Natural Pool Construction
From concept to completion — custom, chemical-free pools built to last. Over 25 years of hands-on experience in Portugal, California and beyond.
A refined approach to building natural pools
Natural in appearance.
Architectural in execution.
At Aqua Vitae, we don't just pour a shell and drop in equipment — we build living water environments. From compact courtyard biopools to multi-level water landscapes, we coordinate excavation, structure, hydraulics, stonework and planting as one integrated system.
Construction approaches
Three approaches that match design intent
Different projects call for different structural strategies. Each approach is chosen intentionally — not by default — based on site conditions, pool scale, design intent and long-term performance goals.
What makes an Aqua Vitae build different
Integrated from the ground up
- Experience rooted in natural systems — over 25 years of hands-on work in natural pools, ponds and lake-scale environments informs every decision
- Bespoke construction, never templates — each pool is adapted to its site conditions, scale and priorities
- Crafted stonework + engineered systems — masonry and hydraulics developed in parallel, each calibrated to the pool's volume, flow and use
- Filtration chosen, not defaulted — from planted regeneration zones to compact biofilters, matched to clarity expectations and aesthetic goals
- Comfort-focused hydraulics — circulation designed to minimise dead zones and temperature layering
- Resilient, long-term thinking — integration with rainwater strategy, fire-resilience planning and multi-use features where appropriate
Our construction process
We begin by assessing the site: access, levels, soil, drainage and how the pool will sit in the landscape. Excavation is carried out to defined dimensions — setting the swim basin, plant shelves and any wetland or filter zones.
We build the selected structural system with disciplined reinforcement, careful geometry control and long-term stability in mind — forming steps, shelves, walls and edges to match the design intent.
We install skimmers, returns, pipework and equipment vaults, then integrate energy-efficient circulation pumps (AquaForte Eco), UV-C sterilisation (Blue Lagoon), biological filtration via wetland zones or compact biofilter modules.
Stone boulders, shelves and edging define the swim area and planting zones. Once complete, we fill, commission and balance the system — walking you through operation, maintenance basics and what to expect in the first season.
Project minimums
Because every Aqua Vitae project is designed and engineered in response to its site, scale and intended lifespan, construction costs are not based on preset packages. To ensure the level of detail, craftsmanship and long-term performance described above, Aqua Vitae projects begin at the following minimums:
| Project Type | Starting From |
|---|---|
| Natural Swimming Pools | €40,000 |
| Natural Pool Conversions | €15,000 |
| Natural Lakes & Large Water Bodies | Project-specific |
These minimums allow us to dedicate the appropriate time, materials and oversight required for enduring results. We work with a limited number of projects each year to ensure focus, clarity and execution at the highest level.
Ready to discuss your project?
Start with a consultation
— from €180
Whether you're planning a new natural pool or want to understand what construction would involve for your site — a consultation gives you a direct, honest assessment. Available remotely worldwide or on-site in Portugal and Spain.
Book a Consultation →