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

1. Clean Out Debris from the Water

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

2. Begin Water Filtration 

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

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

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

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

Stay Safe and Healthy.

We hope you all continue to stay healthy during these trying times and wish all of our BioNova® Dealers our best to you and your families.

Questions, Concerns, Thoughts

As always, we encourage you to contact us and share your thoughts, questions, and concerns with BioNova®. We are available to assist you in any way we can. Feel free to email me directly with photos, project updates, testimonials, etc., and we’ll include them in an upcoming Newsletter.

Respectfully,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Viewers can find Building Outside the Lines on:

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

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

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

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

Stay Safe and Healthy.

We hope you all continue to stay healthy during these trying times and wish all of our BioNova® Dealers our best to you and your families.

Questions, Concerns, Thoughts

As always, we encourage you to contact us and share your thoughts, questions, and concerns with BioNova®. We are available to assist you in any way we can. Feel free to email me directly with photos, project updates, testimonials, etc., and we’ll include them in an upcoming Newsletter.

Respectfully,

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

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

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

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

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

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

PLUS A NEW LA CES COURSE:

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

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

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

Learning Objectives:

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

Instructor: Allen Schnaak

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

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

Stay Safe and Healthy.

We hope you all continue to stay healthy during these trying times and wish all of our BioNova® Dealers our best to you and your families.

Questions, Concerns, Thoughts

As always, we encourage you to contact us and share your thoughts, questions, and concerns with BioNova®. We are available to assist you in any way we can. Feel free to email me directly with photos, project updates, testimonials, etc., and we’ll include them in an upcoming Newsletter.

Respectfully,

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

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

New NSP Project in Delta, Colorado

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

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

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

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

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

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

Stay Safe and Healthy.

We hope you all continue to stay healthy during these trying times and wish all of our BioNova® Dealers our best to you and your families.

Questions, Concerns, Thoughts

As always, we encourage you to contact us and share your thoughts, questions, and concerns with BioNova®. We are available to assist you in any way we can. Feel free to email me directly with photos, project updates, testimonials, etc., and we’ll include them in an upcoming Newsletter.

Respectfully,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How to Watch or Stream the Episode

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

Live TV & On-Demand

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

Streaming Services

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

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

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

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

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

Stay Safe and Healthy.

We hope you all continue to stay healthy during these trying times and wish all of our BioNova® Dealers our best to you and your families.

Questions, Concerns, Thoughts

As always, we encourage you to contact us and share your thoughts, questions, and concerns with BioNova®. We are available to assist you in any way we can. Feel free to email me directly with photos, project updates, testimonials, etc., and we’ll include them in an upcoming Newsletter.

Respectfully,

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

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

Webinar Success: Introduction to Natural Swimming Pools

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

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

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

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

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

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

Stay Safe and Healthy.

We hope you all continue to stay healthy during these trying times and wish all of our BioNova® Dealers our best to you and your families.

Questions, Concerns, Thoughts

As always, we encourage you to contact us and share your thoughts, questions, and concerns with BioNova®. We are available to assist you in any way we can. Feel free to email me directly with photos, project updates, testimonials, etc., and we’ll include them in an upcoming Newsletter.

Respectfully,

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

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

Upcoming LA CES Course: Introduction to Natural Swimming Pools
BioNova Natural Pools is thrilled to offer our approved LA CES course as an official provider!

Introduction to Natural Swimming Pools: Sustainable Design Principles and Biological Filtration

Course #101

Live Online – Thursday, January 29, 2026 at 3:00 PM EST  2 Professional Development Hours (PDH)Heath, Safety, and Welfare (HSW) Eligible 

Dive into chemical-free natural swimming pools, beautiful watershapes powered by nature’s purification. This beginner-friendly session covers biological filtration, regeneration zones, smart design, and the health, biodiversity, and sustainability benefits.

Key Topics: 

• Design-Build
• Nature-based Solutions
• Sustainable Development & Design 

Learning Objectives:

• Explain crystal-clear water via biological filtration and regeneration zones (no chemicals needed). 
• Identify core design elements and zoning for landscape integration.  
• Describe health, safety, and environmental advantages (reduced chemicals, better ecology, sustainable water use).  
• Spot opportunities to apply natural pool concepts for eco-friendly client projects.

HSW Justification: Focuses on chemical-free design advancing public health (safer water), safety (proper zoning/filtration), and welfare (biodiversity, low-impact management) over 75% supports competent landscape practice for resilient environments.

Instructor: Allen Schnaak  

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

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 – 1/23/2026 appeared first on BioNova®.

