Could a conventional swimming pool become a more natural part of the tropical landscape? In Sri Lanka, Annabel Allen embarked on a patient experiment to create a chemical-free swimming experience inspired by nature.
Many people thought I was crazy. My family still do. Create a natural swimming pool in a tropical climate? In Sri Lanka?
I was prompted to make the change to a natural pool because I had noticed a strange white film covering my plants close to the swimming pool. I quickly saw it was connected to the pool water, which was full of chlorine and other chemicals. All the runoff from the pool was draining into the garden.
Birds, frogs, fireflies and other creatures came to sip from or dip into the pool – why should they become exposed to these chemicals? For me, the change to a natural pool was a key part of the eco transformation of my whole property.
An Experiment in Tropical Natural Swimming
I was basically starting from zero. I could not find anyone in Sri Lanka who had set up a natural pool. There are a few next to mountain streams, but my situation was very different.
When I started my natural pool project, I searched online for helpful tips, but at that time, little information was available on tropical natural pools and on how to adapt conventional pool structures to more natural systems. I did not have the budget to make physical changes to the structure of the pool.
My natural swimming pool has been an ongoing experiment. It has been a slow process of gaining an understanding of water, local water-purifying plants and the workings of my conventional pool. I have tried many things and some simply did not work.
The intense sunshine on the pool for much of the day was a challenge. When I put fish in, they did not survive. A friend suggested using some floating plants. They looked very beautiful for a few days, but the tops quickly withered in the heat.
My gardener was open to the idea of the natural pool and did his own research. He suggested some water-purifying plants, but when he realised those plants can attract snakes, we had to scrap that plan!
He also applied his thinking to fish tanks – what keeps a fish tank clean? One day we were riding in the countryside when I noticed a roadside sign which read “Aquarium plants.” We stopped and discovered one plant variety which produces gorgeous, delicate white flowers. We bought as many as we could carry.
First, we put the plants in a large tub of water to see how they would fare. Soon we could see the water was clear and the birds loved to come there to have afternoon baths! This was a promising sign.
The plants were then transplanted to pots and placed on the steps of the pool. They have since thrived.
Learning to Work With Nature
Algae can be one of the biggest challenges of a natural pool. I experimented with different methods to control algae, including copper and crystals, although these are part of my personal experience rather than a substitute for appropriate pool-water management.
I practise Reiki, so I do Reiki on the water and bring in some higher consciousness as part of my personal relationship with the pool. I even play a Tibetan bowl around the edge of the pool at full moon times!
I am very lucky to have a water well on my land. The water is used to fill the pool. For me, the well is also a reminder of the importance of understanding and respecting the natural water sources on the land.
When my friend, who is a pool expert, visited earlier this year, he guided me on how the pool system works. I now understand that, even with a more natural approach, the conventional pool structure needs to be cleaned daily with the vacuum. The filter needs to be turned on for a few hours a day.
The flow of water is very important. Every day, fresh water flows from the well and the filter cleans out old water. This system of water renewal helps keep the pool clean and fresh.
Swimming in the natural water is an utter delight! A frog sometimes swims with me. I look up at the monkeys in the nearby trees.
The natural pool has taken oodles of patience, but it has been one of the best decisions I made.
For me, creating a more natural swimming environment has become another step in the wider transformation of my property – a journey that began with a pile of rubbish and has gradually changed the way I think about hospitality, nature and my relationship with the land.
Cover image: photo by Christina Jackson
Author: Annabel Allen. Annabel took the plunge to purchase a jungle property in Southern Sri Lanka almost 20 years ago. In recent years, she has turned it into a wild, eco paradise where guests can stay in a spacious, comfortable villa. After a career in broadcasting and law, she is now focused on inspiring positive change. She writes and publishes “wake up and shake up” fiction set in Sri Lanka and creates and delivers transformational women’s empowerment jungle training courses. She is an avid organic gardener and eco advocate, and has accumulated much knowledge of Sri Lankan wild healing weeds, plants and trees. She loves cycling, jungle trekking, and playing with her dogs.
Eco Villa With Natural Pool, Weligama – Green Country House in Weligama, Matara, Southern Province, LK 
