Copyright © 2019 BioNova Natural Pools All rights reserved

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This E-Book This e-book is designed to provide the reader with a complete story on Natural Swimming Pools

(NSPs). Where they came from, what they are, how they work, how they’re different, what

choices there are in different implementations of them and how to get started in order to have

one in your backyard. We hope that you find this to be an eye opener because NSPs represent

an entirely new paradigm in swimming pools - and we hope that you enjoy reading it as much as

we enjoyed writing it!

The first natural swimming pool constructed by Werner Gamerith in Austria - Still in operation

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BioNova™ History

BioNova™in North America owes its roots to Gerhard

Brandlmeier, an Austrian landscape contractor who started

building swimming ponds in 1985, having seen the 1st one

ever constructed by Werner Gamerith, an eco-pioneer also

living in Austria. Although Gamerith was the first person to

build an NSP, he never intended to make a business out of

it and he continues to enjoy it with his children and

grandchildren at his home in Austria.

Brandlmeier began using the name BioNova™ for his

swimming ponds and in addition to building scores of

residential natural swimming pools, in 1990 he built the 1st

Public Natural Swimming Pool in the world for the town of

Herzogsdorf in Austria.

The BioNova™ name was carried

forward into Germany by his pupil,

Rainer Grafinger, who continued with

great success in southern Germany

through the turn of the century and

the early 2000’s. In 1998, Grafinger

designed the 1st Public Natural

Swimming Pool in Germany near the

City of Munich. Grafinger also built

many residential and public natural

swimming pools and also provided

training to new dealers throughout

Europe. By 2010, the 100th Public

Natural Swimming Pool in Germany

was designed by Grafinger.

At the same time in the USA in the early 2000’s, James and Hae-Sun Robyn, the owners of Rin

Robyn Pools Inc., a design/build swimming pool company in New Jersey, had been working

with many clients who were interested in natural looking swimming pools, and who also wished

to not use chlorine in their swimming pools. The Robyn’s had been interested in and

investigating constructed wetland technology in the USA, and they began to research its

Left to Right – Hae-Sun Robyn, Werner Gamerith, James Robyn

The very first Public Natural Swimming Pool - constructed by BioNova™ founder Gerhard Brandlmeier

HerHerzogsdorf, Austria - 1990 - Still in operation

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application to swimming pools and found that the Austrians and Germans had already been

using this technology on swimming ponds for almost 20 years.

Coincidentally, James has an MBA in International Management with a concentration in German

and Hae-Sun had lived in Germany and graduated from high school there, so it was very easy

for them to decide to pay a visit and see what was going on there regarding NSPs.

In the spring of 2007, the Robyn’s traveled to Germany to look at some NSPs up close and in

the fall of 2007 they returned to attend an international trade show in Cologne, Germany, in

order to find out more about the companies who were designing and building NSPs. There they

met Rainer Grafinger and a fast friendship was formed.

As a result of that meeting, Robyn’s Natural Pools Inc. was formed and the BioNova™ name

was purchased by Robyn’s Natural Pools Inc. for use in the USA and Canada. The NSP

business in North America was born. Since then, the Robyns and other members of the

BioNova™ team, have made dozens of trips all over Europe to review and analyze the best of

the technologies developed by all of the major firms there. Here in North America, BioNova™

has adopted, refined and improved the European technologies so as to offer the latest, state-of-

the-art systems.

2010 saw the beginning of the first

residential NSPs in North America and

this has continued unabated through

today.

In 2010, BioNova™ performed a

Feasibility Study for the City of Edmonton

in Alberta, Canada to see if a Public NSP

could be implemented there at Borden

Park.

This Feasibility Study resulted in the City

going through an analysis as to whether or

not the existing pool at Borden Park

should be converted into a Natural

Swimming Pool or if the City should

renovate it and keep it as a chemical pool.

Eventually the City would decide to go

ahead with the implementation of an NSP.

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During 2011, BioNova™ began consulting with the City of Minneapolis and Landform Consulting

on the design of a Public Natural Swimming Pool to be installed at Webber Park in Minneapolis..

In 2015, the 1st Public Natural

Swimming Pool in North America was

opened by the City of Minneapolis at

Webber Park. This milestone project

was designed and constructed with

BioNova™ providing consulting to the

Minneapolis Parks and Recreation

Board and Landform Professional

Services LLC of Minneapolis. This 1st

Public Natural Swimming Pool in North

America has been very well received by

the residents and it enjoys regular

positive feedback from its users.

The City of Edmonton in Canada

subsequently opened the 2nd Public

Natural Swimming Pool in North

America (and the 1st in Canada) in

2018. The Borden Park Natural Pool

has also been a great success.

