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The Future of Swimming is Natural Pools & Biopools

Eco-friendly, chemical-free natural pools

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

A Soothing, Natural Experience

Thanks to cutting-edge advancements over the past decade, biopools now deliver the same clear water quality as traditional chemical pools—naturally and with significantly lower costs. With up to 90% savings on operation and maintenance compared to a TSP, they provide a sustainable and cost-effective solution for both residential and commercial settings. Designed to handle heavy use without compromising water quality, these pools offer an eco-friendly alternative without sacrificing performance or aesthetics.

The water is kept clean by a combination of a wetland upflow filter system & Aqua Forte’s award-winning filtering technology which comes in 5 stages for any project. This world-renowned technology keeps the water crystal-clear year-round & hygienically filtered. The wetland (regenerative zone) is filled with an array of various plants to create a perfect biological balance while aiding in the amazing water clarity that is soothing & regenerative.

Learn more about this process in our guide UV Sterilization in Natural Pools.

A unique addition to any garden that quickly becomes the focal point, a natural swimming pool (bio pool) offers not only chemical-free water but also the tranquil, healing sound of water moving, an abundance of wildlife and beautiful year round viewing.

Custom designed to fit your tastes & seamlessly blended into the natural surroundings, a natural pool can be formal, contemporary or naturalistic. The water's edge may be finished with grasses, marginal plants, stone/tile coping or even large natural boulders.

Natural swimming pools are highly customizable with features such as lap pool area, beach, wetlands, diving stones and more.

State of the Art, Naturally Pure

Natural pools aren't only about swimming. They're a magical place for family fun, relaxing beside the water, alfresco dining and outdoor living. And with endless opportunities for in-pool and beside-the-water features our design and pool-building teams bring your vision alive to make your natural pool unique.

Most natural pools have a sun deck or paved area as a living space adjacent to the water too. And for the ultimate luxury, you can include a hot tub or sauna to create your ideal year-round outdoor lifestyle.

More than a pool

Slate stone swimming pool & koi pond, waterfall, tropical plants and Japanese bridge - Carmel, CA.
Slate stone swimming pool & koi pond, waterfall, tropical plants and Japanese bridge - Carmel, CA.
Natural pool waterfall with stream flowing through wetland into limestone swimming area - Aqua Vitae
Natural pool waterfall with stream flowing through wetland into limestone swimming area - Aqua Vitae

The Natural Pool Difference

Here is an overview of the differences between Tradtional Swimming Pools (TSPs) & Natural Swimming Pools (NSPs/Biopools)

Infinity edge natural lap pool with advanced UV & ozone filtration system – Aqua Vitae, Jenner, Ca
Infinity edge natural lap pool with advanced UV & ozone filtration system – Aqua Vitae, Jenner, Ca
Stream & waterfall flowing from wetland filter with cannas & rush plants for natural filtration
Stream & waterfall flowing from wetland filter with cannas & rush plants for natural filtration
  • Traditional Swimming Pools (TSPs) use chlorine or salt, which can cause:

    • Respiratory problems (chlorine fumes)

    • Skin and eye irritation

    • Hair damage

    • Harmful chlorine byproducts (chloramines)

    • Increased asthma and cancer risk

    • Dehydration (salt pools)

  • Natural Swimming Pools (NSPs) use natural plant filtration and low-wattage UV technology, delivering fresh, high-alkalinity water that’s gentle on your skin and eyes—no red eyes, no irritation, just pure swimming enjoyment.

Learn more in our guide comparing Natural Pools vs Chlorine Pools vs Salt Pools.

  • TSPs rely on chlorine or salt treatments applied weekly and high-pressure pumps that consume excessive electricity.

  • NSPs use low-pressure pumps, significantly reducing electricity use.

  • Cost comparison for a 5m x 10m pool over 30 years:

    • TSP: $2,500 per year → $75,000 total

    • NSP: $300 per year → $9,000 total

    • Potential savings: $60,000+

Slate stone grotto with hidden hot tub behind waterfall flowing into natural pool. Carmel Valley, CA
Slate stone grotto with hidden hot tub behind waterfall flowing into natural pool. Carmel Valley, CA
  • Traditional pools are often rigid, rectangular, and unnatural in appearance.

  • NSPs are designed with organic shapes, integrating harmoniously into natural landscapes. They also often include the tranquil sound of water moving.

Natural swimming pool with integrated soaking tubs and biological plant filtration in Malibu, CA.
Natural swimming pool with integrated soaking tubs and biological plant filtration in Malibu, CA.
Natural pool with waterfall & 4m flagstone bridge | SF Garden Show award winner | Aqua Vitae
Natural pool with waterfall & 4m flagstone bridge | SF Garden Show award winner | Aqua Vitae
Natural stream & planted waterway for filtration flowing into naturalistic-style biopool | Aptos, Ca
Natural stream & planted waterway for filtration flowing into naturalistic-style biopool | Aptos, Ca

Chemical-Free, Healthier Water

Superior Design & Longevity

  • Traditional swimming pools (TSPs) use liners exposed to UV light, requiring replacement every 5-8 years.

  • Aqua Vitae Natural Swimming Pools (NSPs) have covered liners, lasting 30-50 years or more—saving time, money, and resources.

Low Maintenance & Costs

Family Friendly

  • Long swimming season with natural thermal gain (temperatures reaching 28c in summer) & optional heater system for winter.

Extended Swimming Season

  • Natural Swimming Pools need little maintenance, usually only once a month. Less maintenance than a traditional pool, optional pool robot makes things even easier. Significantly less yearly running costs (80-90%).

Abundance of Wildlife

  • Perimeter plantings, combined with a wetland filter system, attract birds, dragonflies & butterflies.

Beautiful Year Around

  • Perimeter plantings, combined with a wetland filter system, attract birds, dragonflies & butterflies.

Flexible Design

  • Multiple design options including naturalistic, contemporary, and formal.

  • Design possibilities such as beaches and in-pool features like jetties, stepping stones and boulders.

    Learn more about the various styles in our guide Design Your Dream Natural Pool

  • At Aqua Vitae safety comes first. Where some other natural pool builders place loose rocks, Aqua Vitae reinforces rocks with steel and mortar, ensuring they will not move. Kids can safely jump on the rocks while you swim next to them in peace.

Natural, Organic Aesthetic

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

Aqua Vitae created our dream pool! We were wanting something chlorine free and we are so glad we found them to do the design & build. The water is always clear and the feeling of the natural water is always very soothing.

Barb & Tom

Formal flagstone natural pool design with integrated hot tub & plunge pool. Atherton, 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
Natural swimming pool site plan with toddler pool, lily pond, waterfalls & cave feature—Aqua Vitae