Choosing Suitable Aquatic Plants for Your Pool Area
When it comes to your pool area, it’s essential to select plant varieties that thrive in your specific climate. There are several reliable sources where you can acquire aquatic plants, including native-plant suppliers, local stores (both online and in the phone book), and home and garden centers. Another option worth exploring is mail-order nurseries specializing in water-garden plants. For the perimeter of your pool, consider excellent choices like sedges (Carex), rushes (Scirpus), and other aquatic plants. In shallower areas, plants such as pickerel weed (Pontederia cordata), arrowhead (Sagittaria), and water primroses (Ludwigia) can be ideal additions.
Incorporating Submergent and Floating Plants
Including submergent plants in your pool is beneficial due to their ability to produce oxygen. Common waterweed (Elodea) and hornwort (Ceratophyllum) are excellent choices for this purpose. For areas with water depths ranging from 6 to 18 inches, it’s recommended to plant a combination of floating, submergent, and emergent plants. Water lilies (Nymphaea) are particularly versatile and can adapt to various depths, making them a valuable addition. Floating plants like pondweeds (Potamogeton) and common duckweed (Lemna minor) can freely drift on the water’s surface, providing coverage and enhancing the overall aesthetic.
Proper Planting Techniques
Once you have obtained your desired plants, it’s time to plant them in your filled pool. To ensure an organized and visually appealing layout, group the plants according to their height and type, following a predetermined plan. Make sure to anchor the plants securely in the soil and provide sufficient gravel for stability.
Responsible Plant Collection
If you are considering collecting plants from the wild, it’s crucial to familiarize yourself with the laws protecting wetlands and their plant life. When collecting plants, remember to only take a few samples from larger populations to preserve the overall health of the wetland. It’s also worth considering rescuing plants from threatened sites, such as construction areas, but always seek permission from the respective authorities.
Controlling Algae and Maintaining Balance
Managing algae growth in your natural pool is an ongoing concern. Algae compete with plants for nutrients and light, but their growth tends to decline when water lilies and other plants emerge and provide shade. To promote plant growth and deter algae, it’s advisable to add more plants and reduce phosphorus levels, which helps maintain a lower pH range of 5.5 to 6.5. Monitoring phosphorus levels and avoiding nutrient-rich runoff is crucial, as fertilizers and urine are major sources of this nutrient. Increasing aeration can also stimulate biological activity and aid in maintaining a healthy balance.
Balancing Additives and Pool Maintenance
While various additives such as enzymes, bacteria, and acids have been marketed as solutions to combat persistent algae, it’s important to note that introducing synthetic chemicals to your pool may disrupt its natural equilibrium. Your pool is a living ecosystem, and maintaining its natural balance is essential for its long-term health.
To ensure the longevity of your natural pool, regular maintenance is necessary. Remove plant litter in spring and fall, maintain a consistent water level, and be prepared to add water when needed. Test kits available at garden centers can assist in monitoring nutrient levels and identifying potential issues. Additionally, perform annual checks on the pool’s mechanical systems. This includes wiping diffusers with vinegar to remove deposits, inspecting air hoses for cracks and obstructions, and examining pump connections. These precautions will help ensure your pool continues to provide enjoyment for years to come.
Water Quality and Health Considerations
While it’s true that aquatic plants do not eliminate all contaminants from the water, the likelihood of contracting serious diseases from a natural swimming pool is generally low. Even chlorine-treated pools can be susceptible to fecal coliform contamination, which can pose health risks. To avoid such issues, it is advisable to keep babies and pets out of the water to prevent fecal contamination. If you have concerns about the water quality of your natural pool, it’s worth considering having it tested for further evaluation and peace of mind.