2015 heralded the formation of the US-

based Association for Swimming Ponds

and Natural Swimming Pools (the

ASPNSP), which was admitted in the

following year as the US member of the

International Organization for natural

Bathing water (the IOB). In 2017,

James Robyn was elected to the Board

of Directors of the IOB.

1st Public NSP in North America - Webber Park Natural Pool - Minneapolis

Webber Park Natural Swimming Pool - 21,000 sq.ft.

Swimming Pool and 16,000 sq.ft. Regeneration Zone

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Today the BioNova™ name in the USA and Canada, is owned by Robyn’s Natural Pools Inc. The company is incorporated in the USA and headquartered in New Jersey. The company licenses, trains and provides consulting to its dealers throughout the USA and Canada. In Germany, Switzerland and Austria (German speaking Europe), the BioNova™ name is carried by Niklas Sobotta the owner of Biberteich GmbH and operating with the BioNova™ name through a Genossenschaft, which is a cooperative society of dealers in those 3 countries.

Borden Park Natural Pool in Edmonton, Canada

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BioNova™ is leading the way

In the USA and Canada, the BioNova™ name and brand is supported by the introduction of

many “Firsts” including:

★ BioNova™ is the largest/oldest Natural Swimming Pool (NSP) provider in North America.

★ BioNova™ has completed more NSP installations in North America than all other NSP

companies combined.

★ BioNova™ is wholly American owned and operated.

★ BioNova™ is the leading NSP company in North America and the first to have

successful NSP installations in climates from California to Connecticut and from Toronto

to Texas.

★ BioNova™ is the first company to build an NSP in the USA and Canada.

★ BioNova™ expertise was used for the design and installation of the first Public NSP in

North America at Webber Park in Minneapolis, MN.

★ BioNova™ is the first to have NSP Dealers in North America (since 2007) and continues

to have more Dealers than all other NSP companies combined.

★ BioNova™ is the only NSP company to have a complete support staff based in North

America.

★ BioNova™ is the only NSP company to have a complete warehouse and distribution

facility in North America.

★ BioNova™ Dealers were the first to receive training in North America and have attended

regular training courses in English every year since 2008.

★ BioNova™ is the only swimming pool company in the US to exhibit at the US Green

Building Council Greenbuild Expo.

★ BioNova™ is the only NSP company to exhibit at the American Society of Landscape

Architects annual trade show

★ BioNova™ is the only NSP company to exhibit at the American Institute of Architects

annual trade show

★ BioNova™ is the only NSP company to exhibit at the International Pool Spa and Patio

Exhibition

Since 2008, BioNova™ has been adding dealers in the USA and Canada. BioNova™ dealers

are all trained in the USA and all of the installations in North America are certified by the

BioNova™ Headquarters in New Jersey to be in conformance with our quality process.

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Natural Motivation to preserve fresh water

We all know that water is a very precious commodity. But let’s look at it from another

perspective of scale. If all the water on the earth was removed and put into a sphere, the

diameter of that sphere would be about 860 miles. In the illustration below, this is the large

sphere covering about ⅓ of the continental US. That’s all of the water on the planet!

The smaller bubble that’s

sitting roughly over

Kentucky, is all of the

freshwater on the planet -

99% of which is

underground and not

readily accessible to

humans.

The tiny bubble sitting

approximately over Atlanta

is the amount of water in

lakes, rivers and streams,

including all of the Great

Lakes (which hold about

21% of all of the surface

freshwater on the planet).

This is the water that

people use and need and

this sphere is only about

34.9 miles in diameter!

This is also of course the

water that we use in

swimming pools.

So what happens when we put this scarce water into our swimming pools?

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Chemicals are Fighting Nature

Historically, the industry standard for

operating and maintaining swimming pools

involved exterminating the microbiota –

microscopic living organisms - of the water.

This approach relies on the repeated

addition of chemicals to the pool system in

order to prevent growth of all bacteria,

algae, and the like. Efforts to achieve a

sterilized swimming pool via this method

involve repeated application and testing of

sanitizing agents and water balance

parameters but often require that the

operator chase after moving and unstable targets. Achieving “purified water” via this method

incorporates very little “natural methods” and the resulting problems are predictable. Aside from

the constant exposure of our bodies to these biocides while swimming in the water, the

indiscriminate killing or suppression of all microbial life in the water creates an unnatural

environment. However, even in these unnatural, chemically treated, environments,

opportunistic and less desirable bacteria and algae still exist in the water. The water is NEVER

totally sterilized. The population of these microbes is simply suppressed by the maintenance

levels of bactericide and algaecide from the chemicals. Nonetheless, this historical approach to

swimming pools has pool owners and operators focusing on the prevention or suppression of all

microbial growth within the system, a fool’s errand that repeatedly results in frustration with

cloudy water and algae growth.

