How to build a natural organic swimming pool

A step by step description on how we build our own natural pool in the garden.
Update.
A few people have asked about price and work load. I think the total cost landed close to 40k USD. It took 1½ year, but that includes some no-work periods because of waiting time for material (COVID!!) and we waited 3 months for the liner guy to begin his work. The 2 biggest single costs were the liner and the material for the wood decking.
Update.
A few words about filtration rate. As mentioned if you build a tecnical wetland setup your filtration rate can not be too high because the plant roots needs time to filter nutrients out of the water. According to the books I used the rate should not be more than 30cm/hour. That equals 300 liters of water/m2. My total water surface is approx. 85m2. But the vertical speed of water is higher in the filtration zone because the filter material is taking up much of the space. So I halfed the surface area for the calculation. That gives me a max. filtration rate of 42m2 x 300 liter/hour = 12.600 liters/hour. This being the maximum filtration rate, I desided to go for 6.000 liter/hour to give the plant roots more time for filtration. So far it seems to work :-)

[@mouaddebbagh9827]

Can you do an update video with some things you learned over the years running this pool and what to avoid

[@MarkFaldborg]

Ah yes, thank you youtube, I was looking for a way to build a pool. On my 1st floor apartment in the city. Thanks.
Great explanation Karsten looks like it took a lot of effort.

[@DocLindgaard]

Thanks :-)

[@repstarlol]

I work on a chemical plant and it doesn't take as long as you'd think for pipes to freeze up, especially if they aren't lagged., I would definitely recommend some insulation for around the pipes if you don't have any. Last thing you want is for all your pipes to burst. This is in the UK by the way so similar winters to yourself, with colder temperatures not quite reaching the -20s that you were talking about.

[@lapizazuli4796]

I love natural pools and most of them come in natural settings like they have always been there, with big rocks and falls. However, I am also a fan of clean lines, aesthetics, etc. I love that there IS an option for a natural swimming pool to look sleek and modern too. Thank you!

[@jesslo7414]

Thank you so much for taking the time to make this video & share your project! It was so hard finding information on a good DIY. Also the breakdown of each step was great & showed the harder steps that could use help with.

[@DocLindgaard]

Thanks 🙂

[@RavingDavith]

Beautifully done! I bet the wildlife like birds, frogs and other life love it

[@DocLindgaard]

Yes, though I try to keep the birds away from the water (really not a problem for us).

[@ShaunaMarieSings]

It turned out amazingly...so beautiful!!!! Thank you for sharing...💗💗💗

[@nestorsy9629]

this is the most comprehensive video i watched reg diy natural swimming pool kudos to you sir Karstend

[@madajuarez7073]

Thank you so much 🙏🏾. This is one of the most comprehensive video I have seen. Really, really, appreciate it.

[@DocLindgaard]

Thank you very much 🙂

[@natesw2652]

Brilliant concept, build, and result! I am envious of your natural pool! Thanks for the video!

[@DocLindgaard]

Thanks :-)

[@katyasilitch4539]

Fantastic! Thanks for sharing the entire process. Love the end results, most of all the photo with your dog enjoying it!!

[@DocLindgaard]

Thanks 😃

[@jvincent2870]

This is the best natural pool example I’ve seen yet! Thank you for such a thorough report!

[@DocLindgaard]

Thank you :-)

[@alexanderalexander2797]

The result is MEGA ! Congratulations! Exeptional explanation , superb done!

[@DocLindgaard]

Thanks 🙂

[@xtremenick89]

This is an amazing project and has inspired me to build a similar set up thank you!

[@tranphuong6837]

Amazing DIY project. Thanks for sharing!

[@FlorentHenry]

Thanks for sharing your experience and knowledge.

[@jamesnorys4874]

Thank you for sharing your beautiful pool. Well done!

[@DocLindgaard]

Thanks! :-)

[@shermoore1693]

Great video, well explained, simply put, good English and exhaustive. Thank you and well done for both the project and the video.

