Can You Keep Fish in a Naked Pools Freshwater Swimming Pool?

Swimming in crystal-clear, freshwater pools is a luxurious experience, especially with the innovative Naked Pools Freshwater System. But what if you wanted to take it a step further—could you keep fish in your Naked swimming pool? While it’s an interesting idea, there are several important factors to consider before turning your pool into a backyard aquarium.

Understanding the Naked Pools Freshwater System

Naked Pools uses a combination of copper and silver ionisation along with oxidation to maintain clean and safe water. This system significantly reduces the need for traditional chlorine and salt while still eliminating harmful bacteria and algae. While this makes the water feel soft and natural for swimmers, it can raise concerns for aquatic life, including fish.

How Freshwater Pools Work

Can Fish Survive in a Naked Pools Pool?

Fish thrive in environments where water chemistry remains stable and free from substances that could be harmful to them. Here are some key factors to consider:

Copper and Silver Ionisation

Copper and silver ions help sanitise the pool by controlling bacteria and algae growth.
However, certain fish species are highly sensitive to metals in the water, particularly copper, which is often used as an algaecide in aquariums to treat fish diseases.
Even at low levels, copper can be toxic to some fish, especially delicate freshwater species.
You would need to understand what fish are in the water. Copper levels in a Naked freshwater pool are very low, between 0.2 – 0.5ppm, but still require testing to ensure levels do not get too low or high over time.

Water Flow and Filtration

Pool filtration systems are designed to remove debris and keep the water moving, but they aren’t optimised for maintaining aquatic life.
Fish generally require a stable ecosystem with biological filtration to maintain ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate levels, which standard pool filtration doesn’t provide.

Oxygenation and Temperature Regulation

Pools often lack the necessary oxygen levels for fish to thrive.
The constant fluctuations in temperature due to heating systems or exposure to the sun can stress or even kill fish so consider if the pool is heated or receives a lot of direct sun.

Virtually Chemical-Free Doesn’t Mean Fish-Safe

While Naked Pools offers a low-chemical swimming experience, it’s still designed to kill microorganisms, which can disrupt a natural ecosystem.
Unlike a pond or aquarium, a pool lacks the biodiversity needed to support fish and beneficial bacteria.

Alternative Ways to Enjoy Aquatic Life in Your Pool Area

If your goal is to enjoy fish near your pool, consider these alternatives:

Create a separate fish-friendly pond: Installing a dedicated pond or water feature near your pool allows you to enjoy fish without compromising their health.
Use decorative floating planters: Some water plants can attract wildlife, creating a more natural aesthetic around your pool. Freshwater gives you flexibility in being able to have plant life close to the pool area.
Install an aquarium near your pool area: If you love the idea of watching fish while you swim, an outdoor aquarium setup can provide a beautiful focal point without harming fish.

Final Verdict: Not Ideal for Fish

While the Naked Pools System offers a safe and enjoyable swimming experience, it’s not designed for keeping fish. The ionisation and oxidation processes, combined with the lack of biological filtration means it’s not an ideal environment for aquatic life. If you’re passionate about integrating fish into your outdoor space, consider a purpose-built pond or water garden instead.

Find out more.

Feel free to get in touch at any time to discuss this article or learn more about how you can have crystal clear, freshwater in your new or existing swimming pool or swim-spa.