By removing the Biocenosis (the assemblage of numerous beneficial bacteria, fungi, and algae

living in symbiosis) through chemical treatment, we remove the organisms that would otherwise

outcompete the undesirable “opportunistic” microbes. It is for this reason that a chemically

maintained swimming pool requires constant and measured treatment to keep it clean and

clear. Such a maintenance approach is fraught with vulnerabilities: a missed shock treatment,

drifting pH, a high bather load, or two inches of rain can overwhelm a marginally maintained,

vulnerable, chemically treated pool system.

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The daily/weekly tedium of testing chemical

parameters is a requirement of chemically

treated, unnatural swimming pools simply

because the chemical warfare being waged to

prevent the growth of algae and bacteria is a

constant battle. Not only are the algae, bacteria,

and fungi constantly being deposited in the

water, but nutrients to support their growth from

swimmers, rain, wind, trees, dirt, dogs, birds (and

the list goes on), are also regularly entering the

water. In a Natural Swimming Pool (NSP), such

unavoidable and predictable nutrient deposits are

a vital part of complex system that naturally cleans the water. In an “unnatural” swimming pool,

they are viewed as “contaminants” “swimmer waste” or, simply, something that needs to be

chemically removed, killed, or oxidized to stop the natural growth.

Quenching a Need for Environmental

Sustainability

Let’s also have a look at what the production, packaging and transportation of these pool

chemicals does to the environment.

The raw materials are extracted from the

earth in a mine or similar operation where

they are then transported initially to a

factory. After processing, the chemicals

may go through other facilities to refine

them and they are eventually brought to a

packaging plant where they’re placed in

plastic and cardboard and then transported

to a warehouse. From the warehouse they’ll

be once again transported to a retail store

where the pool owner will purchase the

chemicals, then drive them home and

dissolve them in their pool water in order to

kill everything in the pool (except for the swimmer). Finally, the empty containers are put into the

trash.

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Clearly this is not sustainable, it’s not environmentally friendly, it is energy intensive, and not

economically efficient. Additionally, by killing all of the life forms in the swimming pool we are

helping to possibly cause the extinction of local species that are beneficial. In any event, the

creation of a life bearing wetland is far more valuable than the destruction of one.

Mankind evolved on this planet drinking water from freshwater ponds, rivers and streams. So,

why do we have to kill everything in the swimming pool water? The answer... “we don’t!”

Natural Swimming Pools embrace and nurture natural processes.

Water the Way Nature Intended

Naturally purified water is not something we

manufacture. Naturally purified water occurs…

Naturally. When provided with the right environment to

nurture the growth of a naturally occurring Biocenosis,

(an association of different organisms forming a closely

integrated community) a wonderful thing occurs…

microbial harmony. Producers like plants, algae, and

phytoplankton create energy for their own metabolic

needs, as well as food and oxygen for others, as a

byproduct of photosynthesis. Consumers consume the

gases and metabolic byproducts created by the

Producers and in the process begin the breakdown of

nitrogen. Reducers like bacteria and fungi, feed on the remaining organic by-products, and this

host of beneficial microorganisms multiply… Naturally. These ecosystems occur naturally, but

they do have some basic requirements. If provided with a surface on which to grow, this

Biocenosis will form a BioFilm. Biofilm is the result of free-floating microbes finding a spot to call

home in the Biological filter of the NSP. One of the key components of biofilm is the film itself.

The film, called an Extracellular Polymeric Substance (EPS), encapsulates the Biocenosis,

providing protection from the elements and a means for the colony to anchor to a suitable

surface. Soon this biofilm is home to numerous species of bacteria and fungi, each with a

specific function and metabolic purpose. In a natural swimming pool, a symphony emerges out

of this microbial cycle.

The symbiotic harmony of the biocenosis that makes up the biofilm can be further encouraged

to form by understanding and applying natural limnological principles to favor the development

and growth of biofilm.

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Limnology Basics

Limnology is the study of inland aquatic ecosystems. The study of limnology includes aspects of

the biological, chemical, physical, and geological characteristics and functions of inland waters.

This includes the study of lakes, reservoirs, ponds, rivers, springs, streams, wetlands, and

groundwater. It is on this science that the principles of the NSP are based. NSPs are

constructed wetland ecosystems in which the conditions found in natural water bodies are

replicated, developed, and optimized.

In an NSP BioSwimPond™, these wetland ecosystems harbor and support a symbiotic

relationship between Producers, Consumers, and Reducers.

The PRODUCERS are phytoplankton and aquatic

plants which convert sunlight and inorganic carbon

into biomass which is then eaten by The

CONSUMERS – which are zooplankton,

phytoplankton, small crustaceans, daphnia, etc.that

eat the biomass, consume the oxygen and produce

detritus that The REDUCERS - which are

communities of beneficial bacteria that break down

the dead organic matter (detritus) and produce food

for the PRODUCERS (nitrate).

