California · Hawaii · U.S. · Worldwide
Natural Swimming
Pools
& Biopools
Design-led, chemical-free natural pools shaped by land, architecture & ecology.
Award-Winning Natural Pool Builders
Aqua Vitae Pools
Custom Natural Pools & Water Landscapes
Aqua Vitae are natural swimming pool builders based in San Francisco, California, designing and building custom biopools, natural swimming pools, and water landscapes for private clients, as well as select public and institutional projects. We work extensively across California and Hawaii, with additional projects throughout the U.S. and internationally — including our award-recognised Lisbon project in Portugal — with remote design consultation, guides and design services available worldwide.
2nd Runner-Up, Most Naturalistic — 2025 Water Artisan of the Year Awards, presented by POND Trade Magazine. One of three finalists selected globally in the category.
In 2025 the Lisbon Natural Pool Oasis placed 2nd Runner-Up in the Most Naturalistic category of the Water Artisan of the Year Awards, presented by POND Trade Magazine — one of three finalists selected globally. This recognition reflects the dedication of every client who trusted us with their land, every craftsman who built with us, and every collaborator who helped shape this work over the years. We are deeply grateful.
Our work is primarily based in California and Hawaii, with additional projects across the United States, the Middle East, Portugal, Italy, France, and Spain. Remote design consultation, guides and software are available worldwide.
Our award-winning work spans modern, naturalistic, and hybrid systems, each shaped by the character of the land, surrounding architecture, and local ecology rather than a fixed construction template. Design leads every project, with filtration, circulation and biological systems carefully adapted to support the intended aesthetic and long-term balance.
Every pool is tailored to its setting — never repeated, never imposed — whether the goal is a refined architectural pool, a fully natural swimming environment, or something in between.
New to natural pools? Our guides cover what a natural swimming pool is → and how much a natural pool costs →
If you're comparing different approaches, see our guide to the best natural swimming pool builders in Portugal →
Also an award winner at
Expert guidance, worldwide
Speak to a Natural Pool Consultant
— from €180
Whether you're planning a build in California, Hawaii or managing a project anywhere in the world, a consultation with Aqua Vitae gives you direct access to expert natural pool guidance from Joel McEwen Patterson, founder of Aqua Vitae.
Book a Consultation →Available remotely worldwide — or on-site in the U.S., Portugal and Spain.
Our Work
Natural Swimming Pools & Biopools
Experience the future of swimming — naturally. Our chemical-free biopools combine stunning natural aesthetics with cutting-edge filtration technology, creating a crystal-clear swimming environment that's gentle on your skin, safe for families, and sustainable for the planet.
With dramatically lower maintenance costs, flexible design options, and seamless integration into any landscape, Aqua Vitae pools offer an eco-conscious, luxurious alternative to traditional chlorine pools. Swim in pure, living water — beautiful year-round and built to last a lifetime.
If you're planning a natural swimming pool in California, Hawaii or anywhere else, we can guide the project from concept through construction — from early design through full build.
Water Features
Water Features
Transform your outdoor space with the soothing sound and timeless beauty of custom water features. From tranquil waterfalls and bubbling springs to elegant fountains and koi ponds, our designs enhance both residential and commercial landscapes throughout California, Hawaii and Portugal.
Crafted to blend seamlessly with your surroundings, each feature supports local biodiversity, requires minimal upkeep, and adds a sense of serenity and luxury to your garden or pool area. Bring movement, life, and harmony to your space — naturally.
Landscapes
Nature-scapes
Reconnect with nature through artfully designed landscapes that celebrate the wild beauty of the natural world. Our naturescapes combine native plants, stone, water, and earth to create immersive, low-maintenance environments that evolve with the seasons.
Whether it's a serene woodland garden, a vibrant pollinator haven, or a peaceful retreat beside your biopool, each space is thoughtfully designed to enhance biodiversity, support local ecosystems, and bring enduring tranquility to your daily life.
Design & Planning
Regenerative Design
We design with nature, not against it. Our regenerative approach goes beyond sustainability — restoring ecosystems, improving soil health, and enhancing water cycles while creating beautiful, functional outdoor spaces.
By integrating natural materials, passive systems, and native ecology, we craft environments that regenerate themselves over time. The result is a resilient, low-impact landscape that gives back more than it takes — both to the environment and to you.
We create siteplans, 3D plans and full colour renders.
Pool Conversion
Conversions
Already have a traditional chlorine or saltwater pool? We can transform it into a stunning, chemical-free Natural Swimming Pool. By reusing the existing shell and infrastructure, we integrate a wetland filtration zone, natural regeneration system, and energy-efficient circulation — all while preserving the beauty of your landscape.
Guides · Software · Consultation
Expert guidance, wherever you're building
Not every project needs a full build engagement with Aqua Vitae. Our guides, software and consultations are sold and used by people building natural pools worldwide — with or without us as the builder.
Guides
Complete technical references — from €49. Read at your own pace, keep for the whole build.
Browse guides →Consultation
One hour with our founder — from €180. Direct answers for your specific site.
Book a consultation →