Here's how to do it step by step

The idea of ​​building a swimming pond in your own garden existed many generations ago, but it was first practiced in Europe in 1954 in an Austrian water nursery. Until then, there were plenty of swimming pools around the world that were virtually cast in concrete and stone, but what with a natural bathing biotope with its different regeneration zones Aquatic plants has little to do.

Basic design idea of ​​the natural pool

The construction principle, according to which the house and swimming pond form a natural unit, can also be used today common and self-made natural swimming ponds based on a drawing published in 1980 lead back. After that, the swimming and vegetation zones of the bathing biotope were spatially separated from one another by walls and only connected to one another in the upper third above the water level.

Important questions for the self-construction in advance

Before you can start digging the pit, there are a few crucial questions that need to be clarified when building a swimming pond. If, in the end, it is to be a functioning natural pool that does not require overly complex filter technology, the minimum size of the water surface is at least 60 m2. However, sizes between 70 and 150 m2 are common when creating swimming ponds. So: plan to build your own swimming pond as large as possible right from the start? Probably yes, although it must be taken into account that with increasing size and DEPTH, so too will the amount the mass of earth to be dealt with increases proportionally significantly, which is removed from the property have to. Other important approaches that already play an important role in the rough preliminary planning of a swimming pond:

• Groundwater level of the site;
• Accessibility of the future construction site (excavator, dump truck, etc.);
• Condition of the building plot (level, hillside location, subsoil material, e.g. solid, loose or clay);
• Accessibility of the swimming pond (existing paths, fences to neighboring properties, security for residents and guests);
• Do you need a building permit?
• What is the quality of the fill water; Type of planned biological filtration (flowing or standing water; Are additional filter systems required?);
• Type of construction (vertical walls or modeled in the ground); Type of waterproofing (concrete, foil, stainless steel);

The question of costs when building a swimming pond?

As we already did with the construction costs for the garden pond have worked out, apples and pears are difficult to compare, because the price is Even with your own bathing lake, it depends largely on the situation on site and your personal needs addicted. In contrast to the ornamental pond, however, it behaves with the expected follow-up costs that are to be expected for a smooth operation of a swimming pond. Just a few examples to consider:

• Power consumption for underwater lighting, countercurrent systems, pond heating, water pumps and pond filters;
• Acquisition of accessories (landing nets, telescopic poles, brushes, rubbish or Vacuum cleaners and other cleaning tools and leaf protection nets);
• Swimming pond fertilizer;
• Service costs for the respective season preparation (winter / spring);
• Water costs and wastewater charges;

Do-it-yourself swimming pond: an ambitious project!

Taking into account all possible risks as well as the expected construction costs for the creation of a natural one A non-professional execution of a swimming pond can not only lead to disruptions in operation, but also to considerable additional costs to lead. The construction of a swimming pond is a very complex investment, so that only an experienced specialist can guarantee the faultless functionality of the wellness oasis. Modern and correspondingly high-quality technology, in addition to a regulated interaction of currents, inflows and outflows, play just as important a role as maintaining optimal water quality.

Of building permits and other legal regulations

As with many other buildings, the planned construction of a swimming pond on your own property may also require approval. The legal regulations often differ considerably between the federal states and, according to our research, it is not uncommon for a refusal to be given Building applications. It is therefore advisable to go to the locally responsible building authority in order to avoid later consequences, which can also include neighborly disputes, in advance.

Observe quality guidelines for swimming pond construction

In the German-speaking countries there are standards and recommendations that property owners who want to create a natural pool must adhere to. In Germany, it is the "Guideline for the planning, construction and maintenance of private swimming and bathing ponds", which is published by the Forschungsgesellschaft Landschaftsentwicklung Landschaftsbau e. V. last updated in 2017. On 88 pages it is u. a. around:

• Specification of the system types with regard to their nature, filtration, biological properties, treatment and care as well as maintenance;
• Update of the legal and normative basis;
• Comprehensive description of the requirements for building materials for swimming ponds;
• Update of the structural requirements and
• Differentiated description of the water treatment / treatment areas.

With these few examples alone, it becomes clear that the scope for the structural design and execution of a Swimming pond is very limited on the part of the property owner and therefore practical support from a specialist company is advisable were.

Realistic planning for swimming pond construction

In any case, the planned use of the new bathing biotope should be carefully considered then specific conclusions about the location of the swimming pond within the property as well as its size and shape derive. In addition, your time capacity in connection with the construction and the financial budget will probably play an important role. Before you start with the detailed planning drafts for your natural pool and for the drawing board pace, take a look at some examples of successful pond construction on site in your Neighborhood. Visiting a pond that has already been in operation for a year or two not only provides completely new inspirations awakened for your own construction plan, but also avoided construction mistakes that other pond owners might make had to.

Which questions still need to be on the agenda?

Many subtleties that were not taken into account in the planning can also be made after the Completion still need to be corrected, but the effort involved is quite high and not always inexpensive. Important and worth considering are u. a. the following aspects:

• Should the swimming pond have a naturally formed structure (a lot of space with massive amounts of earth) or should it have brick walls (better positioning on the property with a more “synthetic” look)?
• Who will actually swim in the pond later? Is it children, adults or a mixed group of people?
• Should animals be settled in and around the pond? Become the surface of the water and the banks planted?
• What should the bank area look like (from the entrance to the terrace-like design or the construction of a sun deck as a haven for the whole family?);

Safety at the swimming pond

Artificially created water areas, regardless of the type, are of the Rain barrel up to the garden pond is always a source of danger that must be given special consideration during the planning phase. Structural safety devices in the form of railings, fences or covers that can be used by children as well as visitors or People who enter the property without authorization help prevent accidents in the pond area effectively will.

The perfect place to create a swimming pond

Bathers and aquatic plants feel best in a well-tempered, light-spoiled pool, even if they are taken into account it must be that too much sun promotes algae growth and, in extreme heat, can cause the swimming pond to "tip over" can. Therefore, a place that is shaded by larger trees from late morning to afternoon is cheaper. In addition, the size of the water surface and the depth have a significant influence on the water temperature. It is also important that the garden pond and its surroundings fit harmoniously and seamlessly into the rest of the garden area.

What to do on hilly terrain

If large amounts of earth are moved, especially in the vicinity of houses, it can already be light Slopes quickly lead to static problems if the pond later sometimes has thousands of liters of water contains. For this reason, a swimming pond must never be built with the help of a supporting earth wall. If it is built into the ground, the surrounding area is less prone to slipping and can be additionally secured with walls if necessary. As part of your planning, take into account the size of the pool, the pond profile and any other areas that may need to be created Embankments also additional amounts of water, which can take on considerable proportions in the case of continuous rain for several days and cause flooding.

Water is by no means the same as water

Although the water quality in Germany is comparatively high and is subject to constant food-related monitoring, are Water hardness, pH value as well as lime and chlorine content depending on the geological nature of the soil, but also very regionally different. Since the collection of rainwater for the initial filling of the created garden pond with a normal-sized roof area of ​​the Residential building is usually out of the question, a laboratory check should definitely be carried out before the start of construction work of Drinking water occur. Also important: Even if you want to pump groundwater yourself through a deep well, you can - ever by federal state - use as swimming pond water is restricted or even prohibited by the authorities be.

Biological balance in the swimming pond

Standing, originally clean water has the property that it quickly develops into a very lively habitat for microorganisms. If the pond water is left to its own devices, algae will form within a few weeks until they can no longer find any food. It therefore requires an elaborate filter system that the water quality in compliance with the strict legal requirements so that future swimming pond owners will not reach their goal at this point at the latest without the advice of an experienced specialist come.