FAQ: Do Natural Swimming Pools Work in Cold Climates?

Unlike a traditional concrete pool, you don't need to cover, drain, and refill a Natural Swimming Pool each year. In fact, you can even let it freeze over and enjoy ice skating during the colder months!  The water plants we typically use are locally-sourced, hardy perennials that die and grow back each year with no problem (just like in any garden). Our preferred water-tight pond liner is extremely cold tolerant and any plumbing lines we install are below the local freeze line. In most places in North America, you can leave your water pumps running all year (sometimes on a low speed "winter" setting) and continue to enjoy your waterfall or stream. In the Northernmost states, you may have different winterizing instructions including unhooking the pump (typically using "quick disconnect" true unions) and blowing out the plumbing lines for the coldest months. To extend your swimming time each year, you can install a conventional swimming pool heater or use a variety of solar methods to heat your NSP (84 degree water is considered the ideal temperature for swimming).