Natural swimming pools are great for taking a dip.They use plants and other natural details to keep the pool balanced.They are a good place to relax and enjoy nature.You can build a swimming pool with a few steps.
Step 1: Pick a spot with lots of shade and even ground.
If you have to move, avoid a spot with tree stumps or shrubs.A shady spot will keep the pool out of the sun.Sun can cause your pool's water to be dirty and make it difficult to keep it clear.
Step 2: There is a hole in the pool.
The hole should be at least 45 to 50 square metres and 1 to 2 metres deep.As a deeper pool may require steel reinforcements, try not to make the pool too deep.It is easy to line and fill the pool if it is a square or rectangle.You can mark out the dimensions of the pool with tape or chalk.
Step 3: An adjacent hole is needed for the plant zone.
The hole should be between 10 and 20 square metres.The plants and other natural elements will help to filter the water in the pool.The larger hole for the pool should be next to it.The hole for the plants should be equivalent to 50% of the main pool area.The plant zone will be separated from the pool by a piece of black liner.The plants will not float into the pool area if the water flow from the plant zone is allowed.
Step 4: The holes should be dug with an excavator.
It will be easier to dig the holes using an excavator.They will not cave in if the holes are sloped.It's easier to seal and fill the holes if they have an even, flat bottom.You can use the large rocks that you come across when you fill the pool.Rent an excavator from your local hardware store at an hourly or daily rate.It should take no more than a few hours to dig the holes.
Step 5: The far end of the pool has a small water pump on it.
You will need a pump to move the water towards the plants in the natural pool.You can buy a small water pump at a hardware store.Run electricity to the pump from the far end of the pool.If you don't want the water pump to be seen, you can bury it.When setting up a water pump, make sure the wire you use is water safe, because running a pump in or around water can be dangerous.You should consider hiring an electrician to set up the water pump.
Step 6: Go from the pump to the plant zone.
As you run the tubing from the pump to the hole for the plants, bury it at least 18 inches (46 cm) deep in the soil.From the far end to the plant zone, run the tubing underground.The water should flow into the plant zone if the piping touches it.If you don't know how to do this, you can hire a plumbing or contractor.
Step 7: Attach the underwater aerator to the pump.
Aerating the water will increase the amount of oxygen in the pool.The aerator should be placed in the deepest part of the pool.Make sure the aerator is connected to the water pump.The price of underwater aerators can be as high as $1200USD.
Step 8: A skimmer is needed to protect the pump and aerator.
The pump and aerator can be put in a plastic container or bucket.To keep debris out of the equipment, cover the bucket with a steel-mesh filter mat.
Step 9: Synthetic liner can be used to smooth out the bottom and sides of the pool.
The liner needs to be tight on the sides of the pool.Make sure the liner sits at the top of the pool by cutting it.The main pool and the hole for the water zone should be lined.The synthetic liner can be used to prevent leaks or cracks in the pool.
Step 10: If you do not want to use a synthetic liner, apply bentonite clay.
The swimming pool and the plant zone can be covered with a layer of bentonite clay.You will need at least 6 pounds of clay per square foot to seal the pool.You can spread a layer of clay with your hands.Gloves and a mask are required to protect yourself.To make sure the pool is properly sealed, you may need to double the amount of clay per square foot.To seal the clay into the soil, pack it down with a tractor or a plate compactor.
Step 11: Black liner is placed on the bottom and sides of the pool to reflect the sun.
Synthetic liner that is black over the base liner or clay will trap the heat of the sun, heating up the pool naturally.The pool will be protected from leaking.There is a piece of liner between the pool and the plant zone.The piece needs to be cut to fit below the top edge of the pool.The liner will act as a barrier between the pool and the plant zone.To cut the liner, use scissors and drape it over the sides of the pool.
Step 12: To keep the liner in place, place large rocks on the walls of the pool.
An extra barrier can be created by using smooth slabs or rocks.They should be against the walls of the pool to sit on the top edge.There are gaps between the large rocks and smaller rocks.If you want a smooth surface for the sides of the pool, you can use stone slabs that have been cut to fit together.You may need someone to help you lift the stone slabs.
Step 13: The pool should be filled with 10 to 13 cm of gravel or pea rock.
Gravel or pea rock can be used to cover the bottom of the pool.The bottom will be soft and easy to walk on.If you use gravel or pea rock that has been washed, there will be no dust or particles in the pool.
Step 14: The edge of the pool should be lined with rocks or pebbles.
Place pebbles or rocks on the edge of the pool to cover the black liner.There is a clear perimeter around the edge of the pool with the rocks if the liner is completely covered.There are no leaks if the rocks are reinforced with gravel and soil.Water will need to flow between the plant zone and the pool, so make sure the pathway is clear.
Step 15: Take the water out of the pool and let it rest for a week.
To fill the pool, use fresh water.Let it sit and watch the pool for any issues.To make sure the pool levels are safe, test the water with a home water testing kit.Don't fill the plant zone until you're ready to add plants to the pool.
Step 16: Aggregate or gravel can be put in the plant zone.
Use aggregate or gravel that does not contain large portions of organic matter that is not decomposing.You don't want germs orbacteria to get into the water if the aggregate has not been in contact with animals.
Step 17: The plant zone should be filled with water below the top edge.
Fresh water can be used to fill the plant zone.Make sure the water is easy to get into the pool area.Check that the piece of black liner you are using as a barrier sits upward in the water, preventing the plants from drifting into the pool area.
Step 18: Oxygenating plants in the plant zone will keep the water healthy.
Waterweed and hornwort release a lot of oxygen into the water.To keep the area oxygenated and contained, you can put in aquatic plants like sedges and rushes on the perimeter of the plant zone.
Step 19: Adding floating plants will give shade to organisms.
Water lilies and other floating plants encourage the growth of organisms that will keep the water clean and healthy.
Step 20: The plants should be anchored with gravel.
If you are using plants that have roots, it is a good idea to shovel gravel onto the bottom of the plants so they stay in the plant zone.