This type of a wetlands ecosystem, called a sedimentation system, is successful in an NSP

BioSwimPond™ because the plants take up the nutrients that would allow algae to grow. By

outcompeting for the nutrients, the plants are able to minimize the number of algae that can live

in the NSP BioSwimPond™. Although there will still be some algae in the system, especially in

the regeneration zone, the swimming zone can be kept clear and clean. A robot vacuum system

should be used to clean the sediment in the swimming zone.

The limnology of an NSP BioPool® is different. More like a stream than a pond, the NSP

BioPool® uses a biofilm filter to limit nutrients. A biofilm filter utilizes substrates that have large

surface areas and as water passes through the filter biofilm grows on these surfaces. As the

biofilm grows it removes nutrients from the water very efficiently and effectively. If the biofilm

filter is sufficiently sized and an adequate flow rate is provided to it, the biofilm filter is capable of

reducing nutrients to levels where no plants at all can grow, not even algae.

For this reason, the NSP BioPool® takes on more of the look of a regular swimming pool

because plants are not grown in the water. Additionally, because the biofilm filter is typically

installed underground nearby the pool, it isn’t visible and observers don’t realize that it’s a

natural system.

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Harnessing Nature - Not Fighting It

Biofilm forms on surfaces. The more surface area the better. Biofilm thrives best on surface

substrates that are of proper size, texture, and mineral composition in order to promote the most

favorable environment. With a desirable place to form, the remaining requirement is

nourishment for the biofilm, and that comes from the swimming vessel. The flow of the water

from the swimming area into the biological filter area provides an “aquatic buffet” of nutrients

feeding the biofilm biocenosis growing in the substrate, and the water is cleansed as the

nutrients are removed. Through constant and properly maintained water flow this natural system

will provide “Gin Clear” water… but NOT sterilized water.

The net result of all

of this, is that the

water in the NSP is

naturally clarified and

purified by the

biology of life. Just

the way that it has

evolved on our

planet, naturally.

What we’re doing

with our NSP design

is focusing and

optimizing the natural

biological functions

so that they’re done

efficiently and

without the use of

chemicals.

Speaking of efficiency, another sustainable attribute of the NSP is that the filters that we use are

all open-to-atmosphere, i.e., they are not pressurized vessels like the filters that are used in

chemical pools. Because they are open-to-atmosphere the NSP filters can run at much lower

pressures and achieve the same flow rates while consuming far less power.

In fact, our NSP BioPool® design using a BF4 biofilm filter can actually run a 535 sq. ft. 20,000-

gallon swimming pool with the equivalent electrical consumption of a 40-Watt light bulb. And

since we’re using no chemicals, this is a very sustainable option for a backyard swimming pool.

With the help of a little solar power, this could easily be a pool operating completely off the grid.

An NSP is in Harmony with Nature.

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Changing the Swimming Pool Paradigm

Natural Swimming Pools provide a current pool owner or new pool shopper with an entirely new

choice for water treatment. By rejecting the use of toxic chemicals and their environmental

burden, we have moved to a new level of water treatment that IS sustainable. We simply don’t

need all of the chemistry (and we don’t need all of the electrical energy) that a traditional,

unnatural swimming pool is weighed down with.

Additionally, we are also now able to appreciate how nature clarifies and purifies water and it is

harnessing the power of nature to our benefit, instead of fighting it with chemicals and electrical

power, that defines this new paradigm.

Based on a recent survey of prospective NSP owners, it is evident that an entirely new segment

of swimming pool owners is evolving based on the ability to choose a natural, environmentally

sustainable, NON-chemical method for water treatment. These potential swimming pool owners

are driven to seek options more in sync with their personal goals and lifestyle choices that

support more “Green Living,” “natural,” “organic,” or “environmentally responsible” choices.

A naturally purified

recreational water

environment, is now

available, and BioNova™

is prepared to help

dealers, pool owners,

and prospective pool

owners determine the

best way to adapt this

methodology for water

treatment to their current

or future swimming pool

experience.

The first NSP built in the US

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What is a BioNova NSP?

A BioNova NSP encompasses 4 defining criteria:

1. The NSP is a contained waterproof vessel, just like a traditional chemical pool. The

vessel can be constructed using gunite with a plaster finish, steel walls with a PVC

membrane or composite/fiberglass. This means that the water in the NSP is recirculated.

The controlled introduction of makeup water is minimal and used only to offset for

evaporation or splash out. Water introduction from underground springs, streams or

surface water runoff is not permitted in the NSP.

2. The NSP’s swimming zone is clearly defined. If there are aquatic plants in a

regeneration zone, they are separated from the swimming zone.

3. No chemicals or devices are used to disinfect or sterilize or oxidize the NSP’s water.

Salt chlorine generators, ozone generators, ionizers, mineral systems or any other

devices are not used.

