Natural Pools: How Do Plants Clean Water?

[@leafandstone.naturalpools]

🌱 Online Course: Convert your chlorine pool to a natural pool for under $800 all in under 3 days as a DIY project you can tackle yourself. I have a step-by-step video course and online community that will teach you and support you every step of the way. courses.leafandstone.co.za/natural-pool-conversion-online-course

[@SherrickDuncan]

Can duckweed be a good plant tool to clean your natural pool and also to eat as a food source for yourself and your animals and for your vegetables?

[@leafandstone.naturalpools]

@@SherrickDuncan Duckweed is not a good option for a natural pool. It covers the surface and spreads. With skimmers and water circulation duckweed doesn't grow either.

[@SherrickDuncan]

@@leafandstone.naturalpools I mean in a separated area that the water is made to flow through to be filtered.

[@SherrickDuncan]

​@leafandstone.naturalpools I meant in a seperate area. Like can I create a Natural Pool Swim Pond 55 Gallon Barrels or IBC Totes thaf have Filter Tanks with floating vegetable garden, fresh water filter feeder mussels and claims, and lots of duckweed?

[@ronaldsteur9129]

Thanks! Very well explained

[@Chrissmithers9]

I just found your video today. . .taking my own steps to purify the water where I am. . . Thank you for your time and energy 💦

[@ruanjose9446]

what an amazing class 🇧🇷

[@sashabeznosyuk8199]

Thank you great video.Very well described information.What do you think about bog filter?

[@leafandstone.naturalpools]

I think the bog filter is great. It is the same principle. As with any filter though, the devil is in the details. The design needs to ensure that it doesn't clog too rapidly, can be easily serviced and cleaned when it does.

[@martindoye]

really useful, thank you very much for all this knowledge, about to build one here in Mexico with a system of small tanks line up in stairs that will let the water flow from one to the other to end up finally in the swimming pool. Looking for more information on what type of gravel, sand, plant to use ? :)

[@hamlulit]

Fantastic explanation !

[@ellengracegallares2476]

Very enlighting knowledge. Useful and inspirational for conservation projects in a community-based tourism

[@leafandstone.naturalpools]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@latinopigeon1004]

Lovely videos, and I admire the mission and initiative. Are there regional limitations to natural pools, and does the process change much depending on what climate the pool is made within?

[@leafandstone.naturalpools]

Freezing climates are possible and temperate climates are ideal. Natural Pools are possible in very hot, tropical climates but It's crucial to understand the risks of parasites in tropical natural pools. To safegaurd agaiinst these risks a UV strerlizer is a requirement. Additionally, biweekly treatments with 30% Hydrogen Peroxide can virtually eliminate any risk, as it destroys parasites while oxygenating the water. Though some beneficial microorganisms may be lost, most will remain in the wetland area.

[@JoeJohnson1]

Great insights. Thank you for the education. You mention that the water needs to be kept cool. How cool is optimum? I guess the question I'm really after is: "How warm can I keep it?" Some of us like to swim in warmish water, especially in winter.

[@leafandstone.naturalpools]

26C / 78F is the maximum

[@JoeJohnson1]

Thank you.

[@leonelgraca]

exactly my doubt also, in same terms!!! Im glad he answered. What a great education. Im subscribing.

[@leonelgraca]

Very well explained, deserves more views. Thanks for sharing. Im trying to find out what happens to urine as I want to build a pool and rent the pool house for vacations. As I cannot control what kids will do... im curious if its safe and will be cleansed too. Best regards.

[@leafandstone.naturalpools]

Hello! Thank you for your feedback, I'm delighted you enjoyed it! In a natural pool, urine serves as a nutrient for the plants, as it contains urea, which is approximately 95% water and 2-5% urea. This urea is beneficial for the plants and contributes to the ecosystem of the pool. Additionally, urea is commonly used in natural pools as a fertilizer to promote plant growth. Conversely, in a chlorinated pool, urine would not be absorbed or utilized by the system, resulting in the persistence of nitrogen compounds, which can affect water quality.

