Natural Pool Plans
Ready-to-build DIY natural swimming pool plans, drafted by an industry professional. Whether you call it a natural pool, a swim pond or a swimming pond, each plan gives you a complete, field-tested design you can build yourself or hand straight to your contractor.
The plans are designed for international use, with dimensions in both metric and imperial. Building in a hot or cold climate? See how natural pools perform in hot climates and freezing climates.
12 × 3m Formal Natural Pool with 2-Sided Wetland
US$498 · Instant digital download
This plan is for a formal natural pool design with a swimzone that is 12 x 3m (39ft x 10ft) and a volume of 60 000 liters (15 850 US gallons). It has a submerged wetland running 2 sides of the pool.
12 × 4.6m Natural Swim Pond with Wrap-Around Wetland
US$498 · 1 Week lead time
This plan is for a natural swim pond with a swimzone averaging 12 x 4.6m (39ft x 15ft) and a volume of 117 000 liters (30 900 US gallons). The planted wetland wraps the whole way around the pond and finishes in a soft, natural edge.
Who are These Plans For?
- Homeowners managing a new pool build
- Experienced DIY builders
- Contractors who need a specialist natural pool design
- Landscapers and pool builders entering natural pool construction
- Buyers who want a formal lap pool rather than an informal swimming pond
* This plan is for private residential new builds. Local structural, waterproofing, electrical and approval requirements remain the responsibility of the owner and appointed professionals.
What's Included
Complete Construction Plan
Receive detailed, annotated layouts and sections covering the swimming zone, planted regeneration area, pool depths, dividing walls, access points and principal construction details.
The drawings are intended to give you or your builder a clear understanding of how the complete natural pool system fits together.
Hydraulic and Filtration Design
The package includes the specialist circulation details that make a natural pool function correctly.
INCLUDING
- Pump and pipework layouts
- Skimmer and debris collection
- Wetland water distribution
- Underdrain configuration
- Return inlet positioning
- Target circulation rates
- Valves, access points and flow control
Detailed Bill of Materials
Use the included material schedule to plan your purchases, compare local suppliers and reduce the risk of forgetting essential components.
INCLUDING
- Base quantities
- Recommended order quantities
- Waste and contingency allowances
- Material specifications
- Optional components
- Space for supplier and pricing information
Comprehensive Owner’s Manual
Your guidance does not end when construction is complete.
The included owner’s manual explains how to commission, operate and maintain the pool once it has been filled.
It covers routine maintenance, plant care, water testing, algae management, seasonal operation, troubleshooting and long-term system care.
Built for Use With Local Contractors and Suppliers
The plans are designed for international use.
Specific brands and products may differ between countries, but the package explains the required function, size and specification of the principal components. This allows you and your contractor to source appropriate local equivalents.
The design can be constructed using different locally accepted pool-shell and waterproofing methods, provided the final structure is suitable for the site and correctly engineered.
* Local professionals should be appointed where required for: Structural engineering, Soil and foundation assessment, Waterproofing, Electrical installation, Safety barriers and fencing, Planning and building approvals, Local hydraulic or suction-safety compliance
Why Use a Pre-Designed Natural Pool Plan?
A natural pool depends on the relationship between the swimming zone, wetland area, water flow, pipework, pump selection and debris management.
Errors in any of these areas can be expensive to correct once the pool has been built.
This plan helps you avoid common problems such as:
- An undersized filtration wetland
- Incorrect pump selection
- Poor water distribution through the gravel
- Insufficient skimming
- Incorrect pipe sizing
- Difficult-to-maintain plumbing
- Dead zones in the pool
- Excessively high wetland flow
- Missing valves and access points
- Buying unsuitable or unnecessary equipment
Instead of asking a conventional pool contractor to develop a natural filtration system from first principles, you can provide them with a coordinated design based on practical natural pool construction experience.
Designed From Real Natural Pool Experience
These plans were developed by Andrew Jamieson, founder of Leaf & Stone Natural Pools and the DIY Natural Pool Academy.
Andrew has designed and built natural swimming pools since 2016, working on projects ranging from private residential pools to large planted aquatic landscapes.
The details in this plan are based on constructed systems, practical site experience and ongoing refinement, not theory alone.
The objective is to make professional natural pool knowledge accessible to homeowners and contractors who do not require a completely bespoke design.
FAQ
Do I need to build the pool myself?
Is this a structural engineering plan?
Can I change the pool dimensions?
Can I make the pool shorter?
Can I make the pool wider or deeper?
Can my contractor build from these plans?
Are the materials available internationally?
Does the plan include a bill of materials?
Does the plan include plant guidance?
Is the plan suitable for cold or freezing climates?
Does the pool require chlorine?
Is the pool maintenance-free?
Do I receive support with the plan?
How will I receive the files?
Can the files be shared with my contractor?
Are digital purchases refundable?
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
These plans provide the specialist natural pool layout, wetland filtration design, circulation principles, material guidance and operating information. not a site-specific structural engineering package.
The final pool structure, foundations, reinforcing, waterproofing and construction method must be designed or approved according to:
- Local ground conditions
- Pool depth
- Construction method
- Local building regulations
- Applicable engineering requirements
The bill of materials focuses primarily on the specialist components required for the natural filtration and circulation system.
Quantities for concrete, reinforcing steel, excavation, spoil removal, structural masonry, labour, decking, paving, fencing, landscaping and statutory approvals will depend on the site and chosen construction method.