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

The post BioNova Weekly News – 5/8/2026 appeared first on BioNova®.

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…

Another NSP in Arizona
Our BioNova® Dealer in Arizona, Zach Balbini, has been busy, and he has completed another project, this one in Sabino Canyon, Arizona.

Proving that natural swimming pools can be created from virtually any starting point, this innovative project in Tucson, Arizona showcases the versatility and performance of BioNova’s biological filtration systems. What began as a standard fiberglass shell has been transformed into a thriving, chemical-free aquatic environment, demonstrating that sustainability and design flexibility can go hand in hand.

Located near the stunning Sabino Canyon area at the base of Mt. Lemmon, the project features the 9’ x 18’ “Canyon Lake” model from San Juan Fiberglass Pools and then was paired with a 5-tube BF4 biofilm filtration system (2.5’ x 10’), allowing it to function as a fully natural swimming pool. 

One of the most striking aspects of this installation is its elevated design. The pool is raised two feet above grade, creating a visually dynamic, three-dimensional feature that stands out in the surrounding desert landscape. A wraparound deck, crafted from elegant travertine stone, provides both functionality and comfort, offering ample space for lounging, socializing, and easy access to the water.

Travertine is particularly well-suited for desert environments like Tucson due to its natural ability to stay cool underfoot, even in intense sun exposure. Its light color reflects heat rather than absorbing it, making it far more comfortable than many other hardscape materials. Additionally, travertine’s porous surface offers excellent slip resistance, an important safety feature around pools, while its durability allows it to withstand extreme temperature swings common in desert climates.

Beyond aesthetics, the raised configuration serves a practical purpose, helping to minimize the intrusion of desert dust and debris, a common challenge in arid regions. The combination of elevation and thoughtful material selection results in a pool area that is both beautiful and highly functional.

To further enhance usability, the pool is equipped with a heating system, so that the pool may be used year round. This blend of natural filtration and modern comfort highlights how natural pools can be tailored to meet a wide range of lifestyle needs without sacrificing sustainability.

After six months of operation, the system recently underwent its first backwash cycle following the initial startup period. The results exceeded expectations: the water clarity was exceptional, reinforcing the effectiveness of the BF4 biofilm filtration system even in a demanding desert environment. This milestone not only validates the system’s performance but also provides confidence in its long-term reliability.

Looking ahead, the homeowner plans to integrate a rainwater catchment system and cistern to collect and reuse backwash water. This forward-thinking addition will further reduce water waste and support the surrounding garden and native landscape, creating a closed-loop system that aligns perfectly with the principles of ecological design.

This project stands as another strong example of Zach Balbini’s continued dedication to advancing NSPs in a wide range of applications. By reimagining a conventional fiberglass shell into a high-performing natural pool, Zach demonstrates both a commitment to innovation and a belief that sustainable water systems should be accessible, adaptable, and visually compelling. Great job to Zach and his team on another outstanding NSP!

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

The post BioNova Weekly News – 4/24/2026 appeared first on BioNova®.

Spring Opening Tips to Remember
It is spring and the the pool opening season has begun. It’s that time to focus on the special needs an NSP needs when opening and we would like to provide some tips to help you and your clients prepare for spring and getting an NSP up and running.

1. Clean Out Debris from the Water

This is very important. In fact, it’s the most important step to protect against harmful bacteria and nutrient overload. When cleaning, make sure you vacuum the bottom, take care of leaves, pull out the decaying plants, backwash and clean the BF4 vault and tubes, a clean out any pots. While cleaning out the pots this is a great time to add granulated fertilizer or plant fertilizing tabs to stimulate plant growth.

2. Begin Water Filtration 

Start up all of the pumps and get the water circulating. If you live in an area where your pond can dip below 40 degrees during winter, be sure to only activate the pumps once your water reaches back over the 50 degree mark. For warmer climates, you may have been running pumps all winter. If so, continue use of as necessary.

The two most important preparatory steps for Spring are cleaning out any debris in the pond and ensuring properly functioning filtration.
3. Let Time and Bacteria Improve Your Biological Filter

Mother nature needs time to balance the water and patience with an NSP will be your best friend. Specifically, once temperature approach 65 degrees nitrifying bacteria will begin to become active. These bacteria get their energy from the oxidation of inorganic nitrogen compounds.  Types include ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB) and nitrite-oxidizing bacteria (NOB). Both ammonia and nitrites are harmful to an aquatic environment and build up in the water over the winter. These bacteria oxidize those compounds into nitrate which is beneficial to a healthy NSP.

