Natural Swimming Pools

A guide to natural swimming pools that rely on a balance of plants and micro-organisms to clean and purify the water.

Natural swimming pools are the biggest news for gardeners since green roofs. The water is cleaned by aquatic plants instead of chlorine so it is gentle on the eyes and healthy for swimmers. These self-cleaning ecosystems are beautiful to look at and provide a valuable water source for dragonflies, honeybees and other beneficial insects. Wolfram Kircher has researched extensively into the low-nutrientdependent plants that are needed for the surrounds of natural swimming pools and the high-nutrient dependent plants that are required for the regeneration zone. In the book he demonstrates how to maintain the nutrient level in perfect balance to keep down the algae down and water sparkling. The authors have installed pools for decades and trialled different systems and plants to come up with the best possible designs.

Natural swimming pools are kept clean by plants, not chemicals and are healthy environments for both people and wildlife. David Pagan Butler takes you through two projects step by step. The first one is how to build a plunge pool, an ideal nature reserve that you can swim in too ... The second part shows you how to make a much larger natural swimming pool--Container.

If you wish to swim in clear, soft water and have a beautiful garden feature all year round, you will need this book to create your own paradise. If you have had some experience of building work and are keen to build your own natural swimming pool, with or without some specialist assistance, then this book will provide you with everything you need to know. It contains over 80 illustrations and coloured photographs and takes you through the whole process in an easy to understand way. It also contains over 50 useful detailed scaled construction drawings. Michael Littlewoods methods and designs come from his considerable experience as a natural landscape architect and garden designer. This book is a logical follow-on from "Natural Swimming Pools: Inspiration for Harmony with Nature", with new details on everything from building instructions and assessing and maintaining water quality to considering types of plants and handling maintenance.

In this eloquent plea for compassion and respect for all species, journalist and gardener Nancy Lawson describes why and how to welcome wildlife to our backyards. Through engaging anecdotes and inspired advice, profiles of home gardeners throughout the country, and interviews with scientists and horticulturalists, Lawson applies the broader lessons of ecology to our own outdoor spaces. Detailed chapters address planting for wildlife by choosing native species; providing habitats that shelter baby animals, as well as birds, bees, and butterflies; creating safe zones in the garden; cohabiting with creatures often regarded as pests; letting nature be your garden designer; and encouraging natural processes and evolution in the garden. The Humane Gardener fills a unique niche in describing simple principles for both attracting wildlife and peacefully resolving conflicts with all the creatures that share our world.

The Wild Swimming series travels to Italy to explore freshwater lakes, mountain and lagoons. Dip in to the emerald-green plunge pools of Sicily and swim at river beaches in Campania. Discover the secret hot springs of Tuscany and amazing waterfalls of the Dolomiti. Explore the hidden shores of Lake Como and Garda. Perfect for family explorers or romantic adevnturers, this stunning travel book combines beautiful photography with all the practical information you'll need to get off the beaten track, including maps, directions, grid references and walk-in times, and recommendations for canoe trips, campsites and tavernas.

Nothing beats a natural swimming hole for cooling off on a scorching summer day in Texas. Cold, clear spring water, big old shade trees, and a quiet stretch of beach or lawn offer the perfect excuse to pack a cooler and head out with family and friends to the nearest natural oasis. Whether you're looking for a quick getaway or an unforgettable summer vacation, let The Swimming Holes of Texas be your guide. Julie Wernersbach and Carolyn Tracy highlight one hundred natural swimming spots across the entire state. The book is organized by geographic regions, so you can quickly find local places to swim--or plan a trip to a more distant spot you'd like to explore. Each swimming hole is illustrated with an inviting color photo and a description of what it's like to swim there, as well as the site's history, ecology, and conservation. The authors include all the pertinent info about admission fees and hours, parking, and on-site amenities such as showers and restrooms. They also offer tips for planning your trips and lists of the swimming holes that are most welcoming to families and pets. So when the temperature tops 100 and there's nothing but traffic in sight, take a detour down the backroads and swim, sunbathe, revel, and relax in the swimming holes of Texas.

Mindfulness in Wild Swimming explores how swimming in rivers, lakes and seas is the epitome of conscious living, guiding the reader through practical mindful exercises and technique tips, and reveals how wild swimming can be the ultimate physical meditation.