The Importance of Moving Water in a Natural Swimming Pond

We know that water movement is key in an NSP system, but just how important is it and just what exactly does it do. Whether through pumps, waterfalls, or strategically placed circulation systems, moving water plays a vital role in maintaining the pond’s ecological balance, water clarity, and overall appeal.

1. Oxygenation: Sustaining Aquatic Life

Water movement promotes oxygenation, which is critical for the beneficial bacteria and aquatic plants. Just like in natural lakes and rivers, moving water in a pond introduces oxygen from the atmosphere into the water. This dissolved oxygen is vital for aerobic bacteria, which break down organic waste and keep the ecosystem healthy. In stagnant water, oxygen levels can drop dramatically, leading to foul odors and the death of aquatic life.

2. Algae Control and Water Clarity

Stagnant water creates an ideal environment for algae blooms, which can quickly turn a crystal-clear swimming pond into a murky green mess. Moving water helps disrupt algae growth in several ways:

• It prevents sunlight from penetrating uniformly, disrupting algae photosynthesis.
• It supports the growth of beneficial microbes that outcompete algae for nutrients.
• It helps distribute natural algaecides from aquatic plants more effectively throughout the pond.

With proper circulation, natural swimming ponds stay clearer and require less maintenance.

3. Preventing Mosquito Breeding
Mosquitoes thrive in still water, laying eggs that quickly hatch into larvae. By keeping the water moving, especially at the surface, you make the environment less hospitable for mosquito reproduction. A well-circulated pond can dramatically reduce the risk of mosquito infestation, making the swimming experience more enjoyable and reducing the potential spread of mosquito-borne diseases.

4. Aesthetic and Sensory Benefits
Beyond the biological and chemical benefits, moving water enhances the sensory experience of a natural swimming pond. The gentle sound of a waterfall or bubbling stream adds tranquility, masks noise pollution, and brings a dynamic, living quality to the landscape. Visually, flowing water reflects light differently, creating shimmer and movement that enhance the pond’s natural beauty.

5. Supporting Natural Filtration Zones
Most natural swimming ponds include two key zones: a swimming zone and a regeneration zone filled with gravel and aquatic plants. For these zones to function effectively, water must continuously flow between them. Circulation ensures that water passes through the plant roots and biological filter media, where impurities are removed and water is naturally purified before returning to the swimming area.

Conclusion
Moving water is the lifeblood of a healthy natural swimming pond. It fosters a balanced ecosystem, prevents problems before they arise, and enhances the sensory appeal of your outdoor space. Whether powered by pumps or designed through passive water flow systems, integrating effective circulation is essential to ensuring your natural swimming pond remains a safe, sustainable, and beautiful place to enjoy for years to come.

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 – 4/17/2026 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®.

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®.

Momentum Builds for Chlorine-Free Pools in South Dakota

A promising shift toward natural water systems is underway in the Midwest. According to reporting by South Dakota Searchlight, lawmakers have advanced legislation that could allow small lodges to operate swimming pools without chlorine.

Click here to read the “South Dakota Spotlight” Article

The South Dakota House of Representatives and the Senate have recently approved House Bill 1299, a measure that would permit lodging facilities with 15 or fewer rooms to install biofilter-based pool systems. These systems use natural biological processes, including beneficial bacteria and plant-based filtration, to maintain clean, clear water without relying on traditional chemical disinfectants.

If enacted, the bill would require participating lodges to obtain annual permits through the South Dakota Department of Health and meet established safety and water-quality standards. Supporters say the measure offers a responsible pathway to explore innovative, lower-chemical alternatives while maintaining public health protections.

Natural swimming systems have long been popular in Europe and are steadily gaining traction across the United States. This legislative step signals growing recognition that biological filtration can be both safe and sustainable — particularly for smaller hospitality settings looking to offer a distinctive, eco-conscious guest experience.

