Last Updated on October 23, 2023 by teamobn
With all that we’ve written about natural swimming ponds, it’s easy to look at some of the photos and assume that they only suit large yards. Nothing could be further from the truth. Today we’re going to cover natural plunge ponds..
The reality is that most pools are not used for swimming. They are used for entertaining – be it the kids or guests. Is a spa any less pleasant than a pool? Of course not. And spas offer some unique advantages over pools:
- They are usually very compact. A spa 2.4 metres in diameter will seat eight adults comfortably. In other words, a spa fits where a pool won’t.
- Spas are relatively shallow and therefore do not need vast quantities of water.
- Spas are easy to warm in winter and can be left unheated in summer for a more refreshing experience.
- Spas are much easier to install than a conventional pool.
But let’s face the real disadvantage… kids and adults tend not to mix well in spas. The kids want to splash and play while the adults want to relax and unwind. A pool wins hands down here as each can do their own thing.
Let’s look at a way to combine the best features of each of them by building a natural plunge pool. It offers compactness while retaining all the beauty and benefits of a natural pond!
The concept of natural plunge pools goes back many hundreds of years in Scandinavia and other parts of Europe. They have also been a part of some Asian cultures for at least that long. Japan, of course, has a whole culture built around thermally heated pools and ponds.
Contents
Safe for Kids, Fun for Everyone
When it comes to creating a natural plunge pool that is safe for kids and fun for everyone, there are a few key factors to consider. Above all, prioritizing safety is essential. Make certain that the site you select for your natural plunge pool is easily reachable and devoid of any potential dangers, such as jagged rocks or slick surfaces. Consider incorporating safety features such as a fence or barrier to prevent any accidents.
The design and features of your natural plunge pool play a significant role. Integrating features like waterfalls, jets, or perhaps even a slide can introduce an additional level of thrill that appeals to both children and adults.
Additionally, consider the addition of seating zones or even a built-in bar for those seeking relaxation and unwinding. By crafting a space that combines visual allure with practicality, you can guarantee that your natural plunge pool evolves into a central source of enjoyment for the entire family.
Experience Luxury in Your Backyard
When you’re in the process of creating your ideal natural plunge pool, one of the initial factors to think about is choosing the ideal location. Search for a site in your backyard that enjoys abundant sunlight all day long, as this will contribute to maintaining the water at a comfortably warm and inviting temperature.
Also, choose an area that is away from trees or other debris, as this will make maintenance easier and prevent leaves and branches from falling into the pool.
Building Your Dream Natural Plunge Pool
It requires careful planning and attention to detail to ensure that your dream plunge pool becomes a reality. To help you along the way, here are some tips to consider when building your natural plunge pool.
Tip #1
Buy a precast water tank, dig a hole, drop it in, do your landscaping and voila! You now have a natural plunge pond for a fraction of a conventional pool’s cost, effort and mess. You can literally go from dry to plunging in well under a week! What a great holiday project!
A quick bit of searching shows that a quality precast tank with a 3.75-metre diameter and 1.5-metre depth costs between $3,250 and $3,500. That’s a water capacity of around 10,000 litres. Of course, you will still need your filtration area but that is scaled accordingly.
Our search revealed that some manufacturers have the capacity to add a wider lip around the edge, thereby creating instant seating. Others are able to cast seating into the tank as it’s made!
Tip #2
One has the option to either preserve the natural state of the raw concrete or selectively apply tiling to the periphery or the entirety of the interior. It is imperative to acknowledge the presence of superior paint finishes that can also enhance the aesthetic appeal. Elevate the visual allure of your plunge pool.
Tip #3
Consider the surrounding landscape and ensure that there are no trees or plants with invasive root systems nearby that could potentially damage the pool structure. It is also important to take into account any potential drainage issues and ensure that the pool is properly designed to prevent water accumulation.
What do you think? Can you see a plunge pool in your future?
The Wrap Up
In this article, you’ve found expert DIY tips for successfully crafting your very own natural plunge pool. This emphasizes the importance of site selection, guiding you to choose areas. This also dives into the intricacies of material and equipment selection, ensuring your plunge pool is not only functional but also harmoniously blends with its natural surroundings.
Armed with these three invaluable tips, you’ll be well-prepared to begin your exciting journey towards fashioning a serene and natural plunge pool right in the heart of your own backyard. These expert insights will act as your compass, guiding you through the intricacies of the transformation process.
As you progress, every endeavour you undertake will gradually shape your outdoor space into something far grander than a conventional backyard. It will transform into a distinctive personal sanctuary, a haven that exudes relaxation, reinvigoration, and boundless enjoyment for each and every member of your cherished family.
Are you ready to make your own natural plunge pool?
