17+ Inspiring Natural Pool Design Ideas

Dreaming of a backyard oasis that blends beauty with eco-friendliness? Natural pools offer a stunning, chemical-free alternative that mimics the serenity of a natural pond.

1. Design a Cozy Lounging Area

A cozy lounging area invites relaxation by the poolside.
A cozy lounging area invites relaxation by the poolside.

Create a cozy lounging area with natural, understated furniture to relax by the pool. I always make sure these spaces feel inviting and serene.

Consider these options:

  • Outdoor Reclining Loungers: Relax in style with comfortable reclining loungers that enhance your poolside lounging experience.
  • Weatherproof Outdoor Cushions: Add comfort to your loungers with weatherproof cushions, perfect for outdoor relaxation by the pool.
  • Teak Wood Side Table: Complement your lounging area with a teak wood side table for drinks and essentials.

2. Incorporate Native Plants

Native plants create a seamless transition from pool to garden.
Native plants create a seamless transition from pool to garden.

Use native plants around your pool to enhance its natural look and support local wildlife. In Austin, I often recommend hardy, drought-resistant plants for year-round beauty.

Check if these fit your needs:

  • Drought-Resistant Seed Mix: Enhance poolside beauty with this seed mix that supports local pollinators and thrives easily.
  • Organic Plant Fertilizer: Boost native plant growth around your pool with this gentle, organic fertilizer for year-round greenery.
  • Native Wildflower Kit: Transform your pool area with vibrant wildflowers that attract local wildlife and require minimal care.

3. Embrace Organic Shapes

A natural pool with organic shapes, blending effortlessly into the landscape.
A natural pool with organic shapes, blending effortlessly into the landscape.

Design your pool with organic, free-form shapes to mimic natural bodies of water. I often suggest these designs to clients who want their pool to look like it was carved by nature itself.

A few suggestions:

  • Natural Stone Pool Coping: Enhance your pool’s edges with natural stone coping for a seamless, organic look. Elevate aesthetics instantly.
  • Aquatic Plants for Pool Landscaping: Add aquatic plants around your pool to create a lush, natural environment that soothes and relaxes.
  • Waterfall Fountain Kit: Install a waterfall fountain for gentle, flowing water features that transform your pool into a serene oasis.

4. Add a Regeneration Zone

The regeneration zone naturally filters the water, keeping it crystal clear.
The regeneration zone naturally filters the water, keeping it crystal clear.

Include a regeneration zone filled with aquatic plants to naturally filter the water. It’s a sustainable approach that many of my clients find appealing.

You might like:

  • Aquatic Plant Collection: Enhance your pool’s ecosystem with diverse aquatic plants for natural water filtration and beauty.
  • Pond Plant Fertilizer: Boost the growth of your aquatic plants with pond-specific, eco-friendly fertilizer for lush greenery.
  • Water Quality Test Kit: Regularly monitor your pool’s water quality to ensure a thriving regeneration zone ecosystem.

5. Design a Natural Rock Slide

A natural rock slide adds adventure and fun to this pool design.
A natural rock slide adds adventure and fun to this pool design.

Add a natural rock slide for fun and excitement. It’s a playful feature that kids absolutely adore and adults secretly enjoy too.

Items that may come in handy:

  • Outdoor Water Slide Lubricant: Enhance your natural rock slide experience with ease. Perfect for kids and adults alike!
  • DIY Rock Slide Construction Guide: Discover how to build your own backyard rock slide with this detailed guide today!
  • Natural Stone Sealant: Protect your rock slide’s surface and increase durability with this easy-to-apply stone sealant.

6. Install Subtle Lighting

Subtle lighting transforms the pool into a magical nighttime retreat.
Subtle lighting transforms the pool into a magical nighttime retreat.

Add subtle lighting around your pool to enhance its beauty at night. I love how soft lighting creates a magical evening atmosphere.

These products might help:

  • Solar-Powered Outdoor Lights: Illuminate your poolside gently with solar lights, perfect for eco-friendly, nighttime ambiance.
  • Waterproof LED Strip Lights: Create a magical glow around your pool with versatile, waterproof LED strips.
  • Underwater LED Pool Lights: Enhance the pool’s beauty with colorful underwater LEDs, adding nighttime charm effortlessly.

7. Use Eco-Friendly Filtration Systems

Eco-friendly filtration keeps the pool water clear and chemical-free.
Eco-friendly filtration keeps the pool water clear and chemical-free.

Consider eco-friendly filtration systems that reduce chemical use and maintain water clarity. Clients appreciate the sustainable benefits these systems offer.

Some handy options:

  • Natural Pool Biological Filters: Enhance your pool with a biological filter to naturally maintain water clarity and health.
  • Solar Pool Pumps: Install a solar pool pump to reduce energy use while maintaining effective water circulation.
  • UV Pool Water Clarifiers: Utilize a UV clarifier to keep your pool water clear without chemicals, ensuring safety and purity.

8. Incorporate a Wetland Area

A wetland area supports biodiversity and enhances the pool's natural filtration.
A wetland area supports biodiversity and enhances the pool’s natural filtration.

Create a small wetland area to enhance biodiversity and water filtration. It’s a unique and educational feature that fascinates both kids and adults.

May just do the trick:

  • Aquatic Plants for Ponds: Introduce vibrant aquatic plants to boost biodiversity and natural water filtration in your wetland area.
  • Natural Rock Edging: Use natural rock edging to define your wetland area beautifully and support wildlife habitat.
  • Submersible Pond Pump: Facilitate water movement with a submersible pond pump to keep your wetland area thriving.

9. Use Natural Materials

Natural materials provide an authentic and harmonious poolside experience.
Natural materials provide an authentic and harmonious poolside experience.