[@leonelgraca]

@@leafandstone.naturalpools Wow thanks for the comprehensive answer. Im just restarting my research as I stopped 10 years ago. Will be looking all your videos. Many thanks!!! 🤩

[@southernrainforest]

thank you, very good, just discovered your channel and have subbed

[@nandingpanelo]

Thanks

[@phfen]

Very nice video ! How can aeration cool the water to keep it under 26C?

[@leafandstone.naturalpools]

Aeration can help keep pool water under 26°C by enhancing evaporation, which naturally cools the water. The process increases air-water contact, promoting heat exchange and faster cooling, especially at night when air temps are lower. Using fountains or waterfalls can boost this effect by creating more surface area for evaporation. Running aeration during cooler parts of the day or night maximizes the cooling benefit."

[@phfen]

@@leafandstone.naturalpoolsVery interesting. Thank you !

[@gt.moitruong-vn09]

when When will there be part 2?

[@adrianavelazquez5344]

I loved it! love it learn a lot, still a lot to learn of details and specifications but . just 2 questions I have. what kind of fish? and what kind of plants? I know a few plants. but it would be great if you can share your. I have a friend that have a natural pool and it is in great shape because of the extra help with oxigenatión spots.

[@leafandstone.naturalpools]

The plants and fish would depend where you are? what climate and region?

[@rasheedp4140]

Nice teaching

[@leafandstone.naturalpools]

Thank you!

[@fiebre3d]

Espectacular. Después de ver cientos de videos , es primer vez que entiendo perfectamente de que se trata el sistema. Agradezco enormemente el esfuerzo por compartirnos tanto conocimiento y de forma tan clara. Me suscribo y un like más que merecido para ti. Espero que sigas compartiendo tu conocimiento.gracias

[@leafandstone.naturalpools]

¡Muchas gracias por tus amables palabras! Me alegra mucho saber que el video te ha ayudado a entender el sistema de manera clara. Aprecio tu suscripción y el like, y estoy comprometido a seguir compartiendo más conocimiento. ¡Gracias a ti por tu apoyo!

[@petkuscinta9797]

So does gravel of all sizes need to be round without sharp edges or sharp gravel works well too but is less preferred?

[@ethanford888]

Hi, this is a great intro video. Have you done a cost comparison? Or maybe you could shed some light on the operation costs ?

[@leafandstone.naturalpools]

A natural pool costs less to run than a conventional pool. The energy consumption is anywhere from 50% - 25% less (depending on the design of the pool). For a natural pool we typically use a 75W running 16hrs a day (1200W p/day). A conventional pool will use a 700w pump for 4hrs a day (2800W p/day). There is also no need for the cost of chlorine or other chemicals as well which can easily amount to $50 per month.

[@michaelhunter274]

Exceptional lesson!

[@leafandstone.naturalpools]

Glad you think so!

[@yotame7013]

Thank you so much 🙏🏼 Do you think it will possible to create a natural pool for Watsu therapy uses, which the water should be around 33 Celsius? Thank you

[@leafandstone.naturalpools]

Natural pools can be heated but to a maximum of 27C. Having a pool heater generally means one has to keep the pool covered otherwise you lose 70% of the heat. This is absolutely possible but can limit your design choices. It is also advisable to have UV sterilizers as part of the system if one is keeping the temperature high. If you wanted to go to 33C you would have to do that in an isolated swim area, then let it cool down and circulate through the plants and setup this up in a cycle.

[@thecreativegardener176]

O mG this is so good. Just a simple question!. Can we put soil beneath gravel in order to grow water lilies and then a layer of gravel on the soil? Is that fine?

[@leafandstone.naturalpools]

Thank you! Lilies are best planted in their own separate pots or zones where they grow in clay soil.

[@rafacarreiras]

Hey bro! Any book that you might recommend reading before diving without more specific knowledge? Thanks a lot by the way great class!

