The clear water of a natural swimming pool seduces by its aesthetics and the bathing pleasure it offers. However, the success of such a project hinges primarily on well-designed pool filtration. Instead of using chemicals, this system relies on pool balance and appropriate technologies to ensure healthy water. Discover innovative solutions, understand filter media, choose between a sand filter or diatomaceous earth filtration: each choice contributes to creating an ecological, high-performance relaxation area.
How does natural pool filtration work?
The natural pool is very different from the traditional version. Its secret lies in an autonomous ecosystem that replaces chemical disinfectants with a pool filtration circuit inspired by natural processes. The system is based on collaboration between aquatic plants, beneficial bacteria and filter media.
Here, the filtration pump ensures slow but continuous water circulation. It passes through various planted zones where each element - plants, filter media and filtration accessories - purifies and clarifies the water. Specific skimmers and adapted filters also play a crucial role in effectively removing impurities while preserving the pond's equilibrium.
The main families of filtration systems for natural pools
Not all natural pools adopt the same strategy for cleaning the water. Depending on the configuration of the garden, the climate and how often the pool is used, several options exist to ensure optimal, long-lasting bathing quality.
Mechanical filters: from sand to alternative media
Often associated with conventional swimming pools, mechanical filters have their place in an ecological approach. Sand filters are still very common: they effectively retain fine particles without altering water quality. Other solutions are emerging, such as recycled glass, appreciated for its performance and longevity as a filter medium.
Various filtration kits are available with different types of filter media:
- Silica sand
- Filter glass
- Filter balls
- High-performance cartridges
- Diatoms
Each media responds to a specific situation and offers a particular level of retention. For example, cartridge filters are easy to maintain, making them ideal for small natural domestic ponds.
Diatomaceous earth filtration: precision and maximum purity
Some systems incorporate diatomaceous earth filtration to optimize water cleaning without oxidizing agents. Thanks to their porous structure, diatoms trap the tiniest particles, guaranteeing unequalled filtration finesse. However, this system requires special care when washing the filter to maintain its performance.
Here is a comparative table of the main filtering media:
| Filter media | Filtration fineness | Maintenance |
| Sand | 30-50 microns | Regular backwashing |
| Glass | 15-20 microns | Less frequent than sand |
| Balls | 10-15 microns | Machine wash/single rinse |
| Cartridge | 10-15 microns | Disassembly & manual rinsing |
| Diatoms | 2-5 microns | Thorough rinsing required |
Optimize your hydraulic circuit and choose your filtration pump
The success of natural pool filtration also depends on good water circulation. It all starts with the choice of a filtration pump suited to the volume of the pool and its design. A flow rate that's too high can disturb the lagoon zone, while one that's too low won't remove impurities properly.
Installing an energy-efficient pump, designed to run for long periods at low speed, limits power consumption and promotes biological balance. Combined with discreet skimmers and high-performance filtration accessories, it forms a harmonious technical network that respects the pond's ecosystem.
The filtration kit for natural pools
Choosing a complete filtration kit simplifies the design of your natural pond. These kits generally include :
- A low-pressure filtration pump
- Adaptable mechanical filter (cartridge, sand, glass...)
- Discreet discharge nozzles
- Sometimes the right skimmer
Thanks to this coordinated equipment, the owner can easily control pool maintenance.
The main advantage of the filtration kit is to ensure perfect compatibility between all components. This facilitates continuous water cleaning, while maintaining the aesthetics of your pond. The choice of kit depends on budget, pool volume, number of bathers and time required for installation.
Natural pool maintenance and tips for crystal-clear water
Although the natural pool is more self-sufficient, a minimum of maintenance is still required. Regular cleaning of filter chains, monitoring of plant growth and removal of floating debris all contribute to preserving the beauty of the site and avoiding cloudy water.
To prolong the system's efficiency, here are a few essential steps:
- Check the height of the filter media bed every season
- Check cartridge condition or replace sand filter every 5 to 8 years
- Maintain pumps and skimmers according to manufacturer's recommendations
- Renew plant supports to boost purification capacity
The occasional use of filtration accessories such as a robot broom or hand brush completes this ecological routine, without harming the local flora and fauna.
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Frequently asked questions about natural pool filtration
The filtration kit groups together all the essential equipment, simplifying installation and ensuring optimum synergy between pump, filter media and filtration accessories. It guarantees efficiency, energy savings and respect for the water surface. This solution ensures long-lasting pool operation and optimizes daily water cleaning.
To benefit from tailor-made support and make a success of your natural swimming pool project, we recommend that you make an appointment with Artec Piscines. You'll benefit from a professional diagnosis and solutions perfectly tailored to your needs.
To maintain clean water over the long term, a number of actions are recommended:
- Regularly remove leaves and debris from the surface
- Monitoring the growth of filter plants
- Rinse mechanical filters or replace filter media, depending on wear.
- Clean the filter pump and check circulation throughout the pool
Making an appointment with a specialist like Artec Piscines allows you to benefit from a personalized diagnosis and advice tailored to your project.
The choice of filter media depends on the desired level of cleanliness and ease of maintenance. Options include :
- Sand, reliable and economical
- Glass, effective against fine particles
- Synthetic balls are easy to wash
- The cartridge, ideal for small volumes
- Diatoms, reserved for demanding users
The main distinction lies in the approach: the natural pool favors a biological system combining plants and physical filter media, while the conventional pool uses regular chemical treatments, reinforced by equipment such as sand or cartridge filters. In a natural pool, the filtration pump ensures a gentle circulation beneficial to biodiversity, avoiding chlorine and salt.