You know what is a biological pool? If so, you’ve certainly thought about having one in your home, to beautify your backyard, get out of the traditional style and entertain the whole family. More sustainable and with a different footprint than conventional pools, organic pools are super popular!
But if you don’t know what it means, don’t worry. This because Fashion Bubbles explained what a biological pool is, how it works and how much it costs to join this decoration trend. So, keep reading so you don’t miss anything about this idea that is gaining more and more space in homes!
What is a biological pool?
Biological pool is a system that consists of use aquatic plants and microorganisms to replace filters and chemicals Traditionally used for cleaning and filtering water in conventional swimming pools.
Thus, the idea of having a pool with sand, fish, plants and stones stopped being something exotic and began to attract an increasing number of people. This is because they are more sustainable than conventional swimming pools and also different from the norm, which makes them popular.
Therefore, this type of pool has a much smaller carbon footprint than conventional pools, as it does not use cement or a steel structure.
How does a biological pool work?
Equipped with a set of filters, including biological filters, the biological pools use microorganisms to purify water. Fish play a fundamental role in controlling algae and mosquito larvae, creating a biological flow similar to that of natural ecosystems. Hence the origin of the term biological pool.
Thanks to this circular dynamic, swimming pools can stay clean without using chlorine or other chemical products.
The only element added to the water is ozone, a substance with disinfectant power up to a thousand times greater than chlorine, but without the adverse effects that the latter causes on human health, such as respiratory allergies and damage to hair and skin.
Furthermore, biological pools do not use aluminum sulfate, a material harmful to human health that is usually applied to conventional pools to decant dirt.
“Biological pools represent a paradigm shift. They help people reconnect with the cycles of nature. Just like a natural lake or a river, the biological pool is a dynamic environment and is constantly changing, with time being an integral part of the design of this true ecosystem, adding even more naturalness and resilience to the system..”, explains biologist Rafael Catarino, owner of Clímax Ambiental.
Advantages of the biological pool
A biological pool has many benefits! In that regard, its construction goes far beyond just sustainability. So, here are some advantages of opting for this type of pool.
Mental health
“The biological pool offers mental health benefits similar to ‘forest bathing’, an Eastern medicine practice that has been recommended by psychologists around the world. In addition to being refreshing, swimming pools have this introspective character. Snorkeling in a biological pool has a relaxing effect that is good for the mind and body”, explains Rafael Catarino.
Sustainability
As mentioned above, biological pool is very sustainable. This is because its use does not involve any type of chemicals nor chlorine. Furthermore, it involves the use of aquatic plants and other microorganisms.
Low maintenance cost
Other advantage of the biological pool is that you also won’t have to spend a lot on its maintenance, like the energy bill. This is because It does not require the use of any electrical equipment. Also, there is no need to spend on chemicals, chlorine and filters.
Environmental education tool for children
According to the biologist, the biological pool also can be an environmental education tool, especially for children. By observing fish, birds, frogs, insects, plants and algae, children begin to better understand the cycles of nature.
“We realize that biological pools calm children and provide a healthy and fun alternative to video games and television.”, said Rafael Catarino.
Disadvantages of the biological pool
Despite having many advantages, such as low maintenance costs, mental health benefits and sustainability, Biological pool also has disadvantages. Check out what they are!
Presence of amphibians
The use of aquatic plants in the biological pool contributes to the amphibian breeding in these parts of the biological pool. This way, these animals can migrate to the bathing area.
High initial cost
It’s true that maintain a biological pool presents a low cost. However, its initial cost is quite high. Thinking about the project, digging and waterproofing the site, filling it with water and inserting plants, stones and microorganisms is complex and can be expensive, as requires labor from specialized companies.
Rafael Catarino highlights, however, that the Biological pools need a lot of care for maintain your self-regulation. He explains that projects do not always include the biological filtration system that gives pools their name, which ends up generating headaches and increasing maintenance costs.
According to him, the use of ozone also needs to be well controlled so as not to affect the health of the fish. Another important precaution is the selection of fish species that will be introduced into the pool.
In places with milder temperatures, carp are the most recommended, but in hot places, like the Northeast, it makes it possible to explore the use of native species.
All living beings must be carefully chosen and quantified, based on biological calculations, interaction dynamics and characteristics of each species.
If the principle of circularity is taken seriously, biological pools can require much less work to maintain than a conventional pool. Furthermore, it is possible to take advantage of some advantages that are not always known, such as the ability of swimming pools to supply fertilizer from the biological filtration system.
The filter cleaning process eliminates water highly rich in organic matter. It is possible to use this material to fertigate the garden or vegetable garden. This allows you to save money when purchasing organic fertilizer and also helps the environment by reducing waste production.
- Afterwards, read Boa constrictor plant – why it’s good to have at home + care tips and inspiration photos
Which plants to use in the biological pool?
In the biological pool, the plants are located both on the edges, on the surface and underwater. Normally, for biological pool composition used aquatic macrophyte plants and water lilies. In other words, they grow in still or slow-moving waters. Therefore, among them, we can highlight:
- Ninfeas;
- Lotus flower;
- Aguapés;
- water lettuce;
- Salvinia auriculata.
Furthermore, it is worth mentioning that the type of plant may vary from one project to another, depending on the climate of the region. This is because some species adapt better to certain climates.
How much does it cost to build a biological pool?
The answer is it depends. This is because the values of biological pools The companies that provide this type of service and the project vary greatly between regions of the country.
Therefore, prices start at around R$400 per square meter. However, they can cost up to more than R$5,000 for the same size.
What are the differences between a biological pool, organic lake and oriental lake?
Organic lakes differ from biological pools in that they water mirror size. Ornamental ones tend to have a shallower depth than swimming pools. But the principles and effects of these aquatic environments on the surroundings are similar to those of biological pools.
Recently, the company built aquatic environments for a private school in Salvador and for a palliative care clinic in Recife. The businessman gets emotional when talking about this latest project.
According to him, the project brought a substantial improvement in patients’ mood and well-being. As the clinic is located on a busy avenue in the city, Catarino included small waterfalls, which neutralize the noise coming from the street.
According to clinic managers, the waterfall project had a direct effect on the psychological state of patients, increasing the feeling of calm. Patients liked it so much that the environment with waterfalls, rocks and fish became their favorite resting place in the clinic.
Conclusion
Now that you know all about biological pool, like what it is, how it works and how much it costs, what do you think about having this trend at home? This way, your home will be even more charming and closer to nature. So, if you want to know more about decoration, such as tips and trends, be sure to check out our category!
Davi Brito and MC Bin Laden are in the 17th Wall of Big Brother Brasil 2024 and on Thursday (04/04), one of them will be eliminated. Which brother do you want to take out of the house? Participate in the vote in the Fashion Bubbles poll and check partial results in real time!
