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…
Tiny Helpers, Big Impact: How Diatoms Keep Natural Swimming Pools Clean
We are now deep into spring and the pool startup season. And just as their name implies, there are a lot of natural factors that go into the startup of a NSP. When it comes to keeping a natural swimming pool crystal clear and eco-friendly, you might imagine plants doing the heavy lifting, but let’s remember our unsung hero’s quietly working below the surface, diatoms. I know we have discussed their importance before but a little refresher is always nice this time of year to revitalize our knowledge of their importance.
What Are Diatoms?
Diatoms are single-celled algae encased in beautiful, glass-like silica shells. These microscopic algae are among the oldest and most efficient water purifiers on earth. In natural swimming pools, they play a vital role in maintaining water clarity, balancing nutrients, and supporting the entire aquatic ecosystem. They float freely in water or attach to surfaces, forming a biofilm that acts like nature’s cleaning cloth. Unlike harmful algae that cloud your pool, diatoms are beneficial microorganisms that thrive in clean, oxygenated environments, like those created in well-maintained natural pools.
How Diatoms Help Your Pool
1. Natural Water Filtration
Diatoms absorb nutrients like nitrates and phosphates—key ingredients that feed harmful algae. By removing these from the water, diatoms help prevent green algae blooms and keep water beautifully clear.
2. Oxygen Production
Through photosynthesis, diatoms release oxygen into the water, which supports a healthy aquatic environment and benefits other helpful organisms, including bacteria and aquatic plants.
3. Eco-Balancing Act
Diatoms are part of the pool’s microbial food web. They feed tiny zooplankton, which in turn help control mosquito larvae and other nuisances, keeping your pool biologically balanced.
4. Low-Maintenance Allies
Unlike mechanical filters or chemical treatments, diatoms do their job quietly and efficiently without any added cost or effort from you—assuming your pool stays within healthy ecological parameters.
Encouraging Diatom Growth
Want to make sure these microscopic allies thrive in your pool? Here’s how:
- Avoid harsh chemicals (Obviously): Diatoms can’t survive in chlorinated environments. Natural pools give them the ideal chemical-free home.
- Maintain plant zones: Healthy aquatic plants create the right conditions—nutrient balance, light filtration, and oxygen—for diatoms to flourish.
- Support water circulation: Diatoms prefer gently moving water, which also helps prevent unwanted algae.
- Let sunlight in: Diatoms are photosynthetic, so ensure they get enough indirect light (too much sun, however, can cause unwanted algae to compete).
The Bottom Line
Diatoms may be invisible to the naked eye, but their contribution to your natural swimming pool is huge. By supporting a vibrant and self-sustaining aquatic ecosystem, they reduce your workload while keeping your water naturally clean, safe, and sparkling.
So next time you dip your toes into your pool, take a moment to appreciate the tiny glass-walled organisms working tirelessly to keep it beautiful.
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
