We would love to hear about your current BioNova® projects. Please send Ryan, ryan@bionovanaturalpools.com, any information and pictures of your projects and we will gladly put them in the newsletter to share with all of the dealers. Thank you and we hope to see your inputs soon!

Here’s what’s happening at BioNova® Natural Pools North America…

Celebrate Independence from Chlorine This Fourth of July

250 years ago the founding fathers didn’t have chlorine and you don’t need it either. For many families, the Fourth of July means backyard barbecues, pool parties, fireworks, and making memories with friends and family. But for many traditional pool owners, the holiday weekend starts with something a little less exciting, testing water, adding chemicals, balancing pH, shocking the pool, and making one last trip to the pool store.

Natural pool owners have a different kind of Independence Day.

Instead of spending the morning measuring chlorine levels and worrying about whether the water is ready for guests, they’re setting out lawn chairs, filling coolers with ice, firing up the grill, and getting ready to enjoy the weekend. Their pool is being maintained by something much more remarkable than a collection of chemical bottles, a living biological filtration system.

Inside every BioNova Natural Pool, billions of beneficial microorganisms are continuously at work. These naturally occurring microbes colonize the biofilm filter, where they break down organic matter and help keep the water clean and clear without relying on chlorine or other harsh chemicals. And during the warm days of midsummer, this biological ecosystem is operating at peak performance.

That means the hottest part of the summer is often when a natural pool looks its best. Warm temperatures encourage healthy biological activity, creating exceptionally clear, inviting water while maintaining a balanced aquatic ecosystem.

Of course, every pool benefits from a little attention. Skimming leaves, emptying skimmer baskets, and performing routine equipment checks are all part of good pool care. But instead of constantly adjusting water chemistry, natural pool owners can spend more of their holiday doing what pools are meant for, swimming, relaxing, and enjoying time with the people who matter most.

This Fourth of July, celebrate more than our nation’s independence. Celebrate the freedom that comes from leaving behind weekly chemical routines and embracing a healthier, more natural way to swim.

From all of us at BioNova® Natural Pools, we wish you a safe, relaxing, and unforgettable Independence Day. Happy Fourth of July!

Stay Safe and Healthy.

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

Questions, Concerns, Thoughts

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

Respectfully,

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

The post BioNova Weekly News – 7/3/2026 appeared first on BioNova®.

We would love to hear about your current BioNova® projects. Please send Ryan, ryan@bionovanaturalpools.com, any information and pictures of your projects and we will gladly put them in the newsletter to share with all of the dealers. Thank you and we hope to see your inputs soon!

Here’s what’s happening at BioNova® Natural Pools North America…

Summer Is When Nature Does Its Best Work
As the summer sun heats up, most traditional pool owners know what comes next, more chlorine, more testing, more chemicals, and more maintenance. High temperatures can accelerate algae growth, burn off chlorine, and make keeping the water balanced feel like a full-time job.

For a properly designed natural swimming pool, however, summer tells a very different story. Warm weather is when the biological ecosystem reaches peak performance.

Just as gardens flourish and forests come alive during the summer months, the beneficial microorganisms that keep a natural pool clean become more active as water temperatures rise. These microscopic helpers form healthy biofilms within the biological filtration system, where they continuously break down organic matter and naturally remove nutrients that would otherwise feed algae.

Instead of relying on chemicals to sanitize the water, a natural pool harnesses biology to create a stable, self-sustaining ecosystem. The result is exceptionally clear water that remains inviting throughout the swimming season.

The biological filter works around the clock, quietly supporting millions of beneficial microorganisms that do the hard work naturally. As long as the system is properly designed and maintained, these organisms become increasingly efficient during the warmest months of the year. That’s one of the reasons many natural pool owners notice their water looking its absolute best in midsummer.

Of course, every pool benefits from routine care. Removing leaves and debris before they decompose, maintaining proper circulation, and vacuuming the walls and floors all help support a healthy biological balance. But unlike traditional pools, the goal isn’t to constantly adjust chemistry, it’s to maintain an ecosystem that’s already working for you.