[@DocLindgaard]

Thanks :-)

[@mmerriman4995]

Thanks for taking the time to share this great project! I've sent it to two friends. Congratulations!

[@DocLindgaard]

Thanks :-)

[@patrick_pkp]

Hey Karsten - really enjoyed this video, really calming and I loved your ‘stress-free’ attitude! Been stalling for years on starting our own project, and this really helped inspire me to just knuckle down and GET DIGGING. Well done for seeing your dream to completion!

[@DocLindgaard]

Thanks :-)

[@cousin_JACK]

Just amazing, so much valuable information and documentation - I didn’t even know about the versatility with the Phillips hue and the fresh water mussels - thanks

[@DocLindgaard]

Your welcome 🙂

[@hfpv2003]

Excellent video!, really helpful and informative. Thanks for sharing

[@_spartan11796]

Absolutely stunning backyard! Great job!

[@DocLindgaard]

Thanks :-)

[@thjakits]

Excellent! Down to Earth DIY project with perfect advise!! Thanks!

[@DocLindgaard]

Thanks :-)

[@scroogemcduck1462]

What an awesome project and beautifully executed!

[@DocLindgaard]

Thanks :-)

[@rowdymoore007]

Very impressive excellent job certainly couldn’t tell it wasn’t done by a professional

[@PeggyStinson]

Thanks for taking the time to post this! It is very interesting.

[@imianco8079]

this is so beautiful elegant thank you for the realistic inspiration.. i love the idea of natural pool & yours is just stunning while looking fairly simple..

[@DocLindgaard]

Thanks 🙂

[@richardl6649]

Sir! This is amazing. Really appreciate you sharing your expertise in such detail. Looking to do the same in the next year or so. Your project really turned out well!

[@DocLindgaard]

Thank you very much 🙂

[@serenahowden579]

Fantastic...thank you for taking the time to show us and so beautifully explained 👍🙂

[@DocLindgaard]

Thanks :-)

[@Jordi86]

Wonderful video, loved the calm explanation. Enjoy!

[@DocLindgaard]

Thanks :-)

[@mepipeline]

YOU HAVE THE FULL UNDERSTANDING OF HOW THE MOTHER NATURE ECOSYSTEM WORKS, I SALUTE YOU, SIR, YOU MUST BE A BIOLOGIST. YOU INSPIRED ME TO EXPERIMENT WITH SUCH A PROJECT-ENDEAVOUR ON MY NORTHERN CALIFORNIA PROPERTY.

[@DocLindgaard]

Thank you very much and the best of luck 😊👍

[@elicormeel4195]

Your video was just recommended in my RUclips account. So then I just start watching it right away. And Wow. This is in Denmark. That’s why I felt little bit of Scandinavian/Nordic vibe in your video. I can hear your Danish accent . I didn’t know your Danish until seeing your name on your youtube profile.. Roskilde and Copenhagen used to be my home for 6 years. You’ve built an impressive natural pool. I like it. Thanks for sharing.

[@DocLindgaard]

Thank you 😊

[@willymakeit1857]

Thank you for sharing! Amazing design and great ideas!

[@DocLindgaard]

Thanks

[@sonselvapermaculture]

thanks a lot, i've been looking for a tutorial like this one for a while! it's very well explained!

[@DocLindgaard]

Thanks :-)

[@rare.and.important.content]

Very informative! Thank you, this will save a lot of headache in the future :)

[@lunanother]

thanks for sharing, very informative and IMPRESSIVE DIY

[@DocLindgaard]

Thanks :-)

[@tangowood]

Very impressive. Well spoken video aswell. It looks good on your plot. It seems like building it, was half the fun.

[@DocLindgaard]

Thanks. And yes we had fun building it :-)

[@wynkindeworde6504]

My experience with outdoor and in-pool lights is that they attract lots of insects.

[@soaresdacunha9719]

Thank u for sharing this wonderfull work!

[@robinsonjohn4975]

Excellent presentation and explanation! Thank you.

