How to Build a Natural Swimming Pool

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ALGAE CONTROL

Pond owners have been battling algae the mighty green menace —for eons. Algae compete with plants for nutrients and light, but spring algae blooms often decline as soon as water lilies and other plants emerge to shade the water. Promote plant growth and deter algae by adding plants and eliminating phosphorous to maintain a lower pH (5.5 to 6.5). The easiest remedy, and the least risky to your aquatic ecosystem, is to add more plants, which will outcompete the algae for nutrients. A second option is to monitor the pool for phosphorus. Fertilizers and urine are the two major sources of this nutrient, so make sure your pool is free of nutrient-rich runoff and remind everyone to use the bathroom before swimming. You can also increase your aeration schedule to stimulate more biological activity.

If algae problems persist, adding small amounts of straw to the pool will help. For full details, visit the Institute of Arable Crops Research Web site at www.iacr.bbsrc.ac.uk/pie . Go to the Center for Aquatic Plant

Management link and download "Control of Algae Using Straw." For barley straw sources, go to www.ianr.unl.edu/pubs/wildlife/nf429.htm or www.naturalsolutionsetc.com.

Enzymes, bacteria, acids and other strange brews have been offered as magic bullets for obstinate algae. Introducing additives to your pool may be an interesting scientific experiment, but it won't necessarily improve the pool you've invested plenty of time and money in. Beware of salesmen hawking their grand variety of miracle algae cure—alls. Remember: Your pool is a dynamic, living ecosystem. Adding synthetic chemicals probably will not bring it back into balance.

Pool Protection

Do you need to be concerned about cultivating potential pathogens in your pool? While it's true aquatic plants do not remove all contaminants from the water— and pools constructed of dirt, concrete or rubber liners don't necessarily keep bacteria at bay — the probability for contracting a serious disease from your natural swimming pool is low. Dr. Michael Beach of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says even chlorine-treated swimming pools can fall prey to fecal coliform contamination, which is responsible for problems such as cryptosporidiosis, a parasite that can cause diarrhea and stomach cramps. Keep babies and pets out of the waters to avoid contaminating your pool with fecal coliform. If you're uncertain about your natural pool's water quality, have it tested.

MAINTENANCE

Removing plant litter in spring and fall will help maintain the long life of your natural pool. Keep your water level constant, and be prepared to add water as needed. inexpensive test kits, available in garden centers, will allow you to monitor your pool's nutrient levels, alerting you to problems.

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