Even though winter may soon be upon us, the thousands of wild swimmers from all over the country find refuge floating among emerald-green water reeds.

It’s not only those who take a plunge in the countryside rivers or ponds that get to enjoy swimming, but also others who don’t have to deal with chlorine and ugly concrete surrounds.

No, these days anyone can soak in natural water in the privacy of their own back garden by installing a natural swimming pond — a pool cleaned by carefully selected plants instead of harsh chemicals delivered in plastic tubs.

Make a splash: A natural swimming pond with steps into the water makes a great alternative to a concrete pool

Get a little splash: Natural swimming ponds with steps in the water are a wonderful alternative to concrete pools

The popularity of swimming ponds has increased over the past decade due to many people becoming addicted to rural dipping. 

Some people might be tired of looking at uninspiring concrete swimming pools covered in tarpaulin and wish they could find something more to complement their outlook.

Swimming ponds — also called ‘natural swimming pools’ — come in all shapes and sizes and can be heated or unheated, but the common feature is that the plants they contain are chosen to make the water safe by absorbing the nutrients that would otherwise lead to a build-up of algae. 

Some models also use filtration units to pump water.

Smita Patel is a doctor who lives in Gonalston in Nottinghamshire. Ellicar built her 66-square-meter swimming pond last year. Every day, she takes half an hour to take a plunge.

It seems ridiculous to make a hole in the ground, then pour cold water into it and invite people to take a dip in it. She giggles.

She was able to finish the pond in May 2020, after a period of extremely hot weather.

Natural: A waterlily. Plants will help keep a swimming pond clean

Nature: The waterlily. Swimming ponds can be cleaned by plantings.

“I was swimming every day until October when the water temperature dropped below 16c. I realized that we should be more sensible and decided to stop.

‘But I couldn’t bear it — I became miserable that I couldn’t go for my daily swim.’

After acclimatizing herself to the environment, she now swims every day and shares water with a local newt and a visiting heron. 

She says, “It stimulates all nerve fibers and receptors and gives me an actual endorphin high every day.” 

It’s magical to swim at night under the stars. It’s therapeutic. It’s therapeutic. My kids now visit us more frequently.

Ponds like hers cost about £1,500 per square metre. That includes everything — plants, filters etc — but without optional extras such as decking. 

Two zones are common in pools: the central area where you swim and the edge that houses the plants. While you could wade through the pools, you will most likely choose decking to allow you to dive directly into the swimming area.

Swimming ponds can be converted from an existing pool, or built entirely new.

You will likely want the company that installed the plant to come out to inspect it a few times per year. You don’t need to cover the plant when it isn’t in use. The surface skimmer can prevent leaves from building up.

Solar panels can heat water. Speakers will play music as you go. Lighting above the water is also available. You may even have a pavilion to change in. It is likely that the minimum area required for a pool to be considered safe and healthy is 40sqm.

Temperatures will reach highs of 25c during summer and 19c during winter. Although you can use the suit in the colder months, it is possible to wear it with a waterproof jacket.

Helen Jennings, an interior design professional who lives in Diss Suffolk, was able to have her 50-sqm swimming pool built by Natural Swimming Pools 2 years ago. 

The company creates pools of that size from about £75,000. Helen states that she built the pool in 2004. She also wanted to build a sanctuary for wildlife on the land. 

“So, when I was thinking about introducing water into the house, I didn’t want to use the chemical-and concrete block types of pools. 

“I was looking for something natural. I love the idea of using natural plants to purify the water.

This is her best purchase. ‘I loved designing it — these pools are very personal, because you can have them round, square, any size you want.

It doesn’t matter what season it’s in. The house is connected because you can get out and enjoy the amazing body of your life.

‘And the kinetic energy is wonderful because it’s always moving — you wake up in the morning and you have this lovely pool bubbling away and doing its thing.’

She swims every day in the pool during summer but hasn’t tried winter-time swimming.

“At this moment, it’s around 17c. It’s parky, makes you shriek when you get into it, but once it’s in, everything is fine.

‘It’s the best investment I’ve ever made — I’d make it again in a heartbeat.’

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