Maintaining your Almost Natural Swimming Pool

A guide for professional pool maintenance services by Bryan Morse

These pools are a little different from a conventional pool. Because the plant material is planted adjacent to and sometimes inside the water proof membrane, they require a modified maintenance routine.

TYPE of FILTER: For this type of swimming pool a Sand Filter is recommended. Sand filters are not outdated or old fashioned. In Arizona and many other states, Sand Filters are used in over 80% of the installations. DE filters are contra-indicated because the DE has been listed as a toxic chemical in the State of California (it is illegal to backwash into the storm drain system). Cartridge Filters will get clogged very rapidly.

If a finer filtering level is desired, add Zeolite (available at SCP) to the Silica Sand in the filter. Zeolite also removes toxins from the water.

ALGAE: Because of the volume of plant material that pollutes the water, especially during the stormier winter months it will be necessary to treat the pool with a quality Algecide around the first of March as algae blooms begin to grow. A Phosphate remover will also be necessary

I recommend: Natural Chemistry; ‘Algae Break 90’ (available at SCP); this will help control algae growth for three months. Apply as needed through the swimming season. Should not be needed in the winter months (after mid October)

1. Test pool water and balance chemical levels. Pay close attention to the pH and Alkalinity levels
2. Back wash Sand Filter as indicated
3. To periodically treat the water for excess Phosphates add Natural Chemistry; ‘Pool Perfect+ PHOSfree’ (available at SCP); at levels indicated on packaging.
4. For general water quality and pool health, treat periodically (as needed) with Natural Chemistry; ‘Pool First Aid’ (available at SCP)

It may be that adding a UV filter (with a flow control) and/or an Ozone Generator may help as well.