4. The NSP is designed and constructed in conformance with applicable swimming

pool code and with a building permit for a swimming pool issued by the local authorities

as required.

From a number of viewpoints an NSP is similar to a chemical pool. First, it is similar in the sense

that it is a contained, waterproofed and recirculated system. Second, it is designed, permitted

and constructed in conformance with swimming pool code. We believe that a body of water that

is intended for swimming, should comply with the applicable swimming pool codes. These

codes have been developed to promote safe access and safe swimming. Examples of their

importance are that access/egress for the pool is designed and comfortable even for children

and the elderly. The interior slopes of the floor and walls do not exhibit extreme changes that

can surprise a novice swimmer and also permit the swimmer to readily find their way to a side of

the pool and hold on. The suction ports on the pool’s plumbing meet the national VGB safety

requirements regarding suction entrapment and the electrical systems for underwater lights,

metallic objects in and/or near the water and electrical bonding/grounding of the pumps are in

compliance with the electrical codes for swimming pool.

In short, the characteristic that makes an NSP an NSP is how the water is cleaned of the normal

“debris” that enters the water through the environment and from the bathers. In a chemical

pool, this debris is referred to as contaminants. In an NSP this debris is referred to as

nutrients. A chemical pool must constantly remove contaminants, because pathogenic

organisms still exist in the water and will grow if this “food source” is not removed. An NSP

nurtures the development of the biocenocis to not only remove these nutrients by feeding on

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them, but by doing so, they outcompete the undesirable microbes, and by this means they

control and suppress the population of pathogenic organisms.

Nature’s way of having good bacteria outcompete with “bad” bacteria to control it is also found

in the animal kingdom - and in the human gut. Our intestinal tracts are full of good bacteria, and

this good bacteria is able to outcompete for available nutrients with bad bacteria.

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Types of NSPs If you’re contemplating designing an NSP, you’ll need to choose either an

NSP BioSwimPond™ or an NSP BioPool®

The NSP BioSwimPond™

The NSP BioSwimPond™ is based on the sedimentation method of clarifying and purifying

water. The swimming zone can either be in the same vessel as the regeneration zone, or the

swimming zone can be partially or completely separated from the regeneration zone. These

NSPs typically look more like a pond because you can see many aquatic plants growing around

the NSP system. In the NSP BioSwimPond™, the planted regeneration zone can be contained

within the same vessel as the swimming zone. (an NSP BioSwimPond™ Solo - see photo

below)

When the swimming

zone has a

regeneration zone

within the same vessel,

the swimming zone and

regeneration are

separated by a

separation wall. This

wall is typically a

retaining wall for the

gravel substrate that

terminates about 12”

under the surface of the

water to allow the free

flow of water between

both zones. An NSP BioSwimPool™ constructed in one vessel with a separation wall

delineating the swimming zone from the regeneration zone is the type of an NSP that will look

most like a natural pond. This single vessel design is called the NSP BioSwimPond™ Solo.

An NSP BioSwimPond™ Solo

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And, we can also

design a swimming

zone that has some

regeneration zone in

the same vessel, as

well as a separate

regeneration zone. This

can allow for the

swimming zone to look

like a natural pond as

well as providing

excellent water quality.

This type of

construction, using two

vessels, is called the

NSP BioSwimPond™

Duo.

The NSP BioPool®

The NSP BioPool® uses a biofilm filter zone, instead of a planted regeneration zone as the

basis of its filtration and circulation system. The biofilm filter is in a space that is separated from

the swimming zone and provides the surface area for biofilm to grow. By encouraging the

abundant growth of

biofilm in a separate

area from the

swimming zone, we are

allowing all of the

nutrients in the water to

be consumed by the

biofilm, leaving nothing

for plants or algae to be

able to grow. The

biofilm filter effectively

replaces a planted

regeneration zone and

takes up a far smaller

amount of space,

An NSP BioSwimPond™ Duo

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typically less than 10% of the surface area of the pool - far more similar in terms of size to the

filter, pump and equipment pad on a chemical pool.

Because of this, the NSP BioPool® does not look like a natural pond, but will look more like a

traditional, chemical pool. That being said, it is entirely possible to build an NSP BioPool® and

surround it with, or build it adjacent to, a constructed pond. If desired, this allows for the

appearance of a natural pond with aquatic plants.

The biofilm filters can be installed adjacent to the swimming zone or somewhere else on the

property. Biofilm filters come in different sizes and different configurations and we will specify

which one is appropriate depending on the site and the hydraulic requirements of the design.

Biofilm filters are typically buried and covered with a removable lid. They are designed to be

flushed out (backwashed) and their effluent makes an excellent fertilizer for a terrestrial garden.

