Few additions to a property provide as much visual appeal and enjoyment as natural swimming pool designs. However, there are some considerations you'll want to account for. Here are four big ones you'll want to sort out before starting a natural pool design project.

The Type of Water

You're going to have five possible options when it comes to putting water in the pool. First, you can use salt water, which has the virtue of being cheaper and not smelling like chlorine. Bear in mind, though, that the use of cells in these systems will require replacement by a salt water pool maintenance technician every few years.

The second option is to go with chlorine and just accept the smell. A more advanced solution is ozone, although it's an expensive and equipment-heavy choice. Bromine is also worth consideration, but it imposes higher chemical costs. Lastly, you might consider a mineral system, although these units only reduce chlorine consumption.

Generally, salt is favored because it offers the most natural solution. Also, the smell is generally better.

Just How Natural Are You Talking About?

Everyone means something a little different when it comes to natural swimming pool designs. Some folks will have landscaping and plants right up to the water's edges, although that can create long-term maintenance issues. Other people want a pool that doesn't scream artificiality. Most customers, though, want something that's fairly eco-friendly and sustainable.

It's a good idea to talk with your contractors about your goals. Look through their portfolio of work to see if their vision for a natural swimming pool matches yours.

Design Elements

People tend to land in one of two camps when it comes to how to design a natural swimming pool. Some folks stick with simple shapes, such as squares and ovals. Then, some customers prefer to have a lot of curves and inlets in the pool to create the sense that it's more of a pond.

Neither approach is more right than the other. However, it's wise to think about whether you'd prefer to have something that more minimalist and modernist in design sensibilities or something that looks natural and scenic.

Landscaping and Hardscaping

One last issue to consider is how you plan to integrate the pool with the surrounding property. Many folks go so far with their landscaping efforts as to include things like cattails and lily pads at the edges of their pools. Other people prefer to use hardscaping features, such as stone tiles, pavers, and walls.

If you're interested in adding a natural swimming pool to your property, talk to a pool company like Pacific AquaScapes for more information.

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