Repsol YPF

Having a swimming pool at home is a source of great satisfaction for its owners. In addition to the pleasure of being able to have a dip from time to time and being able to spend more time doing outdoor activities, it serves an important decorative function. As such, in recent years, many different designs have emerged for swimming pool shapes which go much further than the classic rectangle. One tendency is to decorate it so that it resembles a lake, with stones, small streams, plants and shrubs around it and even fish and frogs. Ecological swimming pools reinforce this image as they use algae to clean the water. However, they have many more benefits. 

Operation and maintenance required

Although each swimming pool of this type has a unique design in line with the tastes of the owner and the environment where it is located, they are generally made up of two parts, the swimming area and a secondary lake – approximately the same size – where the algae filter and clean the water. The communication between the two areas is usually carried out through a pipe connected to the lower part of the swimming area, since this is where the impurities that need to be removed are going to collect. This section of the swimming pool can also be used as a swimming area, especially for children, as it does not have to be as deep as the other area. In terms of the plants and algae required, they can be of various types and combinations. Water lentils, as well as rushes and hyacinths are some of the most effective in the water cleansing function. 

The water does not need to be continually changed, unlike in conventional swimming pools, you just have to replace that which evaporates. This is a significant advantage, particularly in areas where water is a scarce element  and is subject to restricted use for watering gardens and filling swimming pools. 

Where maintenance is concerned, in addition to the important saving related to changing the water, and piping and drainage systems, it is also important to highlight the absence of machinery and chemical products. Since it is cleaned by algae and plants, it is not necessary to use chlorine, which does away with its taste and the possible side effects such as irritated skin and eyes.   

Instead, the maintenance work is practically a gardening job which can be done by the owner, without having to hire specialist staff. The frequency will depend on the characteristics of each swimming pool, but it is usually sufficient to do it three times a year. Furthermore, in the regeneration area, where the algae are, sludge accumulates at the bottom, such that it must be cleaned thoroughly every two years. 

A disadvantage of ecological swimming pools is that they can attract mosquitoes and other insects. In order to get rid of them, one possible solution, although not to everyone’s liking, is to put frogs in the regeneration area. This will boost the lake-style look, although many people find them unpleasant and immediately reject this option. 

In conclusion, natural or ecological swimming pools present a series of unique characteristics, with their associated advantages and disadvantages, which must be weighed up when choosing the most suitable type of swimming pool. 

Related articles:

- Ecological houses

- Getting the communal swimming pool ready