A pond is one of the most versatile landscaping features you can add to your property. Whether you want a place to swim, relax with nature, or support local wildlife, a swimpond puts it all just steps from your door.
At Ponds by Michael Wheat, we’ve spent years designing, building, and maintaining ponds of all shapes and sizes – and we’ve seen firsthand how swimming ponds are changing gardens across the UK.
In this guide, we’ll explore swimpond benefits, drawbacks, and everything in between to help you decide if it’s the right fit for your home.
What Is a Swimpond?
Swimponds – also known as swimming ponds or natural swimming pools – are exactly what they sound like: a natural pond you can swim in. But unlike a conventional swimming pool, it doesn’t rely on chemicals. Instead, it uses plants, natural filtration methods, and clever design to keep the water clear and clean. Beneficial bacteria play a crucial role in maintaining water cleanliness and ecological balance through these natural filtration methods.
At Ponds by Michael Wheat, we use the Michael Wheat System – a proven approach that gives you crystal-clear, minimal-maintenance water that’s completely safe for swimming.
Swimpond Benefits: 7 Reasons to Love Them
Looking for a swimming spot that’s beautiful, practical, and works with nature? Swimponds offer a refreshing alternative to standard swimming pools, combining the joys of open-water swimming with the charm of a landscaped pond. Here are seven swimpond benefits and standout reasons why they’re becoming a favourite feature in UK gardens.
1. A Financial Investment
Yes, a swimpond is an investment – but it’s one that keeps giving.
- Adds value and curb appeal to your home
- Offers year-round visual interest
- Costs less to run than a traditional pool
- More appealing to eco-conscious buyers
Over time, the savings on chemicals, heating, and maintenance often outweigh the initial cost. Plus, it provides wholesome outdoor fun for the whole family.
2. Simple to Maintain
One of the biggest benefits is how easy they are to look after compared to a traditional pool.
- No chlorine or chemical dosing
- You are not required to test it
- No need to cover it during winter; a bit of pond winterisation will do the job
Just treat it like part of your garden – with occasional surface cleaning and plant care. Our pond maintenance packages can handle the rest, keeping everything ticking over while you enjoy the water.
3. Better for Your Health
Say goodbye to red eyes, dry skin, and harsh smells.
Natural swim ponds are naturally filtered, which means you’re swimming in clean, chemical-free water. It’s gentler on the skin and better for your long-term health.
Swimming in natural water has been shown to:
- Improve circulation
- Boost the immune system
- Reduce stress
- Burn calories
- Increase confidence
4. Environmentally Friendly with Natural Filtration Methods
Looking for a greener garden upgrade? A swimpond is one of the most sustainable options available. Swimming ponds are more ecologically friendly than standard swimming pools, which has contributed to their growing popularity. People are becoming more ecologically sensitive these days, so having a pond that does not require environmentally hazardous chemicals is a great bonus.
- No harsh chemicals
- Less energy used (no heating required)
- Long-lasting design with low water usage
- Supports local wildlife
Flowing water also deters mosquitoes from breeding, and the presence of dragonflies, tadpoles, and birds helps naturally manage insect populations.
5. Encourages Wildlife and Learning with Aquatic Plants
A swimpond, with its natural beauty, becomes a mini-ecosystem in your garden – and that’s great news for both wildlife and curious minds.
Children can learn about:
- Gardening and pond planting
- Seasonal cycles
- Wildlife habitats
- Water quality and ecology
It’s a brilliant way to reconnect with nature and encourage hands-on learning at home.
6. Beautiful All Year Round
A traditional pool can look stark outside of summer. A well-designed swimpond, with its integrated water features, blends into your garden beautifully – from lily-covered waters in July to reflective frost-tipped edges in winter.
Because we tailor every swimpond to your space and style, it becomes a focal point whether you’re swimming or not.
7. Custom-Built for You
From shallow beaches to deep areas for swimming laps, each pond is bespoke. Our expertise in designing and building bespoke swimming ponds ensures a safer and more controlled alternative to open water swimming. Whether you’re dreaming of a peaceful retreat or a fun family splash zone, we’ll design it to suit your garden and lifestyle.
Are There Any Drawbacks?
As with any outdoor feature, it’s worth considering both sides of a swim pond project. Here’s a quick look at some of the common challenges – and how we help you overcome them.
1. It’s a Considerable Investment
There’s no getting around it: a swimpond is a substantial project. But the running costs are much lower than a traditional pool.
- No heating needed
- No chemical costs
- Less water evaporation
- Fewer liner replacements
It’s a one-time investment in something that lasts decades with proper care.
2. You’ll Need Enough Space
A full-sized swimpond does require room – which might not suit smaller urban plots.
However, that doesn’t mean it’s off the table. A plunge pond or smaller natural pool could be the answer if space is tight. However, if you have a larger property, why not go all out and select the size that best suits your needs?
3. Professional Installation Is a Must
A swimpond isn’t a DIY job. It’s a living system, and if not built correctly, it won’t function properly.
With over 500 successful swimponds under our belt, our pond experts at Ponds by Michael Wheat understand:
- Correct sizing and zoning
- Biological filtration and plumbing setups
- Suitable selection of aquatic plants
- Water circulation and clarity control
We take care of everything, from design to aftercare, so you don’t have to worry.
Final Thoughts: Is a Swimpond Worth It?
If you’re looking for a water feature that’s good for your health, kind to the environment, and a joy to look at in every season – a swimpond could be the perfect fit.
It’s more than just a swimming pool. It’s an experience. A space to enjoy, learn from, and relax in – all in harmony with nature.
Ready to Plan Your Own Swimpond?
Explore our Swimming Ponds page for ideas, or contact our expert team for a no-obligation chat about your project.
We’re here to help bring your vision to life – the natural way.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use a swimpond all year round?
You can enjoy a swimpond visually all year round, and many people swim during spring and summer as an alternative to wild swimming. Some even enjoy cold water swimming in winter, which has reported health benefits like improved circulation and reduced stress. Check out our guide, The 7 Benefits of Coldwater Swimming, to learn more!
2. How much space do I need for a swimpond?
The size depends on your goals. A full-sized swimpond for family use needs more space, while a smaller plunge pond can fit in compact gardens. Our team designs bespoke swimming ponds to suit different garden sizes and shapes.
3. Is a swimpond more expensive than a regular pool?
The initial build cost can be similar to or slightly higher than a traditional pool. However, the long-term savings are significant, thanks to lower maintenance, no chemical purchases, and no heating bills.
4. What kind of maintenance does a swimpond need?
Swimponds require seasonal cleaning, occasional plant trimming, and skimming of surface debris. We offer flexible maintenance packages to take care of this for you, so you can just enjoy your pond without the hassle.