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…
The Effects of High Temperature on a Natural Pool:
Here in the northeast we’ve gone from steady temperatures in the 60’s straight to the 100’s within a week. We gotten a lot of questions about heat and its effect on NSP’s so here is some information to keep in mind as the temperatures soar.
1. Algae Growth and Water Clarity
One of the most immediate effects of high temperatures on natural pools is an increase in algae growth. Warmer water temperatures accelerate the metabolic rate of algae and other microorganisms. Combined with sunlight, this can quickly lead to algae blooms that cloud the water, reduce oxygen levels, and make the pool unsightly.
Without the regulating effect of cool temperatures, beneficial plants in the regeneration zone may struggle to outcompete algae for nutrients, weakening the natural filtration system.
2. Oxygen Depletion
Natural pools rely on a delicate ecological balance. As water temperatures rise, the solubility of oxygen decreases. Warmer water holds less dissolved oxygen, which is critical for supporting aquatic life and microbial processes that break down waste.
Oxygen depletion not only stresses aquatic plants and animals but also reduces the efficiency of biological filtration. This can lead to unpleasant odors, buildup of organic material, and a decline in overall water quality.
3. Stress on Aquatic Plants and Wildlife
Just as extreme heat can affect land-based ecosystems, it can stress the flora and fauna within a natural pool. Some aquatic plants may wilt, grow more slowly, or die off entirely in persistently high temperatures, especially if water levels drop due to evaporation.
Similarly, frogs, insects, and other small creatures that live in or around natural pools may be forced to relocate or may perish if the water becomes too warm impacting biodiversity.
4. Evaporation and Water Loss
High temperatures significantly increase the rate of evaporation, leading to water loss in natural pools. This can lower water levels, especially in shallow areas, affecting both the swimming and regeneration zones.
Persistent evaporation may require more frequent refilling, which not only increases water usage but also disrupts the pool’s ecological balance, especially if tap water (containing chlorine or other additives, mainly phosphate) is used.
5. Increased Maintenance Needs
As a consequence of all the above factors, high temperatures inevitably lead to an increase in maintenance. Owners may need to manually remove algae, clean filters more often, prune plants, and monitor oxygen and nutrient levels more frequently to keep the system balanced.
Some may need to invest in shade structures, floating plants, or aeration systems to help mitigate the effects of heat.
Mitigation Strategies
To protect natural pools from the negative impacts of high temperatures, consider the following strategies:
- Plant trees or install shade sails to reduce direct sunlight exposure.
- Introduce floating or fast-growing aquatic plants to help control algae and cool the water.
- Use aerators or waterfalls to increase oxygenation.
- Monitor water quality with regular testing during hotter months.
- Ensure a diverse range of plants in the regeneration zone to maintain ecosystem resilience.
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
