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Natural Swimming Ponds are characterised by a wide variety of flora and fauna. A place where one can swim in clean fresh water and be surrounded by the natural world, a harmonious and enlightening experience. The water quality in swimming ponds is comparable to that of water in a natural lake or deep pond, without the nasties and unclean water often found in them. The swimming pond is a diverse habitat that complements any garden or outside space.
Transform your garden into a serene oasis with custom-designed swimming ponds by River ODP, a leading building company specializing in natural swimming ponds. Our eco-friendly, chemical-free ponds provide a harmonious blend of natural beauty and functionality, promoting a healthy ecosystem while offering a low-maintenance alternative to traditional pools.
River ODP takes a bespoke approach to design, ensuring each swimming pond reflects your personal style and integrates seamlessly into your landscape. Our expert team handles every detail, from the initial concept to final installation, using sustainable materials and techniques. This commitment to quality and sustainability makes us the preferred choice for natural swimming pond construction in Sussex, Surrey, Kent, and South UK.
Experience the benefits of a natural swimming ponds, from improved biodiversity and aesthetic appeal to a safe, enjoyable swimming environment. Trust building company River.ODP to create a stunning water feature that enhances your garden year-round.
Call for free no-obligation quote 01435 380 004 or register your interest on contact page.
The water in the swimming pond is completely free of chemical additives, making it vibrant, soft, and skin-friendly. This is made possible by well-known water treatment mechanisms that mimics the natural process found in nature. Water purification occurs in the same way as in a natural lake or pond. Depending on the technology used, the water may sometimes appear cloudy, but never unclean or unsafe to swim.
Natural swimming ponds offer a range of benefits compared to traditional chlorine-treated pools:
Chemical-Free
One of the primary advantages of natural swimming ponds is that they are free from chemical additives such as chlorine. This means swimmers are not exposed to harsh chemicals, reducing the risk of skin irritation, allergies, and respiratory issues.
Environmentally Friendly
Natural swimming ponds operate in harmony with the environment, using natural processes for water purification instead of relying on chemical treatments. This reduces the environmental impact associated with traditional pools, such as the release of chlorine and other chemicals into the ecosystem.
Ecological Habitat
Natural swimming ponds provide a habitat for a variety of plants and wildlife, contributing to biodiversity and supporting local ecosystems. The presence of aquatic plants and beneficial microorganisms helps to maintain water quality and create a balanced ecosystem within the pond.
Aesthetic Appeal
Natural swimming ponds blend seamlessly with their surroundings, creating a beautiful and tranquil oasis in the garden/space. The combination of clear water, lush vegetation, and organic materials adds to the aesthetic appeal of the outdoor space.
Low Maintenance
While natural swimming ponds may require some initial investment in construction and setup, they generally have lower maintenance requirements compared to traditional pools. Once established, the natural filtration system helps to maintain water quality with minimal intervention.
Year-Round Use
Natural swimming ponds can be enjoyed year-round, with the water remaining in the pond even during the colder months. In winter, the pond can be used for activities such as cold plunges (bring out your inner Wim Hoff), ice skating, or simply enjoyed as a picturesque feature to enjoy, a jewel in the wintery landscape.
Health Benefits
Swimming in natural, chemical-free clean water has many potential health benefits, such as improving skin and respiratory health and reducing stress/anxiety levels. The soft, skin-friendly water of natural swimming ponds can provide a refreshing but rejuvenating swimming experience.
Overall, natural swimming ponds offer a sustainable, Eco-friendly, tranquil and aesthetically pleasing alternative to traditional pools, providing a safe and enjoyable swimming environment for people while supporting the health and longevity of the surrounding ecosystem.
Call for free no-obligation quote 01435 380 004 or register your interest on contact page.
The main difference between a swimming ponds and a natural swimming pools lies in their construction and water filtration methods.
In a swimming pond, typically, there is a natural connection between the regeneration and recreation areas, eliminating the need for separation. The bottom of the pond is usually filled entirely with gravel, avoiding the use of concrete. This design facilitates a more natural and organic swimming environment.