Webinar Recap: Another Successful BioNova® Webinar

We’re thrilled to report that our recent webinar, “Everything You Need to Know About Natural Swimming Pools” was a tremendous success! Held December 12th, the event brought together industry professionals, landscape architects, pool designers, and eco-conscious homeowners from around the country to explore the beauty and benefits of natural swimming pools.

Presented by Allen Schnaak, the webinar provided an in-depth look at the ecological principles, design techniques, and construction practices behind these stunning, chemical-free swimming environments.

Highlights from the Webinar Included:

• Introduction to Natural Swimming Pools: Attendees learned the core differences between conventional pools and natural pools, including their unique filtration systems that rely on biological processes rather than chlorine or salt.
• Design & Engineering Insights: Allen shared step-by-step guidance on the design and construction process, from site selection and sizing to plumbing systems and regeneration zones.
• Real-World Case Studies: Beautiful, completed projects from around the country showcased the versatility and aesthetic appeal of BioNova® pools, demonstrating how they harmonize with a wide range of landscapes.
• Live Q&A: Participants had the opportunity to engage directly with the presenters, asking questions about technical details, maintenance, climate considerations, and more.

If you missed the live event, don’t worry—a full recording is now available! Click here to watch. Password is: +He!mS69

Thank you to everyone who attended and helped make this webinar such 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 – 12/26/2025 appeared first on BioNova®.

Upcoming Webinar for Designer’s, Builders, and HomeownersBioNova® with be presenting a Webinar next Friday, December 12, 2025. 

If you’ve ever had a client ask “Is there a pool that doesn’t use chlorine?”, or you’re simply curious what a true natural swimming pool actually is, this free information session is for you.

Join Allen Schnaak, co-founder of BioNova® Natural Pools North America, for a straightforward, no-sales-pitch, 90-minute deep dive into how natural swimming pools are designed, built, and operated in real-world U.S. projects.

You’ll walk away understanding:

• The difference between a “natural-look” pool and a real, fully biological natural swimming pool 
• How the water stays crystal-clear year-round with plants and biology (no chemicals, no salt, no daily maintenance) 
• Typical construction techniques, timelines, and budgets (with real numbers from recent projects) 
• Site and climate considerations (works in cold winters and desert heat) 
• Permitting realities across different states and municipalities 
• Long-term operating costs and homeowner experience 
• Common myths and misconceptions (and the data that debunks them)

This is **not** a sales webinar. It’s purely educational, so you can make informed decisions for yourself or your clients.

Date: Friday, December 12, 2025 

Time: 12:00 PM Eastern / 9:00 AM Pacific

Duration: 90 minutes (60-minute presentation + open Q&A)

Cost: FREE

Recording will be sent to all registrants

Mark your calendar to join.

Whether you’re a designer looking to offer a new service, a builder wanting to understand the mechanics, or a homeowner researching your dream backyard, this is the fastest way to get accurate, up-to-date information straight from the person who has built more natural pools in North America than anyone else.

Hope to see you on December 12th. 

To Join the Zoom Webinar:

Meeting ID: 834 5885 6332

Passcode: 970266

Join instructions

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

BioNova® – Leading America’s Change to Sustainable Swimming Pools!

The post BioNova Weekly News – 12/5/2025 appeared first on BioNova®.

Winter Hardy Pond Plant Species  

In previous newsletters we have talked about the care of aquatic plants in NSP’s during the winter months. Now that we have moved into November, and we have several winter months ahead of us, we would like to look closer at aquatic plants in the winter, specifically which varieties of plants are best suited to the cold months and what benefits cold weather aquatic plants can bring to a NSP installation.

As we know, an essential component of aquatic ecosystems are the plants. They aid in oxygenating the water, filtering out pollutants and excess nutrients, and provide shade, food, and shelter for the pond’s inhabitants. However, different species are of course best adapted to certain climates, but how do you determine which plants to use in the first place? This should be done by consulting the plant hardiness zone map. Click here for an interactive plant hardiness map from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).

The Benefits of Cold Weather Pond Plants
Hardy pond plants will not die off in winter, which means less cleaning, shelter, and year-round oxygenation. If an NSP is in a cold weather zone, having plants that are either well adapted to the cooler climate, or are perennial and thus return year after year, will provide a variety of advantages. First, as opposed to annuals and tropicals, there will not be a need to spend money replacing plants in the spring. They will also provide water filtration and oxygenation year round. This is especially important in winter, as ice and snow can lead to a decrease in dissolved oxygen levels in the water.

