Freshwater pools offer the natural, gentle swimming experience many people are chasing – but with far better control over safety, water quality and compliance.
Why Aussies are chasing “natural” swimming
The Realestate.com.au article highlights a surge in backyard swimming trends, driven by homeowners wanting:
• A more natural, landscape-led look that blends into the garden.
• A chemical‑free, gentle swimming experience that feels like a private retreat.
• A sense of supporting wildlife and a natural ecosystem.
However, it also warns that these features sit in a regulatory grey area and can hide serious risks, from unclear fencing requirements to slippery banks, deep mud and water quality that can change quickly with weather and usage.
The hidden risks of unregulated natural features
As explained in the article – including comments from Naked Freshwater Pool Systems’ own Darren Milne – natural setups can create hazards you can’t always see from the surface:
• Unstable water quality: Algae blooms, bacteria and other pathogens can increase as temperature and conditions change, with no guaranteed disinfection barrier.
• Physical dangers: Hidden debris, steep and slippery banks, sudden depth changes and thick mud can all increase the risk of slips, trips and entrapment, especially for kids.
• Regulation “grey zone”: Unlike a conventional pool, these may not clearly fall under standard pool fencing and safety rules, which can lead to confusion and non‑compliance.
So while the idea of a “chemical‑free” feature is appealing, the reality is that “natural” doesn’t always mean safe, consistent or easily managed.
How a Naked freshwater pool solves those problems
A Naked Freshwater Pool System is designed to give you that soft, natural water feel – without the unpredictability of an unmanaged feature.
Key advantages include:
• Consistently sanitised water: The system uses controlled levels of natural minerals and advanced oxidation to keep water crystal clear and hygienic, with less chlorine than tap water.
• Tap‑like feel, stream‑like experience: The water typically feels like household tap water or a freshwater stream – no harsh smell, no chemical taste, and no need to shower or rinse off after a swim.
• Kinder to skin, eyes and lungs: Freshwater is ideal for families, especially anyone with asthma, eczema or psoriasis, as it helps avoid red eyes, itchy skin and respiratory irritation common in heavily chlorinated or salt pools.
• Fully compatible with Aussie pool safety rules: You still build a regular swimming pool with proper fencing, clear sightlines and compliant access, but with water that looks and feels far more natural.
In other words, you keep the safety and structure of a pool – while enjoying the comfort people are trying to get from natural features.
A freshwater system doesn’t just feel better; it’s designed to be easier on your backyard and wallet too.
• Safe to reuse on the garden: Unlike traditional chlorine or high‑salt pools, Naked freshwater water can be repurposed onto lawns and plants without poisoning them, turning backwashing and partial drains into useful irrigation.
• Lower total dissolved solids (TDS): With TDS around 800–1000 ppm (vs 4000–8000 ppm for many traditional pools), there’s simply “less” in the water, which makes it easier to balance, easier to sanitise and visibly clearer.
• Gentler on everything around the pool: With up to 80% less salt, there’s far less corrosion on paving, fencing, pool equipment and outdoor furniture – helping everything last longer.
• Reduced running and maintenance costs: Less reliance on chemicals and salt, plus efficient system programming, can deliver up to around 50% savings on running costs compared to traditional systems.
• No endless bags of mineral salts: Unlike mineral pools, you don’t need constant top‑ups of expensive mineral blends, which keeps ongoing costs and effort down.
You still get the lush, resort‑style backyard buyers love – but with water that supports your landscape instead of damaging it.
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