A natural pool is essentially a man‑made swimming area that works like a living ecosystem, using plants and beneficial bacteria to clean the water instead of chlorine or salt. You swim in pure, fresh water, similar to a forest lake, while still enjoying the comfort of a designed pool. Unlike traditional pools, which need regular chemical treatment and draining, a natural pool is self‑sustaining, healthy and environmentally friendly.

Natural pools are extremely adaptable to any location or situation but for the purposes of clarification we can think of two types that sit at either end of a spectrum. Living Pools are entirely plant free owing to highly efficient concealed biological filters and look like conventional swimming pools. At the other end of the spectrum are Swimming Ponds which, if large enough can operate solely using planted regeneration zones adjacent to the (plant free) swimming zone. Swimming ponds can resemble natural ‘wild’ ponds, or they can bring a touch of ‘wildness’ to a formal and more conventional swimming pool design. The choice is yours.

Abundant clean, fresh water is achieved naturally, literally! Aquatic plants and carefully designed biofilters using beneficial bacteria consume excess organic matter creating extremely harsh conditions for pathogenic organism survival. To maximise water quality and clarity we also use phosphate‑binding filters. This creates clear, soft water that feels pleasant to swim in and which is also much healthier and better for you than chlorine pools.

Yes. Our pools are designed to the highest standards and often far exceed European bathing waters hygiene standards. The water is continuously filtered and oxygenated, meaning bacteria levels stay low and comparable to clean natural lakes. Since no chlorine is used, swimmers also avoid damaged hair and skin, eye and respiratory irritation, making them especially suitable for children and people with sensitive skin.

Natural pools are obviously something we feel passionate about however we can honestly say that they far exceed conventional chlorine pools as a healthy and enjoyable bathing experience, also in terms of lower running costs and easier maintenance needs and for their superior environmentally positive benefits. A planted natural pool is a living and attractive landscape feature which supports local flora and fauna biodiversity while enhancing both property value and personal wellbeing.

Yes, natural pools attract dragonflies, frogs, and beneficial insects, enriching your garden’s biodiversity. The presence of wildlife is a sign of a balanced ecosystem and is usually welcomed by pool owners. Fears of mosquitos are a common but misplaced worry. Dragonflies in particular are ferocious predators which along with frogs will make short work of any mosquito population.

A well‑considered brief is an essential first step to a successful project. It begins with defining how you want to use your pool, who will use it, how you want it to look and feel, and most importantly what will make the investment truly worthwhile for you.

Once your requirements are clear, the next step is to give us a call. We’ll help shape your ideas into a workable outline, exploring the possibilities while providing transparent guidance on costs and feasibility from the outset. We can also arrange a site visit to better understand your property and identify any practical considerations.

With your brief established and requirements understood, we’ll advise on the next steps to move the project forward – including any third parties that may need to be appointed, such as engineers, or contractors. Throughout, our aim is to give you clarity, confidence, and a clear path from vision to reality.

Costs vary widely by size, design, site conditions, and how much work you can do yourself. A natural pool or swimming pond typically ranges from about €40,000 to €90,000 for private gardens, while smaller more conventional looking Living Pools may be more affordable. Running costs are very low – electricity for pumps on a 3 × 7 m pool is usually only €100–180 per year. Commercial operators should enquire about a comprehensive consultation.

There are quite a few pool construction options including various finishes such as tiles or liners. The simplest and usually the most affordable option is an excavation. This suits more natural looking or large feature resort swimming ponds. If you would like a more conventional look, you can consider various concrete precast or block constructions which give you the flexibility to create your own design while being an affordable option. Other options are steel, stainless steel or one piece moulded plastic pools where the structure is also the finished surface.

Construction time depends on pool size and site conditions, but most natural pools are built in 4–8 weeks. Smaller Living Pools, which don’t require a plant zone, can often be completed more quickly, while larger swimming ponds with landscaping may take a few months. The process is similar to a traditional pool but includes ecological installation.

With the right tools and experience it is possible for clients to complete certain parts of the pool construction. We assess such situations on a case by case basis and will provide guidance and oversight throughout. Suitable tasks to be completed by clients include excavation works, ground consolidation, pool foundations and shell construction, electrical installations (for qualified persons), infill and landscaping. Nature’s Way reserves the right however for all technical installations relating to pool technologies and pool waterproofing finishes, including aquatic plantings if required.

Costs will vary quite a lot depending on the size of the pool, its environment, how it’s used, whether it’s heated, to what temperature and how quickly, how often it’s covered and many other factors. Typical running costs for an entire year are from €100 to 180 which is around 50% lower than for a conventional chlorine pool. To minimise your running costs we use low energy variable speed pumps and specially designed computer applications to ensure efficient hydraulic design. Furthermore, the way our filtration system is designed we only need very low power pumps.

Pool covers are not essential although we would highly recommend their use whenever possible. A good quality pool cover will minimise the amount of debris and environmental deposition getting into the pool. They will also minimise evaporation and heat loss, greatly reducing the running costs of the pool. Indoor pools can also benefit from a cover but it’s not always a requirement. In this case they will reduce running costs and your air handling system will have less work to do if you have a cover so it’s definitely worth considering.

Yes, our pools can be heated with conventional or renewable energy sources such as solar panels or heat pumps. Water can comfortably reach 26–28 °C, extending the swimming season well into spring and autumn. Insulating covers also help reduce energy loss.

Finland’s Land Use and Building legislation usually requires either a building permit (rakennuslupa) or an action/operation permit (toimenpidelupa / toimenpidelupa/ilmoitus) for a private swimming pool. In exceptional situations you may also need shore-building permissions, a deviation decision (poikkeamislupa) or other environmental/technical approvals (drainage, wastewater, electrical). The exact requirement depends on pool type (in-ground vs above-ground), size, permanency, whether it’s a separate “structure”, and local zoning regulations (asemakaava / yleiskaava) and municipal building orders.

Absolutely. Natural pools are not only extremely adaptable to any location or situation but you can be as creative as you like! Natural pools can be as compact as 30–40 m², perfect for urban gardens, or span several hundred square metres for larger landscapes. Shapes are fully customisable: from geometric modern designs to natural‑looking ponds. Living Pool systems which don’t make use of plants and work entirely through mineral filtration and phosphorus recovery are the prefect choice for creating a sleek architectural pool for your terrace which is indistinguishable from a conventional chlorine pool.

Yes, your pool will be available all year around for either swimming or as an attractive landscape feature in your garden. The swimming season can be greatly extended by the use of a pool cover and installing heating. In mid to southern Finland most owners can expect to be able swim comfortably from May to September. Of course your pool will also be available all winter as the perfect avanto to accompany your sauna as unlike conventional pools they do not need to be drained.

Yes. In my mid 30’s, I completed masters studies for the degree in architecture at TKK (now Aalto University). In over 15 years of architectural practice I have worked with some of Finland’s most respected firms. Projects I have worked on include new embassy buildings, hybrid hotels, sports facilities, Helsinki-Vantaa extension and even hospitals. I also currently run my own design studio focusing on solid timber construction, new timber construction products and above all leading the development and integration of sustainable and ecological building systems.

Yes, If you have a combined pool and building project it makes sense if you only have to deal with one company. This avoids possible confusing communication channels and project delays. We can take care of any size of building and pool project with sensitivity, attention to detail and flair and can ensure a seamless design connection between pool and building.

We are currently working on a range of custom, architecturally designed quality DIY building kitsets for your home and garden. For example, a garden sauna makes a perfect addition to a pool project which you can use year round. Let us know what you’re thinking of and we can work together to develop a costed design.