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…

What is Black Pond Water
If your clients have standalone ponds, a regeneration zone, or a natural pool that is not covered during the colder months it can be quite a difficult task to keep the water looking perfect all year round, especially in months such as autumn where there is a large amount of debris settling in the water. Pond water will naturally shift in color throughout the year; becoming a more yellowish tea-like brown in autumn as tannins leak from fallen leaves and pine needles, and more green in the summer as algae tries to bloom under the sunlight. In most cases this is a harmless seasonal change that will balance out with regular maintenance, good filtration, and stable water conditions. Although this rapid change in color can seem scary to some, in most cases there is little you can do but to let the eco-system catch up and do its work.

However, even though seasonal changes in color can be natural and nothing to worry about, if the water is shifting to a much darker black color, it’s probably time to investigate further. A black color in the pond, whether it’s in the water or on the liner, is often a warning sign of a growing imbalance that needs attention. It’s rare for this type of color to occur rapidly, and it is more commonly the result of a long term problem, such as a lack of aeration causing beneficial bacteria to die and sludge to increase.
A black pond is not a good sign and needs to be investigated and treated before the problem can cause permanent damage to the natural eco-system. As mentioned, the most common cause of black pond water is due to buildup of waste, a lack of aeration, and the growth of slow-digesting anaerobic bacteria. Although cleaning out debris can seem like an unnecessary chore, unless a pond has a strong filtration system and plenty of aeration in place, beneficial bacteria can’t always keep up with demands. To breakdown all the debris, sludge, and gunk in the pond, beneficial bacteria require lots of dissolved oxygen to function efficiently. This type of bacteria, the good bacteria, is aerobic in nature; meaning it utilizes an oxygen-based metabolism.

In seasons with heavy debris fall, such as autumn, or if a client simply doesn’t clean out excess waste regularly, oxygen content will slowly drop and beneficial bacteria will die off. At this point the pond may look brown in color due to the leaking tannin from decaying debris, but will eventually turn black as the muck becomes filled with anaerobic bacteria which slowly break down waste and release potent waste products. This kind of bacteria functions in low oxygen conditions, thriving in the rotting humus which turns dark in appearance as things decay on the pond floor. This cause is often easy to spot as the black color is mostly on the pond floor as thick sludge, with an accompanying smell of sewage and rotten eggs around the water.

Another common cause of black water is damage or leaks to the pond liner or poor grading around the pond or pool which allow sediment and minerals to leech and run into the water. In most cases this problem would bring about a brown or yellow color, but this can also turn black as sediment levels build. If you’re in an area with high levels of mineral content in the soil, especially manganese, this could also be causing the darker shade of water color.

In summary, it is very important to emphasize to clients the importance of fall and spring deep cleanings to limit debris from building up and then breaking down in the water. A clean pond is a happy pond and will help keep a healthy eco system and beautiful 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.

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 – 10/16/2026 appeared first on BioNova®.

As temperatures begin to drop and swimming season comes to an end, one question we hear from natural pool owners is: “Do I need to winterize my natural pool?”

The answer is: yes, but not necessarily in the same way you would winterize a traditional swimming pool. Last newsletter we focus more on the specialize equipment pieces found in natural pools, here we’d like to take a moment to take more toward the biology.

A natural swimming pool is a living ecosystem, and preparing it for winter is more about protecting the system and allowing the biology to transition naturally than shutting everything down.

Let the Ecosystem Slow Down Naturally

As water temperatures decrease, biological activity in a natural pool naturally slows. Beneficial microorganisms become less active, plants begin to go dormant, and the overall ecosystem requires less energy.

There is no need to try to force the pool into a particular condition before winter. Instead, the goal is to make sure the system is clean, functioning properly, and prepared for freezing temperatures.

Remove Leaves and Organic Debris

I know we’ve discussed this, but one of the most important fall maintenance tasks is keeping leaves and other organic material out of the pool.

Leaves that remain in the water eventually break down and release nutrients into the system. Removing them regularly helps minimize unnecessary nutrient loading and makes the transition into winter easier for the ecosystem.

As fall progresses, regular skimming and removal of accumulated debris should be part of your normal maintenance routine.

Check Your Equipment

Before freezing temperatures arrive, inspect the components that keep your natural pool operating.

Check pumps, plumbing, skimmers, valves, filter components, and other equipment for proper operation. If your particular system requires equipment to be shut down or protected during freezing weather, those steps should be completed before temperatures drop below freezing.

The exact winterization procedure can vary depending on the design of the natural pool, climate, circulation system, and equipment configuration.

What About the Biofilter?

The biological filtration system doesn’t simply stop being important because swimming season is over.