[@DocLindgaard]

Thank you 🙂

[@Sinanimre]

Awesome story and video !! Thanks for sharing, I am definitely coming back to it soon...

[@DocLindgaard]

Thanks :-)

[@user-ii9qr9sb4j]

1:03 So we’ll done!
A candid, detailed, highly informative video. Obviously a labor of love 🥰Thank you for providing this !
We have a small farm with a beautiful pond filled with lotus and lilies and woodland in MICHIGAN. THE problem seems to be begging for your solution…. Again, Thank! you

[@DocLindgaard]

Thank you 🙂

[@ivanhoe6145]

Wow...very impressive project and the results were fantastic, it seems. Congratulations and thanks for sharing.

[@DocLindgaard]

Thanks 😊

[@alejandroparodiherz]

Great video. Congratulations. Amazing DYI project results

[@DocLindgaard]

Thank you 😊

[@Ian-pn2vo]

Really interesting video, well done and thank you

[@CamboHODL]

Thank you for the very informative presentation. Wishing you all the best 👍🏼

[@DocLindgaard]

Thanks :-)

[@AydaWalsh]

Awesome Video!! You have inspired me! Thank you for a Great Video!!

[@motlatsimolefe1077]

Best presentation ever 👌🏾 you eod expect video presentation to be more detailed than photo slide but this will make me build a similar pool 🤞🏾

[@jaysonlee1039]

Amazing project. Especially it’s natural pool without any chemicals.

[@DocLindgaard]

Thanks :-)

[@paulusher3278]

looks fantastic, I'm looking to start a pool project in a few months so this has been helpful thanks.

[@DocLindgaard]

Your welcome :-)

[@Kelsdoggy]

Amazing video and amazing work. You’re so clever!

[@DocLindgaard]

Thanks ☺

[@user-gx8oc1dq8f]

Spitze. You have a really lovely setting. The market garden at the bottom looks great too

[@DocLindgaard]

Thanks :-)

[@andreasarnold5774]

Realy great project. Thank´s for sharing!!

[@DocLindgaard]

Your welcome :-)

[@debn6347]

Dreamy. Beautiful……one day hopefully,🤞I will have one too😊

[@somhrsh]

It looks so beautiful, i wish i get a chance to swim in a natural pool like this someday

[@maurosilva1392]

Nice work. Congratulations

[@arne2985]

great work, i rly appreciate it that you took the time to document and share it with us

[@DocLindgaard]

Thanks :-)

[@BrandonAEnglish]

I'm thinking about building my own pool after purchasing an old akiya here in Japan. If I were back in Louisiana, then I wouldn't need to build or buy anything -- I could just fill up a pothole.

[@dpchait7793]

Omoshiroi from Louisiana to Japan すごいね！

[@baloutheboo6407]

how are u living my dream ❤️‍🔥

[@casaMariaPT]

Absolutely stunning! Thanks so much for sharing. I would love to take you up on your offer to get the list of items used for the build. I wish you many more years of enjoyment in your pool

[@JodyLeeSchroeder]

awesome build

[@mattiashultberg7133]

Wow! Great job!

[@sunconuresolar2658]

Cool hack for the controls. Very nicely done. I'm working on a similar system for prawns and aquaponics. Big project.

[@DocLindgaard]

Thanks 🙂

[@NEKONEKOMAO]

Very beautiful 😍😍

[@stonefarm]

Har lige set de første fem minutter af din video, og det ser meget lovende ud. Mange tak for at du har taget din tid til at lave denne video. Efter at have researcher i en uges tid ligner dette det mest hjælpsomme, jeg er stødt på. 👍

[@DocLindgaard]

Tak :-)

[@alemassa6632]

Amazing project, really a good job!!

[@DocLindgaard]

Thanks :-)

[@joshuapersaud1659]

Great job brother, I love it, Looks amazing

[@DocLindgaard]

Thanks :-)

[@VeeKayGreenerGrass]

Thank you for sharing.

[@Tekintrust]

excellent explanation , I wish you had videos during process. Thank you.