On the other hand, a natural swimming pool features a distinct separation between the main swimming area and the regeneration zone, often achieved through the use of a submerged wall. The recreation area is commonly constructed with concrete, resembling a traditional swimming pool. This design allows for a controlled swimming environment while still incorporating natural filtration processes.
Overall, while both swimming ponds and natural swimming pools offer chemical-free swimming experiences, their differences in construction and filtration methods contribute to distinct swimming environments with unique characteristics.
An extensive type swimming pond, also known as a Type 1 natural swimming pool, is an eco-friendly and aesthetically pleasing alternative to traditional swimming pools. These swimming ponds utilize natural processes to maintain water clarity and quality, relying on aquatic plants, microorganisms, and sedimentation.
In an extensive swimming ponds, the water is purified through natural ecological processes similar to those in lakes and wetlands. Aquatic plants, both underwater and reed varieties, play a crucial role in absorbing nutrients that would otherwise promote algae growth. Zooplankton and other microorganisms further aid in maintaining water quality by consuming organic matter and filtering the water. The swimming ponds are typically divided into two zones: a regeneration zone and a swimming zone. The regeneration zone, which makes up at least 60% of the pond’s area, is densely planted with various aquatic vegetation. This area is essential for natural filtration. The remaining 40% is the swimming zone, kept clear for recreational use. Water circulates between these zones through natural physical processes, such as wind-induced currents and temperature differences between shallow and deeper areas.
Depending on local conditions and design preferences, extensive swimming ponds may or may not be sealed at the bottom. When sealed, the building company River.ODP typically uses materials like PVC or EPDM liners to ensure that the swimming ponds are isolated from groundwater. This prevents potential contamination and ensures that the water quality is controlled exclusively by the swimming ponds‘ internal ecosystem. However, in scenarios where groundwater quality is high, unsealed swimming ponds can be constructed by building company. This allows for a natural exchange between the swimming ponds water and the surrounding groundwater, potentially aiding in water level maintenance and natural filtration. Such designs must be carefully managed to prevent unwanted nutrient influx that could disrupt the swimming ponds‘ balance.
Maintaining extensive swimming ponds involves regular care to sustain their ecological balance. This includes managing plant growth, removing accumulated sediment, and occasionally introducing beneficial bacteria to support the swimming ponds‘ natural processes. Seasonal tasks may involve more intensive clean-ups, such as removing dead plant matter in autumn or ensuring proper water circulation and filtration in spring and summer. Incorporating plants like Hornwort and Anacharis can help improve water quality by absorbing excess nutrients and providing oxygenation, making them valuable additions to any garden ponds managed by a professional building company.
The appeal of these swimming ponds lies in their natural aesthetic and ecological benefits. They provide a chemical-free swimming experience, supporting local biodiversity and enhancing the landscape. The absence of chemical treatments means the water is gentler on the skin and eyes, making for a more pleasant swimming experience. Extensive swimming ponds represent a harmonious blend of recreational use and ecological functionality, offering significant rewards in terms of environmental impact and user enjoyment.
Regeneration zone
Skimmer filtering water
Regeneration zone
Additional filtration systems
Relaxing area
Water plants
Swimming area
Several aquatic plants are well-suited for filtering water in swimming ponds, contributing to a clean and balanced ecosystem. These plants, when used in combination, can create a diverse and effective natural filtration system for your swimming pond, promoting water quality and insuring the ecosystems health.
Here are some popular options:
Water Lilies - yellow (Nuphar polysepalum):
Water Lily is a popular plant with characteristic yellow flowers (blooms from May to September). It is firmly rooted at the bottom of the tank, it has dark green leaves (similar to lettuce leaves) reaching a size of up to 40 cm. Water lily is planted in the ground (up to 2 meters deep). Thanks to its underwater leaves, the plant greatly oxygenates the water when the pond surface is covered with ice and snow. It tolerates cold water very well and is completely frost-resistant. It is a poisonous plant. In order to limit the growth of the plant, landscaping and building company River ODP would plant it in a container and then dig the container into the ground of the natural swimming pools or garden ponds.