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NSP design and construction methods

The shape of the swimming zone and the regeneration zone is a design consideration, as is the

elevation of both relative to each other. Shape and elevation will have an impact on the

hydraulic design, and it is best left to the professionals to provide a solution for this.

Structurally, an NSP can be built using several different methodologies:

- A steel wall or concrete block wall can be constructed and waterproofed with PoolHide®

60 mil PVC membrane. The regeneration zone can be constructed the same way.

Because this type of structure has few limitations in terms of size, depth or shape, and

the interior finish of the pool is very smooth and easy to clean, this method of

construction is a recommended solution.

- A fiberglass pool can be used to create the

swimming zone and then either another

fiberglass shell can be used for the

regeneration zone or a steel or block wall

waterproofed with PoolHide® can be used for

the regeneration zone. This type of structure

has limitations in terms of size, depth and

shape but it can be installed quickly and

easily, and the interior finish of the pool is

very smooth and easy to clean.

A Fiberglass NSP BioPool®

A Steel Wall NSP BioSwimPond™ with an EcoGreen PoolHide® PVC Membrane

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- A gunite pool

can be

constructed for

both the

swimming

zone and the

regeneration

zone (or the

regeneration

zone could be

constructed

using one of

the other

above

methods).

Gunite pools offer

no limitations in terms of size, depth or shape but require a cementitious waterproof

finish (plaster) which even when polished, tends to be more difficult to keep clean.

A Gunite NSP BioSwimPond™with a Pebble Plaster Finish

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Converting Your Existing Pool Into an NSP

There are at least six different ways to convert an existing pool into an NSP. The details of your

installation will dictate which possibilities would be the best choice. However, the two most

common ways are to either add a regeneration zone somewhere or to add a biofilm filter

somewhere.

By adding a regeneration zone, you’ll be converting your pool into an NSP BioSwimPond™

with aquatic plants growing in the system

By adding a biofilm filter, then you’ll be converting your pool into an NSP BioPool®. If it’s

possible to do this on your site, this would usually be the lowest cost method of conversion.

Before Conversion to an NSP

After converting to an

NSP…

Note the separate

regeneration zone

located on the far left

side. Waterproofing

membrane PoolHide (in

EcoGreen)

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NSP Facts and Fiction The water quality criteria for residential NSPs is very simple. We expect that the water will be

clear and we can see right to the bottom of the pool. However, as with a chemical pool, other

factors can overwhelm the system. A birthday party with lots of swimmers may result in the pool

clouding up for a day or so. Heavy rains can introduce excess nutrients. Hot weather can

stimulate algae growth and extra cleaning and maintenance may be needed.

Speaking of maintenance, NSPs need

maintenance just like all other pools. The NSP

should be vacuumed regularly. We

recommend using a cleaning robot (see

picture on right) that is designed specifically for

use in NSPs. Weekly (or more often if

necessary) emptying of skimmer baskets is

needed, as is periodic cleaning of the pump

baskets. The NSP’s filter will also require

occasional cleaning.

For the NSP BioSwimPond™ systems, the

regeneration zone should be cleaned twice a

year. The regeneration zone aquatic plantings

should also be cut back in the autumn to allow

for space for new growth in the spring -

however, the climate of the installation should

be taken into account.

Unlike with a chemical pool, you will not be burdened with constant water testing and chemical

application.

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Here are some Frequently Asked Questions

Can I build my own NSP?

Building a Natural Swimming Pool is a complex process that should be professionally

engineered, designed, and constructed to ensure the water is properly filtered and naturally

purified. Recent advances in the use of biofilm filters have simplified the natural purification

process by eliminating the need for a large planted regeneration zone. With this option, a

Natural Swimming Pool is less complex, but it still requires an exacting measure of construction

skills best left to a knowledgeable builder.

BioNova™ can be engaged to provide a construction plan that, if executed according to design,

can yield a beautiful and functional Natural Swimming Pool. However, in order for the pool to be

a BioNova™ Certified Natural Swimming Pool it must be installed or supervised by one of our

licensed builders. This oversight ensures that the final product provides you with years of

naturally purified enjoyment without the frustration resulting from poor execution. Contact us and

we can discuss the viable options for your project.

A word of caution… misinformation about Natural Swimming Pools (and other topics) is

widespread on the internet. “Install a Natural Swimming Pool for $2,000” sounds too good to be

true, right? Because it is… too good to be true.

How is the water treated?

First, recognize that when we use the word “treated” we are simply referring to the conversion of

nutrients in the water by aquatic plants and microorganisms through their own unique and

varied metabolic processes. A conventional swimming pool refers to these nutrients as

“contaminants”. A naturally purified swimming pool nurtures and employs helpful microbes to

consume and/or convert these nutrients into energy for their own survival, byproducts for other

organisms to metabolize, or waste to be filtered out.

