Lisbon, Portugal — 2025
Lisbon Natural Pool Oasis
A multi-level natural pool retreat crafted from over 200 tonnes of local limestone — winner of the 2025 International Water Artisan of the Year Award.
The Project
A large-scale natural pool
set across stepped elevations
Come explore one of Aqua Vitae's most innovative projects — a multi-level 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.
Key Features
- Multi-level swim zones with natural stone steps
- Custom natural wood railing — found on site, hand-shaped
- Stone soaking tub with upflow aeration system
- Two tuned waterfalls with stone cave beneath
- Toddler pool, lily & lotus pond
- Wetland plant filtration with stepping stones
- Stone infinity edge skimmer & intake bay
- 1-tonne diving boulder at the deep end
- Stone skydeck & viewpoint over the Portuguese village
- Smart high-efficiency pumps — up to 90% energy saving
Craftsmanship
Stonework & Materials
Over 200 tonnes 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 colour, texture, and durability.
This craftsmanship anchors the project visually and structurally, blending it seamlessly into the surrounding hillside. The local limestone — lighter, cooler underfoot, and deeply native to this landscape — ensures the pool sits in its hillside as if it emerged from the rock below it.
Engineering
Concrete Shell + Liner Construction
This natural pool is built using a reinforced concrete shell combined with a durable liner system — providing exceptional structural strength while allowing for crisp, fully vertical pool walls. This vertical design is ideal for safe diving into the three-metre deep end, and enables guests to jump directly from the patio into the water.
Before construction began, more than 500 cubic metres 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.
Natural Materials
Custom Natural Wood Railing
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 mortise 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 make each step glow at night, making for easy access — combined with the railing this creates an aesthetically pleasing entrance that is both functional and to code.
Signature Features
Two Waterfalls & Stone Soaking Tub
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. Built around an upflow aeration system, water from the pool's circulation rises from beneath in a gentle column of fine bubbles that envelop bathers — a naturally aerated, spa-like experience.
The two waterfalls oxygenate the water and provide an alluring and unforgettable sound. Each fall is tuned for aeration, aesthetics and tonality — fully adjustable for quiet reflection or social occasions. A stone-formed grotto creates a cool, acoustic retreat beneath the waterfall where hidden springs cool and relax guests.
The Finished Project
Final Photos
After 8 months and 200 tonnes of stone, the project is finished. The filtration will clear the pool over the coming weeks, and the plants will fill in and soften all the stonework.
Inspired by this project?
Every project begins with
a conversation
The Lisbon Natural Pool Oasis took 8 months and 200 tonnes of stone. Every project is unique — and it all starts with understanding your land, your vision, and what's possible. Speak directly with Joel, International Water Artisan of the Year 2025.
Book a Consultation — from €180 →Available remotely worldwide — or on-site in Portugal, the U.S. and Spain.