What’s the Difference Between Natural, Saltwater & Chlorine Pools

Natural swimming pools are more than a construction project — they are living systems. Designing one requires a union of ecological understanding, fluid engineering, and aesthetic sensitivity. A true expert balances all three.

Look for designers who:

• Understand biological filtration (not just plumbing)

• Have real experience integrating plants, stone, and structure

• Can show you both clear water and clear process

• Treat your land like a collaborator, not a blank slate

Experience matters — but so does philosophy. The best natural pool experts don’t just build to code — they build with care.

What Makes a Natural Pool Expert?

Chlorine Pools

Top natural swimming pool builders in Portugal (2026 shortlist)

Portugal is quickly becoming a European capital for eco-conscious design, and natural swimming pools are at the forefront. While there are many installers and landscapers now offering biopools, few specialize in fully integrated, plant-based systems.

Bio Piscinas

Bio Piscinas builds traditional biopools. Their team combines decades of experience with “bio‑based” solutions that prioritise sustainability and water ecology. The company emphasises nature‑based filtration, aquatic planting, and long‑term ecosystem performance, making them a choice for clients seeking an environmentally‑driven pool design with reliable results. Their focus in on traditional, rectangular style biopools. https://www.biopiscinas.pt/en/who-we-are/

Biotop Partner Portugal

As part of an internationally recognised network of natural pool specialists, Biotop  Partner  Portugal brings refined “Living Pool” expertise to the Portuguese market. Their systems integrate advanced biological filters with phosphate‑control technologies, allowing these pools to deliver clarity and form closer to traditional pools—but without chlorine. Their focus is on delivering high‑performance results, while ensuring the ecological health of the pool ecosystem over time. https://gb.bio.top

Swim Natural

Swim Natural is a newer entrant with a distinct angle focused on minimalist, ecological swimming environments. Their approach combines compact bio‑filtration zones and streamlined, elegant forms—appealing to homeowners seeking simplicity and efficiency with minimal maintenance. While their design language is less ornate, they excel in delivering a clean‑swimming, eco‑conscious experience for clients who prioritise function over large scale or luxury finishes. http://swimnatural.com

Oásis Biosistema

Founded in 2022 by Alberto Tassi, Oásis Biosistema is built on a passion for aquatic ecology, garden‑design and natural pools. Their process begins with a personal consultation and 3D visualisation, followed by full execution from excavation through aquatic planting and regeneration‑zone activation. They position themselves as hybrid specialists—plant‑based filtration supported by optional UV/Ozone systems—to guarantee clarity and ecosystem health. Their work suits tailored villas and regeneration projects where landscaping meets water. https://oasisbiosistema.com/en/home/

Aqua Vitae

Aqua Vitae leads the field with more than 25  years of international experience designing and building award-winning natural swimming pools, biopools and water features. What sets them apart is a proprietary ecosystem‑first methodology that blends high‑craft masonry, natural materials (stone, wood, native plants) and advanced hydraulic engineering with invisible technology (UV, drum filters, smart controls).

They also specialize in all 3 styles of natural pools (Traditional, Hybrid & Naturalistic) versus solely just one, like most natural pool companies.

With over three years of immersive training under one of the founders of the natural pool movement, they bring both tradition and innovation to every project. Their portfolio ranges from bespoke residential retreats to resort‑scale installations—each pool created to look as if it was always part of the land. Aqua Vitae’s signature is not only water clarity, but aesthetic integration, ecosystem health and lasting durability. http://aquavitaepools.com

Not all builders are equally specialized. Some companies are landscapers first, pool designers second. Vet each team for genuine biological, aesthetic and engineering knowledge, not just installation capability.

Chlorine Pools

Comparison Table: Aqua Vitae vs Standard Natural Pool Builder

Chlorine Pools

Why Aqua Vitae Stands Apart

Aqua Vitae is not just a name — it’s a living approach. With decades of expertise, we design and build natural swimming pools that are:

• Naturalistic in form — blending seamlessly into the surrounding landscape

• Biologically functional — using regenerative filtration with aquatic plants & microbes

• Elegant by design — sculptural shapes, artisanal masonry, and timeless aesthetics

But what truly sets us apart is our method: an ecosystem-first strategy guided by precise technical execution. From regenerative filtration to high-efficiency pumps, UV sterilizers, and native planting — each element is chosen not just for function, but for harmony.

Whether you're dreaming of a lakeside plunge, a forest spring, or a sleek modern bio pool — we build it as if nature sculpted it.

We offer:

✅ Design Consultations — remote or onsite
✅ Full Installations — from excavation to planting
✅ DIY Support Kits — custom-matched filtration systems
✅ Educational Guides — articles, videos & expert advice

Whether you're planning a tranquil garden pond or a full-size natural swimming pool, we’ll help you do it right — no upsell, no fluff, just clarity.

🔗 Explore our free guides or contact us to begin.

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