There are two methods for providing naturally purified water.

1. Use a planted regeneration zone (NSP BioSwimPond™)

2. Use a biofilm filter (NSP BioPool®)

Both methods result in naturally purified water by nurturing the growth of microbes and

organisms that remove nutrients from the water. The planted regeneration zone will employ a

variety of different aquatic plants to create an environment for beneficial bacteria, zooplankton,

and phytoplankton to extract these nutrients, whereas the biofilm filter provides a similar

environment for the development of the biofilm (an assemblage of bacteria and other microbes

living in a symbiotic relationship), to extract the same nutrients. In either case, we are replicating

and optimizing natural limnological processes to create an environment that encourages

favorable microbes to outcompete less favorable microbes for the nutrients in the water. With

proper planning and hydraulic design, we can create beautifully clear, naturally purified water

without the use of any chemicals whatsoever.

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How big does the biological filter need to be?

NSP BioSwimPonds™ incorporate the use of aquatic vegetation hydroponically rooted in

carefully selected substrates to allow the water from the swimming area to flow through the

planted environment. Generally speaking, the biological filter (a.k.a regeneration zone, bog filter,

constructed wetlands, etc.) is approximately the same surface area as the swimming zone. So,

a 16’x32’ swimming zone (~500 ft²) would require the same amount of area (~500 ft²) for the

regeneration zone.

NSP BioPools® incorporate the use of a biofilm filter to purify the water. Depending on the size

of the swimming zone, this biofilm filter can be up to 90% smaller than an equivalently sized

regeneration zone.

Is there an advantage to a BioSwimPond™ over a BioPool™

It depends on what “look” you are after. Both biological filtration technologies create naturally

purified water, but they have different aesthetics.

A BioSwimPond™ provides the aquatic vegetation that many desire in order to create a

naturalistic, pond-like environment. The BioSwimPond™ typically comes at a higher cost due to

the increased area required for the planted regeneration zone.

A BioPool® will look more like a conventional swimming pool. The biofilm filter in a BioPool® is

typically hidden underneath a wooden deck. In these cases, access to the top of the vessel

needs to be anticipated for seasonal maintenance. Since the overall footprint of the BioPool® is

smaller due to the absence of a planted area, the cost associated with a BioPool® is generally

less than that of a BioSwimPond™ with an equivalently sized swimming area.

Can I heat the pool?

Yes – how much you can heat the pool depends on your climate and the time of the year. NSP

BioSwimPonds™ tend to be warmer than traditional pools because the biological filter is

relatively shallow and acts as a passive solar collector. And “Yes”, technology does currently

exist to allow cooling of the pool water if desired. Temperature variations in water occur

naturally. As long as the NSP water is not heated beyond the seasonal norms of naturally

occurring bodies of water in your climate zone then there isn’t going to be a problem. By

implementing solar heating panels, you have the opportunity to heat the pool during the day, or

if you want to cool the water, cycle the panels at night when the air temperatures drop.

What about mosquitoes?

Because a BioNova™ Natural Swimming Pool’s water is always circulating, mosquitoes are not

a problem as they do not breed and lay eggs in moving water. A bigger concern for breeding

mosquitoes is potted plant bases, or any place water can gather and remain stagnant.

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Do Natural Swimming Pools cost more than traditional pools?

It depends. Generally speaking, the cost per square foot of a Natural Swimming Pool is no different than the cost per square foot of a traditional pool. Costs per square foot vary widely depending on the materials of construction, area of the country, ground conditions and the unique requirements of each site. BioSwimPonds do cost more than a traditional pool because they may require up to TWICE the surface area to accommodate the swimming zone and planted regeneration zone. BioPools with a biofilm filter doing the biological purification, will cost about the same as an equivalent size traditional pool. Once installed, ongoing operational costs for NSPs are lower since no chemicals are needed, and energy consumption is much less in an NSP than for a chemical pool.

Can we have fish in the pool?

No, although fish would love to live there. Fish consume beneficial zooplankton, but the biggest

reason is that they put an undesirable biological load on the system and are not permitted in the

swimming or regeneration zones in order to meet BioNova™ standards. One of the biggest

objectives in designing and maintaining an NSP is to control the amount of nutrients entering

the pool, and fish are large contributors. However, if you really want to have koi fish we can

include a separate and isolated fish pond adjacent to but not connected to your Natural

Swimming Pool. We can design the finished product to look as though they are all one

contiguous system but in actuality operate in totally separate, closed-loop environments. In this

case you can have your fish and swim too.

Will there be algae?

