Swimming Ponds vs. Swimming Pools
Apr 19th 2024
Some people are confused as to the difference between swimming pools and swimming ponds. Knowing the differences between them, as well as the advantages and disadvantages, will help you make better, more informed purchasing decisions.
Differences In Appearance
The first factor which should influence the option you choose is the look you want. Pools have a specific appearance which is fixed, while swim ponds are more geared towards the look of the natural environment. While the swimming pool will maintain its blue water, the swim pond will develop a greenish, natural appearance which is the result of algae. These bodies of water also tend to display a structure which is angular.
Most people only consider the warmer months when swimming is permissible, but what about the colder months when it isn’t? You want the pond or pool to look good during each season. While pools typically have to be covered up during the winter months, swim ponds look great all year around.
Consider The Surrounding Environment
The environment is another factor you will want to consider when choosing between a pool and swim pond. A key difference between the two is that with the pond the water will be swamp cleansed, and the pump will then impel the water which is clean back to the pond, essentially maintaining a circulation which is closed.
Natural pools tend to require lots of plants for their construction, and one of the most popular of these is cypergrass, which is a papyrus family relative and can be constructed in mass which results in a spectacular appearance. Best of all, no chemicals are required so your eyes won’t become irritated. In swim ponds the swamp area should always be a minimum of 1/5 the size of the total pool and just as deep.
The water in swimming pools requires chemicals and as such is not very friendly to the environment. This is why you’ll notice that frogs, insects and other animals will often avoid pools while they will flock to ponds, as these water bodies do not require chemicals. This also means you can keep fish in them.
Maintenance For Ponds Versus Pools
Swim ponds take time to develop ecological balance. This means you will notice a water color which is turbid for the first few months. You may also see algae, which will make the surface slick but will provide a green shine. Filamentous algae may appear, and while some fish species may consume it, this will lead to more waste and algae. Swim ponds must be cleaned, and their maintenance requirements are higher than pools especially if you have fish or other animals in them.
The good news is that cleaning them isn’t time consuming, so long as you do it correctly. At the start of the season for swimming you will want to cleanse the pond a minimum of four times. Use a net to get rid of the organic waste. You will also need to monitor the pH level.