[@leafandstone.naturalpools]

How to Build a Natural Swimming Pool by Wolfram Kircher & Andreas Thon is great.

[@mikisikis00]

Amazing content mate. Very thorough and simple to understand. What would you say the optimum wetland to swim surface area ratio is? Also, is it possible to have too large of a wetland area?

[@leafandstone.naturalpools]

Thank you for your kind words! I'm glad you found the content thorough and easy to understand. For the optimum wetland to swim surface area ratio in a natural pool, a common recommendation is a ratio of about 1:1 or 1:2, meaning the wetland (regeneration zone) should be equal to or up to half the size of the swimming area. This ensures effective filtration and water quality maintenance. As for having too large of a wetland area, it is generally not a problem. A larger regeneration zone can enhance the pool's ability to filter and purify the water, potentially reducing maintenance. However, it might increase the initial construction cost and require more space. In summary, while a 1:1 or 1:2 ratio is often optimal, a 1:1 for warmer climates and a 1:2 for cool climates. An even larger wetland area can still be beneficial and not problematic. Feel free to ask if you have more questions!

[@matejferletic7840]

What about the biofilm in the pool, who made it slippery and at the end not appreciated,how that can be “controlled”? Only by removing it like with a robot, or it is impossible to, due to the speed the biofilm is going to recreate?

[@leafandstone.naturalpools]

The biofilm that makes surfaces cannot be easily removed, no need to endure that steps and shallow areas have enough grip. There are ways to remove biofilm using high tech phosphate filters.

[@ESF19791111]

VERY-INTERESTING :) THANK FOR SHARING :) I DID A THUMB-UP ABOUT THE VIDEO AND SUBSCRIBED TO THE CHANNEL :) THANK YOU FROM ISRAEL :)

[@matsstefens]

Can you heat the water? How would you do that?

[@leafandstone.naturalpools]

Yes, but only up to 26/27C - you can use solar or heat pumps

[@noshiko5398]

This is an interesting video! But I also have to say, you and your mannerisms remind me a lot of Matt O'Dowd from PBS Space Time.

[@leafandstone.naturalpools]

Cool! I didn't know who Matt O'Dowd was but now you have introduced me to Space Time! which looks awesome.

[@raghubishnoi5860]

Wonderful

[@schmijo]

Hats off to video production quality. Would waterfalls not be perfect for oxygenation and water flow?

[@justbecause3187]

Waterfalls and fountains are okay but there are more efficient methods of oxygenating water such as waterwheels and venturi systems. Bubblers can be Okay too, but they're most efficiently used as part of an airlift pumping system.

[@Okradokra]

Better for mixing the chocolate

[@leafandstone.naturalpools]

The waterfall is great and does oxygenate BUT it is more for aesthetics. Plants put oxygen into the water through their roots and if you push water through the plant zone, the water gets plenty oxygen. It is a common fallacy that a natural pool (with a wetland filter) needs an air diffuser or a waterfall or venturi etc.

[@jobenlouw]

Is it safe to have fish in the same system as the pool? I know they produce extra amonium and also need food, which will affect the nutrient balance in the pool.

[@leafandstone.naturalpools]

It's perfectly fine to have fish in a natural pool, as long as they are introduced thoughtfully. Key considerations are to avoid overfeeding (they should hardly be fed at all) and ensure they have a safe and suitable habitat. Additionally, keep the fish population at a manageable level to avoid disrupting the pool’s natural balance. Fish can be beneficial-they help control mosquitoes and may even eat some algae. However, too many fish can reduce zooplankton populations, which are essential for maintaining water clarity and overall ecosystem health. It’s a balancing act, so fish can be a great addition, but their impact should be carefully managed to keep the pool’s ecosystem thriving.

[@God-ec8ni]

just put chlorine

[@SherrickDuncan]

No. That's not how that works. That's not how any of this works. 😅

[@leafandstone.naturalpools]

I think you missed the point here!