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®.

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®.

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.

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 – 6/19/2026 appeared first on BioNova®.

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.

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 – 6/12/2026 appeared first on BioNova®.

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.

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 6/5/2026 appeared first on BioNova®.

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 Thursday, May 28, 2026. 

The webinar was well attended with over 88 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 1.5 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 (Course #101) webinar, we will be offering more courses and will update you once the dates are set.

We will also be conducting more of our second course, NSP 201: Overview of Regeneration Zones, Plants, Hydraulics & Costs. 

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

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 – 5/29/2026 appeared first on BioNova®.

A new natural swimming pool project is taking shape in Mullica Hill, bringing sustainable luxury and chemical-free swimming to another residential property in the Garden State. Designed around the principles of biological filtration and ecological balance, the new pool will combine modern geometry with the clean, living-water experience that has made natural pools increasingly popular across North America.

The pool itself will measure 20 feet by 44 feet, creating approximately 880 square feet of swimming area. The generous dimensions will provide ample room for recreation, exercise, and relaxation while maintaining the sleek appearance of a contemporary luxury pool. At the heart of the system will be a 20-tube BF4 biofilter

The Mullica Hill project represents another example of how natural swimming pools are evolving beyond rustic pond aesthetics into highly engineered contemporary installations. Modern natural pools can incorporate clean lines, submerged entries, lighting, heating systems, and automated features while still maintaining a chemical-free 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 – 5/22/2026 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…

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 separation walls were installed in the regeneration zone. Then the PoolHide liner was installed by our master welder. The client choose a light gray which will look amazing once the pool is filled. This past week, geotextile was laid into the both the regeneration zone and BF4 vault to protect the liner from the gravel. Then the 12 tube BF4 was installed as well as the under gravel plumbing for the regeneration zone. Next steps will be equipment installation and final plumbing.

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 – 5/15/2026 appeared first on BioNova®.