Close

Complete 3D Outdoor Living Design Software



Upgrade to VIP3D now

Trends: Ready to Build a Natural Swimming Pool? Your Clients Are.

Offering an all-natural organic pool as a pool design option to green-savvy homeowners will soon be essential to meet client demand.

After all, the organic market is a $39 billion industry— and it’s overflowing into the swimming pool design business. In fact, The Organic Trade Organization says 51% of families are buying more organic products than just one year ago. With organic consumerism on the rise, homeowners are adapting organic principles into all areas of their lifestyles and will soon influence pool builders to adapt to the green market.  

 
Though natural pools have been popular in Europe for years, they are relatively new to the U.S.  A large portion of U.S. pool designers do not have experience designing natural swimming pools.
 
Webber_MN_Natural_Swimming_Pool

In 2015, natural pools are beginning to pop up in places like Minneapolis, where the first public natural swimming pool recently opened (here's a video).

To meet the upcoming demand of this growing trend, here's what you need to know when a client asks for an organic pool.

What, exactly, is a natural pool?

While you’re probably familiar with the term “natural”, the key word describes something new when applied to a natural swimming pool. Various eco-friendly flora and anti-microbial fauna are strategically placed in and around the pool. That means no harsh chemicals for upkeep.

A pool with no harsh chemicals will be an asset to homeowners who embrace the organic lifestyle. They will appreciate a pool free of chlorine for themselves and their families.

To keep the pool clean, the strategically-placed plants act as a mini eco-system to naturally filter and balance the pool.

When designed properly, natural pools are safe and efficient options for homeowners.

How to build a natural swimming pool

Natural_Swimming_Pools_Australia

Inevitably, clients will be asking for a natural swimming pool design. Here’s a few links to get you started.

 

When a homeowner comes knocking ...

It's bound to happen sooner or later if the question hasn't been asked already: Can you build us a natural swimming pool?

When a homeowner asks for a natural swimming pool, make sure you:

Communicate with the homeowner by listening to their needs. Pay attention to their lifestyle to evaluate whether a natural swimming pool is the best option for them.

Offer a variety of designs

Natural_Swimming_Pool_Armond_Aquatech_Pools

For example, in a country home, a natural swimming pool can look like an old-fashioned swimming hole or a backyard pond. If the house is more modern,  perhaps an urban eco-friendly design would be a better fit. Though plant or gravel filters are always needed nearby, they can be disguised or hidden for a more modern-looking landscape.  

Offer temperature controls

Solar heating systems can be applied to natural pools the same way they are applied to traditional swimming pools.

Discuss efficiency

Explain to your client a natural pool is similar in price to a regular pool, however the yearly maintenance can be less expensive because there are no chemicals to buy. A homeowner can also save on weekly visits from a pool maintenance company.

Discuss the downsides

Natural-Swimming-Pools-Australia-Plants

While natural swimming pools seem effortless for homeowners, there are a few points of caution worth mentioning. First, natural pool technology is relatively new to the United States. Also, instead of a crystal clear blue, the water is more of a natural-looking green color, which homeowners might not find as aesthetically pleasing.

The flowing water and plants, natural pools can often attract snakes and frogs. These creatures are beneficial because they tend to eat any insects around the pool such as mosquitos. If the homeowner is squeamish or doesn’t want to swim with these pets, a natural swimming pool may not be the right option for them.

If the homeowner has a large family or lots of people frequently swimming in the pool, the plants used to filter might not be adequate. Make sure to communicate with the homeowner and ask how the pool will be used.

Want to start designing your own natural pool design project? Use 3D outdoor living design software like Vip3Dpool design software such as Pool Studio.

 

 Header image courtesy of Genus Loci Ecological Landscapes, Inc. 
Geometric Natural Pool Credit: Armond Aquatech Pools via Houzz
JR Rapp

About the author: JR Rapp

JR Rapp is the Director of Business Development at Structure Studios, where he adeptly helps improve lives through 3D experiences. With more than 30 years of experience designing, selling, and building outdoor living projects, JR is especially enthusiastic about discovering new ways to extend living space outdoors.

Subscribe Today

Comments

Write a Comment
Front Yard

Let's Get Started

Close more leads, and sell more on every project.

Free Trial

We wrote the book

Learn how the masters leverage story to sell more on every project.

Buy Now
Free Trial
Untitled-1sss