International Water Artisan of the Year 2025
Natural Pool Consultation — from €180
Direct access to 25 years of natural pool expertise. We evaluate your site, discuss your vision, and give you honest guidance on design, costs and what's possible.
What you receive
Everything you need to move forward
One hour with Joel McEwen Patterson — founder of Aqua Vitae, International Water Artisan of the Year 2025. Not a sales call. Expert guidance you can act on immediately, with any contractor, anywhere in the world.
- Site assessment — review of your land, dimensions, terrain and access
- Design direction — pool type, style and approach for your site
- Filtration options — planted zone, compact biofilter or hybrid — and why
- Equipment guidance — what to buy and what to avoid
- Realistic budget range — honest numbers for your project and location
- Written follow-up — key recommendations in writing within 24 hours
- Fee credited in full — toward your design package if you proceed
The process
How it works
Fill in your project details. Most appointments available within 48–72 hours. Remote (video call) or on-site in Portugal, Spain and the U.S.
A short list of questions to make the most of your hour — site photos, dimensions, existing conditions, your goals.
Video call or in-person. We cover your site, design direction, filtration, equipment, costs and realistic next steps — all your questions answered directly.
Key recommendations, budget range and a clear next step — in writing, yours to keep and share with any contractor.
Who you're speaking with
Joel McEwen Patterson Founder, Aqua Vitae
Joel began building natural pools in California in his early twenties, trained under David Cohen of Waterstone Specialty — one of the pioneering figures of the natural pool movement in the United States. He has spent over 25 years designing and building natural pools, biopools and living water environments across Portugal, Europe, the United States and the Middle East.
Aqua Vitae was named a winner at the 2025 International Water Artisan of the Year Awards — one of three projects selected globally for excellence in naturalistic design, innovation and craftsmanship. Previously recognised at the San Francisco Garden Show and the Carmel Garden Show twice, including a Special Innovation Award for Unique Design.
"Portugal was supposed to be a visit. The visit became a stay. The stay became three projects." — Joel McEwen Patterson
Available formats
Choose your consultation format
Remote consultation
Video call via Zoom or Google Meet. Available worldwide across all timezones. Most appointments within 48–72 hours.
From €200
On-site consultation
In-person site visit in Portugal, Spain or the United States. We review your land directly. Travel costs apply.
Contact us for pricing
Your consultation fee is credited in full toward your design package if you proceed with Aqua Vitae.
Common questions
What do I need to prepare before the consultation?
We'll send you a short prep form after booking — asking for site photos, approximate dimensions, your goals and any existing plans or constraints. The more you share beforehand, the more we can cover in the hour.
Can I book a consultation even if I'm at an early stage?
Yes — consultations are specifically designed for clients at the research and planning stage. You don't need to have plans or a budget. You just need a site and a question.
Do you consult for projects outside Portugal?
Yes. Remote consultations are available worldwide. We regularly consult on projects in California, the Middle East, Australia, Europe and beyond. On-site consultations are available in Portugal, Spain and the United States.
Is the consultation fee refundable?
The fee is credited in full toward your design package if you proceed with Aqua Vitae. It is not refundable if you do not proceed — but it is not a deposit either. It is payment for expert guidance you can use immediately, with any contractor.
What happens after the consultation?
You receive a written summary within 24 hours. From there you can proceed with a design package, take the recommendations to a local contractor, or simply use the guidance as a reference. There is no obligation to continue with Aqua Vitae.
Book your consultation
Request a consultation
Choose how you'd like to book below.
Video Consultations
30 minutes
Standard Video Consultation
Site assessment, design direction, budget guidance. Ideal for early-stage planning or a clear second opinion.
€180
Schedule & Pay →60 minutes
In-Depth Video Consultation
Extended analysis for larger or more complex projects. Pre-call document review included. Includes written summary.
€350
Schedule & Pay →On-site
Site Visit
In-person at your property in Portugal, Spain or the U.S. Full site walkthrough, slope and drainage assessment. Travel costs apply.
€250/hr + travel
Email to BookFull Consultation Packages
Pool Conversion Package
2 × 60-min sessions · Full technical analysis · Hydraulic schematic · Pump & equipment spec · 1 month WhatsApp support
€1,500
Schedule & Pay →New Build Package
3 × 60-min sessions · Full design direction · Pool dimensions & wetland layout · Hydraulic schematic · Budget planning · 2 months WhatsApp support
€2,500
Schedule & Pay →All fees are credited in full toward your design package if you proceed. · Appointments within 48–72 hours. · Available worldwide across all timezones.
Prefer to enquire first? Fill in the form below — or email us at create@aquavitaepools.com. We respond within 24 hours.