Home Natural Pool Plans Work With Me Case Studies Articles
Courses
Floating Wetland Conversions (Online Course)
About Contact

Work with me one on one.

I consult and coach people all over the world, from my home town to pacific islands, giving them DIY natural swimming pool plans and expert guidance on how to build their natural pools. All consultations happen remotely over video call, so it doesn't matter where in the world you are.

Donโ€™t just wing it with YouTube videos and amateur advice. Work with a professional and get expert advice for your pool and your context. I will give you all my years of hard-won knowledge, IP and expertise.

VIEW PACKAGES

The Process

Online Intake Session

In this session, you share with me your vision and I will help you figure out your best design options and understand how to achieve this within your budget.
I will then explain all the fundamentals of the chosen design approach and how we would go about it. I will share all my industry secrets on how to keep the water crystal clear and the maintenance tasks very low. All I need is an aerial photograph (google maps/earth) and photographs of your space. Everything can be done online and remotely.

Follow-Up Sessions

As your project progresses you can schedule online consultation sessions which are charged pro-rata. Some clients donโ€™t require any and some choose to have a few depending on their level of expertise and the complexity of the project.

Technical Plan

Everything you need to know to build your pool. Shell dimensions, plumbing schematic, wetland design and dimensions, flow rates & pump spec, pre-filtration design. Planting list. Material supply list. Everything!

Material Supply List

I will supply you with a list of all materials needed, which spec you need, and where to source them all at trade prices*. This can amount to a saving of R10 000 - R20 000.

*I can only arrange suppliers and trade prices in South Africa.

Ongoing Coaching Support

I will answer all your questions on WhatsApp about your build. These take the form of 1-3 min questions and replies. Sometimes I might include a small diagram or amendment to highlight a technical point etc. Usually, voice notes are the easiest and quickest way to respond.

Technical Plan

The technical plan is based on your unique pool design and site context as well as your climate. Different contexts require different technologies. This is also dictated by your budget and your maintenance expectations.

Note: This does not include engineering specs such as concrete mixing rations, wall thickness, or steel specification. This may require an engineer depending on the design.

The Devil is in the Details

It breaks my heart when I see months of work and financial cost that people spend building natural pools only for them to fail, if not initially, then after a few years as the wetland clogs up, the ecosystem collapses and the ongoing maintenance becomes a nightmare. I have years of experience, have made all the mistakes, and can give you a step-by-step roadmap to get a professional quality natural pool yourself or using your own contractor.

VIEW PACKAGES
Natural pool on a farm in Prince Albert

"Working with Andy has been wonderful. He has guided us through the process step by step. We test the water every few months, send him the results and he tells us what we need to do or add to keep the water balanced.

If you are thinking of building a living pool, Andy is your man. He is responsive, professional, knowledgeable and, most importantly, his pools WORK.

It's the best investment we made during the build. Worth the time, effort and expense, multiple times over. Go for it is my advice."

Lindy van Hasselt
Lindy van Hasselt
Prince Albert, South Africa
View Full Case Study
Natural pool at Potkook Mountain Lodge

"Working with Andy has been an exceptional experience. Building a natural pool isn't a one-time transaction - it's a journey. Every project is unique, and Andy brings a level of care, expertise, and attention that reflects that. Over the years, from the initial design through construction and ongoing maintenance, he has guided us every step of the way. His knowledge, patience, and unwavering support have made the entire process both enjoyable and rewarding. We are incredibly grateful for the experience, the pool we've created, and the continued guidance Andy provides."

Riaan Landman
Riaan Landman
(Owner, Potkook Mountain Lodge)View Full Case Study

Consultation Packages

If none of our generic pre-made plans suit your needs, then a bespoke design and consultation process is likely the best fit for you. We outline four packages below, but for all four of these, we start with a one-hour online discovery session. I can learn all about you and your vision for your pool, and you can learn all about me and what I can offer you.ย It tells you whether your site, budget and expectations line up before you spend anything on design.

WHAT THIS DISCOVERY SESSION IS

A focused session for anyone planning a conversion or a new natural swimming pool. You send me your site photographs, aerial images in advance, then get clear direction on design approach, feasibility, budget and the right next step for your project.

  • A pre-consultation questionnaire
  • Upload of site photographs, aerial imagery, dimensions and climate details
  • 30 minutes of detailed reviewย on my part before the call
  • One 60-minute online consultation
  • Recording of the session
  • A written summary setting out the recommended design approach, indicative footprint and realistic budget range

COST $250

ย 

THIS IS FOR YOU IF

  • You are planning a new natural pool and want expert direction before you commit
  • You need to know whether your site, your budget and your expectations line up
  • You want to understand your design options before choosing a plan or a bespoke package
  • You are briefing a contractor, architect or landscaper and need to know what to ask for

* If you are in Cape Town, South Africa, site visits are possible but incur extra travel costs

* One clarification email within seven days of the consultation. Additional advice, analysis or design work is charged separately.

* If you proceed with a bespoke design package within 14 days, your discovery sessionย fee will be credited in full against the design fee.

