You might be wondering what a natural pool is and how much they usually cost. Since the 60s and 70s, natural swimming pools have been popular in the United States. What started as a side project for a group of Austrian scientists has become a new way of life (and swimming). Natural swimming pools, as opposed to chlorine, saltwater, or other chemicals, rely on biological components and plant life to keep the water healthy.

Sponsored Advertiser - PoolMarketing.com® Network

Natural pools, as beautiful as they are, have many advantages and disadvantages. It may be difficult, but not impossible, to determine a precise pricing range for them. Here is a breakdown of the cost of your natural swimming pool, as well as some rough estimates and a list of the several expenses to expect.

What Is the Price of a Natural Swimming Pool?

The cost of a natural swimming pool is not a one-size-fits-all issue. Some homeowners might only spend $50,000 on the necessities, whereas others may spend over $100,000 on landscaping.

A swimming pool will cost you around $100 per square foot on average (perhaps a bit less). It could be as low as $50 or $75 per square foot, based on where you reside and who you hire, but that’s a reasonable estimate.

Remember that these are just estimates, and you should account for factors such as pool size, upkeep, unique pool features, and landscaping.

Estimate the Cost of a Natural Swimming Pool Based on Size

You can get natural swimming pools in an array of sizes, but the larger the pool, the better, according to most contractors. Algae growth is common in natural pools, but having a larger surface area can help.

A natural pool with a swimming size of 30 x 20 feet will cost between $70,000 and $80,000. Remember that size has to do more than just the amount of available space. Natural pools can come in any shape; actually, the vast majority of these pools are circular (instead of rectangular such as a saltwater or chlorine pool). As a result, calculating the precise footage can be a bit more difficult.

It’s worth noting that, no matter size, the majority of homeowners end up spending at least $70,000 for their natural pool. Even if your natural pool is no larger than a hot tub, you’ll need to consider plant life, biofilters, and landscape excavation.

Landscaping Prices

Landscape design is essential for any pool, but it’s particularly important for a natural pool. Although the pool will be cleaned by microbes and plant life, it shouldn’t look like a pond. Most of these pools can look like any other chlorinated pool, particularly if the owner has done lots of landscaping.

Costs of Building Materials

You can use an array of construction materials on your pool’s foundation and walls, some of which help you make savings ultimately.

Your swimming pool might look great with landscaping features such as a waterfall or retaining wall. However, the wildlife and aquatic plants that you add to it are essential. If you do not have the right plant life, your natural pool won’t be able to clean itself properly, and you will end up with algae and other hygienic problems.

The Costs of Adding Plants

Water lilies are all the rage among homeowners for a reason. Daphnia, one of the most essential bacteria, grows near the bottom of your natural pool. Water lilies can help limit the growth of algae and shield this bacterium from UV radiation. A single live water lily can cost a pool owner between $10 and $20.

Zooplankton and other forms of plant life are also essential to plant life that will keep the water clean. Pre-made zooplankton mixtures are available, but if you want to reinforce the new natural pond, expect to spend $100 to $250.

While floating plants such as water lily and microorganisms such as zooplankton serve a functional purpose, many people purchase plants for their aesthetic value. Perennial grass, for example, is not required for your pool’s ecology, but it can offer texture and shade.

Although adding amphibians or fish to these pools isn’t recommended, but lots of people do so anyway. You shouldn’t add wildlife to your natural pool. The reason is that it will seriously disrupt the pool’s well-balanced nutrient environment.

Maintenance and equipment costs

Natural pools, contrary to popular belief, don’t require any equipment or maintenance. While the maintenance is minimal and no chemicals are required, you will need some pool equipment to get them in operation.

Unless you intend to use your pool solely for decoration, it’s best to think about investing in a pool heater. The best thing about a heater is that you can use it to heat most natural pools. While a small natural pool may be able to get by with a $200 pool heater, if the pool is extremely large, you may end up spending up to $1,000.

You will also require cleaning supplies, just like you’d need for a regular chlorinated pool. Your natural pool might cope with algae and bacteria, but it cannot get rid of dirt and debris. A net skimmer costs about $15, but a parachute skimmer costs over $100.

Filters are also used in a large number of natural swimming pools to effectively clean the pool water, particularly at the start of the season. Most slow flow pond filters range in price from $1,500 to $2,000, not including installation costs.

Pool Upkeep Costs for a Natural Pool

The good news is that, when compared to a traditional pool, natural ponds do not require as much regular maintenance or cost. Once your pool is fully installed and operational, it is relatively inexpensive to maintain. Aside from replacing floating plants on a semi-frequent basis and adding more zooplankton to the pool, there is not much else you need to spend your money on.