Natural Pool - New Build
With a budget of R280k - R380k
As soon as one goes up in size such as 3m x 3m, then it becomes necessary to build a pool shell. This is commonly done with concrete, brick and steel but timber can also be used. We also advise that an engineer is then involved. The options below are by no means prescriptive and there are a hundred ways to design a pool but it does gives a general idea of cost and scope.
3m x 3m Swimzone
This is a basic natural pool with a submerged wetland wrapping around 2 sides. The swim zone is 3m x 3m. Note that the wetland does not have to be submerged and can be separated from the swim zone with a wall.
To keep the cost down there is no bespoke design process here there is an option to have the wetland submerged or have it separated by a low dividing wall/coping.
This entry-level version would use fibreglass to waterproof the pool and the wetland. It is better to use EDPM rubber rather than fibreglass as the fibreglass will only potentially last 8 - 15 years. The EPDM will last 30 years. But going to EPDM will add R22k to the cost for this size pool.
It also makes use of a low-power pump for circulation and basic pre-filtration of debris. It is advisable to also install a high-power pool pump & filter to run a few hours a day if you want the pool to be spotless and cut down on maintenance but this does add another R12k to the cost.
This does not include extras such as decking around the pool and assumes that access to the site is good, the ground is level and the earth is soft.
COST ESTIMATE R275K
3m x 6m Swimzone
This is the same as above but just larger and also includes a design phase for when a client wants something bespoke which might involve raised sections, a deck, stepping stones etc. or working a pool into a unique space or context where there might be a slope, existing structures etc.
The swim zone is 3m x 6m.
This option also includes EPDM rubber for waterproofing. It is better to use EDPM rubber rather than fibreglass as the fibreglass will only potentially last 8 - 15 years. The EPDM will last 30 years + This is important, particularly under the wetland which is 1m deep and filled with plants and gravel.
It also makes use of a low-power pump for circulation and basic pre-filtration of debris. It is advisable to also install a high-power pool pump & filter to run a few hours a day if you want the pool to be spotless and cut down on maintenance but this does add another R12k to the cost.
COST ESTIMATE R375k
Separate Wetland
Some people prefer to have the plants and frogs neatly separated from their swimming area. We don’t judge :) There are many ways to arrange and design a 3mx6m swimming pool with a wetland as you can see in the example on the right.
This pool is also making use of raw concrete as a shell and as waterproofing. This provides a beautiful finish to the pool.
The Swim Pond
The swim pond is technically no different from the examples above and is similar in cost per sqm. The only difference is that is feels and appears more like a pond with organic curved edges. We build a submerged swimzone in the middle the vertical retaining walls to make a nice deep swim zone and the wetland wraps all the way around the edges.
Lets Talk
If what you see here lights your fire then please get in touch . We can arrange a site visit and talk about any particular features you have in mind and go through questions or objections you might have.
Remember that cost can very depending on site access, the time of soil we are digging, proximity etc. So we would need to get you a final quotation.
NB: We only service areas within 2.5hrs of Cape Town. If you are outside of Cape Town you can always consider our DIY Online course available here.