Natural Swimming Pool Construction

The Shape And Size Of Your Pond

Building a pond is one thing but building a pond that is large enough and deep enough to swim in takes a little bit more planning.  Typically swimming ponds need to be at least 5-6 feet deep and that depth may vary if you want a shallow area and a deep end.  A natural swimming pond requires substantially more excavation work than a standard pond.

Is Your Land Suitable For A Swimming Pond?

Before we can even consider building a pond, we need to make sure that your land is suitable for the pond. We'll assess the lay of the land and make sure that there's enough space for the pond without compromising the rest of your property.  We'll also need to be aware of any underground utility lines such as gas or electric, or septic fields, or other potential hazards that might be in the way.

We'll also need to take into account the lay of your land and any natural slope, which can be helpful for the creation of streams and waterfalls if you want these features incorporated into your design.  Land clearing, tree and stump removal, and other site preparation work required will increase the cost.

What Types Of Plants Do You Want In Your Pond?

Plants take your pond from a boring pool of water and transform it into a natural looking oasis.  In any thriving pond ecosystem there are many different types of aquatic plants.  We have a number of aquatic available locally, and each one has its own unique benefits.  Some plants help to oxygenate the water, while others can help to filter out impurities, and others add natural interest and color.  We'll work with you to choose the right mix of plants for your pond, based on your preferences and the needs of your property.  The types of plants and how many are needed will affect the price of the pond and also the maintenance going forward.

Whenever possible it's always beneficial to choose native aquatic plants as they generally require the least maintenance and can thrive in our growing zone.

Adding Lighting To Your Swimming Pond

Do you want to be able to enjoy your swimming pond at night or in the evening?  Adding lighting to your pond enhances it's beauty and allows you to get more enjoyment out of it when the sun goes down.  If you want to add lighting to your pond, there are several different options available.

We can install submersible lights that will create a soft glow beneath the surface of the water. We can also install more powerful spotlights to highlight specific features of your pond such as a waterfall or a fountain or specific boulders, specific plants, and more. If you want to create a truly unique and beautiful natural swimming pond, adding lighting is a great way to make it stand out.

Adding A Pond Filtration System

Natural swimming ponds rely on filtration to keep the water clear.  There are several ways to do this.  Technically a "natural" swimming pond relies on a bio-filtration system.  This is comprised of several different components.

#1.  The right substrate and base materials.  This is usually gravel and stone.  The gravel makes up your base layer and the larger stones help hold everything in place.  Gravel acts as a natural filter and houses your aquatic plants and provides a place for beneficial bacteria to grow.

#2.  The right aquatic plants.  Aquatic plants don't just add interest to your pond.  They act as important bio-filters and some plants work much better than others for this purpose.  Your aquatic plants remove natural minerals and nutrients in the pond which helps prevent algae growth.  They also encourage beneficial bacteria to grow which can help breakdown natural debris.

#3.  Some Mechanical Help.  Even the best natural filtration systems can eventually be overwhelmed so it's not a bad idea to support your natural bio-filter with mechanical systems as well.  Aerators, skimmers, bio-falls, and other water filtration systems will help keep the water clear and inviting.

There is no one-size fits all for a swimming pond filtration system and we must factor in a number of variables when coming up with a suitable design that will keep your swimming pond nice and clear.

Choosing The Right Swimming Pond Contractor

When you're ready to take the plunge and add a natural swimming pond to your property, it's important to choose the right contractor for the job.  Look for a company with experience in swimming pond construction and an understanding of the systems that need to be in place.

Make sure that they are properly licensed and insured and that they have a good reputation in the community.  Building a natural swimming pond on your property is an important investment, so you want to make sure that you're getting the best possible value for your money.

Oklahoma Ponds is a licensed, insured pond building company based out of Edmond, Oklahoma and serving the surrounding area.  If you'd like to schedule a consultation for your new swimming pond please give us a call (405) 276-5706 or fill out our pond consultation form to get the process started.