8.15.2011

Yay or Nay: Natural Swimming Pools


After growing up in Ontario, where getting to the lake is THE summer ritual,
I'm always shocked at how many people don't like to swim in lake water.
(although I won't go into the ocean, at least not past my knees - blame Jaws :)

And that has me wondering how many of you would venture into one of these:







a natural swimming pool, or swimming pond.









The whole bonus here is that your water will not be chemically treated, 
nor will your pool require cleaning (and if you've ever had a pool, you know that's a BIG bonus!)
but a carefully selected complement of plants will clean the water, 
creating a self-sustaining swimming pool.








I have a preference for more formal, classic pools,
and so really like this one -
a chlorine to natural pool conversion.



source 1 2




Although natural pools are relatively new here,
they're quite popular in Europe already.

Have to admit, when I first heard about them, 
images of overgrown, lilypad-filled ponds surrounded by copious amounts of boulders sprung to mind....
and some are!
But they can also be quite sleek and unobtrusive.

 If you're wondering what the cost of these pools is...
Toronto locals Ponds in the City say a 20' x 25' swimming pond starts around $25,000,
which is comparable to a regular pool of the same size.


What do you think?

A yay or a nay in your books?






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24 comments:

Anonymous said...

Sure, why not!

Heather (love your space) said...

I think that's SO COOL! My parents have a pool, and my kids love it, but I know it's a tON of work for my dad to maintain. Loving this notion....my 3 year old is already very taken with the idea of the "lake beach."

The enchanted home said...

I think they can be pretty but I wouldn't personally put one in. Call me vain but I just love the turquiose color of the water in a traditional pool..something so refreshing about it, I like seeing to the bottom and these have a murkier feel to them. I say keep them in the lake water and let pools be pools...lol.

Geb said...

It's a great idea. I like that they're about the same price and there's a lot less upkeep. They're beautiful for sure, but the thought of algae and overgrown plants grosses me out a little.

Carin Vaughn said...

So Cool! Seems like the best of both worlds.

Giulia Doyle said...

Very much YAYYYY...this hot summer has really had me want a pool. I don't have the space or $ to do it, but this would be lovely...

Anonymous said...

Good idea with no chemicals BUT I just don't think I can do it. Nay for me. Give me a clear blue pool!

Jo @ In Corners of My Mind said...

So interesting...I like the idea of it, but then thinking about swimming in it I don't know...I need to see the bottom, and if they get too murky I might find that a problem. Beautiful to look at though. Thanks for sharing!

Abby M. Interiors said...

I think it's beautiful!

Anonymous said...

A huge Yay!!! I hate chlorine pools but I love to swim! As long as I had some sort of 'large life detector' to assure me that nothing big and bitey had gotten into the water before I swim!! Every single time...

Victoria @ The FAT Paint™ Company and ÉdinHome said...

The pools are beautiful! I'd probably opt for a natural pond & waterfall before I would a pool though... but then I live on the west coast where we don't get your hot summers and the need for a pool is much less! :-)

Thanks so much for following my blog, Anne-Marie!
Victoria

Edwina@FASHION+ART said...

Natural is always better.

Kerry said...

They're beautiful pools and I like the thought of it, but...maybe not. Or maybe it's just because it's grey and cold here in my part of the world and the thought of going for a dip in anything is completely out of the question!

b and e said...

Yeah I really like the idea of them - and would only swim in it if i knew thats what it was...some of these look almost like a random pond on dam down the back of someones property with who knows what inside (yeah, I'm not really a lake person...grew up in Sydney City...so more a beach gal)

www.bybande.blogspot.com

laxsupermom said...

Yes, we swim in lakes all the time. In fact we even swim in the bay which is a good deal more brackish than the lake, but I like my pools to be pristine. The rule for our pool is that it gets vaccuumed first before anyone jumps in, no matter how little dirt is present. I'm with The Enchanted Home on this one. Give me that artificial turquoise over a green pool anyday of the week.

Carol@TheDesignPages said...

I like the idea but I would prefer a regular swimming pool. I miss the ONtario summers in cottage country.

Cynthia Fox-Giddens said...

I grew up in Michigan and we spent lots of time vacationing on the lakes. I'm not too fond of swimming pools and prefer the natural pools. Nice post & pics!

Carissa @ the Fabulous Design File said...

My first thought was "Um... NO!" I had visions of geese floating in it, and then the dreaded "itch". But then when I thought about the chemical free aspect, I was a little bit more on board. But... probably still a no for me.

hello my dear said...

I think they're gorgeous! A friend of mine and I were just watching the old "Parent Trap" movie and they had this sort of thing. I thought it was such a cool idea and something I'd never noticed before. The examples you've given are really stunning!

Pool and Spa Equipment said...

This is really natural swimming pool and pond.

Cathy Newman said...

Natural pools? That is definitely a unique concept. But if you want a controlled water feature in your home, an artificial pool can be a good idea. These man-made pools present a couple of advantages, like controlling the temperature of the water, especially during the cold season. You can set it up to your liking, and make some changes on the shape and size when you feel like it or when necessary.

Patrick Vogt said...

Natural pools are beautiful additions to any home or property. However, relying on plants to clean a natural pool is like relying on a turtle to win an Olympic race. If you want to clean your pool, whether natural or man-made, and you want it fast, better enlist the services of the professionals. They can clean, fix, or even revamp your pool in no time.

Unknown said...

Natural pools are very aesthetically pleasing. Not only does it create a good balance to the overall feel of the house, but the pools themselves really are beautiful. And while it doesn’t require you to clean it regularly, it’s still important to keep the water flowing. That way, it won’t go stagnant, and become a nesting ground for mosquitos and such.

Peter Weiderman @ Guardian Industries

G. Esmeralda said...

Espetacular, parabéns!!!

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