It will come as no surprise that the Beckhams are planning a swimming pool for their new £6million home in the Cotswolds.
But what might be unexpected is that it is unlikely to have a drop of chlorine – and may well include newts and dragonflies as well.
Natural swimming pools have become all the rage among those who can afford the six-figure price tag, and Victoria and David are set to join this exclusive anti-chlorine club.
But can these freshwater ponds really provide a clean swimming experience without breaking the bank, or are they just the latest must-have home accessory that will prove to be nothing but a passing fad?
The Beckhams are having a state-of-the-art eco pool installed at their new £6million home in the Cotwolds
We look at how much they cost to install, why their popularity is growing, and whether they are likely to bump up the value of your home if you opt for one.
Ardent fans claim they are the perfect place to cool off during the summer, providing a natural haven for an abundance of wildlife while being kinder on your own hair and skin, which isn’t left feeling dried out.
Tim Evans, managing director of Gartenart Swimming Ponds, explains why they can be so appealing, saying that the water is so clean that it can feel like you’re swimming in a fresh mountain lake.
‘With a swimming pond it’s a different type of cleanliness,’ he says. ‘Conventionally we clean things by using chemicals – for example, chlorine in swimming pools kills unhealthy bacteria so we don’t get sick, and it kills algae to keep the water clear.
‘A natural swimming pond is very much alive, but the key is the low nutrients. The water stays healthy and clear because it is in balance, its biology is very similar to that of a mountain lake, which is naturally very low in nutrients. Water under these conditions is clean, clear and even drinkable.’
Nature-lovers are swapping their traditional chlorine pools for these organic alternatives
Freshwater ponds provide a clean swimming experience – without the use of harsh chemicals such as chlorine
It’s not just the wildlife that natural swimming pools attract! Family pets can enjoy the experience too
Undoubtedly, some people will fear that natural swimming pools are muddy and full of algae. They may even imagine having frogs or reeds slipping between their feet as they are swimming.
But Mr Evans insists none of these things are true. ‘Like in a conventional pool the water is completely clear to the bottom, usually 2.5 metres at the deep end, but far cleaner than chlorinated water in that you don’t need to shower afterwards,’ he says.
‘You may get the occasional newt – usually not frogs – and you will also get pond skaters, water boatmen and dragonflies. However, these keep themselves to themselves when people are in the water, usually hiding out in the planting area which is separate to the swimming area.’
However, he admits that the base – usually a black rubber liner, which can be brushed and vacuumed clean – can sometimes be slippy due to biofilm forming on all surfaces in fresh water, and sometimes there is a light fur growth of blanket weed on the walls in hot weather or if they are not brushed regularly.
‘To some people this can be off-putting, but to swimming pond owners this is just part of being in nature and certainly not ‘not clean’,’ he says.
The costs of installing a natural swimming can vary from £90,000 to £150,000 for a family-sized pool
The quality of the water is the key to a successful natural swimming pool. It is circulated through a deep gravel bed, which helps to remove nutrients from the water.
Mr Evans explains that a natural swimming pond is a closed system, but some water is lost through evaporation. It means that in in warm and dry spells, the pool may need to be topped up with tap water that is specially filtered to reduce the nutrient input.
As the plants grow they also take nutrients from the water. They are planted in a low nutrient mix of sand and clay, which is then covered with gravel.
What can you expect to pay for a natural swimming pool?
Costs for installing a natural swimming are not cheap and can vary considerably from £90,000 to £150,000 for a family-sized pool.
If you already have a traditional swimming pool and are looking to convert it into a natural one, costs can be a little less as there is less soil to remove.
Mr Evans explains that converting an existing swimming pool can be a good way of installing a natural one as if a pool as already been in its location for some time, it is likely to be in a good position and will look on the eye.
However, he warns that any overhanging trees will have to go or the pond edge will need to be brought in away from the trees.
Ed Mead, property expert and founder of Viewber, said: ‘My experience of people who have these fitted is that they are just as time consuming and costly to maintain as swimming pools with leaks, algae and the odd feeling of swimming with ‘slime’ under your toes.
‘I certainly don’t think it’ll add value and, like manorial pools, could actually put some people off as it’s one mod too far.’
Robin Gould, director of buying agency Prime Purchase, agrees, saying: ‘Natural pools are not that commonplace because they are so expensive to install – roughly double what it would cost you for a traditional swimming pool, depending on size. With many people on tight budgets, it may be more sensible to spend that money on a kitchen say, than a pond.
‘The problem many people have with swimming pools is that they are not that pretty. If you have something that is greener and looks more natural, it will be more appealing. However, if you spend £100,000 on it, it is highly unlikely you will get that sum back. You will add some value to your property but it won’t be a money-making exercise, or even a washing-your-face exercise. However, if you plan to own the house for ten years, then spending £10,000 a year on a natural pool may feel reasonable – it depends how much you want one.
‘It remains the case that many people prefer a traditional blue pool with sun loungers dotted round to sit on. Some people are also repulsed at the thought of swimming with wildlife. But the more conservation-minded will like the idea of combining a pond with a pool. You are also more likely to get it past the planners – they might not be happy about a standard pool in say, an orchard but a natural pool might be an easier path.’
Woodhouse Natural Pools explains that natural swimming pools can be low cost to maintain if you’re willing to do the work for yourself.
If you get it serviced once a year, with plants being removed and the floor being hoovered, it can cost from £500 to £750 depending on the size of the floor.
Woodhouse Natural Pools’ Kate Miller argues that natural pools are growing in popularity due to the lack of chemicals that are used in traditional pools.
‘There are a lot of misconceptions about pools, but they have huge benefits such as the wildlife they attract and the lack of chemicals.’
And she adds: ‘They are a year-round feature in the garden rather than just a traditional pool that ends up being covered up for a large part of the year. Natural swimming pools are a beautiful water feature.’
FOR SALE! COUNTRY HOUSE WITH A NATURAL SWIMMING POOL
A stunning six-bedroom house with a natural swimming pool has gone on the market for £1,250,000.
The self-cleaning natural pool is a star feature of the grounds of the property, which is in Little Saxham, on the outskirts of Bury St Edmunds in Suffolk.
But you’ll need to move quickly as the current owners may change their minds. Having bought Warren Lodge in 1984 and then sold it a decade later, they missed it so much that they bought it back when it went up for sale in 2007.
The current owners explain: ‘What we have loved about Warren Lodge is the amazing feeling of peace and space; the beautiful mature trees and wildlife; the fantastic panoramic sunsets; the freedom to pursue carpentry and gardening at anytime, and occasionally to host noisy parties.’
Warren Lodge in Little Saxham is being sold for £1,250,000 via estate agents Sheridans
Family fun! The property boasts a large – and self-cleaning – natural swimming pool
The seven-year-old pool is 1m deep at the shallow end and 2.5m at the deep end