Guide

Natural swimming pools in Utah

We built our natural pool in Utah in 2014, and it's been through twelve Utah winters and summers since. If you're in Utah or Idaho and thinking about one, here's what our climate means for the build.

Cost in Utah

Built mostly yourself, a natural pool in Utah runs about $16,000 for a small plunge pond to $90,000 for a big family swimming pond. Ours cost about $12,000 in 2014. See costs by design, or price your own yard in the designer.

Our winters

Utah freezes hard, and a natural pool handles it fine if you plan for it. Cut plants back in October, keep the pump running through early freezes, use flexible lines wherever pipe leaves the water, and drain anything that would freeze full. Our winter routine covers it step by step. We swim through the ice all winter.

Hot, dry summers

Our long, sunny summers are great for swimming and great for plants, but they also warm shallow water fast, and warm shallow water grows algae. Keep plant shelves deep, closer to 24 inches, and keep the water moving. Expect to top off in July and August.

Soil and digging

Much of the Wasatch Front is sand, clay and rock, and some lots have hardpan a few feet down. We hit it at 8 feet. Plan for your ground to set your depth, and keep the dirt on site for berms and a waterfall.

Permits

In our city, a natural pool was classed as a pond, and city officials who've seen it have had no issue. Utah cities differ, so call yours before you dig.

Water

You can fill with culinary water. Secondary irrigation water works too; it carries more nutrients but cleans up as it circulates. More important: keep yard runoff out. Build up every edge where rain could carry fertilizer into the pond.

Talk to someone local

We're in Utah and help families in Utah and Idaho plan and build. Book a free 10-minute call, or start with the designer.