Water Lilies (Nymphaea):
The water lily truly holds a regal status among aquatic plants, with its magnificent flowers capturing the eye. This species features robust, glossy, deep green leaves that form floating pads on the water’s surface. From the underwater crown, striking white, pink, blue or yellow flowers with waxy, upright petals emerge, centred with vibrant stamens. As the plant matures, these flowers proliferate, sprinkling through the water lily’s foliage. Water lilies thrive in calm waters and sunny locations. They are typically planted in aquatic baskets using loamy soil. Initially, they are submerged about twenty-five centimetres deep, but as they grow, they are placed deeper—about twice the initial depth—making them ideal for the centre of most garden ponds.
Water Irises (Iris pseudacorus):
Water irises are versatile plants that thrive in both shallow and deeper areas of the garden ponds or natural swimming pools. Their dense root systems help to stabilize the substrate and trap sediment, while their foliage provides habitat for beneficial microorganisms.
Pickerelweed (Pontederia cordata):
Pickerelweed is a robust perennial plant with tall spikes of purple flowers. It grows well in shallow water like in garden ponds or in regeneration zone of natural swimming pools and acts as a natural filter by absorbing excess nutrients, such as nitrogen and phosphorus, from the water.
Cattails (Typha):
Cattails are iconic wetland plants known for their tall, slender stalks and distinctive brown seed heads. They are effective at nutrient uptake and can help to improve water clarity by absorbing pollutants and excess nutrients.
Horsetail (Equisetum hyemale):
Hornwort (Ceratophyllum demersum):
Water Hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes):
Water hyacinth is a floating aquatic plant with glossy green leaves and lavender-colored flowers. It is highly effective at nutrient uptake and can rapidly multiply, making it an efficient natural filter for nutrient-rich waters in garden ponds and swimming ponds.
Duckweed (Lemnoideae):
Duckweed is one of the smallest aquatic plants from the picaceae family, often found on the surface of garden ponds and lakes. Due to its small size, it is suitable even for small tanks. It is very beneficial for water purity and is often used in wastewater treatment technology. It has an incredible ability too quickly, vegetative multiply. In swimming ponds it can be sucked in by skimmers. The length of the duckweed root depends on environmental conditions. Low levels of nitrogen, phosphates or trace elements cause the development of a long root. When water fertility is high, plants form very short roots or do not form them at all. In winter it sinks to the bottom of the reservoir.
Common reed (Phragmites australis):
Common reed is a rhizomatous plant, classified as a perennial. It is the most popular element of flora in wetlands. It is frost-resistant. Stems can reach up to 4 meters, although the variety intended for planting near the garden ponds grows up to a maximum of 2.5 meters. The reed’s leaves are bluish-green and very sharp. It is planted along the edges of the garden ponds, which promotes water purification. It has modest requirements – it can be planted in swimming ponds or lakes of various sizes. It is best planted in clumps, as it looks more aesthetically pleasing. Unfortunately, it can quickly overgrow the regeneration zone and then begins to detract from the beauty of our reservoir. For small garden ponds, decorative varieties such as Phragmites australis “Variegatus” (bright yellow color) or Phragmites karka “Variegatus” (green striped leaves) are recommended but need to be controlled.
Anacharis (Elodea densa):
Anacharis (Elodea canadensis), also known as Canadian waterweed, is a popular aquatic plant commonly used in garden ponds, swimming ponds, natural swimming pools and aquariums. It is known for its hardy nature and rapid growth, making it an excellent choice for beginners. Anacharis helps improve water quality by absorbing excess nutrients and providing oxygenation. Its lush, green stems and leaves offer a natural habitat and shelter for fish and other aquatic creatures. Additionally, anacharis can help control algae growth by outcompeting it for nutrients. Easy to care for and highly effective in maintaining a balanced pond ecosystem, anacharis is a valuable addition to any garden ponds managed by a professional building company.