In addition, although they will need to be trimmed, they will not completely die off and therefore won’t deplete oxygen or add extra nutrients to the water. They also provide a beneficial habitat and hiding spots for animals such as frogs who hibernate during the winter and would otherwise become easy prey if they are not hidden. Depending on the hardiness zone, some species of plants will tolerate the frost and cold weather better than others. Here is a list of some of the top hardy aquatic plants.

Top Winter Hardy Pond Plants

1. Water Lilies (Nymphaeaceae nymphaea)

This particular genus, nymphaea, of water lilies is well adapted to cooler/cold climates (typically zone 3 and warmer). With thick rhizomes that are able to subsist in substrate throughout winter and sprout new lilies the following year. Hardy water lilies are floating plants that make an excellent choice for cold weather ponds. Their broad leaves provide protection from both the elements and predators and their flowers are valuable to pollinators. They will need to be cut back as they are excellent growers and can start to spread too much. They can also be planted in pots placed on the bottom of the pond which will limit their spread.

2. Hornwort (Anthocerotophyta)

Also considered to be one of the most effective oxygenating plants, hornwort is a submerged plant that will also stay green throughout winter in most zones, providing oxygen and shelter. It does not reproduce overly quickly so there is little to worry about in terms of care of maintenance with this plant during winter or otherwise. They will either float freely about the pond, or they can be weighed down with small weights so that they stay put and don’t wind up in the filters.

3. Horsetail (Equisetum)

Horsetail, also known as scouring rush, is a prehistoric plant that’s been around for many millions of years. As such, it should come as no surprise that these plants are well equipped to persist through winters as harsh as zones 3 and 4. They’re considered marginal, preferring to grow either in damp soil or water that is only a few inches in depth. Like water lily, horsetail also has rhizomes. This is how they’re able to overwinter, as the main portion of the plant will die off while the rhizomes sit dormant in the ground or the bottom of the pond, giving rise to new growth the following season. Horsetails have native species on every continent except Antarctica, and so they generally don’t grow out of control like an invasive species would. In addition, their segmented anatomy makes them quite adept at filtering water.

4. Water Hibiscus (Hibiscus coccineus)

Also known as swamp hibiscus, this plant is classified as a bog plant that prefers to grow either in saturated soils or a couple inches of water. Water hibiscus has large, dramatic flowers that are typically red, pink, white, or some combination thereof. They provide shade, and therefore temperature regulation, along the edge of the water, as well as some protection from predators, while their striking flowers attract local pollinators. As a perennial plant, coccineus will die off each fall, but will sprout again in the spring via seeds that have been known to survive winters that reach as low as -30°F (zone 4).

5. Water Plantain (Alisma plantago-aquatica)

American water plantain, is a marginal plant with large, oval leaves, long stems, and very small pink or white flowers. Also a perennial they will die off in mid to late autumn, though its seeds will persist through winter and are hardy in zones 3 through 9. Additionally, the submerged portions of the plant provide habitat for aquatic invertebrates, which are in turn eaten by frogs, birds, snakes, and so on.

6. Water Soldier (Stratiotes aloides)

Another floating plant, water soldier is also known as water aloe or water pineapple due to its protruding, long spiky leaves. Though they look rather like a tropical plant, water soldiers have also developed an interesting adaptation to survive winters, even where temperatures go down to the negative digits. As water cools in the autumn, the main leafy portion of the plant becomes saturated with water, causing the plant to lose its buoyancy and sink to the bottom of the water where it is able to survive ice so long as the water is at least a few feet deep.

7. Pickerelweed (Pontederia cocrdata)

This is another popular aquatic plant for all zones, even to the top of zone 4. It is very popular, especially for northern water gardeners. Its carefree growth habit and boldly upright foliage is beautifully offset by its lavender blooms in summer.

8. Water mint (Mentha aquatica)

This strongly mint-scented perennial is for the boggy regions around your pond. If it likes the growing conditions, it can become invasive, but the lovely lavender blooms and its heady scent makes this lovely water plant well worth the effort of pulling out the overgrowth. Hardy to zone 4.

9. Lizard’s Tail (Saururus cernuus)

This marsh plant has a compact, upright growth that can get very tall. In summer, it is topped by slender, white, spiky blooms. It gets very tall, and most of the plant stays underwater. It is breathtaking on the edges of a natural pond. Hardy to zone 4.

10. Arrowhead Plant (Sagittaria latifolia)

Arrowhead is a tall plant with graceful foliage and delicate, occasional white flowers.  It is a vigorous grower, so for small ponds it should be contained in a pot. It is very popular with first time water gardeners, because of its ease of care. Allow plenty of room to grow this dramatic, carefree plant. Hardy to zone 4.

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 – 11/7/2025 appeared first on BioNova®.