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How to build a natural pool

A natural pool is like a conventional poolthe water is clear and warm enough to be comfortable, and there is no murky bottom. But unlike a conventional pool, natural pools have a balanced, selfcontained, self-cleaning ecosystem runs with pure water surrounded by plants and flowers like lilies and trumpet vines; youll be swimming with butterflies and hummingbirds. These are the general steps to building a natural pool: 1. Hollow a hole in the ground. You can make your pool any shape, and as shallow or as deep as you want, but the key is to make sure the sides slope so the natural walls youre creating support the pool. 2. Seal the pool by applying a layer of bentonite clay. It works as a glue, bonding with the soil particles and preventing pool water from seeping into the ground. You can also use a less environmentally-sound but easier option, and line the pool with rubber or reinforced polyethylene, preferably in black to attract heat from the sun. 3. If you prefer more conventional pool construction, consider using Rastra block, a material made from cement and recycled foam plastic. 4. Cover the bottom of the pool with 4 to 5 inches of clean gravel. 5. Create a separate zone of plants close to the pool. This shallow area holds specific plants that purify the water by enriching the pool with oxygen, using friendly bacteria to convert contaminants into plant fiber, and removing algea forming nutrients from the water. These plants include marsh marigolds, water lilies, water primrose, cattails, and rushes. Rocks can be added to filter out particles. Water flows back and forth between this regeneration zone and the swimming area. The water is cleaned by the plants, and because the zone is so shallow, the water is also warmed there. Differences in the temperature between these two zones also keep the water circulating. 6. Have an electrician add a pump to further circulate water between the pool and the plant zone, as well as a skimmer and filter to keep the pool free of debris. You may also want to have an ultraviolet light added for further cleaning of the water. 7. Finish the edges by putting plants around the perimeter of the pool to stabilize it. Theyll anchor the soil and keep it from eroding. You can buy a self-build kit that takes you through the process. There are also specialists who will build a natural pool for you; local landscapers and anyone involved with creating water features should also be able to help.