Sweet flag (Acorus calamus):
Sweet flag, with its sword-like leaves, is excellent for natural swimming pools, swimming ponds and garden ponds natural filtration due to its ability to absorb excess nutrients and improve water quality. It enhances the pond’s aesthetic appeal and supports a balanced aquatic ecosystem.
At River.ODP, we pride ourselves on our professional installations and highly qualified builders. Our expertise covers a wide range of property upgrades, from constructing stylish new swimming ponds to replacing existing ones, all executed to the highest standards.
Based in Hailsham, we serve the South East of England, including:
This expanded list provides a fuller picture of each region, covering prominent locations as well as smaller towns and villages to represent the breadth of River ODP’s service areas across South East England.
For inspiration on your next home improvement project, explore some of our recently completed projects below.
Contact us today for a consultation and start your journey towards an energy-efficient, sound-reducing, and stylish addition to your home, built to last for years.
RECREATIONAL SWIMMING PONDS OFFER A NATURAL AESTHETIC AND CHEMICAL-FREE ENVIRONMENT, RELYING ON PLANT LIFE AND BENEFICIAL BACTERIA FOR CLEANLINESS AND HEALTH. HERE’S HOW TO CONVERT YOUR POND INTO A NATURAL SWIMMING POOL:
The River.ODP experts of building company would gather all necessary equipment and resources, ensuring you have everything needed to begin the transformation process. This may include swimming ponds liners, aquatic plants, pumps, skimmers, rocks for landscaping, and any other materials specified in your design plan.
It’s essential to review local regulations and obtain any required permits before starting construction to avoid potential issues later on. Our building company River.ODP would take care of this for our customers.
It’s essential to review local regulations and obtain any required permits before starting construction to avoid potential issues later on.
One of the team of building company River.ODP would completely drain the garden ponds of all water, allowing the surrounding soil to dry out slightly. This step ensures a clean and dry foundation for the subsequent construction phases.
A member of the building company River.ODP planting team will determine and mark off an area adjacent to the swimming pond where aquatic plants will be situated. This designated plant zone is crucial for maintaining water quality through natural filtration processes.
Modify the shape and layout of the swimming ponds area as necessary to align with the customers design vision. This may involve River ODP building company ground workers digging out certain sections, adjusting slopes, or incorporating specific landscape features such as rock formations or underwater platforms.
The River ODP aquatics sector will Install any necessary infrastructure, such as pumps, pipes, and filtration systems, ensuring they are positioned strategically for optimal performance and minimal visual impact.
Install any necessary infrastructure, such as pumps, pipes, and filtration systems, ensuring they are positioned strategically for optimal performance and minimal visual impact.
The building company River ODP aquatics team would position the pump and skimmer at a suitable location within the swimming pond, ideally away from the plant zone to prevent interference with plant growth.
Connect the pump to the filtration system, ensuring proper water circulation and filtration through the aquatic plants. Use appropriate wiring to connect the pump to the electrical grid of your home, following safety guidelines and building codes.
The River ODP, building company, ground working team will carefully place the swimming ponds liner within the excavated area, ensuring it extends beyond the edges of the pool to create a secure seal.
Use large rocks or other suitable materials to anchor the liner in place along the perimeter and create a neat border around the swimming pond.
Some members of the building company River ODP team will be assigned to cover the bottom of the swimming pond with a layer of gravel or small rocks, such as pea gravel, to provide a stable and natural substrate for aquatic plants and beneficial bacteria.
Once the pool liner is securely in place, fill the swimming pond with fresh water from a clean water source. Allow the water to settle for a few days, a member of the building company River.ODP team would monitor for any signs of leakage or instability.
Opting for a fresh spring water source running through your swimming pond ensures excellent water quality at minimal cost. However, if this option isn’t available and you aim to heat your pool water, it’s crucial to manage water quality effectively. While some sources may suggest pumping water through gravel beds with plants as a solution, this method may not suffice.