ย 

Included in every design package

  • Three one-hour consultations
  • Plans and construction sections
  • Detailed wetland construction details
  • Complete plumbing and filtration schematics
  • Hydraulic calculations
  • Equipment schedules
  • Bill of quantities
  • Project-specific materials list
  • Owner's and commissioning manual
  • Two consolidated revision rounds
  • Two months of reasonable WhatsApp support

No structural engineering or on-site inspection in any package

The packages differ in one thing only: how much original design work your pool needs.

Basic

Adapted Plan Package

from US$1,500

You start from one of our existing, proven natural pool plans and we resize it to fit your site. The engineering behind the plan is already tested, so you pay for the adaptation rather than a new design.

What makes this package different

  • Built on an existing Leaf & Stone plan, not a blank page
  • Dimensions, wetland size and pool shape adjusted to your site
  • Filtration, pipework and flow rates recalculated for the new volume
  • Full document set reissued as your own project-specific plan

Best for

  • Straightforward, rectangular or simple-shaped pools
  • Flat or gently sloping sites
  • Owners happy to work within a proven layout
Book discovery session - $250

Basic

Pool Conversion Package

from US$1,500

For turning an existing conventional pool into a natural swimming pool. You receive a project-specific conversion plan built around your existing shell, your site conditions and the filtration the pool will need once the chlorine goes.

What makes this package different

  • Designed around the shell you already have, so no demolition of the pool structure
  • We tell you what existing plumbing, pumps and pipework can be reused and what cannot
  • Filtration sized to the real volume of your pool, not a standard figure
  • Detailing for the new planting or regeneration zone and where it goes
  • A conversion sequence your builder can follow, step by step

Best for

  • Sound existing pools in reasonable condition
  • Owners who want to stop chlorinating without starting again
  • Straightforward shells with known construction
Book discovery session - $250

Most popular

Silver

Bespoke Design Package

from US$2,950

Your pool is designed from scratch around your site, your levels and the way you want to use the water. This is the right package for a normal residential natural pool: one pool, one wetland or one Eco Fusion system, on a site with no unusual complications.

What makes this package different

  • Bespoke dimensional design, drawn for your site alone
  • Shape, depth, entry, seating and planting laid out to suit how you swim
  • Filtration sized to your climate, bathing load and shade conditions
  • Levels, overflow and balance detailing worked out for your ground

Best for

  • Family pools roughly 25 to 80 square metres
  • One pool with one filtration system
  • Sites with normal access and manageable slope
Book discovery session - $250

Gold

Complex Project Package

from US$3,950

Everything in the Bespoke package, for projects that are large, unusual or technically demanding. Scope and fee are quoted against the design complexity of your project after the discovery session.

Everything in Silver, plus what complexity requires

  • Pools with unusual geometry
  • Multiple wetlands or filtration systems
  • Difficult levels or steeply sloping sites
  • Large commercial or hospitality pools
  • Existing-pool conversions with uncertain conditions
  • Extensive interaction with architects, engineers or contractors
  • Multiple design options to compare
  • Detailed tender documentation
  • More than two revision rounds
Book discovery session - $250

Compare the packages

  Basic new buildfrom US$1,500 Basic conversionfrom US$1,500 Silverfrom US$2,950 Goldfrom US$3,950
Starting point Existing proven plan Your existing pool shell Blank page Blank page
Bespoke dimensional design Resized, not redrawn Adapted to your shell ✓ ✓
Three one-hour consultations ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Plans and construction sections ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Wetland or regeneration zone details ✓ ✓ ✓ Multiple wetlands if needed
Plumbing and filtration schematics ✓ ✓ ✓ Multiple systems if needed
Reuse assessment of existing plant and pipework ✕ ✓ ✕ Where a conversion is involved
Hydraulic calculations ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Equipment schedules ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Bill of quantities and materials list ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Owner's and commissioning manual ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Revision rounds Two Two Two More than two
WhatsApp support Two months Two months Two months Two months
Multiple design options ✕ ✕ ✕ ✓
Detailed tender documentation ✕ ✕ ✕ ✓
Coordination with architects, engineers or contractors ✕ ✕ Light Extensive
Structural engineering or on-site inspection ✕ ✕ ✕ ✕

Every package begins with a $250 discovery session. If you go ahead with a design package, the $250 comes off your fee.

Book discovery session - $250

Troubleshooting and diagnostics

Already have a natural pool that is not behaving? Start here rather than with a design package.

Diagnostic

Detailed Pool Diagnostic Review

US$450

A deeper technical assessment for complex or persistent natural pool problems. Your plans, equipment, photographs and water results are reviewed in detail before the consultation, and you leave with a written action plan.

What you get

  • A pre-consultation questionnaire
  • Upload of photographs, water-test results and relevant plans
  • One hour reviewing plans, photographs, equipment and water results
  • One 60-minute consultation
  • Recording of the session
  • A concise written diagnostic report and action plan
Book session - $450

Online For The Win

I actually prefer to discuss natural pool projects online. Yes, a site visit is great BUT generally, online is far more constructive especially when discussing plans and design concepts, as you can easily look at references and plans and can illustrate concepts clearly. All I need is a location pin, climate info and site pictures and videos before hand.

Troubleshooting pools that are not performing well can also be done online as 90% of the time the issues can be identified with a few questions and photographs. This works 100% if the owner has plans of the pool and wetland dimensions and the plumbing or can explain them through a sketch or diagram.

An added benefit of online sessions is that they can be recorded and then referenced later.