Design–Build Specialists in Natural Pools, Ponds & Lakes

Who We Are

Aqua Vitae is Portugal’s leading natural pool design–build firm, serving clients across Portugal and Europe. We create custom natural swimming pools, biopools, water features, koi ponds and natural lakes that blend seamlessly with their surroundings — every project sculpted to suit its land, its architecture and the vision of its owner.

We serve homeowners, retreats and developers across Portugal, Europe & the U.S., combining ecological design, precise engineering and artisan stonework to create living water environments that are both beautiful and built to last.

Our Design Philosophy

Most natural pool builders repeat the same rectangular template, regardless of the land or architecture. We do the opposite. Every Aqua Vitae project begins with the property itself — its contours, views, materials, and architectural character. Whether the solution is modern, naturalistic, or a hybrid of both, the environment determines the form, and our engineering adapts to support it. No templates. No standardized shapes. No “one-size-fits-all” pools — ever.

This aesthetic-driven approach is what makes our work feel timeless, intentional, and naturally integrated with the landscape.

What We Build & Support

Aqua Vitae designs and builds a wide range of living water systems across Portugal, Europe and the U.S., including:

• Natural Swimming Pools (NSPs)

• Biopools & Hybrid Pools

• Modern Natural Pools & Naturalistic Pools

• Large Natural Lakes & Lake Construction

• Regenerative Ponds & Spring-fed Ponds

• Koi Ponds & Ornamental Water Gardens

• Waterfalls, Streams & Ecological Wetlands

• Pool Conversions (chlorine/salt → natural)

• Filtration Upgrades & Aeration Systems

Beyond construction, we also provide:

• Custom equipment kits

• Professional consultation & design

• App-based tools for sizing, planning & diagnostics

• Full-project technical support for homeowners and builders

This makes Aqua Vitae a true end-to-end provider for natural pools, ponds, and lakes — from concept through construction and long-term care.

Superior Engineering & Build Quality

Every Aqua Vitae project is built on precision engineering and structural longevity. While many natural pools rely on loose liners, loose stone, and unreinforced edges, our build method is engineered for long-term stability and watertight integrity.

We use a proprietary construction system in which the waterproof liner is installed behind a reinforced concrete layer. This creates a seamless, permanent membrane that protects both the structure and the finish — resulting in systems that last up to three times longer than conventional natural or chemical pools.

This concrete-backed liner approach prevents:

• UV damage

• Root intrusion

• Punctures

• Liner movement or sagging

• Premature liner failure

It also allows us to sculpt the interior with precise forms, curves, steps, benches, shelves, landings, and stonework — giving each pool a clean finish that blends naturally into the landscape.

State-of-the-Art Filtration Technology

We integrate the most advanced European filtration systems available today — pairing biological and mechanical filtration with UV-C sterilization and optional nanobubble oxygenation for unmatched clarity and purity.

Our systems maintain perfect water balance without chemicals, using:

• AquaForte high-efficiency filtration

• BioBead biological chambers

• Blue Lagoon/AquaForte UV-C sterilizers

• Nanobubble oxygenation (optional)

Unlike traditional chlorine or saltwater pools, our systems operate quietly, efficiently, and sustainably — consuming up to 70% less electricity while producing naturally clean, healthy, living water.

Aqua Vitae is proud to be an authorized dealer and certified installer for:

• Firestone Elevate EPDM Liners — industry-leading flexibility, UV resistance, and a 25-year warranty

• AquaForte Pumps & Filters — ultra-efficient European systems with up to a 5-year warranty

• Blue Lagoon / AquaForte UV-C Sterilizers — high-output amalgam bulb units maintaining ~80% intensity after one year, backed by a 3–5 year warranty

Where others stop at functionality, we focus on experience. Our pools are sculpted and contoured to feel like natural swimming holes — complete with custom stone staircases, submerged landings, plant terraces, and gentle gradients inspired by local ecology.

Through biomimetic design principles, authentic stonework, and natural earth-form shaping, we recreate the serenity of wild water — but with the comfort, clarity, and performance of a precision-engineered system.

Designed to Feel Natural

To complement our stone, earth, and water elements, we also integrate custom hardwood structures and natural timber finishes crafted by specialist carpenters. Each piece is selected for durability, ecological integrity, and its ability to age beautifully outdoors. We seal all timber with multiple layers of non-toxic, eco-safe finishes, ensuring long life, natural warmth, and a seamless aesthetic connection between the water and surrounding landscape.

Aqua Vitae systems are designed to be safe for people and ecosystems. We minimize concrete, integrate fire-safe water storage, and use bio-based wood sealers and long-life materials to reduce lifetime environmental impact.

Each system creates ecological benefits such as:

• Groundwater recharge

• Natural biodiversity support

• Microhabitats for amphibians, pollinators & beneficial plants

• Reduced chemical load on soil & waterways

• Lower energy consumption

• Rainwater harvesting integration (optional)

We build regenerative water systems — not just pools.

Ecological Responsibility in Every Build

Craftsmanship & Innovation

Our work is guided by a collective of specialists and master craftsmen carrying forward the lineage of the early natural pool movement.

Drawing on decades of experience in hydrology, ecological engineering, landscape design, and stone craftsmanship, we merge traditional techniques with cutting-edge technology.

This multidisciplinary approach creates water systems that function as living ecosystems — precise in engineering, timeless in form, and grounded in deep respect for nature.