BioNova®

BioNova Weekly News – 9/25/2026

Kris Heiberg — Tue, 29 Sep 2026 20:26:51 +0000

This is also a good time to inspect steps, coping, stonework, skimmers, pumps, and other components for anything that may need attention before winter.

Remember that some biological activity is completely normal. Don’t mistake a healthy biofilm or natural biological growth for something that needs to be scrubbed away.

Don’t Forget the Biofilter

Your biological filtration system continues to play an important role even as temperatures fall.

Avoid the temptation to completely clean or disturb the biological filter simply because you’re preparing for winter. The microorganisms living within the biofilter are an essential part of your natural pool’s filtration system.

Follow your BioNova® system’s recommended seasonal maintenance procedures, including any necessary backwashing or inspection, before temperatures become too cold.

Leaf management is one of the most important fall maintenance tasks.

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.

Stay safe

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 – 9/25/2026 appeared first on BioNova®.

BioNova Weekly News – 9/18/2026

Kris Heiberg — Mon, 21 Sep 2026 21:24:59 +0000

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…

Fall Is Coming: Let Your Natural Pool Transition Naturally
As summer begins to fade and the first day of fall approaches, your natural swimming pool starts to change, but that doesn’t mean something is wrong.

A natural swimming pool is a living ecosystem, and just like the landscape around it, that ecosystem responds to the changing seasons.

As temperatures cool and daylight hours become shorter, biological activity naturally begins to slow. Plants begin transitioning toward dormancy, microorganisms adjust to cooler water, and the overall pace of the ecosystem changes.

Cooler Water Means a Different Pace

During the warm summer months, biological activity is at its peak. Beneficial microorganisms are actively working within the biofilm and biological filtration system, helping maintain water quality.

As fall arrives, cooler water temperatures naturally reduce the speed of these biological processes. This is expected and is simply part of the seasonal cycle. You may notice subtle changes in the appearance of your pool or regeneration area. That doesn’t necessarily mean the system needs to be “fixed.”

Managing Fall Leaves and Debris

One of the biggest changes homeowners notice in autumn is the arrival of falling leaves.

Some leaves and organic debris are completely normal in a natural pool environment. However, excessive accumulation should still be managed. Removing large amounts of leaves from the swimming area and preventing heavy debris buildup in filtration areas helps keep the system functioning properly.

The goal isn’t to create a completely sterile environment. It’s about maintaining a healthy balance.

Keep the Water Moving

Even as the swimming season winds down, circulation remains important. Your biological filtration system doesn’t simply turn off because summer is over. Maintaining appropriate circulation allows water to continue moving through the system and supports the biological processes that help maintain water quality.

Fall is also a good time to make sure pumps, filtration equipment, skimmers, and other components are operating properly before winter arrives.

Don’t Overreact to Seasonal Changes

Perhaps the most important fall maintenance tip is simple: Don’t panic when your natural pool starts looking a little different.

A natural swimming pool isn’t supposed to look exactly the same every day of the year. It’s designed to work with seasonal changes.

Cooler temperatures. Falling leaves. Changing plant growth. Slower biological activity. These aren’t necessarily problems, they’re signs that your ecosystem is responding to its environment.

Let Nature Do Its Thing

As we move from summer into fall, think of your natural pool as entering a new phase rather than ending the season.

Perform the necessary maintenance, keep debris under control, monitor your equipment, and maintain appropriate circulation, but resist the urge to constantly intervene when the ecosystem is simply following its natural seasonal rhythm.

Fall isn’t the end of the natural pool season. It’s simply the ecosystem changing gears.

Fall isn’t the end of the natural pool season. It’s simply the ecosystem changing gears.

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.

Stay Safe

Questions, Concerns, Thoughts

Respectfully,

Ryan Harmer
BioNova® Natural Pools
ryan@bionovanaturalpools.com
609-318-4707

The post BioNova Weekly News – 9/18/2026 appeared first on BioNova®.

