By Katie Hampson | PerthNow | February 19, 2026
Goodbye green hair and stinging eyes.
A growing number of Perth homeowners are taking the plunge and installing eco-friendly freshwater swimming pools full of plants and wildlife. Some are even having their existing chlorinated ones converted.
Acquatic biologist Dean Herath, managing director of Pases Aqua, told Western Suburbs Weekly he has been draining quite a few pools lately so his clients can start over with aquatic plants and beneficial microorganisms to create a healthier, freshwater swimming experience.
He said the trend away from traditional backyard pools and their usual toxic cocktail of chemicals will be better for wildlife and swimmers’ health.
He added some of his western suburbs clients with properties in the South West have also been engaging him to convert their dams into ‘swimming dams’ so that their families can safely bathe and frolic in their crystal clear waters.
Dr Herath, who has a keen interest in water quality, native fish and natural ecosystems, said he created a natural swimming dam concept to improve the water quality of private dams and local government lakes.
“I just thought people have dips in their dams so why don’t we improve the water quality and term it a ‘natural swimming dam’,” he explained.
“I’ve been doing this mostly on larger block holiday homes and farms down south in places like Bunker Bay, Margaret River and Denmark. But I also fly in to amazing places like Byron Bay, the Gold Coast and Sydney, because people over there also love the idea of converting their farm dams into a dam with really good water quality that they can swim in.”
He noted most dams in WA were highly degraded with no plants or aeration. Cattle also destroy the water quality, and one of the first steps towards improving dams is to exclude stock from them.
Dr Herath said he often fences dams off and pumps some of their freshwater into nearby troughs that cattle can drink from.
“This allows plants to establish, wildlife to come back into the system and recovery to begin of the wetland ecosystems and aquatic fauna we have lost. Adding aeration, planting more plants, introducing bacteria and enzymes all help improve water quality and create an environment that could be swimmable with time. The idea is that clients will soon be swimming in a freshwater billabong with plants, fish and water.”
He creates natural pools that do not contain chlorine or other chemical additives used in traditional pools. Instead, a submerged vegetation zone is installed to filter nutrients in the water just like natural lakes.
He said Australia has been slower than Europe to catch on to sustainable swimming pools but he is glad to see more of them making their way into local gardens.
“Natural pools started in Austria and Germany. They have approved public natural pools all over the place in Europe but these have now rapidly spread across America and are starting to become popular in Australia.”
He said visually, natural pools were “absolutely stunning”. They could look similar to Claude Monet’s placid lily pond images painted at his gardens in Giverny or more like a rock pool surrounded by lush greenery, depending on the client’s preference.
Just remember, you may not be the only ones swimming: Frogs, ducks and low numbers of fish may live there, if you’re happy to mingle with them.
Landscape West owner Liam McRad, along with landscape architect Tristan Peirce from TPLA, have also been busy creating some striking and beautiful natural pools around Perth and the South West that connect to their surroundings.
He has also noticed natural pools are making inroads in a market dominated by rectangular chlorinated pools.
“The water is softer to swim in and good for the skin. This style of pool also feels like a natural part of your garden because of the way it is thoughtfully incorporated into your landscape. The visual effect is stunning and also very soothing and calming to look at.”
Dr Herath said swimming in natural pools unleashes a feeling that can’t be achieved in chlorinated water.
“There are so many benefits to having a natural pool in your garden. For starters, you don’t have harsh chemicals that can irritate the skin – it’s just pure freshwater. They also look far more attractive with lush plant life and maybe some small fish if the customer wants this. Most Australians love an eco-friendly option and this is also one that doesn’t require as much maintenance. Fauna will establish the system like dragonfly larvae, beetles, water boatman and the occasional turtle, so it suits people that love nature. It also suits people who love swimming in natural lakes like Lake Leschenaultia and Serpentine Falls. If you like doing that, you will love having your own natural swimming pond at home.”
Benefits of Natural Pools
- Lower long-term costs – No ongoing chemical expenses and reduced water replacement needs, saving you money over time.
- No harsh chemicals – You’ll be swimming in chemical-free water that’s gentle on skin, eyes and the environment. With the right filtration technology, you will minimise the chances of harmful pathogens or bacteria. “Many people have allergies to chlorine so without chlorine, you get less or no skin irritation,” said Dr Herath.
- Supports biodiversity – Create a thriving ecosystem that attracts beneficial insects, birds and native wildlife. “Fauna will establish the system like dragonfly larvae, beetles, water boatman and the occasional turtle so it suits people that loves nature,” said Dr Herath.
- Feels closer to nature – Transforms your backyard into a stunning natural landscape that changes with the seasons and helps wildlife. “The biggest benefit I see is that it allows people to relax, destress and reconnect with nature. The sound of water and seeing plants, insects and dragonflies really creates a sense of peace,” noted Dr Herath.
Downsides of Natural Pools
- Algae – Expect some algae, especially in the first year or two as these systems can take that long to establish. You will get a biofilm grow on the walls but the water should be crystal clear. In time, the plants will outcompete any stringy algae that develops. It’s called the nitrogen cycle and this typically takes at least three to six months to achieve a good balance.
- More expensive to install – Dr Herath said the price tag for a natural swimming pond typically starts at around $50,000. You’ll pay between 20 per cent and 40 per cent more than if you are installing a fibreglass pool. Final costs depend on size, construction requirements and the filtration method. They will start skyrocketing if you go for a large rock pool which require heavy machinery and intense labour, even though it will look beautiful.
