What are Natural and Biological Pools and Lakes?

What are biological, natural or ecological pools

As we said, the natural or ecological pool, also known as a biopool, does not use chemical purification systems , but does so through natural means with plants.

It is a healthy and alternative way to enjoy a swimming pool , saving on the amount of chemical products you buy annually to keep it suitable for bathing.

Thanks to this more sustainable model, you contribute a little to the maintenance of the ecosystem.

Its main key is that this type of pool cleanses and purifies the water just like nature : it uses aquatic plants, soil, stones and beneficial microorganisms. In addition, it consumes less energy and requires much less maintenance than an artificial pool.

Plants absorb nutrients from the water with their roots and thus purify and oxygenate it. Photosynthesis maintains correct CO2-O2 levels in the water. In this way, nutrients that can spread algae and unwanted microorganisms such as mosquito larvae are removed.

The water circulates through the pool with aquatic plants and gravel . It follows a similar principle to that of an aquatic system in nature that does not use chemicals to keep it clean.

 

The natural lakes are divided into two parts: a larger and deeper area for bathing, and another in the form of a pond that is responsible for water purification.

This area is made up of a pool with filtration substrates such as sand, gravel, volcanic stones and plants.

The water recirculates from one area to another thanks to a hydraulic pump. Thus, the nutrients from the bathroom area reach the purifying plants, eliminating them.

The purification area must measure at least one third of the total surface area of ​​the pool.

What plants are used in these natural pools or lakes

Algae, water lilies and reeds are natural water purifiers . They help reduce excess nutrients in the water.

These are aquatic plants that are responsible for producing biomass through photosynthesis for consumption by microorganisms.

These transform organic matter into inorganic substances for plant growth. A sustainable and natural cycle of matter exchanges.

It is better to choose native plants for these biological lakes that are adapted to the terrain and climate of the area.

Non-native plants do not usually survive and quickly deteriorate. It is important to choose species that have medium flowering and little root growth .

Brightly colored flowers can attract insects. It is not recommended to put plants with pointed stems or bushes, since they can produce cuts in hands and legs.

Advantages of a biological or Natural pool

Among the main advantages of ecological pools are the following:

- You can save on products to purify water : chlorine tablets, filter purifiers...

-The natural purification system hardly needs maintenance during the year . The plants are kept alive and feed on microorganisms, so they do not require special care.

-By not containing chemical purification products, there is no risk of allergies or skin conditions due to chlorine or other products.

- No need to change the waterfrom time to time, as it is renewed naturally. This measure represents considerable annual savings, since filling a conventional pool of about eight meters costs around two hundred euros.

- The initial investment is not higher than that of a conventional pool . In addition, in a few years, the maintenance cost is significantly reduced.

-The pool can be adapted to any type of terrain and integrates naturally into the space.

-The water does not contaminate the environment , nor possible animals that drink from it such as birds.

-A natural pool is, on a visual level, much more beautiful than a conventional pool.

 

What care does an ecological and natural lake or pool need?

 

Mainly, they are very similar to those of a conventional pool.

It is convenient to remove leaves and insects from the surface of the water.

Empty and clean the filters or skimmers where the remains of dirt accumulate.

Use a pool cleaner for natural pools that helps keep the pool free of sediment.

The big difference with an artificial pool is the maintenance of the natural purification area.

It is important to keep the plants in good condition , pruning and cleaning them several times a year.

It is also convenient to pay them at the corresponding time with special subscriptions.

essential materials

 

All these materials will always be in the regeneration part of the water. It is essential to have an energy saving installation with a purification circuit and a recirculation circuit to separate the solid elements that float in the water.

Maintenance kits can also be placed that consist of a water movement pump, a pump aspirator and other elements.

With these elements, the water cleaning process is much greater and keeps it in better quality conditions.

You  can also paint the lake or the natural pool with  paints for swimming pools in  custom colors and use a Binding Resin or Aggregate Fixer to create decorative areas in the bathing area.

So far a brief overview of what biological pools are .

An alternative to conventional pools that has more and more defenders.

Its way of purifying water does not use chemical products and is more respectful of the environment.

In addition, by not carrying products such as chlorine, the water is safer to avoid allergies and other skin conditions caused by these types of chemicals.

 If you want to know more about the CONSTRUCTION and MAINTENANCE OF ECOLOGICAL, NATURAL AND BIOLOGICAL POOLS, CLICK HERE to read another article from our Blog.

 If you want to know more about HOW TO PAINT A NATURAL AND ECOLOGICAL POOL OR LAKE, CLICK HERE! 

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 Here are some photos of biological and ecological lakes and pools as a sample or to give you ideas of what you can build