Natural Swim Ponds
(Recreational Swim Ponds)
A chemical-free, living swimming experience crafted for discerning homeowners in Rhode Island & Eastern Connecticut.
A Living Swim Experience
Crafted for People Who Want More Than a Pool
Our natural swim ponds blend water clarity, ecological engineering, and boutique craftsmanship into a year-round aquatic sanctuary. No chemicals. No chlorine. Just clear, moving, living water.
Swim in Water That Feels Alive
A natural swim pond isn’t a “pool alternative.”
It’s a completely different category—part swimming, part water therapy, part private wildlife sanctuary.
Chemical-free immersion
Cold-plunge ready
Crystal-clear water year-round
Complete sensory reset—sound, sight, movement
Warm stone edges, soft currents, natural light reflections
A true four-season focal point
Wildlife-friendly, eco-balanced, low-chemical design
Morning swims with mist lifting off the surface.
Warm stone shelves for lounging.
A quiet current that keeps everything fresh and alive.
This is swimming as nature intended it.
Our Design Process
1 | Discovery
We walk your property, understand your vision, and assess feasibility (sunlight, grade, existing hydrology). You get clarity—not hype—on whether a natural swim pond truly fits your lifestyle.
2 | Design
We create a detailed swim pond plan: wetland placement, circulation and water flow, stonework, swimming zones, and plant shelves and palettes. Every detail is intentional. Every choice is grounded in aquatic ecosystem science.
3 | Build
We craft your pond with care—one at a time—using natural stone, expertly contoured shelves, and a fully integrated wetland filtration system. You’ll see artistry and engineering working in tandem.
4 | Concierge Care
Your pond evolves. We stay with you—seasonally or annually—to keep the ecosystem balanced, healthy, and beautiful for years to come.
What Is a Natural Swim Pond?
A natural swim pond is a crystal-clear, chemical-free swimming environment that works like a balanced freshwater ecosystem—engineered with nature, not chlorine.
The Ecological Science Behind Clear Water
Biological Filtration (Wetland Filter)
A gravel-filled wetland filter packed with aquatic plants becomes the system’s biological engine. Beneficial bacteria colonize the gravel and break down nutrients before they can fuel algae.
Mechanical Filtration (Water Polishing)
Hidden skimmers and intake bays pull in leaves, pollen, and surface debris—just like a riverbank catching material before it enters the main channel.
Continuous Circulation
Low-energy pumps keep water moving 24/7 through the wetland and back across the pond. Constant flow adds oxygen, prevents stagnation, and supports a thriving microbial community.
Ecological Balance
Plants, stone, microbes, and moving water create a stable, self-cleaning ecosystem. The result: clear, soft, chemical-free water year-round.
Recreation Swim Pond Investment & Scale
Every natural swim pond is a unique build—shaped by your landscape, your vision, and the ecological performance we engineer into it. Below are some popular sizes and price ranges.
| Natural Swim Pond Size | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Dipping & Plunge Ponds: 200–400 sq ft, 4 ft deep | $80,000 – $120,000 |
| Swimming Ponds: 200–600 sq ft, 6 ft deep | $120,000 – $160,000 |
| Large Swimming Ponds: 800–1200 sq ft, 6 ft deep | $240,000 – $320,000 |
What Influences the Investment:
Footprint & depth — larger or deeper swim zones require more excavation, aeration, and circulation.
Wetland size & filtration capacity — this is your “engine,” and sizing it right ensures long-term water quality and clarity.
Stone selection — premium boulders and slab work elevate both structure and aesthetics.
Access & site conditions — steep grades, tight spaces, or ledge can add complexity.
Integrated features — waterfalls, terraces, patios, steps, lighting, and plantings refine the entire experience.
Why Choose Us?
A natural swim pond is a significant investment, and most clients share the same core concerns: water clarity, natural aesthetics, and long-term support. Our work is built to address these priorities from the outset through proven ecological design and disciplined craftsmanship.
1
Engineered for Consistent, Crystal-Clear Water
“I don’t want a murky, high-maintenance headache.”
Water clarity isn’t a guess—it’s the result of correct engineering.
As Certified Aquascape Contractors, we design each system with appropriately sized wetlands, calibrated biological filtration, and continuous circulation. These elements work together to maintain nutrient balance, oxygen levels, and microbial activity, resulting in clear, healthy water without relying on chlorine or chemical treatments.
2
Natural Integration Through Precise Stonework and Site-Specific Design
“I’m afraid it won’t look natural or beautiful.”
A natural swim pond must look and function as part of the existing landscape.
Our stonework and contouring are completed with geological and hydrological intent—ensuring boulders, ledges, and shelves are positioned for stability, natural flow patterns, and visual authenticity. The result is a system that ages gracefully and provides reliable beauty across all four seasons.
3
Dedicated, One-Project-at-a-Time Execution and Ongoing Stewardship
“I don’t want to be handed off to strangers or left unsupported.”
We operate as a focused, boutique design-build firm.
