Hi, I haven't even decided whether I want a pool or not, not least because of all the less than elegant solutions when it comes to keeping it legal (high fences etc.).
However, I just discovered what is referred to either as a "swimming pond" or a "natural swimming pool".
It can look like this (picture not from Australia):
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As you might be able to spot there's a "sink" in the middle making it possible to swim, and lower depth around it. It's freshwater and is cleaned by plants. You could even have some fish in it if you could be bothered feeding them.
This is how it works ("waterfall" optional):
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http://www.inspirationgreen.com/assets/ ... iagram.jpg
It can look even more wild than the above pictures:
Here are some more pictures:
Shallow water to the left of the picture until it meets the grass:
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http://www.inspirationgreen.com/assets/ ... alpool.jpg
http://www.inspirationgreen.com/assets/ ... ustria.JPG
http://www.inspirationgreen.com/assets/ ... 20pool.jpg
http://www.inspirationgreen.com/assets/ ... 20pool.JPG
[http://www.inspirationgreen.com/assets/images/Blog-Building/Pools/natural-swimming-pool%20rainharvest.jpg
Access through the "enrichment area":
http://www.inspirationgreen.com/assets/ ... 20pool.JPG
Notice the diving boards!!
http://www.inspirationgreen.com/assets/ ... e%20uk.jpg
Round "swimming" area:
Thoughts on this in Australia with all those nasties (snakes, spiders etc.)? I am also rather stumped how this could be done elegantly when it comes to fencing/walls to make it safe(r) and definately legal. I mean, for instance, it is now not legal anymore to have direct access from the house.
Edit: Inspiration green stopped my hotlinking of the images, so I have removed the img tags (click on them instead).