Make a Splash: Natural Swimming Pools

Article Tools

Image Gallery

Print

E-mail

Comments

RSS

Ionization

Ion systems work by dispensing microscopic copper and silver particles (ions) into the water as it passes through the circulation system. These ions kill bacteria and algae but are safe to humans. They’re also less prone to evaporation and dissipation than standard pool chemicals, which means longer lasting and more constant purification. Ionization is compatible with ozone, chemical, and ultraviolet systems.

Ozonization

Ozone is active oxygen, or three oxygen atoms, that are commonly used to clean water. This natural purifier kills bacteria, viruses, mold, and mildew without leaving chemical byproducts in the water. “I have a lot of clients who prefer ozonization,” says Carol Anderson, senior architect with Fields and Associates. “It’s perfectly natural. You can generate it onsite, inject into water, and kill bacteria.” Ozone is considered very safe when dissolved in water and quickly converts back into oxygen. This cleaning process is also compatible with chlorine.

Ultraviolet light

Running pool water past ultraviolet light is another way to kill bacteria. The lights are typically hidden within a pool’s circulation system so that water continually passes by the light. “A lot of pool companies don’t know about it,” says landscape architect Michael Glassman. “Each ultraviolet light costs around $500, but they’re supposed to last two years.” Ultraviolet light is often used in conjunction with ozonization, but it’s also compatible with chlorine.

Low maintenance

Meredith Schneeweiss, who lives in the Austrian village of Maria Anzbach, has owned a natural pool for about six years. Schneeweiss’s husband vacuums the pool twice a year, and she tends to the plants on a semi-regular basis. “It’s like gardening,” she says. Although it costs about the same to install a natural pool as a traditional one, most owners find that they save on operating costs (no chemicals to purchase) and can do the majority of maintenance themselves.

“Every once in a while, we trim the plants and fish things out that have fallen in,” Schneeweiss says. The couple’s pool stays clean without any mechanical aide, but most people choose to reduce maintenance even further with the addition of a plant filter, surface skimmer, and Biotop-Carbonator (to kill algae and balance pH). Biotop guarantees that mosquitoes won’t be a problem because natural predators such as water gliders feast on them in the plant area.

RSS | Comments | E-mail | Print