Natural Lakes & Swimming Ponds

Large Natural Lakes & Swimming Ponds, Designed for Living Water

Whether you’re creating a swimmable recreational lake, a serene fishing pond, or a naturalistic water feature to anchor a landscape, our lake and pond builds combine ecology, engineering, and artistry. Each project is individually designed to integrate with the land, support healthy water biology, and remain visually stunning for decades.

Every property is unique.

We adapt:

• lining systems

• plant strategies

• hydraulic layouts

• shelf geometry

• circulation systems

• access points and decks

…so your lake or pond fits the environment naturally rather than looking artificial or forced.

Expansive Freshwater Ecosystems Built With Precision

Swimming ponds deliver the experience of a natural lake with the clarity and cleanliness of a modern natural pool.
Our systems include:

• regeneration wetlands built to scale

• aerated deep zones to maintain oxygen levels

• graded shelves that encourage biological balance

• programmable pumping systems for efficient turnover

• optional plant-free BioPool-style filtration packages for clients wanting a clean, minimal aesthetic

The result is a swimmable freshwater environment that feels wild, yet is engineered for crystal-clear, safe water.

Natural Lakes

Swimming Ponds

Tailored

Large natural lakes demand a different level of engineering.

We design and build lakes with:

• stabilized shorelines and reinforced embankments

• EPDM or clay lining systems suited to the site

• deep zones and shallow shelves for oxygenation and habitat

• circulation and aeration systems for long-term clarity

• ecologically balanced plant zones (optional)

• filtration strategies suitable for high volumes

Whether the goal is swimming, recreation, wildlife, or landscape impact, we create stable, low-maintenance lake systems that remain clear and healthy year-round.

Clear, Clean Water With Natural Aesthetics

Benefits

Of a Professionally Engineered Natural Lake or Pond

• Clear, balanced water without heavy chemical use

• Ecosystem-driven stability reducing long-term maintenance

• Architectural integration — lakes designed around the architecture and terrain

• Scalable filtration & aeration for small ponds to multi-acre lakes

• Wildlife-friendly habitats supporting birds, fish, amphibians & pollinators

• Sustainable water management options, including rainwater harvesting and controlled-fill systems

to Your Land, Climate & Aesthetic

I love the water feature and stream Aqua Vitae created for our office entry. It makes for a tranquil sound and attractive entrance that people always comment on. The build process was creative and fun and they even drilled the slate stone on site!

Jacob P.

Slate Stone Water Feature & Stream Palo Alto, California

Considering a Lake or Swimming Pond?

If you're considering a koi pond, waterfall, or custom water feature, we offer structured design and planning services to help you move forward with clarity. Share a few details about your site and project goals, and we’ll send you an initial assessment along with recommended next steps.