The key to making Australia’s swimming pools more sustainable is to build a more natural option.

Living pools require no chemicals, use less energy and increase an area’s biodiversity.

They are a more environmentally conscious alternative to traditional models. While the cost to build one is expensive outright, the long-term benefits tend to outweigh that initial lump sum.

How Living Pools Work

Living pools run on two different types of natural filters that work together to keep the water clear and clean. They do not use chlorine. Instead, they use a biofilter that’s installed underwater to remove bacteria. The bacteria then go into a phosphate filter, which absorbs it and releases the clean water back into the pool. There is no need for the pumps seen in traditional swimming pools.

The location of a living pool is equally important. There needs to be enough room for a swimming area and a regeneration zone. A larger space is best, depending on how big the pool is expected to be, so it can house all the required elements. 

Specialised knowledge is often required for a successful setup. Installation is similar to a traditional pool, but more help might be needed to ensure it’s constructed properly and naturally. Living pools are a relatively new idea, so research is key. 

The Benefits of Living Pools

Contrary to traditional swimming pools, living pools are much more beneficial to the environment. They do not require harsh chemicals like chlorine to keep them clean. They also have a regeneration zone, a shallow area that can be filled with different plants to increase biodiversity. Bugs often inhabit these spaces, too, and they create breeding grounds that can aid endangered wildlife.

There are also health benefits associated with living pools. The lack of harsh chemicals makes the water gentler on the skin since chlorine can irritate people who are hypersensitive. The natural materials in these pools reduce the potential for allergic reactions. Because they filter water naturally, living pools decrease the chance that people will get sick from accidentally ingesting it. They help avoid that terrible coughing after drinking chlorinated water.

Living pools require a lot less maintenance than traditional options. There is no need to continuously buy chemicals or pay a high electricity bill to power the pump. 

To make these pools even more sustainable, they can be constructed with previously used shipping containers or other recyclable items that have been donated. People even do this with traditional swimming pools to make them more environmentally friendly. This is just another way living pools help the environment and eliminate waste.

Some additional costs associated with traditional pools are less common with living ones. For one, leaks can ramp up water bills if left unchecked. Pool owners are also subject to paying higher prices for chemicals and electricity since they require more upkeep. 

Traditional pools must also be covered in the winter. There’s no need to do this with living pools since they contain natural elements that can protect themselves in the colder months. Still, it is good to be mindful of the region when setting up a living pool.

Possible Drawbacks of Living Pools

Living pools can cost more than traditional ones. This can be for several reasons, including the prices of the biofilter and phosphate filter and installation expenses. Once they are up and running, however, the cost decreases. 

Some people prefer traditional pools because living ones can contain nonharmful algae that may not look inviting. The algae itself is not harmful and can often be beneficial to swim in. Some varieties can even be used as a nutritional food source for humans lacking protein. While it may not look like it, algae is not always a bad thing to have in a pool.

A common misconception is that living pools are the same as swimming in a river or lake. However, these areas are not maintained, while the pool has a biofilter and a phosphate filter. It is simply a more natural way of having a swimming pool.

Australia’s Living Pools

The concept of living pools began in Europe but is now popular worldwide because of its sustainable qualities. Australia’s living pools are unique because they have different wildlife from most countries, and some essential regulations that need to be followed.

Wattle trees and gum trees are two popular options native to Australia that could be planted either in the regeneration zone or near the living pool. It is also important to grow items that are considered endangered. Australia currently has around 750 plants that are in danger of extinction, and seeding them will hopefully increase their numbers. 

It is essential to be mindful of Australian government regulations regarding outdoor pools. A barrier must be up at all times during construction and after the pool is built. It should also receive governmental approval. These rules must be taken into account to avoid violations or fines.

Additional Elements of Living Pools

Living pools also promote biodiversity by attracting local animals and plants to liven the area up. The goal is to create a natural atmosphere where wildlife want to live, surrounding a pool with plants and amphibians native to the area. 

It can be an enjoyable pastime locating what bugs, flowers and other wildlife are local or endangered in an area. Adding them to a living pool’s outskirts can make it much more natural and enriched with biodiversity.

Proper Maintenance of Living Pools

Living pools require significantly less maintenance than traditional versions. One of the main tasks is to skim and remove debris. Wind can blow items into the water and disrupt the filtering process. 

Checking the water quality is also important, especially if people are consistently swimming in it. Ensuring the water is healthy and thriving can keep the living pool running smoothly and ensure no one gets sick.

Having two filters also helps maintain a living pool. Checking them regularly ensures they are working properly and doing the most for the oasis. The filters operate naturally, but some maintenance may be required.

Making Pools More Sustainable

Living pools are sustainable because of their natural filtering processes and increased opportunity for biodiversity. Companies should offer them as an option for Australians who want to improve the environment and avoid letting harsh chemicals and excess electricity cause harm.

By Jane Marsh

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