How do you make a natural swimming hole?

Making a natural swimming hole can be a fun backyard project that the whole family can enjoy. Swimming holes provide a peaceful oasis to relax in and cool off during hot summer months. With some planning, hard work, and creativity, you can create your own personal swimming paradise. In this article, we will walk through the key considerations for building your own DIY natural swimming pool in 10 steps.

Step 1: Choose a Location

When deciding where to put your natural swimming hole, consider these factors:

• Sunlight – Pick a sunny spot that gets at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. This will help heat the water.
• Shade – Having some trees or shrubs around the perimeter will provide shade for lounging poolside.
• Accessibility – Choose a spot that is easy to access from your house and yard. You’ll want to be able to maintain it and enjoy it often.
• Views – Select a part of your property that has attractive scenery to look at while swimming.
• Size – Decide how big you want the swimming hole to be based on your yard space and how many people will use it. Most home pools are 15 ft x 30 ft or smaller.
• Topography – The land should be relatively flat and free of large rocks or tree roots in the dig area.
• Soil – Clay or compacted soils are best since they hold water well. Sandy or loose soil will make keeping water in the hole difficult.
• Drainage – Avoid low spots where water collects after rains. Good drainage is key.

Once you’ve determined the ideal spot based on these factors, mark the boundaries with string and stakes. Rope off the area to keep it clear for digging.

Step 2: Design and Shape

Now decide what shape you want for your natural swimming hole. Kidney bean and freeform oval shapes are popular choices. The shape options are endless – let your creativity run wild!

Mark the outline of the shape with spray paint or flour. Curvy, organic shapes work well for natural pools.

Figure out how deep you want the deepest part of the pool to be. For adults, 5 feet deep allows plenty of room to swim and dive. Slope the bottom gradually up to 1-2 feet deep at the shallow end for wading.

Step 3: Dig In

Time to start digging! Remove all topsoil from the outlined area to expose the subsoil clay underneath.

Use a hired backhoe or excavator to dig out the inside of the pool to the desired shape and depth. Or rent an excavator and operate it yourself – just practice first before digging up your yard!

Clear away all dirt clumps and smooth out the bottom. Compact and level the subsoil firmly.

Depending on your soil type, you may need to add bentonite clay in the hole or on the bottom to seal it. Mix with water per package instructions.

Add plastic pond liner over the entire bottom and sides. Secure it in place with rocks or blocks around the perimeter.

Step 4: Build a Berm

Construct a berm (raised soil mound) around the outside edge of the swimming hole. Pack soil firmly around the berm to seal and support it.

Building up the berm raises the water level in the pool. It also provides a spot to lounge or lay poolside.

Line the inside of the berm with plastic or a pool liner so water cannot seep through. Stack rocks or timbers to reinforce the berm walls.

Leave a low section to act as a water drain and overflow channel.

Step 5: Install a Water Filtration System

A filtration system is required to keep your natural swimming hole clean and healthy. It cycles water through mechanical and biological filters to remove contaminants.

Options include:

• Pump and filter – Circulation pump sends water through a filter and back into the pool. Cost: $500-$1000.
• Constructed wetland – Gravity-fed through aquatic plants that clean the water. Cost: $200-$500.
• Regenerative media filter – Water trickles through natural media like lava rock or gravel. Cost: $800-$2000.

Choose the system that best fits your budget and pool size. The intake should be at the bottom opposite the drain to circulate all the water.

Step 6: Fill It Up

Fill your natural swimming hole with clean fresh water. A garden hose will take a long time. Consider renting a water truck to pump water in.

Plan to fill slowly over several days. Check for leaks and repair any liner or berm seepage. Verify the pump and filter are working properly while filling.

Add Aquashade liquid dye if desired. This non-toxic dye tints the water an attractive shade of blue or aqua.

Once full, your pool is ready for swimming and relaxing! Time to kick back poolside with an icy beverage.

Step 7: Plant Around the Perimeter

Embrace the natural look by planting native wetland plants and flowers around the rim. Cattails, irises, water lilies, and hydrangeas are good choices.

Add water-tolerant grasses like mondograss, aloe plants, or ferns to soften the edges. Place large rocks and boulders aesthetically around the berm.

These plants will deter erosion, provide shade, absorb excess nutrients, and give your swimming hole an attractive, lush appeal.

Step 8: Maintain Proper Water Chemistry

Test and adjust the water chemistry weekly or monthly to keep conditions sanitary and safe, just like any pool.

• pH – Ideal range is 7.2-7.6. Adjust high or low pH with pH increaser or decreaser chemicals.
• Chlorine – Level should be 1-3 ppm. Boost with chlorine tablets in a floating dispenser.
• Total alkalinity – Keep between 80-120 ppm using alkalinity increaser.
• Shock – Periodically shock the pool with chlorine to refresh the water.

Provide a test kit and supply of pH, chlorine, alkalinity, and shock chemicals nearby for easy access.

Step 9: Make It Comfortable

Add amenities around your natural swimming hole so you can spend all day enjoying it.

Build a poolside patio or deck for lounging and sunbathing. Outfit with comfy patio furniture, umbrellas, and chaise lounges.

Install solar powered landscape lighting around the berm for nighttime swims under the stars.

Hang a hammock or porch swing from poolside trees for relaxing in the shade.

For fun, add a water slide, rope swing, diving board, water trampoline, or other accessories.

Step 10: Safety First

Always make safety the top priority for your home swimming hole. Practice these precautions:

• Supervise children at all times. Designate adult water watchers.
• No swimming alone or at night.
• Install fencing with a self-closing gate to secure the area.
• Allow no alcohol in or near the pool.
• Keep emergency equipment poolside – phone, life ring, hook.
• Post CPR instructions and 9-1-1 address clearly.
• Learn CPR and first aid skills.
• Store chemicals securely locked up when not in use.

Follow these simple guidelines to ensure your DIY natural swimming hole provides healthy summer memories for years to come!

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a natural swimming pool cost?

A DIY natural swimming hole for a small backyard usually costs $2,000-$5,000 in materials and equipment. Hiring an excavator and contractors will increase the price to $15,000-$25,000. The expense depends mainly on the size and complexity of the design.

What is the best shape for a natural pool?

Kidney and freeform oval shapes work best to mimic natural ponds. Curvy, asymmetric shapes with graduated depths from shallow to deep areas are ideal. Avoid straight lines and sharp corners.

How do you clean a natural swimming pool?

Natural pools use beneficial plants, rocks, gravel, and microbes to filter the water instead of chemicals. Regular skimming and suctioning debris from the bottom keeps it clean. Test and adjust pH, chlorine, and alkalinity levels weekly.

Do natural pools require chemicals?

Minimal chemicals are used, primarily liquid chlorine to sanitize the water. Chemical levels are kept very low since plants and media filters clean the water. Some natural pools use no chemicals at all.

How long will a natural pool last?

A well-constructed natural pool with quality liner, filtration, and routine care should last 20-30 years. Maintaining good water chemistry balance is key to longevity. The media filter or plants may need replacing over time.

Conclusion

Nothing feels more refreshing than taking a dip in your own private swimming hole right in the backyard. By following these 10 steps, you can create a beautiful natural pool for you, your family, and friends to enjoy all summer long. The work is well worth it for the memories made during lazy summer days spent swimming in your personal backyard oasis. Just be sure to emphasize safety and maintain clean, clear water. Have fun designing and constructing your ideal natural swimming paradise!