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Natural Swimming Pools & Biopools

Eco-friendly, chemical-free water. Engineered for clarity, health, and longevity.

A Soothing, Natural Swimming Experience

Natural swimming pools (NSPs) and biopools offer the feeling of swimming in fresh, living water—without chlorine, harsh odors, red eyes, or dry skin. Clarity is achieved through biological filtration, balanced water ecology, and gentle, continuous circulation.

Our systems are engineered for exceptional efficiency.
Most NSPs operate at up to 90% less electricity than traditional pools, delivering long-term savings with silent, low-energy performance.

Modern bio pool with infinity edge, minimal plantings & advanced bio bead, UV & ozone filtration.

How Natural Pools Stay Crystal Clear

Aqua Vitae designs and builds all major styles of natural pools used worldwide:

1. Plant-Based Natural Pools (NSPs)

These systems use a regeneration zone—usually 20–40% of the total area—filled with aquatic plants and layered stone media.
They offer:

A lush, natural aesthetic
Habitat creation and ecological balance
Warm, soft-feeling water
Full biological filtration without chemicals

Perfect for rural, garden, and naturalistic environments—or for clients who want a swimming experience that feels like entering a freshwater spring.

Modern natural pool technology has advanced dramatically over the past decade. Today’s systems maintain exceptional water clarity and safety through a combination of:

Biological filtration that breaks down organic waste
Upflow regeneration zones or plant-free biofiltration
Phosphate reduction to prevent algae growth
Precise, low-energy circulation for consistent water quality

Whether you choose a planted wetland zone or a plant-free BioPool system, the water remains naturally clean, stable, and gentle on skin and hair.

Two Paths to a Natural Pool

2. Plant-Free BioPools (Hydrolysis + Phosphate Control)

A more modern, architectural style of natural pool that keeps the water 100% plant-free.

Instead of a regeneration zone, these pools use:

Hydrolysis
Phosphate removal
Advanced circulation
Optional micro-dose sanitation (far below chlorine pool levels)

Ideal for clients who want a clean, minimalist pool with the comfort of natural water—but without added landscaping or wetlands.

Designed With Aesthetics First

Whether modern, naturalistic, or hybrid, the design—not the construction method—comes first.

Your land, architecture, and desired atmosphere determine the form. Our engineering adapts to support the aesthetic vision rather than forcing a generic template.

This is a key difference between Aqua Vitae and most builders, who default to the easiest construction pattern rather than the most beautiful, site-appropriate one.

Healthier, More Enjoyable Water

Natural pools eliminate the health downsides of chlorine and salt systems:

No chemical odors
No red eyes or dry skin
No bleaching of hair or swimsuits
No carcinogenic disinfection byproducts (DBPs)¹

The water is soft, fresh, and feels alive—because it is.

Lower Operating Costs

Natural pools dramatically reduce:

Electricity (up to 90% savings)
Maintenance
Chemical purchases
Equipment replacement cycles

Smart circulation, efficient pumps, and balanced ecology create a pool that’s less expensive to run and lasts longer.

Built for Your Environment

Aqua Vitae specializes in designing natural pools that fit their surroundings—from rugged rural landscapes to modern architectural homes.

We build:

Modern natural pools
Naturalistic swimming ponds
Hybrid natural/contemporary blends
Large natural lakes
Minimalist BioPools

Everything is custom—no templates, no kits, no “one-style-fits-all.”

Whether you’re upgrading an existing pool or starting from bare land, Aqua Vitae designs systems that blend beauty, engineering, ecology, and energy efficiency into one integrated project.

Explore your options.
Transform your space with living water.

Your Natural Pool, Tailored to You

I was looking for a natural designer that understood regenerative systems for a low carbon footprint landscape and large natural swimming pool I wanted to build. The expertise and diverse knowledge Aqua Vitae provided helped me map out the entire project and begin the design process.

Cole P.

Limestone natural pool with negative edge & upflow wetland filtration – Mirando do Corvo, Portugal

Working with Aqua Vitae was the best decision we made for our home. We wanted a chlorine-free pool, and the natural water feels incredible—soft, clear, and soothing every day. The design and build process was seamless, and the pool turned out even better than we imagined.

Barb & Tom

Biopool & Hot Spring Tub Los Altos, California

Formal flagstone natural pool design with integrated hot tub & plunge pool. Atherton, California

Aqua Vitae built a beautiful waterfall and pool for us that transformed the yard. A space that we didn't spend much time in we now spend hours in daily.

Elise T.

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Natural swimming pool site plan with toddler pool, lily pond, waterfalls & cave feature—Aqua Vitae