This approach allows us to be fully present through every stage—from initial assessment and design to construction and long-term ecological care. Clients work directly with our team, ensuring clarity, consistent communication, and a system that continues to perform as intended over time.
A Team Built Around Trust, Ecology, and Craftsmanship
We don’t just build water features—we build ecological systems meant to last, mature, and elevate your property. If you value thoughtful design, natural materials, and a relationship-driven process, you’ll feel right at home with our work.
Natural Swim Pond FAQ
Straight answers. Real science. No illusions.
A natural swim pond (often called a recreational swim pond) is not a pool with plants around it. It’s a living freshwater ecosystem designed for swimming. That means it behaves like nature—predictable when engineered correctly, but still alive. Below are the questions we hear most often and exactly how we answer them.
1. Will the water stay clear all the time?
Short answer: Yes—when the system is sized and built correctly.
Clarity isn’t luck. It’s biology and engineering.
A properly sized constructed wetland filter, adequate circulation, and balanced nutrient load create long-term, reliable clarity. But “clear” doesn’t mean “sterile.” These are living systems, not chlorinated pools. Expect natural variations seasonally, just like a spring-fed pond.
2. Does a natural swim pond feel slimy or “dirty”?
No—if designed properly.
Healthy biofilms will always exist (they’re essential for nutrient breakdown), but they don’t create a slimy swimming experience. We build stable entry edges, dedicated swimming zones, and natural hardscape surfaces that feel clean underfoot. You’re swimming in fresh, clear water—without chlorine burn or chemical residue.
3. Will it attract mosquitos?
A well-circulating pond does the opposite—it reduces mosquito pressure.
Running water, fish, frogs, dragonflies, and surface skimmers all disrupt mosquito breeding. Stagnant pots, gutters, and birdbaths produce more mosquitos than a natural swim pond ever will.
4. How much maintenance will I have?
Less than a pool, more than a rock garden.
You’re caring for a living ecosystem. Typical tasks:
Skimming leaves
Trimming plants seasonally
Annual wetland back flush
With proper design, pumps run reliably 24/7 and the system regulates itself biologically. Most clients hire us for annual or seasonal service, but daily care is minimal.
5. What about algae—will I see it?
Yes. Algae is part of freshwater ecology, not a failure.
Filamentous algae, diatoms, and microscopic phytoplankton all appear seasonally. The goal isn’t zero algae (that only happens with chlorine).
The goal is balanced algae—kept in check by:
Wetland filtration
Adequate circulation
Proper plant mass
Stable nutrient levels
Midsummer blooms may appear after heat waves or heavy nutrient inputs, but a properly built Aquascape system recovers naturally.
6. Is the water safe to swim in?
Yes—when the system is designed as an ecosystem, not a mini swimming pool.
We follow the Aquascape ecosystem model: moving, oxygenated water filtered through gravel and plant roots.
This supports:
Aerobic bacteria (good guys)
Low nutrient loads
High oxygen levels
These conditions make harmful bacteria far less likely to proliferate compared to warm, stagnant natural ponds or neglected pools. As with any freshwater environment, immune-compromised individuals should use common sense.
7. Will I share the pond with wildlife?
Yes—by design.
Expect frogs, beneficial insects, birds, and the occasional turtle visit. Most homeowners love this; it’s part of the experience.
What you won’t get:
Snapping turtles (they avoid high-activity, high-flow systems)
Snakes ( they avoid high-activity, high-flow systems, too)
Leech infestations (they require mucky bottoms, which we don’t build)
Mosquito larvae (flow + fish = no habitat)
8. Can I heat the pond? Can I cold-plunge?
You can absolutely cold-plunge. Heating is possible but not recommended.
Because natural swim ponds rely on biological filtration, heating them above typical pond temperatures (65–75°F) increases algae pressure and oxygen demand. Most clients enjoy seasonal temperature shifts: refreshing summer swims + invigorating winter cold plunges.
9. Why is a natural swim pond so expensive?
Because it’s not a “pool alternative”—it’s a custom aquatic system built to function like nature.
Cost reflects:
Engineered wetland filtration
Natural stonework
Complex excavation & shaping
Year-round circulation systems
Aquatic planting & ecological balance
Every pond is a one-off, hand-built water garden. This is artisanal aquatic construction, not modular pool installation.
10. Will it look natural—or like a backyard science project?
It will look like it belongs on your land.
We hand place each rock, set elevations, and shape shorelines so the pond feels like it was always there—timeless, quiet, and integrated. Natural swim ponds excel when they disappear into the landscape. The goal is long-term, four-season beauty, not a trendy backyard experiment.
Bottom Line
A natural swim pond is for people who want:
chemical-free swimming
connection with nature
crystal-clear water
a living, responsive ecosystem
four-season beauty
a unique experience you can’t buy off a shelf
It isn’t for people who want a sterile, perfectly predictable, pool-like environment.
When expectations match biology, natural swim ponds are one of the most rewarding outdoor features you can own.
Want to learn more? Check out our blog post on what Natural Swim Ponds are and what they are not.
