Natural swimming pools
Experience the benefits of a chemical-free Pool
Living Pools & Spas designs and builds custom natural swimming pools that offers a refreshing alternative to conventional swimming pools. Instead of relying on chlorine and harsh chemicals, a chemical free swimming pool uses biological filtration, aquatic plants and a balanced ecosystem to keep the water clean, safe and clear. The result feels closer to swimming in a natural pond than a chemically treated pool, making it gentler on your skin, kinder to the environment, and a genuine feature for your backyards.
Whether you're building from scratch or reimagining an existing space, we'll help you understand what's involved, and design a natural swimming pool that suits your surroundings, your budget and the way your family wants to swim.
Why choose a natural swimming pool?
A natural swimming pool offers a range of benefits that go beyond what traditional swimming pools can provide. Here's why homeowners across the Northern Rivers are choosing natural pools for their backyards:
Healthier swimming
Swimming in a natural swimming pool means no chlorine or harsh chemicals to irritate your skin, eyes or hair. Biological filtration and aquatic plants work together to protect water quality, so every swim feels gentler and more natural.
Better for the environment
By reducing chemical use, a natural pool plays an important role in supporting a healthy backyard ecosystem.
Lower long-term maintenance
A well-designed biofilter, combined with the right balance of plants and nutrients, reduces the need for constant chemical dosing. That means less time testing and treating water and more time enjoying it over summer.
A calmer place to swim
There's something different about swimming among plants and natural surrounds rather than a sterile blue box. For many of our customers, that connection to nature is exactly why they love a natural swimming pool.
How do natural swimming pools work?
A natural swimming pool relies on biological processes rather than chemicals to keep water clean and clear. At the heart of the system is a biofilter, which removes organic waste and nutrients from the water before algae has the chance to use them.
Aquatic plants play an important role too, helping to avoid algae blooms by competing for the same nutrients. Combined with careful pool depth and circulation design, this creates a stable ecosystem that keeps your natural swimming pool safe, balanced and inviting to swim in from spring right through summer.
Because every backyard across the Northern Rivers is different, we work with you to design a system that suits your site, whether that's a fully biofilter-based build or a natural swimming pool paired with a decorative wetland feature. Waterfalls, pond-style edges and planting can all be worked into the design if you'd love that look.
Natural swimming pool designs to inspire your build
If you're exploring natural swimming pool designs for your own property, our inspiration gallery showcases completed natural swimming pool design projects across the Northern Rivers. From naturalistic pond-edge finishes to more contemporary natural pool layouts, there's a wide range of natural swimming pool design ideas to help you picture the possibilities before you build.
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We also design custom concrete pools and spas and offer a range of premium finishes for clients who'd like to bring natural elements into a more conventional pool design.
Why choose Living Pools for your natural swimming pool?
Living Pools & Spas is a boutique, owner-led business built on more than 30 years of pool industry experience. When you choose us to design and build your natural swimming pool, you can expect:
Owner-led delivery
Ben personally manages every stage of your project, from design through construction, so you have one point of contact throughout.
Local Northern Rivers expertise
We understand the soils, surroundings and site conditions of the Byron Bay hinterland, rural blocks and acreage properties across the region.
Custom 3D design
See your natural swimming pool before construction begins, so you can refine the layout, planting and finishes with confidence.
Genuine sustainability
Our chemical free swimming pool systems are designed to reduce environmental impact without compromising on water quality or safe swimming.
Ongoing support
We're on hand after handover to help you understand your system and keep your natural pool performing well for years to come.
Learn more about our team or book a consultation to start planning your natural pool.
Ready to build your dream pool?
It’s time to turn your vision into reality. Whether you're starting from scratch or renovating an existing pool, we are here to bring your ideas to life with practical, hands-on experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Natural swimming pools can be fitted with energy-efficient heating systems, just like conventional pools, so you can expect a comfortable swim outside of peak summer months. We'll talk you through the right heating and automation options for your site during your consultation.
The cost of a natural swimming pool depends on its size, depth, filtration system and design features, along with your site conditions. As a general guide, pricing follows a similar structure to a custom concrete pool, with additional consideration for biofilter sizing and planting. We provide clear, itemised pricing during your site appraisal so you understand the full cost before construction begins.
No, a natural swimming pool generally requires less ongoing maintenance than a traditional swimming pools approach. The filter media in the biofilter typically only needs replacing every few years, and there's no chemical dosing to manage week to week.
Yes. Algae needs light to grow, so limiting light exposure helps protect water quality and reduce algae growth. We also recommend an in-floor cleaning system to help keep your natural swimming pool clean between uses.
Natural swimming pool water is kept safe for swimmers through biological filtration rather than chemicals, though — like any backyard pond or pool — it isn't intended for drinking. Regular biofilter care keeps water quality high and the pool safe to swim in throughout summer.
No. A Living Pools natural swimming pool uses a compact biofilter with a specialised phosphate filter, so a separate wetland isn't required. If you love the look of a wetland, it can still be added purely as a decorative feature alongside your pool.
Ready to design your own natural swimming pool? Book a consultation with Living Pools & Spas today and start planning a chemical-free pool built for your backyard.