Certainly! The answer is a resounding yes! Not only is it enjoyable, but it's also akin to tending a garden. The systems we teach come equipped with leaf skimmers, ensuring that they remain clean and well-maintained. Similar to regular pools, you'll need to occasionally clear out the skimmer and, if necessary, vacuum the pool floor.

Keep in mind that if you prefer, you can continue using your existing pool vacuum, robot, or sand filter. The only difference is that you'll need to run them for just a few hours instead of the typical 5-6 hours required for conventional pools. Additionally, all-natural pools will require an annual pruning of the plants.

What sets these pools apart is the absence of constant pH measurements, chemical adjustments, chlorine additions, or acid treatments. You can bid farewell to those tasks!

A natural pool serves as an inviting habitat for various forms of life, including birds, dragonflies, frogs, water snails, and many other beneficial organisms that contribute to the pool's ecosystem, as well as the overall health of your garden and the planet. If you feel at ease swimming in lakes, streams, and mountain pools, you'll find no difference in this regard when enjoying a natural pool. However, in environments with limited water bodies, creating an oasis with a natural pool may attract snakes. It's essential to be mindful of this possibility and take appropriate precautions.

Natural pools are highly effective at preventing the presence of mosquitoes due to several reasons. First and foremost, mosquito larvae require still and stagnant water for breeding. However, natural pools are characterized by dynamic water systems that discourage stagnation. With the presence of plants, movement, and thriving life, these pools maintain optimal levels of dissolved oxygen, which inhibits mosquito breeding.

Moreover, natural pools host a variety of predators that actively prey on mosquito larvae. Notonectidae, commonly known as backswimmers, along with aquatic beetles (Ditiscidae), are among the natural pool inhabitants that feed on mosquito larvae. Additionally, dragonfly and damselfly larvae also play a crucial role in hunting mosquito larvae. The constant movement and circulation of water in natural pools further impede the survival of mosquito larvae. As a result, natural pools remain mosquito-free environments.

The gentle emerald hue observed in natural water bodies is not actually a reflection of the water itself, but rather a testament to the presence of a robust and beneficial biofilm that forms on the pool walls. The water, in fact, remains crystal clear. It is worth noting that if the pool were a darker shade of gray or black, the emerald tint would not be as noticeable. The biofilm that develops is completely natural and serves as an indicator of the water's excellent health.

When learning that a natural pool doesn't rely on chemicals for water treatment, a common concern arises: Is it safe for swimming? The answer is a reassuring yes. Natural swimming pools emulate the processes found in nature to effectively eliminate compounds that could promote the growth of harmful pathogens and algae. This mirrors the natural cleansing of freshwater sources in the environment. Our reliance on chemical treatments for water sanitation developed as a response to waterborne diseases caused by human waste contaminating supplies. However, it's worth noting that the chlorine used in traditional pool and drinking water treatment cannot be considered entirely "safe." It acts as a skin and respiratory irritant, has the potential to disrupt the thyroid, and contributes to the degradation of soil and aquatic ecosystems. Throughout history, humanity has thrived on the freshwater resources provided by nature. Therefore, a well-maintained natural swimming pool should not be a cause for concern, even if the water doesn't possess the familiar bright blue hue often associated with pools.

In fact, natural pools offer greater safety compared to naturally occurring freshwater bodies like lakes or rivers. This is due to the constant circulation of water through a concentrated and efficient natural filtration system. However, two conditions should be met for optimal safety: A) The water temperature should not exceed 27°C, and B) the pool should not be overcrowded with swimmers. Consequently, I wouldn't recommend implementing a natural swimming pool in a public area due to the latter reason.

Natural Pool in the tropics also do require extra precautions such as UV filters to avoid the risk of parasites.

Algae, although distinct from both plants and animals, belong to the Protista kingdom and share many similarities with plants. Similarly, natural water bodies host a variety of bacteria, which play a beneficial role in cleansing the water. These bacteria are the same tiny helpers found in all natural ecosystems, diligently filtering and purifying our water. Bacteria also reside within our bodies, outnumbering our own cells. They exist in our stomachs, on our skin, and even in the air we breathe.

Viruses follow a similar pattern. In fact, there are trillions of viruses present in the very air you are currently inhaling. Life permeates every nook and cranny! :) While you can eliminate and suppress it in a chlorinated pool, ultimately, you cannot escape the presence of life. The same holds true for the ocean and rivers. These natural environments harbour billions of bacteria, viruses, and numerous species of algae. Seaweed, for instance, is a type of algae. Can this "life" become problematic? Certainly, an excessive proliferation of algae, stagnant water with anaerobic bacteria, or the presence of blue-green algae (which is actually a bacteria) can pose challenges. However, well-designed natural pools effectively mitigate these issues. It is time for us to shift our perspective from fighting against nature to working harmoniously with it. This is not to suggest recklessness, but rather an understanding that we can create living systems that are both completely safe and beneficial to our health if we grasp their underlying workings.

When considering Naegleria fowleri and other waterborne pathogens, natural pools offer a higher level of safety compared to natural freshwater bodies like lakes or rivers. This is due to the constant circulation of water through a highly concentrated natural filtration system. However, there are certain conditions that need to be met for optimal safety: A) The water temperature should not exceed 27°C, and B) the pool should not be heavily crowded with swimmers. Hence, I would not recommend implementing a natural swimming pool in a public area for this reason. In a private pool within a residence, the risk related to fecal coliforms, and similar pathogens, is negligible. Even if the water temperature exceeds 27°C, the risk of contracting Naegleria fowleri remains incredibly low. How low exactly? Reported statistics indicate a risk of 1 in 142 million. Just pause and consider that for a moment. You could swim in water containing detectable levels of Naegleria fowleri twice a day for 50 years, and still, the odds of infection would be 1 in 4000.

A natural pool offers significant cost savings compared to a conventional pool. Energy consumption is typically 25% to 50% lower, depending on the extent of pump usage for cleaning and vacuuming. For a medium-sized natural pool, we usually employ a 75W pump running for 16 hours per day, totaling 1200W per day. In contrast, a conventional pool typically requires a 700W pump operating for 4 hours per day, totaling 2800W per day. Furthermore, there is no need for the expense of chlorine or other chemicals in a natural pool. Overall, a natural pool proves to be a more cost-efficient option.

The primary drawback of having a biofilm in a natural pool is that it can make steps and surfaces slightly slippery. However, there are methods available to minimize this effect and ensure safety. It's important to understand that embracing certain aspects of nature is an inherent part of having a natural pool. While the slight slipperiness may be a consideration, it can be managed to create a safe and enjoyable swimming experience.