In the natural pool and swimming pond, the water is cleaned without the use of chemicals. With a biologically working pump or with the help of aquatic plants. But what is the minimum size for nature and bathing fun?
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Differences between natural pool and swimming pond
In both the natural pool and the swimming pond, no chemicals are used to clean the water. And both types offer enough space for a few swimming laps. But that’s where the similarities end. The differences lie in how the water is actually cleaned and the resulting visual characteristics.
The natural pool
In this pool, a filter system cleans the water. It creates a biofilm that binds nutrients and thus extracts them from the water. However, it must run continuously so that all the pool water can flow through the filter at least once a day. This is the only way to ensure the necessary degree of cleaning.
- the biofilter is housed separately
- in a pump shaft, usually not far from the pool
- or below a jetty
- no planting required
- the entire pool area can be used for swimming
The swimming pond
The swimming pond relies entirely on the cleaning power of plants. It must therefore be lavishly planted. The green also attracts wildlife. A few frogs are therefore always to be expected.
- is like an oversized liner pond
- with a planted regeneration zone and a swimming zone
- the ratio must be right for optimal cleaning
- the regeneration zone must cover at least 50% of the area
- 2/3 planting is even better
- then it is certain that no use of technology is required
- nevertheless, the water can become cloudy in spring and autumn
Minimum size for natural pool
The size of the pool is irrelevant for cleaning the water, as long as you choose the filter with the right performance. But so that the bathing fun is not neglected, the natural pool should have a minimum size. If you only use it to cool down and splash around:
- 20 m2 area
- a depth of 1.50 m
- rather with sides of equal length or round shape
If you want to do a few lengths regularly, you should pay attention to the following features:
- at least 35 m2 area
- a depth of at least 1.80 m
- an elongated, narrow shape is advantageous
- a width of 2.5 m is sufficient for single swimmers and 4 m for oncoming traffic
- the longer the pool, the better
Minimum size for swimming pond
For the swimming zone of the swimming pond, the minimum dimensions apply as stated above for the natural pool. However, this area must be expanded to include a regeneration zone that is at least as large. So here the minimum size is as follows:
- to cool off or splash around: 40 m2
- for swimming: 80 m2
- for a stable ecological balance, 100 m2 is better
It is also important that the water in this pond is 2.5 m deep so that the sediments that have settled on the bottom are not stirred up when you swim.
Other deciding factors for size
The available space in the garden and your own wishes rarely determine the type and size of the pool alone. The following factors must also be taken into account during planning:
- Construction costs/possible own contribution
- Operating costs, maintenance and care
frequently asked Questions
If you have the technical skills and are well informed about the procedure, you can in principle carry out all the work yourself. However, the time required here should not be underestimated. Experts speak of up to 800 working hours for a medium-sized tank. Partial services are more realistic for working garden owners.
Adults find a safe footing in a water depth of up to 1.3 m. If there are children in the household, however, there is a risk of drowning even in much shallower water. The system must therefore be thought through carefully and used with protective measures.
A well-planned pond is an investment for life. Because if its size and planting are right, it shows itself to be permanently ecologically stable without much effort. Therefore, not only short-term considerations should play a role in its construction. If a paddling pool is initially required by children, after just a few years swimming can become the focus.
