Natural Pool Oasis Lisbon, Portugal

Come explore one of Aqua Vitae’s most innovative projects to date—a large-scale natural pool set across stepped elevations with hand-set stone and custom timber elements. The design invites a slow journey through distinct swim areas, gentle flows, and framed sightlines, while a planted wetland regeneration zone provides primary biological filtration and keeps the system ecologically balanced.

To complement the wetland, the water is refined by two commercial-grade UV sterilizers and a BioBead filtration system for robust, low-maintenance clarity. Surface water is quietly drawn over a natural stone infinity edge into a dedicated stone intake bay, completing circulation with efficient skimming and debris capture.

Project Details

Over 200 tons of natural stone were brought to the site and hand-placed throughout the design. From retaining walls and coping to stair treads and feature boulders, every stone was selected for color, texture, and durability. This craftsmanship anchors the project visually and structurally, blending it seamlessly into the surrounding hillside.

Stonework & Materials

Before construction began, more than 500 cubic meters of soil were excavated, graded, and reshaped to form the precise contours of the future poolscape. Each elevation was sculpted to guide water naturally, define swim zones, and create a stable foundation for stone construction. The process transformed raw terrain into a perfectly balanced base for the multi-level oasis.

Breaking Ground & Shaping the Land

Concrete Shell + Liner Construction Method

This natural pool is built using a reinforced concrete shell combined with a durable liner system — a method that provides exceptional structural strength while allowing for crisp, fully vertical pool walls. This vertical design is ideal for safe diving, particularly into the three-meter deep end, and also enables guests to jump directly from the patio into the water.

The concrete shell is steel-reinforced for long-term stability, then finished with a waterproof render and protective coating before receiving the liner. This multilayer approach ensures durability, waterproof integrity, and a refined finish without disclosing any proprietary construction techniques.

Terraced basins step with the site’s natural grade, creating distinct swim depths and outlooks for everyone from young children to grown adults. Elevation changes gently guide circulation and enhance visual aesthetic.

This timber was found on site. Cleaned, sculpted and sealed with all natural tung/linseed oil and custom shaped. Then attached with stainless steel fittings and mortis tenon joinery. The curved and natural shapes of the wood blend seamlessly with the stone and natural pool.

Hand-set stone steps provide durable, non-slip access between levels. Hidden underwater lights will make each step glow at night and make for easy access. This combined with the railing make a aesthetically pleasing entrance while be functional and to code.

Multi-Level Natural Swimming Pool

Natural Stone Steps

Custom Natural Wood Railing

A stone-formed grotto creates a cool, acoustic retreat. Water flows inside the cave from hidden springs of the above waterfall, cooling and relaxing guests.

Waterfalls oxygenate water and provide an alluring and unforgettable sound. Each fall is tuned for aeration, aesthetics and tonality while being fully adjustable for those party events or quiet, reflective moments.

Stone Soaking Tubs

At the top of the waterfall — at the pool’s source — sits an innovative feature and a first for us: a custom-set stone soaking tub designed as a quiet, restorative retreat or even a romantic getaway for two. Built around an upflow aeration system, water from the pool’s circulation rises from beneath the tub in a gentle column of fine bubbles that envelop bathers, creating a naturally aerated, spa-like experience.

The tub is framed by natural stone backrests, positioned and shaped to feel organically embedded in the landscape. Elevated at the highest point of the hydraulic system, the tub receives fresh, oxygenated water that spills over the two waterfalls and returns to the main pool, making it both a tranquil refuge and a distinctive highlight of the entire water circuit.

Two Waterfalls

Cave Under Waterfall

A shallow, gently-sloped zone offers safe play with excellent visibility from adjacent seating areas.

A dedicated ornamental basin for lilies and lotus adds seasonal bloom and surface shade, enriching habitat and microclimate.

A planted regeneration zone performs biological filtration. Flat stepping stones invite guests to cross the water and experience the wetland up close.

An artistically set stone infinity edge acts as a silent skimmer, drawing surface water into a sculpted intake bay for debris capture and pre-filtration.

Toddler Pool

Lily & Lotus Pool

Wetland Plant Filtration with Stepping Stones

Stone Infinity Edge Skimmer & Stone Intake Bay

Custom stone bench seating is integrated along the pool’s edges and terraces, providing comfortable rest zones while maintaining the natural character of the build. The benches merge with the architecture, offering shaded seating, social gathering areas, and quiet spaces overlooking the water.

Stone planters define transitions between levels, framing pockets of native grasses and aquatic-edge vegetation. These areas create biodiversity while softening the stonework, inviting pollinators and connecting the pool’s geometry back to the Portuguese landscape.

Between terraces, open patio areas planted with native grasses form natural gathering spaces that require minimal irrigation. The contrast of warm stone and soft foliage enhances texture, movement, and seasonal change throughout the property.

At the deep end, a large 1 ton stone diving boulder anchors the three-meter basin, offering a safe launch point and replacing the traditional ugly metal diving board.

Its placement ensures ample clearance while maintaining the organic lines of the pool’s shoreline. This is a great example of using the stone in a natural but still functional way. 

Free-stack stone bench seating for 10! This skydeck area rises subtly above the upper terrace, designed for quiet reflection and long views across the Portuguese village beyond. It functions as a visual lookout, blending sculptural form with purpose.

Stone Benches, Planters & Native Grass Patio

Diving Boulder

Stone SkyDeck & Viewpoint

Filtration System

The pool’s filtration system blends natural ecology with advanced technology. Water is polished through the wetland regeneration zone and multiple planted areas that provide biological filtration and nutrient balance. This is complemented by upflow filtration, a backwashable BioBead filter, and two commercial-grade UV sterilizers that ensure exceptional clarity and hygiene. All circulation is powered by smart, high-efficiency pumps that reduce energy use by up to 90% and allow full programmability for flow, efficiency, and automation.

Final Photos

After 8 months and 200 tons of stone, the project is finally finished. Now the filtration will clear the pool in the next couple weeks and the plants will fill in and soften all the stone. We will update the photos once the plants grow in.  :)