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®.

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®.

• 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…

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®.

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®.

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®.