Please feel free to contact us if you or your clients have any questions during their spring openings.

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

The post BioNova Weekly News – 4/10/2026 appeared first on BioNova®.

Update NSP Project in Catonsville, Maryland

We’re excited to share a new update on the NSP project in Catonsville, MD. Since our last announcement, several key aspects of the project have evolved.

As a refresher, this project will be a rectilinear pool measuring 47 feet by 9 feet designed for lap swimming. It will also have a planted wetlands area measuring 27 feet by 3.5 feet. The pool will have a swimming area of 417 square feet and the pond area will be 95 square feet. The pool will be filtered with a 12 tube BF4, set in the corner of the pool.

Since our last update the pool rough plumbing has been completed and the pool has been backfilled. The floor has been put in and this past week we were onsite to cut in and install three skimmerklappes and make the final penetration’s into the BF4 vault and wetlands area. The skimmerklappes will feed the water for both the filter vault and the wetlands area. The next steps will be to begin welding the poolhide.

As always, we look forward to updating you on this project as it progresses.

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

The post BioNova Weekly News – 4/3/2026 appeared first on BioNova®.

Is This the Year You Go Natural? 

More and more people are thinking about natural pools. And if you have clients looking at the benefits, here is a quick article you can send their way to help them compare.

Comparing Natural Pools to Traditional Pools

If you’ve been rethinking your backyard pool, this may be the year to go natural. Natural swimming pools are gaining attention as a healthier, more eco-friendly alternative to traditional chlorinated pools, but how do they really compare?

Water Quality & Health

Traditional pools rely on chlorine and other chemicals to keep water clear, which can irritate skin, eyes, and hair. Natural swimming pools use biological filtration, plants, gravel, and beneficial microorganisms to clean the water naturally, creating a gentler swimming experience with no chemical smell.

Maintenance & Long-Term Costs

Conventional pools often require frequent chemical balancing, shock treatments, and ongoing supply costs. Natural pools shift the work toward ecosystem care: managing plants, debris, and circulation. While the upfront investment can be comparable or slightly higher, long-term costs are often lower due to reduced chemical and energy use.

Environmental Impact

Traditional pools consume chemicals, water, and energy. Natural pools are designed to work with nature, supporting biodiversity, reducing chemical runoff, and often using less water over time. Many owners value the sustainability as much as the swim.

Aesthetics & Experience

A standard pool offers a familiar, uniform look. A natural swimming pool blends into the landscape, resembling a pond or alpine lake. It can attract birds, butterflies, and beneficial insects, turning your pool into a living feature, not just a utility.

Seasonal Living

Traditional pools are usually “closed” outside of summer. Natural pools remain visually appealing year-round, evolving with the seasons and becoming part of the garden even when not in use.

If you’re looking for a pool that prioritizes health, sustainability, and a deeper connection to nature, this could be the year you go natural.

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

The post BioNova Weekly News – 3/20/2026 appeared first on BioNova®.

Building Outside the Lines Natural Pool Episode Makes a Splash — And It’s Still Available to Stream
Last month’s Season 3 finale of Building Outside the Lines (BOTL) featuring a stunning BioNova® Natural Pool has proven to be a major success. Since its February 17 premiere, the episode has generated strong interest from homeowners, designers, and builders eager to learn more about chemical-free swimming and sustainable outdoor living.

The episode follows hosts Cappie and Alex as they collaborate with BioNova® Natural Pools and BioNova® dealer Jesse Dutra to construct a breathtaking natural swimming pool that blends innovative engineering with organic landscape design. Viewers were taken behind the scenes of the project, from the strategic excavation separating the swimming area and biofilm filtration system, to the installation of sustainable filtration technology and the finishing touches such as handcrafted boulder walls and natural landscape elements.

The response from viewers has been overwhelmingly positive. Many people have discovered, often for the first time, how natural swimming pools function without chlorine or harsh chemicals, relying instead on biological filtration and thoughtful hydraulic design. As interest in healthier, environmentally responsible backyard spaces continues to grow, this episode has helped spotlight the role natural pools can play in the future of residential landscape design.

The success of the episode has also sparked new conversations across the pool and landscape industries about sustainable alternatives to traditional swimming pools. BioNova® Natural Pools continues to lead this movement by combining proven European natural pool technology with modern engineering and design expertise in North America.

Still Haven’t Seen the Episode? You Can Still Stream It
If you missed the original broadcast, the good news is that the episode is still widely available to stream or watch on demand.