BioNova Weekly News – 9/11/2026

Kris Heiberg — Mon, 14 Sep 2026 18:30:04 +0000

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…

Organic Staining in a Natural Pool: What Should You Do?
If you notice brown, green, or dark discoloration on the floor or walls of your natural swimming pool, your first instinct may be to assume something is wrong. But in a natural pool, staining and discoloration can have several causes—and they don’t necessarily indicate a problem with the system.

Organic staining is often caused by leaves, pollen, tannins, soil, and other natural materials that find their way into the pool and begin to break down. Areas where debris settles, particularly corners and low-flow areas, are more likely to develop discoloration.

Start With the Simple Things

Before reaching for chemicals, start by removing the source of the staining. Remove leaves and other organic debris, then gently brush the affected surfaces. Vacuuming the pool can also help remove the material that has settled on the bottom.

Pay particular attention to areas where circulation may be reduced. Good hydraulics are critical in a natural pool, and dead spots can allow organic material to accumulate and create persistent discoloration.

Is It Really a Stain?

What looks like staining may actually be biofilm or algae. A thin green or brown film on the walls or floor can be part of the natural biological ecosystem.

Try gently brushing the area. If the material releases from the surface, you’re likely dealing with a biological growth or organic deposit rather than a permanent stain.

This is an important distinction because the appropriate response is very different.

Don’t Reach for Chemicals Too Quickly

One of the biggest mistakes a natural pool owner can make is treating every discoloration like a problem that needs to be chemically eliminated.

Natural pools depend on a living biological ecosystem to maintain water quality. Aggressive treatments such as chlorine or other oxidizing chemicals can disrupt that ecosystem and potentially create more problems than they solve.

Instead, focus first on debris removal, circulation, filtration, and maintaining a healthy biological system.

Check Your Water and Your Filtration

If organic staining continues to return, it’s worth looking beyond the surface.

Check that your circulation system is moving water effectively throughout the pool. Examine areas where debris may be collecting, and make sure the biofilter and regeneration zone are functioning as intended.

Water testing can also provide valuable information. Nutrients such as phosphates can contribute to unwanted biological growth, so testing can help determine whether there is an underlying nutrient issue.

Let the Ecosystem Do Its Job

A natural pool isn’t supposed to look and behave exactly like a chemically treated swimming pool. Some biological activity is not only normal, it’s essential.

The goal isn’t necessarily to eliminate every trace of biofilm, organic material, or natural discoloration. The goal is to maintain a balanced ecosystem that keeps the swimming water clean, clear, and healthy.

So, the next time you see a little organic staining, don’t panic. Remove the debris, check your circulation, inspect your filtration, test when appropriate, and give your natural pool’s ecosystem a chance to do what it was designed to do.

Routine vacuuming can prevent most organic stains. Getting organic material off the pool surfaces before they can become more permanent stains.

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.

Stay Safe

Questions, Concerns, Thoughts

Respectfully,

Ryan Harmer
BioNova® Natural Pools
ryan@bionovanaturalpools.com
609-318-4707

The post BioNova Weekly News – 9/11/2026 appeared first on BioNova®.

BioNova Weekly News – 9/4/2026

Kris Heiberg — Mon, 07 Sep 2026 18:27:53 +0000

Removes suspended particles and fine debris
Helps polish the water and improve clarity
Captures some algae and organic particles
Can reduce the load reaching the biological filtration system
Provides a convenient way to backwash and remove accumulated solids

In a BioNova® natural pool, you can think of it as a polishing/mechanical filter rather than the engine of the ecosystem.

What it does not do

A sand filter does not replace a properly sized BF4 biofilm filter or regeneration/biological zone. The important biological work, processing dissolved nutrients and organic compounds and supporting the microbial community, happens primarily in the biological filtration system.

A sand filter can actually become biologically active over time because microorganisms colonize the sand, but that’s different from having a purpose-designed biological filter.

One caution: don’t make the sand filter so aggressive or maintain it in a way that unnecessarily strips the biological system of beneficial organisms. In a natural pool, you generally want to remove excess solids while allowing the biological ecosystem to establish and function.

Used together and properly sized, mechanical and biological filtration can complement each other and provide a clear, healthy, and naturally balanced swimming environment.

