GreenFree Natural Swimming Pools, Ponds and Wetlands
Greenfree Pools specialises in the holistic design and implementation of natural swimming pools, ponds and wetlands as well as converting existing conventional pools into natural ecosytems. We find environmentally friendly solutions for recycling grey water, water storage and irrigation.
Conventional pools
Conventional pools use chemicals such as chlorine to kill bacteria, algaecides to control algae, acid and other chemicals. Chlorine is readily absorbed by our skin and the by-products of chlorine are chloramines and chloroforms which are equally toxic. These chemicals collectively lead to chlorine poisoning, allergies, irritations and pose a cancer risk. Many pools use a pump and sand filter together with a salt-chlorinator and chlorine to cleanse the water. Conventional pools require weekly cleaning, testing for water balance and chemical treatment to stay clean and clear.
Natural swimming pools or wetland pools
Natural swimming pools or wetland pools are a natural sustainable living ecosystem which uses naturally occurring micro-organisms to recycle the water. Natural swimming pools incorporate a wetland system which provides a habitat for many types of water plants, invertebrates such as frogs which feed on mosquito larvae, insects and birds. The water is soft on our skin and safe to drink. Low maintenance costs may include brushing fortnightly together with vacuuming once per month. It is similar to swimming in a mountain stream.
Micro-organisms
The roots of the wetland plants and soil medium supports beneficial micro-organisms which consume organic waste such as leaves, bird droppings and human sweat into plant food such as phosphates and nitrates which can be absorbed by the plant roots. Micro-organisms facilitate the natural energy conversion pathway between food sources. They propagate and manage themselves according to available food sources. The most commonly available form of micro-organisms is called EM or “Effective Micro-organisms”.
EM stimulates microbial biodiversity of beneficial microbes in pond water and mud, reduces flies and mosquitoes in and near water edges, increases levels of dissolved oxygen and hence water clarity and improves the health of aquatic plants and fish.
Landscape Feature
Natural swimming pools are a beautiful landscape feature, attractive all year round and educational for children. It can also be used for rainwater storage, food harvesting and watering the garden. The result is a beautiful, ecologically diverse system that is relatively inexpensive to construct.
