Natural Pool Hybrid Swimming Ponds

Natural Pool
“Hybrid” Swimming Ponds

A close relative to the usual rock pool-style swimming ponds that we build is what we have termed Hybrid Swimming Pond style Natural Pools and their smaller sibling the Plunge Pool Pond. We can use a variety of typical structural landscape type materials in combination with rocks and boulders. They are a great option if you want a bit more structure in your swimming pond and are actually quite like the traditional European NSP (Natural Swimming Pools).

Where they really come into their own though is when access width or working space are too tight to use a big excavator to build a full rock pool-style swimming pond, so they allow us to use modular construction materials like blocks or bricks etc to create the depth structure instead of 600–800kg boulders. At the surface, we can use boulder rocks up to 300–400kg placed with a 2 ton excavator to make it look just like a rock pool swimming pond at the surface, or we could even build throughout with a mix of rocks and blocks if you’d like that.

Like our typical swimming ponds, the hybrid swim ponds are naturally filtered and have beautifully fresh and silky smooth water quality. Swimming as nature intended in water without harsh chemical sanitation treatments. Mimicking nature for both filtration and appearance. Hybrid swim ponds can be attributed to the likes of swimming in a creek or waterhole with plants and fish, all creating a naturally balanced ecosystem.

They are not just about the great natural water quality though. They are also about exploring and engaging with nature and the underwater world. An underwater world of fish and plants. Frogs and even turtles if you like that idea. A snorkel and mask are must-have items.

Above the surface a whole other world of birds and insects attracted to the freshwater ecosystem in Perth including species like Red and White tailed Black cockatoos, New Holland Honey eaters, dragonflies, bees and damsel flies and many, many more.

Swimming ponds are so much more than just a pool! They are a freshwater ecosystem in your own backyard to enjoy, observe, explore and engage with to reconnect with nature. Something that’s sadly missing in today’s busy world and ever present technology. Nature that many of us grew up with and took for granted.

Think Green are your local swimming pond experts and have been building them in and around Perth for clients since 2019. In fact our first natural prototype plunge pond was built in my own home at the time, way back in 2015, so we’ve been engaged with these for quite a while now.

How much does a hybrid swimming pond cost?

There are a few common sizes that we build with guide pricing listed here, but we can build these in virtually ANY size or shape though as we use a strong and flexible EPDM pond liner as our base.

Extras and upgrades like a beach entry, chunky jetty style deck, boardwalk decking paths and even completing the surrounding landscaping are all things we can help you with too.

Hybrid Swimming Pond Price Guide

Plunge 4m x 4m x 1.5m from $38k
(note wetland filter is inside the actual pond on this size)

Hybrid 5.5m x 5.5m x 1.6m from $58k

Hybrid 8m x 5.5m x 1.6m from $68k

Nearly any shape or size is possible!
Please Inquire.

Extras like Mesh Pool Fencing, Jetty Deck, Beach, Stream and Landscaping also available

We have experience building them in all kinds of soil types from sand to clay to gravel and even in solid rock! And on properties of a wide range of sizes. From acreage to regular suburban house blocks.

We follow all the regulations and have custom engineering drawings, get the building permits and even have experience going through planning approval processes too on the rare occasions they’re required.

If you’re building a pond intended for swimming you’ll need a compliant pool fence, so as part of our offerings we also build timber framed aviary mesh pool compliant fencing that really fits well with the natural swimming pond aesthetic. Or we can arrange a contractor to build other styles of fencing for you if preferred.

So if you’re thinking about a hybrid swimming pond please fill out the enquiry form at the bottom of this page and let’s see how we can help.

How does a swim pond function?

Swim Ponds or Natural Pools mimic nature and utilise plants, rocks and gravel to biologically filter your water. Water is pumped from the pond via a skimmer, and then circulated up through a wetland filter. It is then usually returned to the main swimming pond area by a stream or waterfall, which creates natural oxygenation of the water. Plants in the system take up nutrient and help deliver vital oxygen to the environment where as rock and gravel create an immense surface area for good microscopic beneficial bacteria and microorganisms to colonise and break down waste nutrients into less harmful substances.

Do swim ponds or natural pools need more maintenance than conventional
pools?

No, natural pools or swim ponds generally require less maintenance than a conventional pool. There are still routine chores such as emptying the skimmer basket and just like a garden it will require periodical weeding. Regular removal of dead and decaying plant matter is an excellent way of physically removing nutrient from the pond. Wetland filters do require a deep clean backwash every year or so and it is advised to stir up the gravel floor regularly with exuberant use or even to occasionally vacuum the gravel on the bottom to remove any built up debris. Our team can provide training on how to carry out this work or do it for you when required.

Inquiry

Client 1 Name

Client 2 Name

Client 1 Email Address

Client 2 Email Address

Client 1 Phone

Client 2 Phone

Project Street Address

Project Suburb

Please advise if this is not your current residential address?

Project / Service Type

What do you have in mind? What are you looking for? eg. Water feature and landscape?

Timeframe?

Budget

We usually find it's easiest to exchange 2-3 emails to find out more about your project and look it up on recent Nearmaps aerial photos. However, if you'd prefer an initial phone call instead please list your preferred days and times for a phone call.

We will get in touch with you soon to request 3-5 photos of the area. What does it Look Like Now? Please include photos from 2-3 different angles and Including at least 1 wide shot of the area and 1 photo of access to the area.

14 + 2 =

The Process From Here

Once we receive this form back in full, we can arrange a phone call or exchange emails to get a better idea of your needs, desires and the scope of your project to give you a guide to the expected budget range. We have built a lot of Aquascape systems in a wide variety of sizes over the last five years so have a great portfolio of projects and pricing that we can use as a guide. We’re also happy to offer guide pricing details of any of our past projects that you might have seen which is often helpful in the decision making process..

We’ll also look at your photos you send through and look up your garden on recent Nearmaps aerial photos as we are talking or emailing to get familiar with your garden and property, and what your waterscape dreams and goals are.

We offer this introduction service to find out a bit more about your project ideas and scope of work, to give you a guide to expected budget and to make sure we’re the right fit for you before you engage our services for a paid onsite consultation visit and concept plan.

What is a Think Green Consult and Concept Plan

Tony, our leader of design and operations, will visit your property and your waterscape project with you and other key decision makers. Husband, wife, kids, dog – whoever is going to be involved!

We usually charge $250 for a regular consultation visit and concept plan (in Perth area and surrounds) to assess the area, check important measurements and levels and to talk about your ideas. It’s also an opportunity for you to pick Tony’s brain for more ideas and information too. The consultation usually includes a concept sketch plan with an itemised quote and guide to timelines.

We also include the Aquascape ‘Hands of the Artist’ hardcover coffee table book (around 350 pages of Aquascape artistic water features for inspiration and ideas). As Master Certified Aquascape Contractors, one of our projects is featured in the book on page 310. (We will post the book in advance for prepaid consultations)