A sand filter can be a great supporting player in a NSP hydraulic design.

Used together, mechanical and biological filtration can complement each other and provide a clear water.

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.

Stay Safe.

Questions, Concerns, Thoughts

Respectfully,

Ryan Harmer
BioNova® Natural Pools
ryan@bionovanaturalpools.com
609-318-4707

The post BioNova Weekly News – 9/4/2026 appeared first on BioNova®.

BioNova Weekly News – 8/28/2026

Kris Heiberg — Mon, 31 Aug 2026 17:13:46 +0000

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 Hidden Key to a Clear Natural Pool: Proper Hydraulics and Circulation
When people look at a natural swimming pool, they usually notice the obvious things first, the beautiful design, the clear water, the landscaping, and perhaps the biological filter. But underneath all of that is something you can’t see: hydraulics.

Proper water movement is one of the most important factors in making a natural swimming pool work. A healthy biological filter can only do its job if the right amount of water is consistently moving through the system.

Water Has to Go Somewhere

A natural pool isn’t simply a hole filled with water and a biological filter attached to it. The entire system needs to be designed around how water moves. Water must be drawn from the appropriate areas of the pool, transported through the filtration system, processed biologically, and returned to the pool in a way that promotes circulation throughout the entire swimming area.

The goal is to avoid stagnant areas where water isn’t being adequately exchanged. Good hydraulics keep the entire pool participating in the ecosystem.

It’s About More Than Just Pump Size

It’s easy to think that a bigger pump automatically means better circulation. It doesn’t. The pump, plumbing, pipe sizes, fittings, elevations, filtration system, and return locations all work together to determine how water actually moves.

A pump that is too large can create unnecessary energy consumption and excessive flow through components that weren’t designed for it. A pump that is too small may not provide adequate turnover or filtration.

Getting Water Through the Biofilter

This becomes particularly important with biological filtration. The biofilter is where a tremendous amount of biological activity takes place. Water passing through the filter brings nutrients and organic material into contact with the microbial community living within the filtration media. If circulation is inadequate, portions of the system may not receive the water they need.

If circulation is properly designed, the biological filter can continuously interact with the pool water and contribute to maintaining water quality. This is why filtration and hydraulics can’t really be considered separate subjects. The biology depends on the hydraulics.

Avoiding Dead Zones

One of the enemies of good circulation is the “dead zone”, an area where water movement is minimal. Dead zones can occur in corners, around steps, near walls, or in poorly designed sections of a pool. When water isn’t moving effectively, organic material and nutrients can accumulate.

Proper placement of drains, skimmers, returns, and circulation points helps prevent these areas from developing. The result is a pool where water is continually being exchanged rather than simply sitting in isolated pockets.

The Invisible Work Behind Clear Water

When a natural pool is crystal clear, it is tempting to credit only the biological filter. But behind that clear water is an entire system working together.

You can have excellent biology, but without good hydraulics, that biology can’t reach its full potential.

A natural swimming pool is a living ecosystem, but it is also a carefully engineered hydraulic system. The best results come when the two work together:

Biology cleans the water.
Hydraulics deliver the water.
Good design makes both possible.

So the next time you look at a crystal-clear natural pool, remember that some of the most important work is happening where you can’t see it, under the surface, inside the plumbing, and through the continuous movement of water. That’s the hidden power of proper circulation.

Good hydraulics are key to a successful NSP.

Flow meters ensure you are moving the proper GPMs through he system

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.

Stay Safe

Questions, Concerns, Thoughts

Respectfully,

Ryan Harmer
BioNova® Natural Pools
ryan@bionovanaturalpools.com
609-318-4707

The post BioNova Weekly News – 8/28/2026 appeared first on BioNova®.

BioNova Weekly News – 7/3/2026

Kris Heiberg — Mon, 06 Jul 2026 17:39:49 +0000

Dear friends,

Here’s what’s happening at BioNova® Natural Pools North America…

Celebrate Independence from Chlorine This Fourth of July

250 years ago the founding fathers didn’t have chlorine and you don’t need it either. For many families, the Fourth of July means backyard barbecues, pool parties, fireworks, and making memories with friends and family. But for many traditional pool owners, the holiday weekend starts with something a little less exciting, testing water, adding chemicals, balancing pH, shocking the pool, and making one last trip to the pool store.

