Dear friends,
We would love to hear about your current BioNova® projects. Please send Ryan, ryan@bionovanaturalpools.com, any information and pictures of your projects and we will gladly put them in the newsletter to share with all of the dealers. Thank you and we hope to see your inputs soon!
Here’s what’s happening at BioNova® Natural Pools North America…
How Aquatic Plants Survive Winter in a Natural Swimming Pool
As temperatures drop, the regeneration zone of a natural swimming pool (NSP) undergoes a quiet yet remarkable transformation. While swimmers and pollinators retreat for the season, aquatic plants continue an intricate ecological cycle geared toward survival. Understanding what happens beneath the surface in winter helps pool owners better support plant resilience, maintain water quality, and ensure a strong ecological rebound in spring.
Dormancy: Nature’s Winter Strategy
Many aquatic plants in an NSP enter a state of dormancy triggered by decreasing daylight and cooler water temperatures. Dormancy conserves energy and slows physiological processes. Dormancy can look like:
- Foliage yellowing and dieback: Emergent plants like cattails and reeds lose above-water growth.
- Slowed photosynthesis: Submerged plants reduce oxygen production and nutrient uptake.
- Energy reallocation: Plants shift resources to roots, rhizomes, and tubers.
This phase is essential, without it, plants would expend too much energy trying to grow during inhospitable conditions, weakening their long-term health.
Root Health: The Hidden Engine of Plant Survival
While the surface appears lifeless, the root systems remain very active in their own subtle way.
Why roots matter in winter
- Insulation: Soil, gravel, and water provide thermal protection, buffering roots from freezing.
- Energy storage: Rhizomes and tubers act like batteries, storing carbohydrates to fuel spring regrowth.
- Microbial partnerships: Beneficial bacteria continue working within the plant’s root zone (the rhizosphere), breaking down organic matter at a slower pace and supporting nutrient balance.
Maintaining robust root systems ensures plants emerge stronger when temperatures rise.
Spring Rebound: Reawakening the Regeneration Zone
As daylight increases and water warms, aquatic plants shift from dormancy into rapid growth.
What triggers the rebound?
- Longer daylight hours restart photosynthesis at higher intensity.
- Rising water temperatures stimulate metabolic activity.
- Stored energy reserves drive the first flush of new shoots.
Healthy aquatic plants will:
- Produce early-season oxygen
- Absorb nutrients before algae can take advantage
- Stabilize the regeneration zone
- Support wildlife returning to the pool’s ecosystem
This spring resurgence is a key part of how NSPs reestablish biological balance each year.
How to Support Plant Resilience Through Winter
The best winter plant care in a natural swimming pool is low-intervention, but intentional decisions strengthen the system.
1. Keep the Regeneration Zone Undisturbed: Avoid stirring up gravel or disturbing roots during late fall and winter. Even dormant plants remain sensitive to disruption.
2. Maintain Proper Water Levels: Consistent water depth protects root systems from temperature fluctuations and ice damage.
3. Avoid Feeding the System Excess Nutrients: As microbial activity slows, the pool is more vulnerable to nutrient spikes. Keep leaves and external organic debris out of the water.
4. Choose Hardy, Climate-Appropriate Species: Native and cold-tolerant aquatic plants, such as hardy water lilies, pickerelweed, cattail, iris, and sedges, naturally withstand seasonal cycles and recover quickly.
The Winter Ecosystem: Still, but Never Silent
Even though an NSP appears calm and dormant in winter, its ecology is actively preparing for the next cycle of purification, growth, and vitality. Aquatic plants are at the heart of that system, quietly storing energy, protecting their roots, and entering the early stages of spring renewal.
Supporting plant resilience not only enhances water quality and biodiversity but also ensures your natural swimming pool thrives year after year.
Stay Safe and Healthy.
We hope you all continue to stay healthy during these trying times and wish all of our BioNova® Dealers our best to you and your families.
Questions, Concerns, Thoughts
As always, we encourage you to contact us and share your thoughts, questions, and concerns with BioNova®. We are available to assist you in any way we can. Feel free to email me directly with photos, project updates, testimonials, etc., and we’ll include them in an upcoming Newsletter.
Respectfully,
Ryan Harmer
BioNova® Natural Pools
ryan@bionovanaturalpools.com
609-318-4707