Viewers can find Building Outside the Lines on:

• HBO Max:  Stream full episodes with a subscription.
• Discovery+:  Available through the Discovery+ service or its Amazon Channel add-on. 
• Philo:  Episodes are included with a Philo subscription. 
• YouTube TV:  Available to stream through this live TV streaming service. 
• Hulu:  Building Outside the Lines is available to watch on Hulu’s streaming service. 

Buy or Rent
If you prefer just this episode (or to own it permanently), you can buy or rent individual episodes through:

• Amazon Video / Prime Video
• Apple TV Store
• Fandango at Home

If you haven’t watched it yet, now is the perfect time to stream the episode and experience how BioNova® Natural Pools are redefining the modern swimming pool.

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

The post BioNova Weekly News – 3/13/2026 appeared first on BioNova®.

Another Webinar Success and New LA CES Courses Added!BioNova® Natural Pools is pleased to announce the successful completion of another LA CES approved webinar, Introduction to Natural Swimming Pools: Sustainable Design Principles and Biological Filtration (Course #101), held live this past Wednesday, February 25, 2026. 

The webinar was well attended with over 110 registrants which brought together landscape architects and design professionals. Attendees gained practical insights into how natural pools promote public health, environmental stewardship, and biodiversity, while offering clients a beautiful, resilient alternative to traditional chlorinated pools. The strong engagement and thoughtful questions throughout the webinar highlighted a growing interest in nature-based solutions within the landscape architecture community.

In addition, attendees were awarded 2.0 Professional Development Hours (PDH) under the Landscape Architecture Continuing Education System which also covered Heath, Safety, and Welfare (HSW).

If you missed our Introduction to Natural Swimming Pools: Sustainable Design Principles and Biological Filtration webinar, there’s still time to attend. BioNova® Natural Pools is offering two additional live online sessions of this same LA CES–approved course on March 24 and April 14, both at 3:00 PM EST. Please click here to register.

PLUS A NEW LA CES COURSE:

NSP 201: Overview of Regeneration Zones, Plants, Hydraulics & Costs

Course NSP 201 – Live Online
 Wednesday, March 11, 2026 at 3:00 PM EST
2 Professional Development Hours (PDH)
Heath, Safety, and Welfare (HSW) Eligible

NSP 201 provides a comprehensive introduction to the essential components that make natural swimming pools function efficiently and beautifully. This course explores the science and design principles behind regeneration zones, aquatic plant selection, hydraulic systems, and project cost considerations. Highly encouraged to take NSP 101 as a prerequisite. 

Learning Objectives:

• Understanding aquatic and marginal plant selection for water clarity and ecosystem balance
• Fundamentals of hydraulic design, including circulation and oxygenation principles
• How hydraulics impact overall system performance and water quality
• Key budgeting considerations for natural swimming pool projects
• Review of installation costs, maintenance requirements, and lifecycle value
• Foundational knowledge for discussing, designing, and estimating natural swimming pool projects

Instructor: Allen Schnaak

Register Now! (Open to all): Spots are limited, secure yours today! 

We thank everyone who joined us and helped make this course a success.

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

The post BioNova Weekly News – 2/27/2026 appeared first on BioNova®.

New NSP Project in Delta, Colorado

Our BioNova® team is proud to announce another new NSP project, this time in Delta, Colorado.

A stunning new unique NSP is currently under construction blending modern engineering with the rugged beauty of the region’s native landscape. Designed by BioNova® Natural Pools, this custom project showcases how thoughtful design can harmonize with the land rather than compete with it.

Measuring at its longest of approximately 34 feet long and 14 feet 5 inches at it widest wide, the pool is being carefully excavated directly into Colorado’s natural sandstone terrain. Rather than importing materials that would contrast with the site, the construction team is embracing the existing geology as a defining design feature.

The excavation process reveals the warm tones and textures of the native sandstone, creating a foundation that feels organic and grounded. To ensure structural integrity and long-term durability, the pool shell will be formed in concrete and then stained to mirror the surrounding natural rock. The result will be a seamless visual transition between the built structure and the landscape itself.

The pool will be filtered using a 15-tube BF4 biological filter, housed inside a precast 7’ x 10’ x 5’ vault. Enhancing both function and beauty, the design also incorporates a small stream feature that will gently flow into a dedicated wading/children’s pool. This cascading element adds movement, sound, and visual interest while contributing to water circulation throughout the system.

We are very excited about this project and as always, we look forward to updating you on this project as it progresses.

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

The post BioNova Weekly News – 2/20/2026 appeared first on BioNova®.

