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Conversion from a traditional pool into a natural swimming pool

Interviw with Marta
Type:
Natural swimming pool
Zone:
Province of Brescia
Year:
2007

We had stopped using our old traditional pool because of the high running costs, so we decided to convert it into a natural swimming pool.

It was an eco-friendly decision because it meant that we would be able to salvage the damaged old basin and count on a natural, green system. It does not involve the use of chemical pollutants and the maintenance and operating costs are lower.

One thing that we really like is that it is always open, so we can make the most of it even in the winter. In addition, all of the plants in the filter make it look more like a lake than a pool.

Furthermore, the fact that no water is wasted and there is absolutely no chlorine is important to us.

The biodiversity is one of the most positive aspects. There are frogs living in the filter area and it’s always amazing to see dragonflies buzzing over the water when you’re taking a dip.

As I mentioned, unlike our old pool we can use it all year round. We even use it in the winter when the weather is fine. Just sitting on the side and dangling your legs in the water is a lovely experience.

It’s nice that there’s always life near the natural swimming pool. There’s always something new to discover and admire, even if it’s just something to look at.

One of the negative aspects is the growth of algae when it’s very hot. It means you need to clean a bit more thoroughly, although you can usually keep everything under control if you brush the sides and use a robotic cleaner.

I’d recommend them for everyone who wants a pool because the construction costs are essentially the same but you get something completely different in aesthetic terms. It is a much more beautiful sight and it is also affordable because there are no big maintenance expenses.

For example, at the moment we can take a break from work, get straight into the pool for a swim and then go back to work without having to take a shower again to wash off chlorine or chemical substances.

That’s another way in which it’s much simpler.

We used it a great deal during the lockdown because the weather was rather hot and sunny.

We actually spend more time in the garden as well because it’s all part of a big ensemble and everything blends in perfectly with the landscape.

Our cats and dogs have really grown accustomed to it and they actually prefer the water from the pool to that in their bowls.

We finished the conversion work in February 2008 and we would definitely do it again. We believe that it was the right choice for us and we’re totally satisfied.

The first few times it was strange getting into a natural swimming pool. Maybe that’s because we were used to clear pools where you can see the tiles on the bottom. However, you soon grow accustomed to it, partly because you feel like you’re entering a more balanced and natural environment.

Actually, we subsequently began to find it unpleasant to get into a traditional pool. The chlorine smells horrible and it also irritates your skin.

Why did you choose a swimming pond?

We had stopped using our old traditional pool because of the high running costs, so we decided to convert it into a natural swimming pool.

It was an eco-friendly decision because it meant that we would be able to salvage the damaged old basin and count on a natural, green system. It does not involve the use of chemical pollutants and the maintenance and operating costs are lower.

What are your favourite things about it?

One thing that we really like is that it is always open, so we can make the most of it even in the winter. In addition, all of the plants in the filter make it look more like a lake than a pool.

Furthermore, the fact that no water is wasted and there is absolutely no chlorine is important to us.

Are there things about it that have surprised you?

The biodiversity is one of the most positive aspects. There are frogs living in the filter area and it’s always amazing to see dragonflies buzzing over the water when you’re taking a dip.

As I mentioned, unlike our old pool we can use it all year round. We even use it in the winter when the weather is fine. Just sitting on the side and dangling your legs in the water is a lovely experience.

It’s nice that there’s always life near the natural swimming pool. There’s always something new to discover and admire, even if it’s just something to look at.

One of the negative aspects is the growth of algae when it’s very hot. It means you need to clean a bit more thoroughly, although you can usually keep everything under control if you brush the sides and use a robotic cleaner.

For whom would you recommend a natural swimming pool?

I’d recommend them for everyone who wants a pool because the construction costs are essentially the same but you get something completely different in aesthetic terms. It is a much more beautiful sight and it is also affordable because there are no big maintenance expenses.

What sort of impact has your natural swimming pool had on your everyday life?

For example, at the moment we can take a break from work, get straight into the pool for a swim and then go back to work without having to take a shower again to wash off chlorine or chemical substances.

That’s another way in which it’s much simpler.

We used it a great deal during the lockdown because the weather was rather hot and sunny.

We actually spend more time in the garden as well because it’s all part of a big ensemble and everything blends in perfectly with the landscape.

Our cats and dogs have really grown accustomed to it and they actually prefer the water from the pool to that in their bowls.

How long have you had a natural swimming pool and are you still happy with the choice you made?

We finished the conversion work in February 2008 and we would definitely do it again. We believe that it was the right choice for us and we’re totally satisfied.

What does it feel like to take a dip in a natural swimming pool?

The first few times it was strange getting into a natural swimming pool. Maybe that’s because we were used to clear pools where you can see the tiles on the bottom. However, you soon grow accustomed to it, partly because you feel like you’re entering a more balanced and natural environment.

Actually, we subsequently began to find it unpleasant to get into a traditional pool. The chlorine smells horrible and it also irritates your skin.