Opt for natural materials like wood and stone for poolside structures. In my experience, these materials age beautifully and blend with the environment.

Try these:

  • Wooden Decking Tiles: Enhance your poolside with these durable wooden tiles for a natural, seamless look.
  • Natural Stone Pavers: Create a harmonious pool area with these elegant, environmental-friendly stone pavers.
  • Outdoor Wooden Benches: Add rustic charm and comfortable seating to your pool area with these wooden benches.

10. Design a Natural Hot Spring

A natural hot spring feature offers warmth and luxury year-round.
A natural hot spring feature offers warmth and luxury year-round.

Incorporate a natural hot spring feature for a luxurious touch. This addition makes the pool even more inviting during cooler months.

A few things you might like:

  • Natural-looking Pool Heating System: Enhance your pool’s appeal with a natural heating system for year-round warmth.
  • Eco-friendly Pool Water Jets: Install eco-friendly water jets for a relaxing and soothing hot spring experience.
  • Rock Pool Enhancements: Use rock enhancements for a seamless blend with the natural surroundings of your pool.

11. Add Reflective Surfaces

Reflective surfaces enhance the pool's beauty and create a serene atmosphere.
Reflective surfaces enhance the pool’s beauty and create a serene atmosphere.

Incorporate reflective surfaces like water mirrors to amplify the beauty of your pool. I love how they create a sense of spaciousness and tranquility.

Explore these options:

  • Waterproof Outdoor Mirror Panels: Enhance your pool’s serenity with waterproof mirror panels, reflecting natural beauty effortlessly.
  • Reflective Pond Liner: Create a stunning water mirror effect with a durable reflective pond liner around your pool.
  • Glass Mosaic Tiles: Transform your pool with glass mosaic tiles, adding shimmering reflections to your water features.

12. Incorporate a Floating Island

A floating island adds a whimsical and dynamic element to the pool.
A floating island adds a whimsical and dynamic element to the pool.

Add a floating island planted with greenery for a whimsical touch. Clients often find these islands to be a delightful surprise.

A few choices to try:

  • Floating Pond Island Kit: Enhance your pool with a lush, floating island. Create a secluded, natural retreat instantly.
  • Artificial Aquatic Plant Pack: Add vibrant greenery to your pool’s floating island. Enjoy hassle-free aquatic beauty all year.
  • Aquatic Plant Fertilizer: Boost your floating island’s greenery growth. Keep your island lush and vibrant effortlessly.

13. Incorporate a Fire Feature

A fire feature creates warmth and ambiance beside the pool.
A fire feature creates warmth and ambiance beside the pool.

Add a fire feature near your pool for warmth and ambiance. Clients often tell me how much they enjoy gathering around the fire on cool evenings.

Check these products out:

  • Outdoor Fire Pit: Enhance your poolside evenings with a cozy fire pit for warmth and ambiance.
  • Fire Pit Table: Gather around a stylish fire pit table for a perfect blend of warmth and functionality.
  • Propane Gas Fire Bowl: Enjoy quick and easy warmth with a portable propane gas fire bowl for your pool area.

14. Integrate Stone Features

Stone features enhance the natural beauty of this pool design.
Stone features enhance the natural beauty of this pool design.

Incorporate stone and rock features both in and around the pool for a touch of rugged beauty. In my garden projects, I love how stones create a timeless, earthy feel.

Possibly helpful picks:

  • Decorative Garden Boulders: Enhance your pool’s natural elegance with decorative boulders for a timeless, earthy appeal.
  • Rock Waterfall Kit: Transform your pool area with a rock waterfall kit, adding soothing sounds and visual interest.
  • Stone Garden Edging: Define and beautify your pool area with stone garden edging for a finished, natural look.

15. Create a Waterfall

A cascading waterfall adds serenity and movement to this natural pool.
A cascading waterfall adds serenity and movement to this natural pool.

Add a waterfall feature to your pool for soothing sounds and a natural aesthetic. Clients often tell me how much they enjoy the tranquil ambiance it brings.

Maybe worth checking out:

  • Outdoor Waterfall Pump: Enhance your pool’s ambiance with this reliable pump, ensuring a steady waterfall flow.
  • Waterfall Spillway: Install a spillway to design elegant water movements, adding tranquility to your pool area.
  • LED Waterfall Lights: Illuminate your waterfall feature with vibrant LED lights for a stunning nighttime display.

16. Create a Hidden Grotto

A hidden grotto provides a secluded and enchanting escape.
A hidden grotto provides a secluded and enchanting escape.

Design a hidden grotto for a private, mysterious retreat. It’s a secret spot that adds intrigue and excitement to any pool.

Useful items to consider:

  • Natural Rock Fountain: Install a natural rock fountain to enhance your hidden grotto with soothing water sounds.
  • LED Underwater Lights: Illuminate your grotto with waterproof LED lights for a magical nighttime retreat.
  • Artificial Tropical Plants: Add lush greenery with artificial tropical plants to create an exotic grotto atmosphere.

17. Consider a Stone Bridge

A stone bridge adds charm and functionality to this natural pool design.
A stone bridge adds charm and functionality to this natural pool design.

Incorporate a stone bridge for a charming focal point and easy pool access. This feature often becomes a favorite spot for photos.

A few helpful options:

  • Outdoor Stone Bridge Kit: Install a charming stone bridge to elevate your pool area with timeless elegance.
  • Natural Stone Paver Set: Enhance your pool’s aesthetics with natural stone pavers for a cohesive, elegant look.
  • Waterproof LED Pool Lights: Illuminate your stone bridge at night with elegant, energy-efficient waterproof LED lights.

Text: Joyce Peterson