A natural pool keeps its water clean without chlorine. Alongside the swimming area sits a planted regeneration zone — aquatic plants and biological filtration that do the job chemicals normally would. The water circulates continuously between the two, staying clear, soft on the skin, and alive in a way a conventional pool never is.
In Cornwall they make particular sense. A natural pool sits comfortably in a rural or coastal garden where a bright-blue rectangle would fight the setting, it supports rather than sterilises the local ecosystem, and it swims beautifully — no red eyes, no chlorine smell, no chemical deliveries.
Design. We shape a bespoke layout for your site: the swimming zone, the regeneration zone, and how the two sit within your garden. Natural pools can be built to almost any size and shape, from a compact garden pond-pool to a full swimming lake.
Construction. The same team and standards as every Polmenna build — groundworks, structure and plant done properly, by us, not subcontracted strangers.
Planting. We select and establish the right mix of aquatic plants for your regeneration zone: the living filter that keeps your water clean, and a planting scheme that looks good doing it.
Aftercare. Natural pools need a different rhythm of care from chlorinated ones — less chemistry, more gardening. We hand over with clear guidance and stay on the end of the phone.
Honestly: not always. A natural pool needs more space than a conventional one (the regeneration zone adds roughly half again), the water runs cooler unless heated, and it will never be swimming-bath turquoise — it's a living system, and looks like one. For some of our clients that's exactly the point; for others, a conventional heated pool is the better fit. Tell us about your garden and how you want to swim, and we'll give you a straight recommendation either way.
The best first step is a conversation. Tell us about your garden, your house and what you'd like to build, and we'll tell you honestly whether we're the right people for it.
01872 859558