Summer is also when the benefits of a natural swimming pool are most appreciated. Families can enjoy crystal-clear water without the strong smell of chlorine, burning eyes, dry skin, or faded swimsuits. Instead of spending weekends measuring chemicals and chasing water balance, they’re spending time making memories.

Nature has spent millions of years perfecting biological filtration. At BioNova® Natural Pools, we’ve simply learned how to bring those same natural processes into your backyard.

So while the temperatures rise this summer, remember that your natural pool isn’t fighting the heat, it’s thriving in it. The warm weather helps power the living ecosystem that keeps your water clean, clear, and ready for another day of swimming.

That’s the beauty of letting nature do what it does best.

Stay Safe and Healthy.

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

uestions, Concerns, Thoughts

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

Respectfully,

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

The post BioNova Weekly News – 6/26/2026 appeared first on BioNova®.

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®.

3. Eco-Balancing Act

Diatoms are part of the pool’s microbial food web. They feed tiny zooplankton, which in turn help control mosquito larvae and other nuisances, keeping your pool biologically balanced.

4. Low-Maintenance Allies

Unlike mechanical filters or chemical treatments, diatoms do their job quietly and efficiently without any added cost or effort from you—assuming your pool stays within healthy ecological parameters.

Encouraging Diatom Growth
Want to make sure these microscopic allies thrive in your pool? Here’s how:

• Avoid harsh chemicals (Obviously): Diatoms can’t survive in chlorinated environments. Natural pools give them the ideal chemical-free home.
• Maintain plant zones: Healthy aquatic plants create the right conditions, nutrient balance, light filtration, and oxygen for diatoms to flourish.
• Support water circulation: Diatoms prefer gently moving water, which also helps prevent unwanted algae.
• Let sunlight in: Diatoms are photosynthetic, so ensure they get enough indirect light (too much sun, however, can cause unwanted algae to compete).

The Bottom Line
Diatoms may be invisible to the naked eye, but their contribution to your natural swimming pool is huge. By supporting a vibrant and self-sustaining aquatic ecosystem, they reduce your workload while keeping your water naturally clean, safe, and sparkling.

So next time you dip your toes into your pool, take a moment to appreciate the tiny glass-walled organisms working tirelessly to keep it beautiful.

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 – 5/8/2026 appeared first on BioNova®.

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®.

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®.

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®.

New Research Spotlights the Superior Sustainability of Natural Swimming Pools

In a recent thesis from the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), student Ern? Tóth-Pál-Pál dives into a comparative analysis of natural swimming pools (NSPs) versus conventional chlorinated swimming pools (CSPs) in Hungary and Sweden. Titled “Water is Life: A Comparative Sustainability Analyses of Natural and Conventional Chlorinated Swimming Pools in Hungary and Sweden”, the study underscores what we’ve long known at BioNova: NSPs are a game-changer for eco-friendly aquatic design.

Tóth-Pál-Pál’s research, based on interviews with experts, site visits to real-world installations, and questionnaires from both countries, reveals that NSPs outperform CSPs across all three pillars of sustainability: economic, environmental, and social. By relying on natural processes like biological filtration and aquatic plants for water clarity, NSPs eliminate the need for chemicals, resulting in healthier water, reduced maintenance costs, and enhanced biodiversity. The findings show NSPs are not only more sustainable but also promote better human health by minimizing chemical exposure.

Interestingly, the study highlights cultural differences: Hungarians prioritize economic and social factors (like affordability and community benefits) when choosing pools, while Swedes lean toward environmental considerations. Despite their advantages, NSPs remain relatively unknown in both nations, but their popularity is surging, opening doors for innovative projects and business opportunities.

At BioNova® Natural Pools, this research aligns perfectly with our mission to create chemical-free, nature-inspired swimming experiences. We’ve been leading the charge in North America since 2008, and studies like this validate the global shift toward sustainable waterscapes.

Want to learn more, contact us to discuss how a BioNova® NSP could transform your backyard. Stay tuned for more updates in next week’s newsletter!

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 – 1/30/2026 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®.