Natural pool owners have a different kind of Independence Day.

Instead of spending the morning measuring chlorine levels and worrying about whether the water is ready for guests, they’re setting out lawn chairs, filling coolers with ice, firing up the grill, and getting ready to enjoy the weekend. Their pool is being maintained by something much more remarkable than a collection of chemical bottles, a living biological filtration system.

Inside every BioNova Natural Pool, billions of beneficial microorganisms are continuously at work. These naturally occurring microbes colonize the biofilm filter, where they break down organic matter and help keep the water clean and clear without relying on chlorine or other harsh chemicals. And during the warm days of midsummer, this biological ecosystem is operating at peak performance.

That means the hottest part of the summer is often when a natural pool looks its best. Warm temperatures encourage healthy biological activity, creating exceptionally clear, inviting water while maintaining a balanced aquatic ecosystem.

Of course, every pool benefits from a little attention. Skimming leaves, emptying skimmer baskets, and performing routine equipment checks are all part of good pool care. But instead of constantly adjusting water chemistry, natural pool owners can spend more of their holiday doing what pools are meant for, swimming, relaxing, and enjoying time with the people who matter most.

This Fourth of July, celebrate more than our nation’s independence. Celebrate the freedom that comes from leaving behind weekly chemical routines and embracing a healthier, more natural way to swim.

From all of us at BioNova® Natural Pools, we wish you a safe, relaxing, and unforgettable Independence Day. Happy Fourth of July!

An NSP is freedom from chemicals. Happy 4th of July!

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.

Stay Safe

Questions, Concerns, Thoughts

Respectfully,

Ryan Harmer
BioNova® Natural Pools
ryan@bionovanaturalpools.com
609-318-4707

The post BioNova Weekly News – 7/3/2026 appeared first on BioNova®.

BioNova Weekly News – 6/26/2026

Kris Heiberg — Mon, 29 Jun 2026 18:53:43 +0000

Dear friends,

Here’s what’s happening at BioNova® Natural Pools North America…

Summer Is When Nature Does Its Best Work
As the summer sun heats up, most traditional pool owners know what comes next, more chlorine, more testing, more chemicals, and more maintenance. High temperatures can accelerate algae growth, burn off chlorine, and make keeping the water balanced feel like a full-time job.

For a properly designed natural swimming pool, however, summer tells a very different story. Warm weather is when the biological ecosystem reaches peak performance.

Just as gardens flourish and forests come alive during the summer months, the beneficial microorganisms that keep a natural pool clean become more active as water temperatures rise. These microscopic helpers form healthy biofilms within the biological filtration system, where they continuously break down organic matter and naturally remove nutrients that would otherwise feed algae.

Instead of relying on chemicals to sanitize the water, a natural pool harnesses biology to create a stable, self-sustaining ecosystem. The result is exceptionally clear water that remains inviting throughout the swimming season.

The biological filter works around the clock, quietly supporting millions of beneficial microorganisms that do the hard work naturally. As long as the system is properly designed and maintained, these organisms become increasingly efficient during the warmest months of the year. That’s one of the reasons many natural pool owners notice their water looking its absolute best in midsummer.

Of course, every pool benefits from routine care. Removing leaves and debris before they decompose, maintaining proper circulation, and vacuuming the walls and floors all help support a healthy biological balance. But unlike traditional pools, the goal isn’t to constantly adjust chemistry, it’s to maintain an ecosystem that’s already working for you.

Summer is also when the benefits of a natural swimming pool are most appreciated. Families can enjoy crystal-clear water without the strong smell of chlorine, burning eyes, dry skin, or faded swimsuits. Instead of spending weekends measuring chemicals and chasing water balance, they’re spending time making memories.

Nature has spent millions of years perfecting biological filtration. At BioNova® Natural Pools, we’ve simply learned how to bring those same natural processes into your backyard.

