Recreational Ponds

Natural swim ponds that stay clean without chlorine. How they work, what they cost and what to expect.

A recreational pond is a natural swim pond. Water is pulled through an intake bay skimmer, pumped through a wetland filtration area where gravel, beneficial bacteria and plants remove nutrients, then flows back in over waterfalls. That constant circulation keeps the water clear without chlorine. You get a place to swim in summer and a water garden the rest of the year.

Start here

Recreational ponds in Ames: what a backyard swim pond looks like in Central Iowa
Creating a backyard oasis with a recreational pond: planning one for your yard
Recreational ponds: dive into nature without leaving home: why families choose them
Wetland filtration systems: the filter that keeps a swim pond clean

What they cost

Recreational ponds start around $103,000 for a 15 by 30 foot pond, 4 feet deep. An average 20 by 25 foot pond, 6 feet deep, runs about $150,000. Larger 25 by 30 foot ponds start around $200,000. Each includes a wetland filtration system, an intake bay skimmer and waterfalls.

Are they safe for kids?

Recreational ponds are chemical-free, so there is no chlorine to irritate eyes or skin. As with any pool or body of water, children should always be supervised. During design we talk through depth, entry points and how your family plans to use the pond.

See our recreational ponds service, or price out your recreational pond.