If you’re like me, then you love spending time outdoors swimming in the summer. A swim pond could be the perfect addition to your backyard oasis.
When most people think of backyard ponds, they tend to think of large, elaborate water features with fountains and fish. In fact, we have our own list of the top 10 backyard pond ideas if you want something unique or elaborate. But if you’re looking for a more leisurely option that still offers a touch of nature and serenity in your yard, consider adding a swimming pond instead. Swim ponds are smaller and more low-key than traditional ponds and are perfect for relaxing on hot summer days.
Wondering if one is right for you? Here’s what you need to know.
What Is A Swim Pond?
A swim pond is a manmade body of natural water and aquatic plants people put in their backyards as an alternative to a traditional swimming pool. It forms a small ecosystem that helps to keep the water clean and makes the feature look more natural.
They are an increasingly popular alternative to backyard swimming pools.
Why A Swim Pond Is A Good Investment
A recreation swim pond is essentially a natural swimming pool. Unlike traditional chlorine pools, swim ponds are filled with fresh water that is filtered and circulated using plants and gravel. This natural filtration system not only keeps the water clean and clear but also provides a habitat for wildlife. In fact, many homeowners who have installed swim ponds have found that they attract birds, butterflies, and other wildlife to their property.
In addition to being environmentally friendly, swim ponds are also low-maintenance. Once your pond is installed, there is very little you need to do in order to keep it running smoothly. Simply check the filter and pump every few weeks to make sure they are working properly, and you’re good to go!
Finally, adding a swim pond to your property can increase its value. If you ever decide to sell your home, potential buyers will be impressed by the addition of a swimming pond.
A Swim Pond Is Low-Maintenance
One of the best things about swim ponds is that they are low-maintenance. You don’t have to worry about chemicals or elaborate filtration systems. Instead, the plants and other natural features help keep the water clean. Just be sure to remove any leaves or debris that fall in on a regular basis.
Swim ponds are low-maintenance because they are self-sustaining ecosystems. In other words, once you establish the proper balance of plants, fish, and other wildlife, the pond will take care of itself with very little intervention from you.
Aquatic plants help to aerate the water and keep algae growth in check. They also absorb nutrients that would otherwise contribute to waterborne illnesses. As an added bonus, plants help to cool the water naturally, making it more comfortable for swimmers on hot summer days.
Fish eat mosquito larvae and other aquatic pests that can contaminate the water and spread disease. They also help to aerate the water and keep algae growth in check.
Another way that swim ponds stay clean is by using gravel instead of concrete or liner. Gravel is permeable, which means that water seeps through it and is naturally filtered as it does so. This helps to keep the water circulating and prevents stagnation, which can lead to algae blooms and bad odors.
Why A Swim Pond Is Better For The Environment
Swim ponds use less water. Traditional swimming pools can lose up to 30,000 gallons of water per year due to evaporation, while swim ponds only lose about 3,000 gallons. That’s a huge difference!
Natural swimming pools don’t require chemicals. Most people use chlorine or other chemicals to keep their swimming pool clean and free of bacteria. But these chemicals can be harmful to the environment, both in the water and when they eventually make their way into our soil and groundwater. Swim ponds don’t require any chemicals because the plants around the perimeter help keep the water clean.
A natural pond for swimming also provides a habitat for wildlife. Birds, frogs, and other small animals all love swimming in ponds, and a swimming pond is a perfect place for them to take a dip. By providing habitat for these animals, you’re helping them thrive and ensuring that they have a place to live and breed.
Why A Swim Pond Is Healthier For Your Family Than A Traditional Swimming Pool
Chlorine is added to pools to kill bacteria, but it can also be harmful to your skin and eyes. It can also cause respiratory problems. Swim ponds rely on their natural ecosystem to keep the water clean, so there are fewer chemicals involved.
The chemicals in chlorinated water can also dry out your skin and cause irritation. The plants in a swim pond help to filter the water and make it more gentle on your skin.
How A Swim Pond Cuts Down On Pesky Insects
One of the main reasons why insects are so attracted to your property is because of standing water. When water stagnates, it becomes a breeding ground for all sorts of insects, including mosquitoes, gnats, and midges. A swim pond takes up the space where stagnate water can pool, and since they circulate water, they prevent stagnation.
You can also add other features to your swim pond that will help keep insects away. For example, adding plants that are known to repel insects, such as marigolds or citronella, can help create an environment that’s less inviting for pests.
Swimming ponds also attract animals that eat pesky insects. These can include dragonflies, birds, and more.
Just be sure to keep the grass near it cut short to ensure it doesn’t attract any snakes.
You Can Enjoy A Swim Pond In Winter
During winter, you need to shut down a swimming pool. But you can leave swim ponds up and running so you can enjoy a winter wonderland scene.
We don’t recommend using it for ice skating or other winter activities.
Swim Ponds Are Great For Kids
Swim ponds are a great addition to any home with young kids. These shallow, natural pools are designed for safe swimming and wading, and they can provide hours of enjoyment for kids of all ages.
A backyard recreation pond also gives kids a chance to interact with nature and learn about aquatic plants and animals.
How To Pick The Perfect Swim Pond Size For Your Property
The first step in picking the perfect size for your swim pond is determining how much space you have to work with. Measure the length and width of the area where you plan to build your pond. Then, use this formula to calculate the maximum square footage you have available:
Length (ft) x Width (ft) x 0.43 = Square footage available (sq ft)
For example, if your property is 50 feet long and 30 feet wide, your formula would look like this: 50 x 30 x 0.43 = 645 square feet. This means you have up to 645 square feet of space available for your swim pond.
Now that you know how much space you have available, it’s time to start thinking about shape. The most common shapes for swim ponds are rectangular and oval, but you can really get creative here—just make sure your final shape will fit in the space you’ve allocated!
Once you’ve settled on a shape, use the following formula to calculate the minimum size of your pond:
Length (ft) + Width (ft) + Depth (ft) ÷ 2 = Minimum size of pond (sq ft)
For example, if you want an oval-shaped pond that’s 10 feet long and 8 feet wide with a depth of 4 feet, your formula would look like this: (10 + 8 + 4) ÷ 2 = 11 square feet. This means your minimum pond size should be 11 square feet.
What Makes A Backyard Unsuitable For A Swim Pond
The smallest size a swim pond can be, and still be considered a swimming pond, is 12 feet by 18 feet.
Your backyard may not be large enough for a full-size swim pond. You can install dipping ponds if your yard isn’t big enough. A dipping pond is a pond you can get into but not swim in.
If your backyard has too much of a slope, it may not be worth installing a swimming pond. It can be done, but the difficulty can make the price skyrocket.
Love Summer Even More By Installing A Swim Pond With Amen Corner Ponds
If you’re looking for a way to make your summer even more enjoyable, why not consider adding a swim pond to your property? Swim ponds are becoming increasingly popular because they offer so many benefits. Not only do they provide a place to cool off and have fun in the sun, but they can also help improve your property’s value.
If you’re interested in learning more about this great option, please fill out our contact form today. We would be happy to answer any of your questions and help you get started on making your dreams of owning a swim pond come true!