Building company River ODP will offer professional advice and assistance when constructing a natural swimming ponds. Enlisting River ODP for your natural Swimming Pond installation guarantees successful planning and diligence, resulting in a splendid looking, professionally executed natural swimming ponds. Enjoy years of leisure with loved ones in a serene environment, while also providing a thriving ecosystem for birds, animals, and insects to flourish in your garden oasis.
A natural swimming ponds is an Eco-friendly alternative to traditional swimming pools, designed and constructed by building company River ODP, It features a beautiful area for swimming and plants with beneficial microorganisms, that naturally filter the water, eliminating the need for chemical treatments. Natural swimming ponds offer a more harmonious and aesthetically pleasing integration into the landscape while promoting biodiversity and providing a refreshing and tranquil place to swim.
A natural swimming pond constructed by building company River.ODP involves several critical steps. First, our designers would determine the size, shape, and depth that best suit your space and needs. The pond should include two zones: a deeper swimming area and a shallower regeneration area where aquatic plants will be planted. Begin by excavating the site and installing a high-quality pond liner to prevent leaks. Add a layer of gravel on the bottom and sides to anchor the plants and facilitate natural filtration. Install a water circulation system, such as a pump, to ensure continuous movement between the swimming and regeneration zones. Finally, introduce a variety of aquatic plants that will naturally filter the water by absorbing nutrients and impurities. Consulting and or hiring building company River.ODP is recommended to ensure a diligent construction plan, long-term functionality and guarantees.
The cost of building a natural swimming pond in the UK using building company River.ODP can vary significantly based on factors such as size, complexity, and site-specific conditions. On average, the cost ranges from £300 to £600 per square meter. For a typical medium-sized pond, expect to invest between £60,000 and £130,000. Larger swimming ponds may have a lower cost per square meter due to economies of scale, but overall expenses will still be substantial. Costs include excavation, liner installation, planting, and the setup of water circulation systems. While the initial investment is high, maintenance costs are generally lower than those for conventional swimming pools.
Generally, planning permission is not required for natural swimming ponds unless your property is located in a protected area such as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) or a conservation area. In these cases, obtaining permission may still be easier for a natural swimming pond compared to a traditional swimming pool due to its environmentally friendly nature. It is always advisable to check with your local planning authority to ensure compliance with local regulations and avoid potential legal issues. River.ODP, building company, can assist you with this process.
Here at River ODP we don’t usually recommend Introducing fish to a natural swimming pond. Fish can significantly increase nutrient levels in the water through their waste, which can lead to algae blooms and degraded water quality. The primary objective of a natural swimming ponds is to maintain crystal-clear water through a balanced ecosystem of plants and microorganisms. Fish disrupt this balance and make it more challenging to keep the water clean and safe for swimming.
However, it is possible to introduce fish if desired. This will require greater attention to maintaining water quality. You’ll need to monitor nutrient levels more closely and ensure regular maintenance to manage waste and algae growth. While fish can add a dynamic element to your pond, be prepared for the additional effort required to sustain a healthy, balanced ecosystem.
A natural swimming pond constructed by building company River.ODP operate through a combination of biological and mechanical processes. The swimming area is separated from the regeneration zone, where aquatic plants and beneficial bacteria work together to filter the water. Water is continuously circulated between these zones. Plants in the regeneration zone absorb nutrients and break down organic matter, preventing algae growth and maintaining clear water. This Supports the health of the entire aquatic ecosystem.
The building company River ODP recommends the ideal depth for the swimming area of a natural swimming ponds ranges from 1.5 to 2.5 meters. This depth provides ample space for swimming and helps maintain stable water temperatures. The regeneration zone, where plants are situated, is much shallower, typically around 30 cm deep. This shallow depth is crucial for plant growth and effective natural filtration, ensuring that the plants receive adequate sunlight and nutrients.
Maintaining a natural swimming ponds constructed by building company River.ODP involves regular tasks to ensure water quality and the health of the ecosystem. Remove debris such as fallen leaves and plant matter from the water surface to prevent nutrient build-up. Periodically prune aquatic plants to control their growth and maintain a balanced ecosystem. Monitor water quality by testing parameters such as pH and nutrient levels. Adding beneficial bacteria can help break down organic matter. Annual or biannual professional inspections are recommended to address any issues and optimise the pond’s performance, of which building company River ODP are happy to assist with.
