I already have a conventional swimming pool, can I turn it into a natural swimming pool?

Yes, we already have experience in converting it into a natural swimming pool, by inserting the biological filter in the existing context in the best possible way.

How many times do I have to change the water?

The water in the pool is not changed, it remains the same even in winter. There will be losses due to evaporation that will have to be compensated with a top-up, as in all swimming pools.

What maintenance does it require?

Maintenance consists of checking the growth of the plants (for example, removing dead parts) and cleaning the bottom and skimmers, as in conventional swimming pools. The cleaning of the bottom is done with a specific suction broom and can be done by the pool owner, as it is not a highly specialised job. It is advisable to perform this operation at least once a year (at the beginning of the swimming season).

Should it be covered in winter?

No, the natural swimming pool is a natural aquatic system and as such is designed to survive all year round. In winter it should therefore neither be covered nor emptied.

Can animals enter the pool?

Medium and large animals should be kept away from the area. If you live in a natural environment with the presence of wild animals, it is strongly recommended to build a fence around the pool. This is because going to water can create discomfort to the structure of the pool, even falling into it and not being able to get out.

What quality will the water have?

Natural swimming pools are designed to have clear and transparent water all year round. Any possible clouding can be managed by intervening on the cause of the problem. The absence of chlorine or other chemicals makes the water alive and pleasant to the senses.

Will there be algae?

At certain times of the year there may be algae, which will disappear within a few days. Algae are not dangerous to health. However, the presence of single-cell algae results in a slight turbidity of the water. Their permanence is very rare and can in any case be eliminated with non-toxic products or by intervening on the purification plant.

Will there be mosquitoes?

The natural swimming pool is a hostile place to mosquito spawning, as the water is moving, poor in nutrients and oxygenated. It is also rich in mosquito predators such as notonets, tadpoles and dragonflies.

Will there be frogs and fish?

It is not recommended to put fish in the natural swimming pool because they dirty the water a lot and ruin the plants and the bottom. Frogs, on the other hand, are welcome and will probably settle spontaneously in the plant area.

Is it dangerous for children?

Like all swimming pools, the natural swimming pool can be designed with a lower area for the safety of those who cannot swim.

Is special authorisation required?

No. In Italy there are not yet specific regulations regarding bio-ponds and bio-pools. For the construction it will be necessary to submit the DIA (Dichiarazione di Inizio Attività) to the municipal technical office.

Are there any recommended minimum or maximum dimensions?

The natural swimming pool can have any shape or size. The bigger the system, the better its operation, but limited size (15/20 sqm) can be made. Even the depth can be arbitrary, counting that in warmer climatic zones deep areas are recommended to keep the water cool and limit evaporation.

Does it cost more than a chlorine pool?

No. The absence of complex technical systems and the possibility of limiting the use of cement mean that costs are comparable if not lower than those of a conventional swimming pool. Maintenance, however, is much less expensive.