Ponds and natural pools for a chemical-free bath
Bathe in water treated only by biological and mechanical means and achieve MORE than a unique experience.
Do you know the water where you and your family bathe?
The use of chemical products, mainly chlorine, causes a series of problems.
Eye irritation, chloramine can cause asthmatic problems, people with sensitive skin can suffer from dermatitis. In addition, the water smell and taste of chlorine.
In a natural pool or bio pool, no chemical products are used to purify the water, the plants are the ones that filter the pool.
The result is similar to the water of a river, natural pond or lagoon, with all the guarantees of quality and transparency.
Discover on this page more about what a natural pool or bio-pool is and all its options, but first take a look at some of our pools.
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At SingularGreen we offer our services for the design and installation of natural pools and we carry out customized solutions based on your needs and those of the local ecosystem.
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DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION OF NATURAL POOLS FROM SCRATCH
DESIGN AND TRANSFORMATION OF POOLS ALREADY BUILT (WITHOUT CONSTRUCTION WORK)
In both cases, multiple factors must be considered, which is why our work also includes:
PROJECTS AND LANDSCAPE INTEGRATION
Aimed at both individuals and professionals.
TECHNICAL ADVICE
For architecture, construction and landscaping professionals.
What is a natural pool or biopool?
A natural pool (also known as an ecological pool or bio-pool) is one in which purification is achieved naturally, chlorine or any other chemical product is not used to purify the water. It is achieved with the installation of a biological filter of aquatic plants, which through its phytodepuration action, keep the water transparent and the quality parameters suitable for bathing.
It is a relatively new concept, so there is no global consensus on it. It is common to find cases in which natural pools are erroneously called those that have a more organic aesthetic or better landscape integration, even if they are purified by chlorine or salt chlorination.
At SingularGreen we promote the installation of natural pools within the standards set by the International Organization for Natural Bathing Waters (IOB).
This defines as a natural pool any one that promotes the growth of certain biodiversity to obtain a controlled ecosystem. Therefore, it excludes the use of ultraviolet filters, ultrasound, copper ion purification or any other system designed to suppress part of the biodiversity.
What is a natural pool or biopool?
Benefits of a natural pool
A natural pool represents a clear evolution compared to conventional pools, providing multiple benefits, both for our health and for the environment:
Wasser und Energie sparen
It is not necessary to renew the water periodically and a low consumption pumping system is used. This translates into economic savings.
Health care
Unlike purification through chlorine, natural pools do not use chemical products, which are harmful to our health.
Less maintenance
It reduces maintenance time and costs, since the tasks are limited to periodic superficial cleaning and some annual tasks.
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Greater landscape integration
It allows an appearance closer to natural spaces. It is also comparable to the aesthetics of contemporary swimming pools.
Biodiversity promotion
A diverse and balanced ecosystem is created, both in the pool and in the immediate environment.
There is another class of benefits that have to do with the emotions and the experience of bathing in a natural pool.
Bathing in chlorine-free water causes a feeling of well-being similar to the one you have when diving into a clear-water river.
In some cases, it becomes a necessity for those who have atopic skin, allergy problems, or who have simply decided to become aware of caring for the environment and the responsible use of water.
Possibilities of integration of natural pools
When designing the natural pool project, we must bear in mind that it will consist of two parts: the swimming area and the regeneration area (in which the biological filter of aquatic plants is usually located).
Depending on how these two areas are distributed and related, there will be different pool configurations:
SEPARATED STRUCTURES
The swimming space and the biological filter are built in two different vessels. It is important to ensure efficient pumping and movement of water from one vessel to another.
ONE STRUCTURE
The swimming space, the regeneration area, and the biological filter are arranged in the same space. It is very efficient since the bath water is in direct contact with the filter and the plants.
MIXT SOLUTIONS
It is a combination of the two previous options. The options are multiple and depend on the premises of each project.
Design criteria for a natural pool
In the construction of a natural pool we distinguish two parts: the construction of the pool, that is, the structure of the pool, and the installation of the natural purification system. To size and design the purification system we must consider three aspects:
The weather
It directly condition the selection of plants, and it is always advisable to resort to native species.
The ubication
Knowing the direction of the prevailing winds such as the weather and the degree of insolation that the pool will receive, for the selection of species.
Water quality
Determinant when sizing the biological filter, it determines the amount of nutrients, especially phosphates, that the filling water brings.
In addition, for the landscape design of the pool structure, aspects such as depth, security in accesses and the choice of construction system and finishes must be taken into account.
What do you need to start the installation of your naturalized pool?
To start the design and construction of an artificial natural pool, we will take the following steps:
1. Study of the possibilities of integration in the plot and distribution of the bathing areas and regeneration of the natural pool.
2. Analysis of the filling water and sizing of the regeneration area and biological filter, depending on the surface area and the total volume of water.
3. Choice of the most suitable construction system and finishing materials for the construction of the pool.struktionssystem und das Pool struktur dekorativ endet.
4. Selection of species adapted to the quality and properties of the water, the weather and the location.
5. Design of the circulation installation and the pumping system, with the complementary filters that are required according to the particularities of the project.
In the case of a conversion from a pool that has already been built, the steps to follow are those necessary for the design and dimensioning of the biological filter and its placement inside the pool.
In the following video we show you three very different examples of natural pools
Maintenance of natural pools
The maintenance of a natural pool is simpler and less expensive than that of a chlorine pool, in which you have to continuously measure the pH and chlorine levels.
Natural pools go through a process of eutrophication once their installation is complete, that is, the water loses transparency as the nutrients in the water are released as organic material.
