Construction Options: Natural Swimming Pool/Ponds

Over the last 18+ years, we have designed, built and/or helped others to build beautiful Natural Swimming Pool/Ponds (NSP's) all across the United States and beyond! Our construction options are as diverse as the NSP projects themselves, ranging from our Turn-Key construction service - where we build your project from start to finish - to a variety of DIY and local team construction consultation services. See our full range of Natural Swimming Pool/Pond construction options below:

Option 1: Turn-Key Construction
​(Total Habitat Builds It)

With our Turn-Key construction service, we do everything: We bring the experienced Total Habitat team to your site (we travel all over the USA) and build your NSP from start to finish. We bring to a construction project our 20 years of experience building Natural Swimming Pool/Ponds of all sizes, shapes, and construction methods. We have truly seen it all and our proven construction techniques will save you some serious time, money and heartache!  Our experienced fabricators work efficiently and professionally, bringing natural artistry to every one of our construction projects!  Meet the Total Habitat Team
​In addition to our NSP's, we also design and build:
  • Patios (Stamped Concrete and Flagstone)
  • Wooden Piers, Decks and Docks
  • Fire Pits and Fire Features
  • Hot Springs and Hot Tub Surrounds
  • Pergolas, Aviaries and Other Poolside Structures
  • Naturalistic Waterfalls and Streams
  • Infinity Edge Features and So Much More! 

​​Whether it's a NSP alone or an entire backyard makeover, Total Habitat is ready to help you transform your outdoor space from start to finish! The first step is to start with a solid Natural Swimming Pool/Pond design. Here's how to get started:

How Much Does it Cost to Build a NSP?

The cost to build a Natural Swimming Pool/Pond depends on the design of the NSP itself (there are many different styles) as well as the intended site (local material costs and availability vary greatly across the US); since every Natural Swimming Pool/Pond project is unique, it is difficult to know the cost of a NSP before it has been designed and the materials have been itemized and sourced.

​Based on our experience, we can say that most​ NSP's cost between $65K - $100K to build Turn-Key (including all the materials, labor time and heavy machinery), with some larger, more custom projects in the $150K and above range. ​

Option 2: Construction Consultation (Use a Local Crew or DIY)

If you have your own construction equipment or know of a local excavator or pond/water garden builder you would like to work with, we are more than happy to partner with you during the Natural Swimming Pool/Pond construction. With our flexible construction options, we can work alongside you or your local crew or bid out certain portions of the project in ways that make sense and are beneficial to the project.  

​If you plan to DIY or find a local pond or water garden builder to work with, we can provide you with detailed construction drawings and an itemized materials list using our Hourly Design service! See how to get your Natural Swimming Pool/Pond design here. 

​Some basic NSP projects, like those featured in our Essential NSP Plans, may be appropriate for some experienced DIY-ers, though most require considerable construction experience and involve skills like:
  • Excavation and Earth Shaping
  • Site Drainage Management
  • Water-Tight Liner Installation
  • Carpentry (Underwater Wooden Walls, Piers, Ladders)
  • Plumbing and Trenching
  • Rock Movement and Careful Installation
  • Artistic and Functional Waterfall Construction
  • Waterplant Selection and Installation

​Never undertake a Natural Swimming Pool/Pond construction project unless you are confident you can see it through properly and safely. We want your NSP project to be a success, so we offer a variety of construction consultation options (see below for more info). Remember that a good Natural Swimming Pool/Pond project always starts with a solid design plan. See our NSP design options here!

Construction Consultation Options

Feel like you are in over your head? Want to ensure your Natural Swimming Pool/Pond construction project is a success? Here are some of the construction consultation options we offer:
  • Strategic Check-In: If you decide to DIY or use a local building team, one of our experienced team members can check-in on your progress occasionally with strategically scheduled onsite visits, such as Day 1 layout and excavation start, liner installation day, biological filter plumbing and/or pump installation. 
  • Loan-a-Leader: We loan you one or two of our lead fabricators to remain onsite throughout construction, leading the local crew. We have lots of experience working with other teams and can help streamline construction, adding value to your project. ​​ 
  • Local Excavator: Know of a good excavator in your area? Hiring out the initial excavation portion of the Natural Swimming Pool/Pond construction can benefit your bottom line, especially if you can find a professional excavator who is between construction projects and can dig out the NSP at a discounted rate. We can provide your local excavator with dimensions and elevations of the dig and send one of our experienced team members ahead of the rest of the Total Habitat crew to ensure the excavation goes smoothly!