I was sent recently information about a new publication by landscape designer Michael Littlewood. His new publication is called 'Natural Swimming Pools, Converting the Conventional Pool' and is a supplement to 'A Guide for Building'. The information i was sent really inspired me to look into 'natural' swimming pools. They are really quite interesting; much more eco-friendly, relying upon plants to keep the pool clean where chemicals would in a conventional pool. After having looked into the pools it seems they are pools consisting of two levels; a deep level for swimming and a shallow shelf which has plants which are chosen specifically to purify the water. There is a small pump as there are in conventional pools to allow the removal of surface debri and to allow circulation of water through the pool.
'Natural swimming pools are a prime example of how we can harness nature’s intelligence efficiently. They completely eliminate the need for chemicals and constant cleaning as their biological self-cleansing processes are completely effective. Surplus nutrients and impurities, as well as harmful bacteria, are transformed by plants and natural water organisms.'
Images and quote above from Gartenart 'water design for the 21st century'.
It seems like the perfect answer to an eco-friendly swimming pool and it is beautiful and natural looking. Although often they are built to look very contemporary and sleek rather than pond like!
Link to Michael Littlewood's website.
