Permaculture and Natural Pools: A Refreshing Oasis

If you’re looking to make your backyard oasis eco-friendly, look no further than a permaculture natural pool.

Not only is a natural pool a beautiful addition to your landscaping, but it’s also good for your health and the environment.

In this post, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about permaculture and natural pools, why they work so well together, and how to successfully design and maintain one.

Let’s create a refreshing, sustainable paradise in your own backyard, shall we?

What is permaculture?

Permaculture is a design system that aims to create sustainable and self-sufficient living environments. The term “permaculture” is a contraction of “permanent agriculture” and “permanent culture”.

Permaculture design principles can be implemented in landscapes, gardens, and buildings to create sustainable and resilient spaces. These principles include observing and interacting with nature, using renewable resources, and producing no waste.

Permaculture encourages working with nature instead of against it, and emphasizes the interconnectedness of all living things. By following permaculture principles, you can create beautiful and functional outdoor spaces while respecting and benefiting the ecosystem.

Some examples of permaculture practices include rainwater harvesting, using organic and natural materials, and companion planting. By incorporating permaculture principles into your gardening and landscaping, you can reduce your ecological footprint while still enjoying the beauty of nature.

##What is a Natural Pool? A natural pool, also called a swimming pond, is a body of water that is filtered through natural plant life, rocks, and gravel rather than conventional pool chemicals. Natural pools differ from regular pools in that they rely on natural systems instead of chlorine or other chemicals to keep the water clear and clean. These pools are designed to fit into their natural surroundings, and often incorporate boulders, waterfalls, and other natural features in their construction. In contrast to traditional pools, natural pools offer a relaxing ecosystem and are often designed to resemble natural bodies of water such as lakes or ponds in both form and function.

##Types of Natural Pools Natural pools come in varying designs, ranging from the simple to the elaborate. One type is the Regeneration Zone pool, which features a separate shallow area for aquatic plants to grow, creating a natural water filtration system. The Plants in this section consume nutrients and organic materials in the pool. Another type is the Full Ecosystem pool, which can support fish and plant life, as well as a variety of aquatic creatures. This type of natural pool consists of two sections: the swimming area and the regeneration zone.

##Health and Ecological Benefits of a Natural Pool A natural pool offers many benefits over traditional chlorinated pools. They are free of chemicals like chlorine, which can irritate the eyes, skin, and lungs. The PH level in natural pools is also kept at a safe level by plant life, which ensures that the water is healthy and balanced. Furthermore, natural pools serve as  an important element in a landscape through their role in supporting and contributing to the local ecosystem. They encourage the growth of indigenous plants and the establishment of habitats for wildlife.

How Permaculture and Natural Pools Work Together

Permaculture and natural pools are a natural combination, as the principles of permaculture align with the goals of a natural pool. By using permaculture design principles in your natural pool, you can create an aquatic oasis that is not only beautiful but also sustainable and eco-friendly.

If you’re not familiar, permaculture is a design approach that emphasizes sustainability and self-sufficiency. When applied to landscaping and gardening, permaculture focuses on creating a system that works with nature to produce food, shelter, and other resources. A natural pool is, by definition, a body of water that is designed to work with nature, rather than against it.

By combining permaculture and natural pool design principles, you can create a low-impact, self-sustaining ecosystem that provides habitat for local plant and animal life. A permaculture natural pool may include features like a wetland filtration system, which uses plants and bacteria to naturally filter the water, and a rock garden to provide additional habitat for beneficial insects and other creatures.

One of the benefits of a permaculture-inspired natural pool is its low impact on the environment. Because natural pools use plants and other natural elements to filter the water, there is no need for the harsh chemicals typically used to sanitize traditional pools. In addition, because natural pools are designed to blend in with the natural surroundings, they have a much lower carbon footprint than traditional pools.

Some examples of successful natural pools with permaculture design principles include the Bragg Hill Farm pool in Vermont, USA, and the BioNova natural swimming pool at Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg in Germany. Both of these pools use natural filtration systems and are designed to be low-maintenance and sustainable.

In summary, permaculture and natural pools are a natural fit, and by combining these design principles, you can create a beautiful and sustainable aquatic oasis in your own backyard. The benefits of a permaculture-inspired natural pool include its low impact on the environment, its low maintenance requirements, and the biodiversity it supports.

Designing a Permaculture Natural Pool

Designing a permaculture natural pool involves careful consideration of numerous factors. One of the most important is the location of the pool. You should consider factors such as how much sun exposure the area receives, the surrounding landscape, and accessibility to your home. Another factor to consider is the size of the pool. Be sure to design a pool that fits in with the overall design of your property and that is proportionate to the size of your yard.

When it comes to materials, natural and sustainable materials should be used wherever possible. For example, a good liner material would be EPDM rubber, which is durable and environmentally friendly. Additionally, you should use local materials such as rocks to blend in with the natural surroundings.

When designing your permaculture natural pool, it’s important to consider features such as plant life and filtration systems. Incorporating aquatic and wetland plants can help keep the pool clean while also creating a natural look. Use a combination of plants with varying heights and types of foliage to ensure plenty of oxygenation and filtration.

