The city of Edmonton, Alberta, has received its first chemical-free natural pool. Gh3*, Toronto-based architects, unveiled the massive project which involved not only the pool but a complex too. The Borden Park Natural Swimming Pool has several natural filtration processes that use a combination of stone, gravel, sand, and botanic filtering, resulting in clean and pristine water.
The chemical-free swimming pool replaced an existing pool that dated back to the 1950s. The old pool had to be gutted out entirely to be able to start construction on the new natural pool. The pool sits in a 64,465 square foot complex that has seasonal pavilions and landscaped pool areas with a capacity to fit up to 400 swimmers. Additionally, there is also a kids pool. The changing rooms, showers, and bathrooms are found in a large contemporary building. Finally, the complex features a sandy beach and picnic area, as well as a volleyball court and an exhibition space.
The designers worked within Canada’s ultra-strict regulations for public swimming pools, resulting in a completely natural swimming pool that was safe for swimmers. They worked with several experts to make a balanced ecosystem where plant materials, microorganisms, and nutrients work together to produce a system of “living water.”
The pool water is filtered through two soil-free systems, including a constructed gravel and wetland filter containing zooplankton or a biological-mechanical system. The water is then entirely cleaned by a natural process as it circulates.
The system involves a long circulation process. First, the water flows through a stone and sand pond, then a hydro botanic pond. A granular filter PO4 adsorption unit runs along the walls that run the length of the pool; this allows the water to circulate unnoticed from one end to the other. The entire system is chemical-free, 100% eco-friendly, and totally safe for swimmers.
This natural swimming pool isn’t the first time the designers contributed something amazing to the Edmonton area. In 2015, the firm unveiled a beautiful glowing mirrored pavilion in the same area.