Yes, algae and other phytoplankton species are naturally occurring microbial plant life and the

living aquatic environment we are creating relies on the healthy – but controlled – growth of

phytoplankton and other producers in the microbial lifecycle. An NSP will always have some

algae in it (in fact, even a chemically treated pool always has some algae in it) but green algae

is not harmful. We control algae by either using the correct aquatic plants in the planted

regeneration zone OR by using a biofilm filter to outcompete the algae for the available nutrients

in the pool water. Situations that may cause a temporary algae bloom are related to an

unexpected influx of nutrients (e.g., nitrogen, phosphorous). One possible contributor to excess

phosphate in the pool water is the municipal water source. Derivatives of phosphate products

are used in water treatment to limit or control corrosion and prevent scale build up in the water

lines. As part of our BioNova™ Quality Process, we will test your water supply to determine if it

would be suitable for the initial filling of the NSP, and then plan and design the NSP system to

handle these phosphates appropriately.

What kind of maintenance is required?

Some maintenance is the same as for a traditional chemical pool. We need to periodically

empty and clean skimmer baskets, empty and clean pump baskets, vacuuming the pool and

clean the filter. Robotic cleaners are available for the task of vacuuming and brushing the pool

walls and bottom. The good news is that you will NOT be spending any money on water

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treatment chemicals. For BioSwimPonds™, water garden maintenance is necessary – removing

unwanted plants and debris, trimming and maintaining existing plants, and cutting them back at

the end of the season. For BioPools®, seasonal "backwashing" (approximately twice a year) of

the biofilm filter is necessary. Note: for those of you with gardens (vegetable or ornamental) the

discharge from backwashing the biofilm filter is an excellent natural fertilizer.

We have freezing weather in the winter, what about winterization?

In cold climates, the NSP needs to be treated just like any other pool, i.e., the plumbing lines

need to be blown out and plugged, and the mechanical equipment needs to be drained. The

swimming zone can be covered with a winter safety cover, and a mesh net can be draped over

the regeneration zone to prevent leaves and other debris from entering the area. For

BioSwimPonds™, the aquatic plants will be cut back and dead leaves will be removed from the

regeneration zone. Most native aquatic plants are perennial and will regrow the following spring.

Some plants may need to be replaced, but the longer the regeneration zone matures the

heartier the plants become.

What is the minimum size for an NSP?

We do not recommend BioSwimPonds™ smaller than 535 square feet in total. For BioPools®,

there is no minimum size limit. The biofilm filter can be configured to accommodate any

swimming pool, large or small. Consult your BioNova™ Dealer for details on correctly sizing an

NSP.

Who designs and builds my NSP?

BioNova™ would be happy to assist during any phase of your planning. We will spend our initial

conversations discussing your ideas and design goals, such as:

● Spatial considerations.

● The quantity and ages of bathers who will be swimming regularly.

● What are your outdoor living goals and entertaining expectations?

● Are there landscaping and aesthetic expectations of the pool and surrounding area?

● How deep do you want the pool?

● What activities do you like or want in the pool? (volleyball, lap swimming, games)

● Do you want a diving board?

● How about a suntan ledge or underwater sitting benches?

● Will this be a part of a long term, multi-phase outdoor environment?

● Firepit, outdoor kitchen?

● What about other water features… stream, waterfall, grotto?

The more we know the more we can anticipate and incorporate your wants and needs into the

design. We have many years of experience working with landscape designers, builders,

contractors, architects, and pool companies, and we are comfortable collaborating with all. In

order for the Natural Swimming Pool to be BioNova™ Certified, we require that a BioNova™

licensed builder provide the hydraulics, equipment, technical planning for the pool, and

construction.

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Planning for your new NSP

Your vision

What do you see in your backyard? Have some ideas? Let us know what you think.

Your Space

A good starting place is your property survey and a call to your town to find out what the codes

are for setbacks and lot coverage when installing a swimming pool.

Your Budget

It’s always a consideration. It’s easy to design wonderful things, but you don’t want to spend

time on plans that are outside what’s in the budget. Let’s have an upfront conversation in the

beginning about where the budget needs to be. But basically, if you can afford a chemical pool,

you can afford an NSP.

Our Process

We use our PreConstruction Planning Agreement (PCPA) as an engagement to allow us to

begin the planning process for your NSP. Whether you’ve had a landscape designer, brother-in-

law, back-of-the-napkin or absolutely no design done, we’ll take it all into account with our

PCPA.

The PCPA will provide the hydraulic and construction details, as well as everything else needed

to finalize the plans on the NSP so that the Building Permit can be applied for and our licensed

BioNova™ dealer can do the construction.

The PCPA is the first step to realizing your vision to swim in all natural, biologically clarified and

purified, sustainable, eco-friendly, environmentally responsible Natural Swimming Pool water.

Contact us today to discuss your ideas and request a PCPA!

BioNova Natural Pools PO Box 13 Chester, NJ. 07930 (800) 929-7968 www.bionovanaturalpools.com