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. Elevation changes gently guide circulation and enhance visual drama without mechanical complexity.

A custom timber balustrade is the project’s tactile highlight—warm to the touch, elegantly profiled, and detailed to weather beautifully. The railing frames overlooks and guides movement while preserving sightlines to water and planting.

Hand-set stone treads provide durable, non-slip access between levels. Their organic geometry integrates seamlessly with the shoreline edges.

Multi-Level Natural Swimming Pool

Natural Stone Steps

Custom Natural Wood Railing

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

Toddler Pool

Cave Under Waterfall

A stone-formed grotto creates a cool, acoustic retreat. Subtle light washes animate the rock texture and falling water.

Two Waterfalls

Tiered drops oxygenate the system and provide ambient sound. Each fall is tuned for both aeration and visual calm.

Two Waterfalls

Tiered drops oxygenate the system and provide ambient sound. Each fall is tuned for both aeration, aesthetic and adjustable sound.

Lily & Lotus Pool

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

Wetland Plant Filtration with Stepping Stones

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

Two Interlinking Streams

Meandering channels guide return flow between levels, creating movement, sound, and moments for seating and planting.

Stone Infinity Edge Skimmer & Stone Intake Bay

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

Stone Soaking Tubs

Tiered drops oxygenate the system and provide ambient sound. Each fall is tuned for both aeration and visual calm.