Filtration systems for permaculture natural pools operate differently than traditional pools. They use biofiltration, a process that involves using plants, microbes, and other natural materials to keep the water clean. This method is much more eco-friendly and sustainable than standard pool filtration systems.

By taking all of these factors into consideration, you can design and build a permaculture natural pool that is functional, sustainable, and aesthetically pleasing.

Maintaining a Permaculture Natural Pool

Maintaining a permaculture natural pool requires a bit more effort than a traditional pool, but the benefits far outweigh the work. Here are some tips and tricks to keep your pool clean and healthy:

First, use a skimmer and net to skim the surface of the pool regularly. This removes debris and floating plants, keeping the water clear. You can also use a pool vacuum to remove debris from the bottom of the pool where it can accumulate.

One of the great things about a permaculture natural pool is that it requires little to no chemicals. However, you need to make sure to balance the water’s pH level, which should remain around 7.2 to 7.6. Keep in mind that a natural pool uses different bacteria and fungi to break down organic matter, which creates a self-regulating ecosystem.

To help maintain the right balance, be sure to top up the pool with fresh water as needed, especially during hot weather or when people use the pool more frequently. You can also add beneficial bacteria to the pool to help maintain a healthy balance of microorganisms.

Algae growth can become an issue in a natural pool, but you can control it by using aquatic plants like lilies and irises. These plants provide shade and competition for nutrients, effectively limiting the growth of algae.

If you still experience an algae bloom, remove as much algae as you can manually, then add barley straw or pellets to the pool. This slowly releases hydrogen peroxide, which helps control the bloom.

Finally, during the winter months, you should prepare your pool for freezing temperatures by draining it or pumping the water level below your inlets, so the water doesn’t freeze and damage pumps and pipes.

Compared to a traditional pool, maintaining a permaculture natural pool requires more care, but it’s nothing that you can’t handle. Not only is it better for the environment and your health, but it creates a beautiful eco-friendly space in your backyard.

Examples of Permaculture Natural Pools

Here are some examples of successful permaculture natural pool designs:

One example is the Natural Pool at Garden Cottage in the United Kingdom. This pool was designed with the goal of creating a wildlife habitat that supports the local ecosystem. The pool is surrounded by a variety of plants, including grasses, rushes, and water lilies, that provide food and shelter for a number of different species. The pool is also home to a variety of fish and insects that contribute to the ecosystem.

Another example is the Natural Pool at Morgantown, in West Virginia, USA. This pool was designed with the goal of creating a beautiful, relaxing environment that is also eco-friendly. The pool is surrounded by a stunning array of rocks, plants, and trees, that provide shade and shelter from the sun. The pool also uses a natural filtration system that relies on plants and bacteria to keep the water clean and clear.

Some owners of permaculture natural pools have shared their experiences and testimonials about the benefits they have experienced. For example, having a permaculture natural pool can reduce the amount of chemicals needed to keep the water clean. This is beneficial in many ways, as it reduces the impact on the environment and makes the pool safer for swimmers.

Also, a permaculture natural pool can provide a place for wildlife to thrive, which is beneficial for the local ecosystem. In addition, permaculture natural pools can be designed to be beautiful and relaxing spots that blend in with the surrounding landscape.

Overall, these examples show that permaculture natural pools are not only eco-friendly, but also beautiful and functional spaces that can enhance your home and garden.

Permaculture and Natural Pools: A Sustainable Oasis

Permaculture natural pools are a sustainable and eco-friendly choice for those looking to reduce their environmental impact. By following permaculture principles, you can create a natural oasis that benefits both the environment and your health.

If you have been considering a pool for your outdoor space, a permaculture natural pool should be at the top of your list. Not only is it an environmentally conscious choice, but it can also provide a refreshing oasis for you and your family to enjoy.

Natural pools, unlike traditional chlorinated pools, use plants and natural filtration systems to clean and oxygenate the water. This can help to reduce chemical usage, making it a safer and healthier option for those who swim in it.

Furthermore, the use of permaculture principles in the design and maintenance of a natural pool can help to create a harmonious and self-sustaining ecosystem. This means that the pool contributes to the health and well-being of the surrounding environment, rather than causing harm.

So next time you are considering a pool for your outdoor space, think about the benefits of a permaculture natural pool. Not only will you be creating a relaxing and refreshing oasis, but you will also be doing your part to contribute to a more sustainable future.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, permaculture-inspired natural pools provide a win-win situation for homeowners looking to create a beautiful outdoor oasis that is both eco-friendly and sustainable.

By integrating permaculture principles into your natural pool design, you can create a space that is not only healthy and refreshing but also supports the natural ecosystem around it.

So, which feature of a permaculture natural pool appeals to you most?

Is it the plants or filtration system?

If you are considering adding a natural pool to your home, let me know which steps you will be taking first or ask me any questions on this topic.

Remember to share this blog post with others looking for sustainable home and garden tips so that everyone can enjoy a refreshing and eco-friendly pool this summer.