Natural Pool Build Workshops

Award-level natural pool construction taught inside real builds — led by Aqua Vitae. Portugal & U.S. — small groups — real projects.

Workshops currently offered in Portugal & the U.S.

Not a classroom.
A live professional build site.

Aqua Vitae Build Workshops are immersive, small-group construction programmes conducted on active professional build sites. Participants learn how high-end natural pools are actually designed and built — not through theory or DIY experimentation, but inside real projects, guided by professionals operating at the highest level of the field.

Three learning tiers

From foundations to masterwork

Training is organised into three tiers, allowing beginners, serious DIY builders and experienced professionals to enter at the appropriate level and progress toward full professional capability.

Tier 1 — Foundations: Natural Pool Systems

Delivered as a premium recorded course · €99

Understand natural pool types, system choices and trade-offs. Learn filtration logic, landscape integration and design decisions. Clarify expectations and avoid costly mistakes before breaking ground.

Who it's for: Anyone curious about natural pool systems, homeowners planning a build, designers or contractors transitioning into eco-systems.

Outcome: You will think like the designer, not just watch a build. You will know how natural pools differ, the major filtration strategies and how design choices affect cost, function and longevity.

Tier 2 — Build Immersion: Wetland & Liner Systems

Hands-on 2-day workshop · €890

A hands-on immersive workshop on real job sites. You will build a wetland system and learn the core construction skills of natural pool builds: liner preparation and installation, wetland edge construction with stone and planting, water movement principles and plant integration.

Who it's for: DIY builders who have completed Tier 1 or equivalent conceptual understanding and want real build experience.

Outcome: Walk away capable of building a functional wetland or pond with confidence, understanding how to scale those skills to liner pools and small system builds.

Tier 3 — Master Builder Intensive

1–2 week advanced programme · from €2,990

For those pursuing a professional path or deeper structural work. An advanced, gated experience with extended exposure to complex systems and civil-grade construction: concrete and hybrid systems, heavy equipment sequencing, structural logic and professional judgment, project decision-making in high-complexity builds.

Who it's for: Professionals, experienced builders and serious participants who have completed Tier 2 or have equivalent field experience.

Outcome: Professional-level skills and judgment. Able to lead natural pool projects from planning through execution.

Systems electives & optional extras

In addition to the structured tiers, we offer optional elective workshops to support specific skills.

Naturalistic Design | 1 day

Theory & application · €490

Stream & Waterfall Building | 1 day

Layout & installation · €490

Advanced Filtration | 1 day

Plumbing & filtration design · €450

Lighting Systems | 1 day

Underwater & landscape · €450

Private one-on-one consultation sessions also available: €250/hour

For hosts & resorts

An award-level pool, built at reduced cost, with lasting value. Hosting an Aqua Vitae Build Workshop allows selected property owners and resorts to receive a signature Aqua Vitae natural pool while supporting a high-level educational programme.

Host sites receive a fully engineered Aqua Vitae natural pool built using our proprietary civil-grade methodology, supervised construction at all times, a reduced project cost (typically 10–20%), and optional professional documentation of the build.

Host projects are selected carefully and limited in number — Aqua Vitae typically conducts one to two host programmes per year. Ideal for eco-resorts, retreat centres, educational properties and private estates with long-term vision.

Interested in hosting a workshop? Contact us to discuss your property and project.

Be notified when
dates are announced

Workshops are tied to active construction projects. Dates are announced as projects are confirmed. Leave your details and we'll notify you when a workshop suitable for your level becomes available.