CPD Webinar: Designing and Integrating Natural Pools in Garden Landscapes
Hosted by Ellicar for the Society of Garden + Landscape Designers
Please note that this event will be recorded and will be made available to delegates after the event. For more information on recording and privacy please click here. Once you have booked onto the event an invitation register to the Zoom meeting will be sent via email, including information on how to join the meeting.
1. Introduction
- Welcome and introduction to Ellicar
- Presenter introductions
- Brief overview of natural pools and their growing popularity in the UK
- What attendees will learn from the session
2. What is a Natural Pool?
- Definition and key principles
- How natural pools differ from conventional pools
- Benefits: aesthetic, environmental, biodiversity, health, and regulatory advantages (planning)
- Examples of stunning natural pools designed and built by Ellicar
3. How a Natural Pool Works
- The science behind the Biotop filtration system
- The role of regeneration zones and aquatic plants
- The Living Pool alternative for clients who want heated water
- Hydraulics and circulation systems
- Seasonal changes and maintenance considerations
4. Key Design Considerations
- Site assessment
- Design considerations for a natural pool to work with site biodynamics
- Drainage considerations
- Siting the pool: aspect, views, and integration with the landscape
- Topography, slope retention, finding optimal water level
- Shapes and sizes: creating a pool that fits naturally into a garden
- Choosing materials: natural stone, timber, and liner selection
- Features and Finish: steps, beaches, decks, and ladders, boulders, water features
- Safety considerations for clients and wildlife
- Common mistakes and pitfalls
- Designing for easy maintenance
- Managing client expectations
5. Construction Techniques & Best Practices
- The construction process step by step
- Ground preparation and excavation
- Drainage for construction and water management
- Construction of pool raft, walls and filter chamber
- Specialist installation of liner
- Hydraulics, filters and pipework
- Sustainable construction options
6. Planting Design
- Aquatic planting
- Water’s edge and ex pool planting to integrate water and garden including naturalistic planting schemes, bog gardens, scree gardens, gravel gardens
- Trees suitable for around water
- Planting schemes for beauty, filtration, and biodiversity
7. Case Studies & Real-World Examples
- Showcase of different styles of natural pools
- Challenges faced and solutions implemented
- Before-and-after transformations
8. Q&A and Discussion
- Open floor for questions
- Final thoughts and key takeaways