The 7-Step Process: Designing & Installing Your Natural Swimming Pond in Central Texas

Building a recreational Natural Swimming Pond (NSP) is an exciting journey and a chemical-free alternative to traditional pools. For Texas homeowners in areas like Austin, Fredericksburg, Blanco, or Dripping Springs, the process starts with your vision and ends with an unforgettable first swim in your ecological, low-maintenance oasis.

Tired of chlorine and high maintenance? Here’s what the expert Natural Swimming Pool installation experience looks like when you work with Craig McBride and the Swim Pond team.

The process begins when you reach out to Swim Pond. Craig McBride schedules an onsite consultation to evaluate your property, understand your goals, discuss features, and determine the best location for your Natural Swimming Pool.

During this visit, you’ll explore design ideas such as depth zones, boulders, waterfalls, beaches, lighting, and biological filtration options.

Next, Craig develops a custom design based on:

• Landscape layout

• Sunlight exposure

• Soil conditions

• Water movement needs

• Filtration and regeneration zone sizing

• Aesthetic style preferences

The design phase may include sketches, layout plans, or full 3D renderings depending on project scope.

Once designs are approved, construction begins with precise excavation based on depth zones, plant shelves, intake bays, and swimming areas.

This stage includes:

• Grading

• Shaping the pond

• Creating slope transitions

• Preparing plumbing routes

High-quality EPDM liner is installed first, followed by large boulders and rockwork. This is where the pond begins to visually take shape.

Boulders create:

• Shorelines

• Jumping ledges

• Natural benches

• Waterfall foundations

Circulation pumps, intake bays or skimmers, plumbing, and biological filtration zones are installed next. This is the backbone of your NSP’s clarity and water health.

Once filled with water, the regeneration zone is planted with aquatic vegetation. Pumps are activated to begin water movement, and beneficial bacteria begin colonizing gravel and stone surfaces.

After a short stabilization period, your Swim Pond is ready. Craig performs a final inspection, makes flow adjustments, and ensures your system is balanced.

Then comes the best moment—your first swim in your completely natural, chlorine-free pool.

Q: What is the typical timeline for building a Natural Swimming Pond in Texas?

A: The typical installation timeline for most Swim Ponds in Texas is 4 to 8 weeks from the start of excavation to the final inspection. The exact duration depends on the size of the project, soil conditions encountered, and the complexity of unique design features.

Q: Do you need a lot of land to build a recreational Natural Swim Pond?

A: Not necessarily. While we frequently design larger ponds ranging from 1,000 to 5,000 square feet, we also offer smaller, compact designs. The key requirement is sufficient space to accommodate both the swimming area and the adjacent regeneration zone (biological filter).

Q: Is a Natural Swimming Pool safe for children and pets?

A: Absolutely. When professionally designed and built, Natural Swimming Pools (NSPs) are very safe because they rely entirely on biological filtration and aquatic plants—meaning they contain no chlorine or hazardous chemicals.

Q: Does the Texas climate affect Natural Pool performance?

A: Natural Swimming Ponds thrive in the Texas climate with proper design. Craig McBride ensures each system is custom-designed for the local conditions, including high heat, managing evaporation, and plant selection suited for the region, guaranteeing clarity and performance year-round.