Natural Pool Checklist
Table of Contents
Natual Swimming Pool
Hollow a hole in the ground.
Make sure the sides slope.
Reserve at least 50 percent of your pool's surface area for shallow plants.
Separate the swimming area of your pool and the filtration area.
Inside the plant zone, the water should get steadily deeper, reaching a maximum depth of 18 inches near the swimming zone.
Aerate the water so the water organisms' oxygen needs are met.
Channel water from your pump into your plant zone through the use of PVC tubes.
Bury the tubing in the soil about 18 inches deep.
Use skimmers hooked up to an additional small pump, to suck off floating undesirables.
Apply a layer of bentonite clay to seal the soil or lay a synthetic liner.
If you choose a liner, select one made of ethylene propylene diene monomer rather than PVC.
Cover the bottom of the pool with 4 to 5 inches of gravel.
Open the spigot and run water through the gravel.
Build cobblestone steps for access into and out of the pool.
To finish the edges of your pool, run a plate compactor around the perimeter.
USe the perimeter with rocks, flagstone or wood planking.
Plant the perimeter right next to the edge and let the plants stabilize it.
Concrete Options
Consider construction with cement.
Have the right mix and the right density to prevent cracking.
After the concrete is poured, trowel on a %inch coat of stucco to waterproof the pool, since concrete is porous.
Prepare the plant zone with 3 to 6 inches of soil.
Avoid harvesting soil from areas where animal excrement is prevalent.
Disturb the soil as little as possible and let the pool rest for a week before installing plants.
Plants
Before collecting a single plant from the wild, know the laws protecting wetlands and their plants.
Be sure to choose plants suited to your climate.
Obtain your plants from a native-plant supplier.
Be sure to include submergent plants such as common waterweed for their high oxygen output.
In water 6 to 18 inches deep, plant a mix of floating, submergent and emergent plants.
Group plants according to height and type.
Place your plants into the soil, anchoring them, with plenty of gravel.
Maintenance
Remove plant litter in spring and fall.
Keep your water level constant, be prepared to add water as needed.
Check the mechanical systems annually.
Download or Print this Natural Pool Checklist
Get a printable version of this checklist in your preferred format: PDF, Word, Excel, or print directly from your browser.
Presented by:
Nicole Nichols-West
Stats
Views
9
Views: 9
Uses
1
Uses: 1
Tasks
37
Tasks: 37
Who it's for
This Natural Pool Checklist is for anyone who wants a simple, practical way to get things done without missing steps.
- Avoid forgetting - keep all your Natural Pool essentials in one place (external memory)
- Save time - start from a proven Natural Pool structure instead of a blank page
- Stay on track - track progress, come back later, and keep momentum
- Coordinate with others - share the list and divide responsibilities
- Learn the process - follow the steps in a sensible order, even if it's your first time
How to use it
How to use this Natural Pool Checklist
- Save Natural Pool Checklist to your free Checklist account so your progress is saved and synced across devices.
- Customize it in the app: remove anything that does not apply, then add your own details for Natural Pool (dates, sizes, addresses, notes).
- If others are involved, invite them to collaborate and divide responsibilities.
- Work through the list: check items off as you go, and set reminders for time-sensitive steps.