Waterco’s natural swimming solutions
Natural swimming pond (Southsea, UK)
"Impurities are absorbed by the plants as nutrients and harmful bacteria
are destroyed by natural water organisms"
says Tim,
Mountain Pools owner
- Natural swimming pond located in conservation area
- Waterco's hard-wearing and reliable filtration solutions
- High-performance products that stand the test of time
Setting: Stately Victorian home located in conservation area
Built in 1896, this private estate is situated in the heart of the oldest conservation area in Southsea, Hampshire, England. An architectural masterpiece surrounded by high walls and mature trees, it features an abundance of beautifully preserved Victorian-era design elements protected under Grade II-listing status.
“A swimming pond is a creation that uses nature and, if designed well, enhances and settles into the garden landscape over time,” Tim Gunning explains.
Challenge: Integrating a modern swimming pool into an historic setting
Part of the renovation process to transform the iconic property into a family home included the refurbishment of an existing outdoor wading pool. The challenge, however, was to ensure the upgrade not only accommodated the needs of the residents but also blended in seamlessly with the surrounding natural environment.
Solution: Waterco’s high-performance water filtration equipment
Mountain Pools owner Tim Gunning and his wife Helen, who specialise in the design and installation of natural swimming ponds, recommended a reliable solution that would become an oasis for the residents and the local ecosystem.
“A swimming pond is a creation that uses nature and, if designed well, enhances and settles into the garden landscape over time,” he explains. “This is not a bright blue rectangular concrete hole in the ground with that familiar smell of chlorine.”
Approximately 650m3 in size with depths varying from 1.2m to 2.4m deep, the freeform design includes a regeneration area comprised of a gravel bed and specialist plants that flower throughout the year.
“Impurities are absorbed by the plants as nutrients and harmful bacteria are destroyed by natural water organisms,” Tim explains. “The species we use, which include Cyperus longus, Lilies and Lythrum salicaria, are not only vital to the purity of the water and workings of the pool but also provide a stunning aesthetic throughout the seasons.”
Knowing that the globally renowned water filtration specialists at Waterco have been manufacturing and supplying equipment for over 30 years – all over the world and in many different residential and commercial applications – meant that the team at Mountain Pools had full confidence in both the supply, quality of the product, and after-sales service.
Three years after the pool was completed, it now looks like part of the natural landscape.
A range of Waterco equipment was specially selected for this natural swimming pond, including:
• 5 x Exotuf 702 bead filters
• 1 x Exotuf T450 sand filter
• 5 x MC16 MultiCyclones
• 4 x Aquamite 1.25HP pumps
• 1 x Hydrotuf 2.0HP pump
• 2 x Hydrostorm pumps
“Five Exotuf 702 bead filters were required due to the size and depth of the pool, and because the house was located in a conservation area, the existing regeneration area could not be expanded,” explains Waterco Europe CEO Tony Fisher.
Four of Waterco’s Exotuf 702 bead filters were fitted in conjunction with the MultiCyclone MC16 and an Aquamite 1.25Hp pump whilst the fifth Exotuf bead filter is powered by a Hydrotuf 2.0Hp pump and MultiCyclone to run in conjunction with the Exotuf 450 sand filter. The Hydrostorm pumps were then installed to operate the waterfall feature.
“Water feeds the Exotuf T450, which was installed as a nitrate binding vessel,” continues Tony.
“The resin media is used to remove excess nitrates in the water by the process of ionic action.”
The range of Exotuf bead filters are the market leaders within this field due to the sturdy tank design along with the unique lateral arrangement and water distribution headers.
Conclusion: A man-made swimming oasis that mirrors nature
Three years after the pool was completed, it now looks like part of the natural landscape. A bridge, waterfall, seating area and walkway have since been incorporated into the design, allowing people to sit by the pool and soak up the stunning setting.
“It is always a pleasure to work with Tim as his natural swimming ponds are of the highest quality and his experience is second-to-none when it comes to creating an oasis that functions beautifully and looks incredible,” says Tony.
www.waterco.com
www.mountainpools.co.uk
Download: natural-pool-in-southsea-case-study-web.pdf