Whether you’re an intrepid cold-water swimmer, a regular year-round dipper, or simply someone who enjoys the thought of cooling off in crystal clear water on a hot day, a swimming pond allows for both, in the most beautiful way. Not everyone wants a traditional turquoise-tiled pool with chlorinated water in their garden. A natural swimming pond, on the other hand, blends in with the garden and landscape, providing not only a functional space for swimming and relaxation, but also a lovely water feature and a haven for wildlife.
Unlike conventional pools that require the use of harsh chemicals to keep the water clean, swimming ponds use a natural filtration system that mimics the natural processes of freshwater ecosystems. This means the water is crystal clear, chemical-free and safe to swim in. Thanks to this innovative approach, natural swimming ponds blend seamlessly into the landscape, creating a peaceful oasis that can be enjoyed all year round.
In addition, ponds provide habitats for aquatic plants and wildlife, adding biodiversity to your garden. These ponds are just as valuable to wildlife as a ‘normal’ garden pond, attracting birds, mammals, salamanders, dragonflies and damselflies, as well as pollinating insects attracted to the surrounding plants, all of which will quickly turn your swimming pond into a wildlife hub.
While increased biodiversity and natural aesthetics are two of the main reasons for choosing a natural swimming pond over a conventional pool, those who own a swimming pond often say that the main advantage is the swimming experience. As Tim Evans of Gartenart, one of the UK’s leading suppliers of natural swimming ponds and pools, puts it: “Swimming in clean, natural water is a wonderful experience. It’s an immersion in nature and more than that, it always seems to wash away my everyday thoughts and worries. “More and more people are discovering the benefits of cold water immersion, and swimming ponds are a great way to do that. I definitely use my swimming pond differently in summer and winter: in summer when the water is above a certain temperature, I swim and exercise. In the winter months, I dip myself in the water and don’t stay in it for long, but the cold water immersion is a very stimulating experience.” Now, it’s part of my daily routine.”
A swimming pond is essentially a low-nutrient pond where microorganisms and plants work to keep the water clear instead of the large amounts of chlorine that a regular pool requires. Two zones are created: one is a regeneration zone, which consists of a filter of pebbles and aquatic plants through which the water is pumped, so the second zone is kept clear for swimming. A swimming pond requires less maintenance than a regular pool, as the natural filtration system is self-regulating, meaning the water is always clear.
The design of a swimming pond can be customised to suit any size or style of garden. It can be natural and more pond-like, or it can be straight and formal, to suit more linear garden designs. The result is a unique water feature that adds beauty to the garden while providing a functional space for swimming and relaxation.
Although it is possible to heat a pool up to 24°C, Gartenart advises owners to try out their pool for a season before deciding whether to heat it. “People rarely come back saying they want to install heating,” says Tim. A good way to find out if a pool is right for you is to come along to one of the pool open days Gartenart hosts in the summer, where you can see the pool up close, talk to Gartenart and the owners, and of course enjoy a swim.
For more details on the opening day, check out the Gartenart website. Many visitors to the opening day, as well as the owners of the swimming pool themselves, were surprised at how special freshwater swimming is, compared to saltwater or chlorinated pools. “It’s like swimming outdoors, but in the privacy of your own garden,” as one customer put it.
Gartenart, Tel: +44 (0)20 7183 3333; gartenart.co.uk
