeneration zone. It generally forms part of the main basin and acts downstream of the purification zone by oxygenating and purifying the water. It includes, in fact, submerged or floating oxygenating plants, even water lilies, as well as semi-aquatic plants such as the water iris, and a water mixing system (waterfall, water jet).
How much does it cost to set up a natural pool?
The construction of such a swimming pool should be entrusted to a seasoned professional. Several techniques are used. The cost is higher than that of a traditional swimming pool and approaches that of a high-end installation.
Maintenance in terms of cost is almost similar to that of a conventional swimming pool. It is indeed necessary to provide for the installation of a skimmer (sedimentary particle vacuum cleaner) and a pump fitted with efficient filters (capable of treating up to twice the total volume of water per day) for good circulation of water between the various zones. However, no maintenance product is necessary.
