Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I convert my existing pool into a natural EcoSplash™ swimming pool?
Beyond the various obvious health benefits the energy consumption of the variable speed pumps used for a Placidity EcoSplash™ system is significantly lower than on a conventional system. This is partially due to the fact that the turnover frequency of a natural swimming pool is roughly between 15-24h to circulate the entire water one time. The frequency is significantly higher on a conventional pool and does therefore consume significantly more energy.
Does a natural pool require more maintenance than a conventional pool?
Placidity – EcoSplash™ pools are very easy to keep clean. Generally speaking 2-3h/week are sufficient. The time to be invested in maintaining the pool will however vary depending on factors like i.e. the amount of leaves that fall into your pool, the usage frequency as well as the regularity of your cleaning regime and quality of water used to fill your pool.
What are the estimated running costs of an EcoSplash™ System?
The filtration pump for private households is mostly a low wattage pump (approximately 70-120 Watt) that runs 24/7. A separate low wattage pump is used to run the skimmer cycle and potentially an automated pool cleaner for approximately 2-3h/day.
How sustainable is the water?
The water is considered to be of “drinking water quality” as pathogen germs are eliminated by natural micro-organisms. Due to different water testing parameters for “drinking water” analysis and “natural pool water” analysis the water is however not perfectly comparable.
What are the benefits of having a separate Ecosplash™ filter as a design element in the garden?
When retro-fitting your existing formal pool into a Placidity Ecosplash™ natural swimming pool it is often more cost-efficent to simply build a separate filter and evaluate which part(s) of the existing infrastructure may potentially be reused.
Are there any particular rules to follow with an EcoSplash™ System?
We suggest you briefly shower before entering the pool, especially in the first few months. Creating a habit of showering off will help you keep the right biological balance in the system over the long term. As the water is very soft and does not contain any additives like chlorine or salt you will however not need to shower after swimming.
Does the water temperature influence the bioactivity? Can I heat the Water?
All biological processes (metabolism, up growth etc.) are dependent on temperature. With reference to the Arrhenius equation, a temperature increase of 10°C may thereby double or possibly triple bioactivity. A temperature decrease of 10°C may on the other hand half the bioactivity or even reduce it to by 1/3. As a result of this a nutrient inflow during the summer will show its effect a lot quicker than the same amount during the cooler winter months. We allow heating as long as it is not above 30degrees.
Can tertiary water inflows be harmful for my natural swimming pool?
Creating an optimal biological balance in a natural swimming pool aims at limiting the available nutrients (in particular phosphorus). It is an art as well as a science to establish and maintain a ‘starved’ nutrient level in each Placidity EcoSplash™ pool in order to achieve water clarity and omit algae growth. Hence any unscheduled and unmonitored influx of nutrients has the potential to severely impact your system and should be avoided wherever possible.
How do I cut the plants inside my natural swimming pool?
As a rule of thumb you should cut those plants that you want to keep in your pond well above the water surface (5cm). Those plants you do not like to keep should be cut below the waterline. Plants where the entire leaf mass dies off (like i.e. Water Lilies) can be cut off under the water line.
Why is a water analysis essential?
We insist on water analysis of the source water in your area prior to filling your natural swimming pool. Once established, the current state of your natural swimming pool can be checked by performing 2-3 standard water analysis per year. This helps your Placidity EcoSplash™ Technical Advisor to monitor the development of your water biology and to determine the correct supply of nutrients throughout the year. Should there be any unforeseen changes to your pool water (dullness, decolouration…) an extended water analysis is the best way to determine the issue at hand. The interpretation of your water analysis should however always be done by your Technical Advisor.
Tell me about Animals in my Natural Pool?
EcoSplash™ System creates its own biodiversity and habitat and therefore attracts some animals. Some of them could be:
- BIRDS: Native birds are attracted to Placidity pools and may visit more frequently, especially to drink the sweet water. They may even set up a nest nearby.
- GREEN TREE FROGS: Also attracted to the natural water supply, they may frequent your plants and surrounding pool area. As Green Tree Frogs are facing urban extinction our ESS will provide a safe home for them.
- DRAGONFLIES AND BUTTERFLIES: Will be attracted to the water surface and surrounding areas, and may breed in various colours.
- FISH: Yes you can have fish in a Placidity EcoSplash™ pool – but do not feed them. Placidity EcoSplash™ has a list of suitable self-feeding fish that eat only algae and snails, and that can help to keep the pool clean. A Placidity Technical Advisor will be able to give great advice.
- TOADS: Please proof around our pool to avoid giving them access to a potential breeding habitat. Again, your Technical Advisor will be able to give you great advice here, too.
Can a natural swimming pool be a hatchery for mosquitos?
Mosquito larvae are so-called “filters” that live from fine floating particles (floating algae and bacteria). Due to the fact that a natural swimming pool is a nutrient-poor water body, the larvae of the mosquitos would not find enough nutrition and will die out. Also, Mosquitos prefer still and dirty water for breeding. Both conditions are not present with a properly maintained Placidity EcoSplash™ pool due to a constant circulation of water through your bio filter.
Can a natural swimming pool be a hatchery for mosquitos?
Mosquito larvae are so-called “filters” that live from fine floating particles (floating algae and bacteria). Due to the fact that a natural swimming pool is a nutrient-poor water body, the larvae of the mosquitos would not find enough nutrition and will die out. Also, Mosquitos prefer still and dirty water for breeding. Both conditions are not present with a properly maintained Placidity EcoSplash™ pool due to a constant circulation of water through your bio filter.
Can a natural swimming pool be a hatchery for mosquitos?
Mosquito larvae are so-called “filters” that live from fine floating particles (floating algae and bacteria). Due to the fact that a natural swimming pool is a nutrient-poor water body, the larvae of the mosquitos would not find enough nutrition and will die out. Also, Mosquitos prefer still and dirty water for breeding. Both conditions are not present with a properly maintained Placidity EcoSplash™ pool due to a constant circulation of water through your bio filter.