[@samgrimm9195]

Nicely done

[@Gannas_]

thanks for sharing such rich informations

[@DocLindgaard]

You´re welcome :-)

[@alterego157]

Well done!

[@maxm3515]

I would love to see some videos on your kitchen garden and wildflower area!

[@MicaRayan]

I'm wanting such swimming pool!

[@maxdrawing9436]

I like your swimming pool design.

[@octaviusvanzandt3695]

This is great, thank you for posting this. I've been looking for a pool design that would let me recycle some of the pool water into my garden, and I think this would work well for that since it has no chlorine or other chemicals.

[@Lesleymehnert]

It’s beautiful

[@lekago]

it looks great! and yes, we do want the materials breakdown video!

[@DocLindgaard]

Thanks 🙂. But sorry I no longer have detailed list of material used.

[@alvinkong6528]

Great video and thank you for sharing...btw your DIY is way better than a lot of the professional jobs I’ve seen

[@DocLindgaard]

Thanks :-)

[@TheIronHeadRat]

Great job, thanks for the video 👍

[@DocLindgaard]

You´re welcome 🙂

[@refuel-centre7131]

But a nice and informative video 💪🏻

[@lesiaczq]

wow, im impress, congrats!

[@anothercomment-]

Cool. Good job.

[@ranger2316]

Excellent! This is really a beautiful pool. I'm not sure it's going to replace my chlorine pool, but it sure seems to work in your application. You can be justifiably proud of your pool and the excellent results. Enjoy!

[@DocLindgaard]

Thanks :-)

[@r3sistxwampa685]

Very nice.
I have already build 4 Pools Like this.
The way you keep your Pipes save from freezing is really nice i think i am going top Steel that Idea xD
Great Job btw.

[@DocLindgaard]

Thanks :-)

[@lifecoachcher-ie6554]

Beautiful... love it ...
I would love to put one in ...

[@DocLindgaard]

Thanks :-)

[@Chippycito]

You have quite an amazing result here. I'm impressed with how large of a water:filtration material ratio you have. I would have thought closer to a 2:1 ratio. Again, very nice work!

[@DocLindgaard]

Thank you 🙂

[@finding_mojo]

What a great job and an excellent alternative to chemical pools.

[@DocLindgaard]

Thanks :-)

[@nataliatenoriomaia1635]

Great job!

[@DocLindgaard]

Thanks 🙂

[@DontEatTheAnimals]

That was interesting, thanks.

[@mylittlecoco345]

Lovely 👏🏻

[@przemek8870]

Thanx a lot for this tutorial.

[@DocLindgaard]

You´re welcome :-)

[@MrRadgo]

it looks great

[@duanejohnson2026]

AMAZING JOB.

[@DocLindgaard]

Thanks :-)

[@nikolayatanasov5791]

Thanks very helpful

[@JT-kq3vo]

Probably already mentioned but it maybe worth looking in to a Bubble pump, you'd need to increase the size of you feed pipes to 100mm (4") but it would be far more efficient at around only 70watts so could easily be run 24/7 on a small solar all year round :) great Job by the way as the other design I saw else where used a lot more plastic and a lot more complex for no reason.
thanks for the effort.

[@cros13]

Bubble pump would not be able to maintain the required flow rate for this system. Likely need a larger filtration area to use that.

[@johnlee7085]

There’s another video of a family in Australia (?) that built a similar pool using bubblers. They had 4 running off grid solar.

[@fluw]

@@johnlee7085 like to see that, have a link?

[@kaiser9824]

great video, thank you!

[@DocLindgaard]

Thanks

[@andypag1071]

Whats the actual power consumption of your pump? How many hours a day is the pump running. Lovely pool and helpful video. Thanks.

[@mycameraview]

Tusind tak, Karsten! As you mentioned, the tricky part is the pumping system. Will you do another video to talk about its specifications?

[@peterfrance7489]

Great video. Great project. Excellent planning all round! What's the next project?