While it is possible to build a natural swimming pond on your own, it is a complex project that requires careful planning, excavation, and knowledge of aquatic ecosystems. DIY construction involves significant effort and expertise to ensure proper filtration, water circulation, and structural integrity. Hiring a professional pond builders like building company River.ODP is often advisable, as we can provide the necessary experience and equipment to create a high-quality and long-lasting natural swimming pond. Also guarantee our work for peace of mind.
Natural swimming ponds constructed by building company River.ODP utilise a variety of aquatic plants to maintain water clarity and support the ecosystem. Common plants include water lilies, irises, rushes, and lotuses. These plants help absorb excess nutrients, reduce algae growth, and provide habitat for beneficial microorganisms. Oxygenating plants such as eelgrass and arrowhead are also essential for maintaining a healthy balance in the pond. The choice of plants should be tailored to the local climate and specific conditions of the pond site.
Yes, natural swimming ponds constructed by building company River.ODP can be heated, although many owners find it unnecessary as the water naturally warms up during the summer months. If heating is desired, Eco-friendly options such as solar panels or heat pumps can be used to maintain a comfortable temperature. These methods are sustainable and align with the environmentally friendly principles of natural swimming ponds.
When assigning building company River ODP to design a natural swimming pond, one must consider the following factors: the size and shape of the pond, ensuring a balance between the swimming area and the regeneration zone; the type of plants to be used for effective filtration; the integration of the pond into the surrounding landscape for aesthetic appeal; and the installation of a reliable water circulation system. Additionally, consider practical aspects such as ease of maintenance and safety measures, especially if the swimming pond will be accessible to children or pets .
We River.ODP building company are situated in Eastbourne/Hailsham and carry out swimming pond building around East Sussex, Kent, Surrey – South UK. As professional swimming ponds builders and swimming ponds contractor, we can travel to any location in the UK if needed.
River.ODP, an experienced building company and swimming pond contractor, designs and builds these swimming ponds to the highest standards. We proudly serve a wide range of East Sussex, West Sussex, Kent and Surrey areas, including:
Ashford, Kent | Bexhill-on-Sea, East Sussex | Bognor Regis, West Sussex | Brighton and Hove, East Sussex | Burgess Hill, East Sussex | Camberley, Surrey | Canterbury, Kent | Caterham, Surrey | Chatham, Kent | Chichester, West Sussex | Cobham, Surrey | Crawley, West Sussex | Crowborough, East Sussex | Dartford, Kent | Deal, Kent | Dover, Kent | East Grinstead, West Sussex | Eastbourne, East Sussex | Egham, Surrey | Epsom, Surrey | Esher, Surrey | Ewell, Surrey | Farnham, Surrey | Folkestone, Kent | Frimley, Surrey | Gillingham, Kent | Godalming, Surrey | Gravesend, Kent | Guildford, Surrey | Hailsham, East Sussex | Hastings, East Sussex | Haywards Heath, West Sussex | Herne Bay, Kent | Horley, Surrey | Horsham, West Sussex | Leatherhead, Surrey | Lewes, East Sussex | Littlehampton, West Sussex | Maidstone, Kent | Margate, Kent | Newhaven, East Sussex | Northfleet, Kent | Peacehaven, East Sussex | Portslade by Sea, East Sussex | Ramsgate, Kent | Redhill, Surrey | Reigate, Surrey | Rochester, Kent | Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent | Seaford, East Sussex | Sevenoaks, Kent | Shoreham by Sea, West Sussex | Sittingbourne, Kent | Staines, Surrey | Tonbridge, Kent | Uckfield, East Sussex | Walton-on-Thames, Surrey | Weybridge, Surrey | Whitstable, Kent | Woking, Surrey | Worthing, West Sussex and surrounding areas.
Call for free no-obligation quote 01435 380 004 or register your interest on contact page.
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