BioNova® Natural Pools have been at the forefront of this movement for years. While legislation is just beginning to open doors in some states, BioNova® has already designed and built advanced biological filtration systems across North America. Our expertise in regeneration zones, hydraulics, and engineered biofiltration positions us as a trusted partner for hospitality properties looking to lead, not follow, this change.

For advocates of natural pools, this development represents more than policy change, it reflects a broader shift in how communities think about water, wellness, and sustainability.

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 – 3/6/2026 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®.

How Aquatic Plants Survive Winter in a Natural Swimming Pool

As temperatures drop, the regeneration zone of a natural swimming pool (NSP) undergoes a quiet yet remarkable transformation. While swimmers and pollinators retreat for the season, aquatic plants continue an intricate ecological cycle geared toward survival. Understanding what happens beneath the surface in winter helps pool owners better support plant resilience, maintain water quality, and ensure a strong ecological rebound in spring.

Dormancy: Nature’s Winter Strategy

Many aquatic plants in an NSP enter a state of dormancy triggered by decreasing daylight and cooler water temperatures. Dormancy conserves energy and slows physiological processes. Dormancy can look like:

• Foliage yellowing and dieback: Emergent plants like cattails and reeds lose above-water growth.
• Slowed photosynthesis: Submerged plants reduce oxygen production and nutrient uptake.
• Energy reallocation: Plants shift resources to roots, rhizomes, and tubers.

This phase is essential, without it, plants would expend too much energy trying to grow during inhospitable conditions, weakening their long-term health.

Root Health: The Hidden Engine of Plant Survival
While the surface appears lifeless, the root systems remain very active in their own subtle way.

Why roots matter in winter

• Insulation: Soil, gravel, and water provide thermal protection, buffering roots from freezing.
• Energy storage: Rhizomes and tubers act like batteries, storing carbohydrates to fuel spring regrowth.
• Microbial partnerships: Beneficial bacteria continue working within the plant’s root zone (the rhizosphere), breaking down organic matter at a slower pace and supporting nutrient balance.

Maintaining robust root systems ensures plants emerge stronger when temperatures rise.

Spring Rebound: Reawakening the Regeneration Zone
As daylight increases and water warms, aquatic plants shift from dormancy into rapid growth.

What triggers the rebound?

• Longer daylight hours restart photosynthesis at higher intensity.
• Rising water temperatures stimulate metabolic activity.
• Stored energy reserves drive the first flush of new shoots.

Healthy aquatic plants will:

• Produce early-season oxygen
• Absorb nutrients before algae can take advantage
• Stabilize the regeneration zone
• Support wildlife returning to the pool’s ecosystem

This spring resurgence is a key part of how NSPs reestablish biological balance each year.

How to Support Plant Resilience Through Winter
The best winter plant care in a natural swimming pool is low-intervention, but intentional decisions strengthen the system.

1. Keep the Regeneration Zone Undisturbed: Avoid stirring up gravel or disturbing roots during late fall and winter. Even dormant plants remain sensitive to disruption.

2. Maintain Proper Water Levels: Consistent water depth protects root systems from temperature fluctuations and ice damage.

3. Avoid Feeding the System Excess Nutrients: As microbial activity slows, the pool is more vulnerable to nutrient spikes. Keep leaves and external organic debris out of the water.

4. Choose Hardy, Climate-Appropriate Species: Native and cold-tolerant aquatic plants, such as hardy water lilies, pickerelweed, cattail, iris, and sedges, naturally withstand seasonal cycles and recover quickly.

The Winter Ecosystem: Still, but Never Silent
Even though an NSP appears calm and dormant in winter, its ecology is actively preparing for the next cycle of purification, growth, and vitality. Aquatic plants are at the heart of that system, quietly storing energy, protecting their roots, and entering the early stages of spring renewal.

Supporting plant resilience not only enhances water quality and biodiversity but also ensures your natural swimming pool thrives year after year.

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 – 1/9/2026 appeared first on BioNova®.