TV Show, Building Outside the Lines, Showcases a Stunning Natural Swimming Pool by BioNova®

Get ready for a fresh splash of innovation and eco-design on the next episode of Building Outside the Lines! In season 3 finale, airing February 17, 2026, hosts Cappie and Alex take on a breathtaking build: a luxury natural swimming pool that blends sustainable engineering, organic aesthetics, and year-round enjoyment. 

This isn’t your ordinary backyard pool. Instead of relying on harsh chemicals like chlorine, this pool is crafted with nature at the forefront, designed and constructed using principles from BioNova® Natural Pools and BioNova® Dealer Jesse Dutra. 

Behind the Build
On the episode, Cappie and Alex collaborate with BioNova’s design philosophy and dealer Jesse Dutra, showing how eco-centric engineering and creative landscaping come together to craft an all-season natural oasis. Viewers will see:

• Strategic excavation and layout of swimming vs. biofilm filter
• Installation of sustainable filtration systems
• Aesthetic finishes like handmade boulder walls and landscape features 

This project isn’t just about swimming, it’s a centerpiece that invites friends and family to gather, relax, and connect with nature in your own backyard.

Why It Matters
Natural swimming pools, especially those built with BioNova’s certified systems, are gaining attention as homeowners look for healthier, greener alternatives to traditional pools. They offer:

• Zero chemical use and a more skin-friendly swim
• Beautiful integration with outdoor landscapes
• Sustainable operation using biological processes
• Potential year-round enjoyment with thoughtful design 

Whether you’re a design enthusiast, a DIY lover, or someone dreaming of an eco-friendly backyard retreat, this episode delivers inspiration and insight into what’s possible when architecture, nature, and craftsmanship come together.

Don’t miss the Season 3 finale of Building Outside the Lines — a journey into sustainable pool design that will make you rethink what a backyard oasis can be!

How to Watch or Stream the Episode

Whether you like traditional TV or streaming on demand, here are the ways you can catch the latest episode:

Live TV & On-Demand

• Magnolia Network:  The show airs on Magnolia’s TV channel as part of its regular schedule premiering on February 17 at 8pm EST
• Spectrum On Demand:  Season 3 episodes, including this new one, may be available to watch at your convenience through Spectrum’s on-demand library. 

Streaming Services

You can stream Building Outside the Lines, including this new natural pool build, on several popular streaming platforms in the U.S.: 

• HBO Max:  Stream full episodes with a subscription.
• Discovery+:  Available through the Discovery+ service or its Amazon Channel add-on. 
• Philo:  Episodes are included with a Philo subscription. 
• YouTube TV:  Available to stream through this live TV streaming service. 
• Hulu:  Building Outside the Lines is available to watch on Hulu’s streaming service. 

Buy or Rent
If you prefer just this episode (or to own it permanently), you can buy or rent individual episodes through:

• Amazon Video / Prime Video
• Apple TV Store
• Fandango at Home

These platforms let you purchase in HD or SD without a subscription. 

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

The post BioNova Weekly News – 2/13/2026 appeared first on BioNova®.

Webinar Success: Introduction to Natural Swimming Pools

BioNova® Natural Pools is pleased to announce the successful completion of our LA CES approved webinar, Introduction to Natural Swimming Pools: Sustainable Design Principles and Biological Filtration (Course #101), held live on January 29, 2026. 

The webinar was well attended with over 80 registrants which brought together landscape architects and design professionals eager to explore chemical-free swimming solutions rooted in ecology and sustainability. Led by instructor Allen Schnaak, the course introduced participants to the fundamentals of biological filtration, regeneration zones, and smart zoning strategies that allow natural swimming pools to integrate seamlessly into the landscape.

 Attendees gained practical insights into how natural pools promote public health, environmental stewardship, and biodiversity, while offering clients a beautiful, resilient alternative to traditional chlorinated pools. The strong engagement and thoughtful questions throughout the webinar highlighted a growing interest in nature-based solutions within the landscape architecture community.

In addition, attendees were awarded 2.0 Professional Development Hours (PDH) under the Landscape Architecture Continuing Education System which also covered Heath, Safety, and Welfare (HSW).

If you missed our Introduction to Natural Swimming Pools: Sustainable Design Principles and Biological Filtration webinar, there’s still time to attend. BioNova® Natural Pools is offering two additional live online sessions of this same LA CES–approved course on February 25 and March 24, both at 3:00 PM EST. Please click here to register.

We thank everyone who joined us and helped make this course a success.

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

The post BioNova Weekly News – 2/6/2026 appeared first on BioNova®.