Recreational Ponds Aren’t Swimming Pools — And It’s Important You Know the Difference
Setting Clear Expectations for a Living-Water Lifestyle
At Natural Elements by Design, we build living aquatic environments—not swimming pools dressed up with rocks. Our work follows Aquascape’s ecological approach, and that means being upfront about what recreational ponds are, what they aren’t, and who they’re truly for.
We’ve learned over the years that clear education is the foundation of a successful project. When clients understand the science, the experience, and the lifestyle of a recreational pond, they can make the right decision for their property and their family. And sometimes that decision is not a recreational pond—and that’s perfectly okay.
First Things First: Recreational Ponds Are Not Swimming Pools
We never try to convince someone who really wants a pool to choose a recreational pond instead. These are two entirely different experiences. One is a living freshwater ecosystem. The other is a sterilized swimming vessel.
Both can be beautiful. Both can be right for different people. But they cannot be marketed—or built—as interchangeable products.
A recreational pond attracts clients who want waterfront living: feeding fish, watching wildlife, taking cold plunges, floating on summer mornings, and enjoying a piece of nature that changes with the seasons. If someone’s dream is a traditional pool experience, ladders and all, we recommend hiring a pool builder.
What Exactly Is a Recreational Pond?
A recreational pond is essentially a large-format Ecosystem Pond—an Aquascape model refined since 1991. It’s designed for people who want to live beside water while also enjoying the ability to swim or cold-plunge throughout the year.
There are a few key differences from a standard pond:
1. External Pump System for Safety
Codes require that pumps for human immersion are not submerged in the water. We relocate the pumps to a safe, external location while maintaining the natural look and flow of the system. This removes any potential liability tied to in-water electrical components.
2. Deeper Water
Recreational ponds often include deeper sections for cooling off, swimming, wading, or taking that brisk morning plunge in January.
3. Enhanced Circulation
Circulation jets are added to eliminate dead zones, push debris toward the skimmer, boost oxygen, and support a healthy, aerobic ecosystem. Good flow = clean water + thriving biology.
4. A Significantly Larger Wetland Filter
Because people interact directly with the water, the filtration must be sized correctly. Recreational ponds typically require wetland filters two to three times larger than those in standard ponds. This filter becomes the biological heart of the system.
Understanding the Ecosystem You’re Swimming In
Recreational ponds are built on one truth: healthy water always comes from healthy biology.
A properly engineered wetland filter can remove up to 99.9% of pathogenic bacteria when operating in an oxygen-rich, low-nutrient environment (IOB research). But “clean” does not mean sterile.
You’re swimming in a living freshwater environment—just like a lake or spring. You’ll find:
beneficial bacteria
microorganisms
zooplankton
aquatic insects
fish
amphibians
This is the ecology that keeps the water clear, balanced, and naturally filtered.
How Recreational Ponds Differ From Natural Swimming Pools (NSPs)
The terms get confused, so let’s clarify:
Natural Swimming Pools (NSPs):
Follow International Organization for Bathing Waters (IOB) guidelines
Use down-flow regeneration zones
Prohibit fish
Focus on swimming as the primary purpose
Function more like a pool alternative and follow pool-style rules and expectations
Recreational Ponds (Our Work):
Embrace full aquatic ecosystems, including fish
Use up-flow constructed wetland filtration for better biological performance
Are designed for season-round enjoyment, not only swimming
Align more closely with natural lakes, beaches, and freshwater habitats
Deliver waterfront living centered around ecology, not sterility
If someone wants a true NSP, that’s a different model entirely—and we won’t label our projects that way unless that’s exactly what we’re building.
What About “Natural-Looking Pools”?
Some builders construct pools that look natural—boulders, waterfalls, sandy coves—but the water is still sterilized with chlorine or saltwater.
Chlorine and salt systems both produce hypochlorous acid, which eliminates all organic life in the water.
That’s the opposite of our mission.
Our goal is living water—not sterilized water disguised as nature.
Why Education Matters
We believe in having honest conversations with clients—early and often. It’s the only way to ensure the final project matches the lifestyle they’re actually seeking.
Our projects are built for people who want:
a living freshwater habitat
a year-round nature feature
a place to swim and sit beside
a low-chemical, ecological solution
a deeper connection to wildlife and the seasons
If someone wants a traditional swimming experience, we happily point them in the right direction.
Our Commitment
As living-water contractors, we follow one guiding principle:
connect people to water the way nature intended.
That means:
using proper wetland filtration
external pumping systems where required
designing true, functioning ecosystems
educating clients with clarity and transparency
positioning our work honestly—never as something it isn’t
The more we all understand the why behind the design, the better these systems perform long term.
Final Thoughts
Recreational ponds are not for everyone—and that’s exactly why they’re special. They offer a lifestyle rooted in nature, ecology, and seasonal beauty. For the clients who choose them, they become the most cherished part of their home.
If you're considering a recreational pond, our job is simple:
help you understand what it truly is, what it isn’t, and what it feels like to live beside living water.
When expectations are clear, the experience becomes extraordinary.
Still on board? Check out our Natural Swim Pond Page to learn more.