So while the temperatures rise this summer, remember that your natural pool isn’t fighting the heat, it’s thriving in it. The warm weather helps power the living ecosystem that keeps your water clean, clear, and ready for another day of swimming.

That’s the beauty of letting nature do what it does best.

While the temperatures rise this summer, remember that your natural pool isn’t fighting the heat, it’s thriving in it.

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.

Stay safe

uestions, Concerns, Thoughts

Respectfully,

Ryan Harmer
BioNova® Natural Pools
ryan@bionovanaturalpools.com
609-318-4707

The post BioNova Weekly News – 6/26/2026 appeared first on BioNova®.

BioNova Weekly News – 6/19/2026

Kris Heiberg — Mon, 22 Jun 2026 16:58:15 +0000

One of the most rewarding parts of building a natural swimming pool is seeing how it performs years after completion. Recently, we had the opportunity to check in on a BioNova® Natural Pool that was completed almost two years ago, and the results were impressive.

This project in Haddonfield, NJ, which is just 10 miles outside of Philadelphia, was designed closely with the home owner to build a pool that is natural in shape and form and matches and blends well with the existing landscaping. The pool is design to be a 21’x42’ freeform pool with a surface area of approximately 806 square feet. The shallow end is 4 feet deep and the deep end is 6 feet.

The pool is filtered with a 18 tube BF4. Part of the client’s request was to have a curved BF4 vault that followed the contours of the pool so a curved vault was built off the deep end and feed water through two SkimmerKlappes.

The water remains crystal clear, the biological filtration system is performing exactly as designed, and the pool continues to provide a beautiful, chemical-free swimming experience. Even into its second full season of use, the ecosystem has matured beautifully, requiring only routine maintenance while delivering exceptional water quality.

Most importantly, the homeowners couldn’t be happier. They continue to enjoy swimming in naturally filtered water and appreciate how seamlessly the pool blends into their landscape. Their enthusiasm serves as a great reminder that natural pools aren’t just a sustainable alternative to traditional pools, they’re a long-term investment in healthier, more enjoyable outdoor living.

Seeing a project thrive years after installation is a testament to the effectiveness of natural pool design and the lasting value it brings to homeowners.

This freeform NSP is crystal clear as it goes into its second full season of operation.

The owners use the curved BF4 vault to grow water hyacinth and then transfer it to their koi pond. The fish love to snack on the roots.

The owners went with a black Poolhide liner, but the water still looks a beautiful blue green and is crystal clear to the bottom.

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.

Stay safe

Questions, Concerns, Thoughts

Respectfully,

Ryan Harmer
BioNova® Natural Pools
ryan@bionovanaturalpools.com
609-318-4707

The post BioNova Weekly News – 6/19/2026 appeared first on BioNova®.

BioNova Weekly News – 6/12/2026

Kris Heiberg — Tue, 16 Jun 2026 17:37:42 +0000

If you or your clients have 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.

Could this be the year you go with a natural 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.

Stay safe

Questions, Concerns, Thoughts

Respectfully,

Ryan Harmer
BioNova® Natural Pools
ryan@bionovanaturalpools.com
609-318-4707

The post BioNova Weekly News – 6/12/2026 appeared first on BioNova®.

BioNova Weekly News 6/5/2026

Kris Heiberg — Mon, 08 Jun 2026 18:53:33 +0000

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 separation gravel has been added to both the BF4 vault and the the wetlands area. The hardscape around the pool has also begun to go down and looks great. They past week we were on site to install the two pumps and sand filter and complete the final plumbing connections. Once electrical connections are made to the equipment, this pool will be ready for water and startup.

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

Hardscape has begun to go down, and the wetlands and BF4 vault have been filled with gravel.

Equipment has been set and final pluming connections have been made.

Build it and they will come. The toads wasted no time making tadpoles in the rain water that has collected in the pool so far.

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.

Stay Safe

Questions, Concerns, Thoughts

Respectfully,

Ryan Harmer
BioNova® Natural Pools
ryan@bionovanaturalpools.com
609-318-4707

The post BioNova Weekly News 6/5/2026 appeared first on BioNova®.