The swimming pond concept is quite complex and we understand you might have one or two questions before you consider one for your home.
We’ve tried to answer some of the most common questions below, but don’t hesitate to get in touch to ask any we haven’t covered!
In most cases, this can be achieved quite easily by using the existing infrastructure of the swimming pool and constructing a regeneration zone that surrounds the pool. The cost of such a conversion can be less than a new build swimming pond.
In most cases an existing pond can be converted, but savings will depend on a wide number of issues, which can be addressed by a site survey. Ideally, a swimming pond should be positioned away from overhanging trees.
Yes. It is important to have a solid base so that any debris that accumulates at the bottom of the swimming area can be easily removed from time to time.
The swimming zone is kept free of aquatic vegetation by the internal dividing wall, which separates the regeneration zone from the swimming zone to ensure plant free swimming.
Absolutely not. The whole concept of the swimming pond relies on a careful balance of plants and microscopic life to maintain clear and purified water.
Providing that the swimming pond is well maintained, the clarity of the water is crystal clear and never ceases to astonish clients! If the main circulation pump is switched off, for example during the winter months then the water can become less clear, but within a few days of turning the pump back on the water will clear remarkably quickly.
Costs start around £100,000+VAT for an 80m² swimming pond but will ultimately depend upon size, specification and the level of associated garden design. It is important to note the cost per square meter decreases as the area of the swimming pond increases, for example a 160m² swimming pond can be considerably less than double the cost of an 80m² one.
Generally, the build costs of a swimming pond can be more, but will ultimately depend on the respective specifications. Swimming ponds tend to be larger than conventional swimming pools, because the regeneration zone will be at least the size of the swimming zone, so that to achieve 50² of swimming area the total water area is around 100m².
No. One of the main aims of the swimming pond is to keep the swimming zone as clear as possible. Fish and in particular the bottom feeders such as Japanese Koi, will stir up any sediment that forms on the floor of the swimming area, thus creating cloudy water. In addition, their excrement is high in nutrients and in order for a swimming pond to function well nutrient levels need to be low.
Maintenance is primarily a case of cutting down the aquatic plants at the end of the year and removing the foliage from the system. Skimmers need to be checked regularly in order to remove surface debris such as leaves, pollen and the floor of the swimming area should be vacuumed several times a year. Any accumulations of blanket weed can be removed during the summer months taking care to allow any wildlife caught up in it to get back to the water.
Outdoor lighting can be extremely effective, especially underwater lighting. Carefully positioned boulders can add a contemporary feel to a swimming pond or why not install a sauna to compliment a mid-winter dip?
A swimming pond with careful design consideration can be a stunning garden feature for 12 months of the year. It is also a magnet to wildlife both in and around the water and children will have endless fun catching newts and studying the water’s other inhabitants. And you can swim in it too on warm summer days!
Adding additional heat to a swimming pond is not recommended since the aim of the concept is to work with nature and create a natural balance.
However, since the regeneration zone is relatively shallow the water heats up extremely quickly on a sunny day. This warm water is then fed back into the swimming zone where there is a significant warming effect, which would not occur in an unheated conventional swimming pool.
Dr. Christine Archer from Woodbridge, Suffolk commented: “The swimming pond is fantastic. We have been swimming almost every day and even just sitting by the water is a great pleasure, especially watching the great variety of beautiful dragonflies. The pond was lovely to swim in at 22C but has just reached 28C - amazing. I wish we had put in a swimming pond years ago."