There is no need to be alarmed, in the course of several weeks the water gradually recovers its transparency, until it reaches levels of total clarity.
From then on, maintenance is reduced to three tasks:
* Annual plant pruning, to remove organic matter from the pool and promote the healthy growth of species.
* Superficial cleaning, as in conventional pools, both on the surface and on the bottom.
* Review of the components, especially checking that the pump is working.
Water quality parameters in a natural pool
In all the pools fall leaves, insects, scales of our skin; all this organic matter degrades and generates ammonia among other compounds.
The accumulation of these compounds feeds the algae that grow and die, which generates more organic matter and nutrients in a spiral of biomass generation, is what is known as eutrophication.
The proliferation of unicellular algae causes us to lose the first quality parameter, the transparency of the water.
However, this is not a parameter that affects our health, but if the eutrophication continuous appear pathogenic organisms (“Escherichia coli”, Pseudomonas aureoginosa” and “Legionella spp”) that are harmful to our health and are the real problem.
CHEMICAL-PHYSICAL PARAMETERS:
• Ph limit between 6.0 and 9.0
• Transparency. Criterion of visibility of the bottom drain.
• REDOX potential between 250 and 900mV
• Turbidity less than 5 UNF
MICROBIOLOGICAL PARAMETERS:
• “Escherichia coli” 0 CFU
• “Pseudomonas aeroginosa” 0 CFU
• “Legionella sp.” 0 CFU
The main quality indicator that we must consider in a natural or naturalized pool is the water transparency.
To avoid any problem that compromises transparency, pruning is essential to extract organic material and cut the biomass generation spiral.
The most recurrent problem that we find in naturalized pools is the appearance of algae. Some species are especially efficient at absorbing nutrients and developing.
The solution to this problem is prevention, creating a balanced ecosystem in which plants have facility to absorb nutrients, and avoid the proliferation of algae.
We do this by transforming these nutrients through the construction of the biological filter.
The organic material in the pool generates ammonia NH3, ammonia is a nutrient for algae but not for plants, and it is also toxic to fish and people.
A biological filter transforms ammonia, NH3, into nitrate, NO3 by supplying oxygen.
Nitrate is perfectly assimilable by plants that absorb it and remove it from the system so that it is not available to algae.
Frequently asked questions about natural pools
How to make an artificial natural pool?
Currently there are several options on the market that offer natural pools. Always remember that a biopool is one that has a biological filter and aquatic plants.
The design (pond type or modern pool) will depend on the client’s taste, the budget or the surrounding environment.
The most effective and reliable way is to use the SingularBlue system, capable of adapting to all situations.
What is the price of a natural pool?
As you have seen on this page, a biopool is above all, the decision on the water purification system.
With this we mean that the price will depend on other factors: dimensions, finishes, integration with the landscape, if it is a reconversion…
For all this, if you are thinking of making your natural pool, do not hesitate to contact us to find out the price in your particular case.
Can any pool with chlorine be changed to an ecological pool?
Definitely yes.
You may have read that to convert a pool with chlorine to one with a biological filter, certain characteristics are necessary: minimum dimensions, a certain depth, temperature.
The SingularBlue system is totally revolutionary and eliminates all those limitations that were usually raised.
To learn more take a look at the SingularBlue system.
Does SingularGreen execute projects outside of Spain?
Yes.
As a previous step, we need to analyze the water with which the pool will be filled.
In this case, you can send us the water to analyze (we will deduct the shipping cost from the final price) or you can carry out the analysis yourself and send us the results.
Can the pool be filled with water from a well?
You could, but the water should be analyzed first.
If its quality is adequate, its use is possible, if not, other sources of water will be sought or a previous treatment will be carried out to eliminate the excess of phosphates.
Can rainwater be used to refill evaporated water?
Yes, it can be used if it comes from rooftops.
If it comes from surface runoff, it should be previously filtered and an analysis would be necessary to ensure that it does not provide excessive phosphates.
If its quality is adequate, its use is possible, if not, other sources of water will be sought or a previous treatment will be carried out to eliminate the excess of phosphates.
Can I have a pool with fishes?
We love this question because aquarium pools are our favorite.
To answer this question, we leave you the link to a longer article in which we talk more in depth about everything that has to do with having a pool with fish.
How to build a naturalized pool?en Biopool?
In our eagerness to spread information about natural pools, we have several explanatory articles and videos; from plant selection for a natural pool to the step-by-step placement of the SingularBlue system.
Even so, the Singularblue System Kit is only available for approved installers. In this way, the SingularGreen guarantee can be guaranteed.
Is the energy consumption lower than in a conventional pool?
Yes, energy consumption is lower in natural pools.
In this link we explain why.
This is due to the fact that, despite technified natural pools remain in circulation 24 hours a day, very low consumption pumps are used, so the total cost decreases.
You can also opt for pools in which the movement of water occurs naturally, without technology. In this case, it is not necessary to install a pump, although the purification cycles will be slower and a larger biological filter will be required.
What type of gravel is used in a biopool?
The type of gravel is chosen based on the results of the water analysis.
The amount of gravel will also change based on pH and other analysis parameters, so their specifications will depend on each situation.
In case of transforming an already built pool, is it necessary to drill it?
There’s no need.
Among our options, SingularBlue allows the installation of the biological filter and the vegetation on the floor of the existing pool.
The existing installation and pump do not connect to the SingularBlue system, although they can be used independently to clean the bottom and the surface of leaves and insects for 15 minutes per day.