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Let Your Natural Swimming Pond Age and Develop
Before adding any fish or taking a long soak, you should let your new swimming pond age and develop a little bit.
Understanding and Meeting Local Requirements for Your Natural Swim Pond
In most rural areas, small backyard ponds designed for swimming are not controlled by any local authorities or permitting offices.
Plant Selection and Installation in Natural Swimming Pond
Careful plant selection makes the difference between a clean and thriving natural pond and a water feature that requires a lot of attention for the first few years.
Water Features that Work Best with Natural Swimming Ponds
Many homeowners want their backyard ponds to serve a double purpose of adding visual appeal and offering a comfortable place to swim.
Plant Your Filtration Area in a Natural Swimming Pond
After installing your liner and filling your pond, it’s time to add your filtration plants.
Controlling Algae Growth in a Natural Swimming Pond
Algae is one of the most discouraging parts of natural pond ownership. It’s a natural and inevitable part of a pond’s life cycle, but it’s also unpleasant to swim through and can seem impossible to eliminate.
Dealing with Wildlife Attracted to the Pond
A well-built natural pond will attract a wide variety of wildlife.
The 50/50 Rules of Designing a Natural Swimming Pond
Natural ponds that aren’t used for swimming can be planted as heavily or lightly as you like. However, swimming ponds need a specific amount of planted and clear areas.
Building Entrances and Exits to a Natural Swimming Pond
Walking in and out of the pond through a random part of the pond bank may work if you only plan to swim a few times over the course of the summer.
To Add Fish or Not to Natural Swimming Pond?
For some homeowners, the idea of adding koi or goldfish to their backyard pond is even more of a goal than swimming.
Choose a Natural Swimming Pond Style
All natural ponds need banks that look natural and stabilize the soil below the surface to prevent erosion.
Reasons to Choose a Natural Swimming Pond Over a Traditional Pool
Since building a natural pond for any purpose is a large home improvement project, you’ll want to make sure it’s the right choice for you before you begin.
Making a Natural Pond for Swimming
There are as many reasons for building a natural pond and there are designs and options for customization.