As temperatures fall, the microorganisms within the biofilter become less active, but the biological system is still part of the pool’s ecosystem. Rather than trying to chemically clean or sterilize the system before winter, allow the biofilter to transition naturally with the changing seasons.

This is one of the fundamental differences between a natural swimming pool and a conventional chemically treated pool: the goal is to maintain a healthy ecosystem, not eliminate the biology.

Don’t Overdo It

Fall maintenance is important, but there’s also a danger in doing too much.

You don’t need to aggressively scrub every surface, remove healthy biofilm, or make unnecessary changes simply because the pool looks different as the seasons change. A natural pool is designed to work with seasonal biological changes. Think of fall maintenance as preparation rather than intervention.

Remove excess debris, inspect your equipment, address anything that genuinely needs attention, and then allow the ecosystem to slow down naturally.

Preparing for a Better Spring

A little attention in the fall can make the transition into spring much easier.

By keeping leaves and organic debris under control, making sure equipment is ready for winter, and allowing the biological system to follow its natural seasonal cycle, you’re setting the stage for a healthy restart when warmer temperatures return.

Winterizing a natural pool isn’t about shutting nature down. It’s about protecting the system while giving nature time to rest. And when spring arrives, your natural pool will be ready to begin its next seasonal cycle.

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 – 10/9/2026 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…

Winterizing a Natural Pool or Pond

We have entered October and autumn is here, and if you live in the cooler regions of the United States then you most likely are busy winterizing and closing pools, ponds, and water features. For a lot of you out there you may already know everything this is to know about winterizing pools and specifically natural pools and ponds, and some of you are in climates where the pools stay open all year. However we wanted to put out some information that may help with your winterizing procedures.

As many of you know, the basic components of a natural pool that are common to chemical pools get winterized the same way. Return, suction, and skimmer lines should have all the water blown out and plugged to make sure the lines don’t freeze and burst during the winter. Along with plugging the skimmers some device, like a pool gizzmo, that is designed to absorb the expansion of winter freeze should be placed in the skimmers to protect them.

This information should be pretty well known but where questions may arise is with the winterizing of some of the BioNova® equipment used in our ponds and regeneration zones, namely the fine filters, d-shafts, and lily-pad skimmers.

BioNova® lily-pad skimmers can’t be plugged as the water enters through several slots along the bottom. The construction of the skimmer is sturdy enough to hold up to freezing water expansion but the skimmer lines should still be blown out and air locked to keep water out of the pipes that may be exposed to freezing temperatures.

BioNova® D-shafts should have the tubes inserted inside. During operation only the return d-shafts have the tubes in them but for the winter both return and suction d-shafts need the inside tubes installed. Once installed, the water should be drained from the fine filter which will bring down the water level inside the d-shaft tube. Then the line should be blown to remove any residual water. We then recommend pouring two gallons of antifreeze per d-shaft into the center of the tube to ensure no freezing occurs during the winter. However is it very important to use a propylene glycol based antifreeze and not ethylene glycol based antifreezes. This is typically sold as RV and marine antifreeze. We want to use propylene glycol antifreeze as this is a biodegradable antifreeze which breaks down into carbon dioxide and water and the impact and toxicity on fresh water and marine organisms is very low. After the lines are blown and antifreeze added the inside tubes should be capped with a 4 inch Fernco cap.

BioNova® Fine Filters should be drained of water to winterize. The suction side of the fine filters, like the lily-pad skimmer can’t be plugged so once again the line should be blown out and air locked. The 6 inch inlet at the bottom of the fine filter, however, can be plugged or capped. The water should be sucked out of the inlet and we cap ours with a 6 inch Fernco cap.

BioNova® Bioflow Filter (BF4) doesn’t need much to winterize. The main thing that needs to be done is to blow out  and air lock the lines leading to the backwash, bubble, and filter manifolds so that any pipes that are above ground or near the surface do not freeze. The BF4 vault should be left filled with water. This will act as an insulation barrier so that none of the pvc pipes at the bottom of the vault freeze. Like the lily-pad skimmers, the construction of the BF4 tubes are sturdy enough to hold up to freezing water expansion.

We hope this information was useful. Continue to enjoy the colder temperatures.

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 – 10/2/2026 appeared first on BioNova®.

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.

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

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 – 9/18/2026 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…

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.

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 – 9/11/2026 appeared first on BioNova®.

• 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.

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 – 9/4/2026 appeared first on BioNova®.

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.

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 – 8/28/2026 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…

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!

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 – 7/3/2026 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…

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.

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.

uestions, 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 – 6/26/2026 appeared first on BioNova®.