BioNova® is Now An Approved LA CES Provider

Happy New Year! As we kick off 2026, we have some fantastic news to share. BioNova® Natural Pools has been officially approved as a provider for the Landscape Architecture Continuing Education System (LA CES) by the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA).

This milestone recognizes BioNova’s expertise in natural swimming pools and allows us to offer LA CES-approved continuing education courses to landscape architects across North America. LA CES is the gold standard for professional development in the field, ensuring high-quality, relevant education that counts toward licensure renewal in most states.

What Does This Mean For You?

• For Landscape Architects: Look forward to upcoming BioNova® courses on designing, building, and maintaining chemical-free natural pools. These will cover topics like biological filtration, plant integration, sustainability, and Health, Safety, and Welfare (HSW) credits, perfect for blending ecology with stunning waterscapes.
• For Our Dealers and Clients: This elevates our collaborative projects, providing even more tools to showcase the beauty and benefits of natural pools in professional settings.

We’ve long believed that natural swimming pools are the future of sustainable aquatic design, harmonizing with nature while delivering crystal-clear, chemical-free swimming. Now, we can share that knowledge directly with the professionals shaping our landscapes.

Stay tuned for announcements about our first LA CES-approved courses (coming soon on the new platform launching in January). 

If you’re a landscape architect interested in collaborating or attending a future session, reply to this email, we’d love to hear from you!

Thank you for being part of the BioNova® community. Here’s to a year filled with more natural beauty, innovation, and crystal-clear waters.

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 – 1/2/2026 appeared first on BioNova®.

Wildlife in Winter Part 1: What Happens to Beneficial Organisms in a Natural Swimming Pool?

Natural swimming pools thrive on a delicate balance between plants, microorganisms, and aquatic wildlife. Throughout spring, summer, and fall, this living system works quietly in the background, purifying water, cycling nutrients, and keeping the ecosystem healthy. But what happens when temperatures drop, ice forms, and the swimming season ends?

As water temperatures cool in the fall, most biological activity in a natural swimming pool begins to decelerate. This is not a sign of decline, it’s an essential phase of the ecosystem’s annual cycle.

Microorganisms Enter Low-Energy Mode
The beneficial bacteria responsible for breaking down organic waste and supporting water clarity become less active in cold temperatures. These microbes don’t disappear; rather, they enter a dormant or semi-dormant state, conserving energy until conditions improve.

When spring arrives and water warms back into the 50–60°F range, they reawaken and resume their crucial work.

Aquatic Plants Retreat for Renewal

Plants in the regeneration zone undergo predictable seasonal changes:

• Hardy marginal plants (such as cattails, iris, and rushes) die back above the waterline but keep their root systems alive beneath the surface.
• Floating and submerged plants slow their growth dramatically.
• Root systems remain active, stabilizing soils and providing micro-habitats even when visible foliage disappears.

This dieback is beneficial, decaying plant material provides habitat for microorganisms and nutrients for spring growth, as long as organic load is managed properly.

Invertebrates: Hidden but Very Much Alive

The small critters that support a healthy natural pool, zooplankton, aquatic insects, snails, and other invertebrates, have developed ingenious survival strategies.

Common Overwintering Behaviors

• Resting eggs or cysts: Many zooplankton species lay cold-resistant eggs that hatch in spring.
• Burrowing: Aquatic insects like dragonfly nymphs bury themselves in sediment to avoid freezing.
• Diapause: A state of suspended development that allows survival in harsh conditions.

These organisms form the base of the aquatic food web and reemerge robustly when temperatures rise.

A lot more is happening in your NSP during the winter, so stay tuned for next week when we will continue our discussion. 

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 – 12/12/2025 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 has been dug and the steal has been set. The rough plumbing has been laid and pressure tested. Everything looks good and next steps will be to backfill and see if the weather cooperates 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 – 11/28/2025 appeared first on BioNova®.