Natural swimming ponds with a purpose-built oak-edged swim zone
Beautiful, wildlife-friendly swimming ponds designed and built in Derbyshire and across the East Midlands.
Who we are
At Mount Pleasant Natural Pools, we create natural swimming ponds that combine the beauty and biodiversity of a wildlife pond with the comfort of a properly constructed swimming area.
Our pools are designed to look natural within the landscape, but the swim zone itself is clearly defined. A submerged structural wall, finished with oak sleepers, separates the deeper swimming area from the planted regeneration zone. This gives you clean, open water for swimming, while the surrounding gravel beds, aquatic plants and beneficial microorganisms help keep the water naturally clear.
No chlorine. No harsh chemicals. Just naturally filtered water, thoughtful construction and a pond that becomes part of your garden.
A swimming pond that feels natural but works beautifully
A Mount Pleasant natural pool is not just a pond you swim in. It is a carefully designed system with two distinct areas working together.
The swim zone gives you depth, space and a clean edge to swim from. The regeneration zone surrounds or sits alongside it, planted with carefully chosen aquatic plants and filled with gravel to support natural biological filtration.
Water is gently circulated through the system using low-energy airlift pumps, helping oxygenate the water and move it through the planted regeneration area. The result is a living pool that looks like a pond, supports wildlife and provides a beautiful place to swim.
Our hybrid approach
Traditional swimming ponds are often very natural in appearance, but the swimming area can feel less defined. Formal natural swimming pools can be highly engineered and pool-like, sometimes relying on more equipment and a less natural look.
Our approach sits between the two.
We build naturalistic swimming ponds with a properly constructed swim zone. The oak-topped wall creates a clear separation between the swimming area and the regeneration zone, while still keeping the whole pool soft, natural and in keeping with the garden.
This gives you:
A beautiful pond-like appearance
A clear, usable swimming area
A submerged oak-edged swim zone wall
A planted regeneration zone for natural filtration
Low-energy circulation
A wildlife-friendly garden feature
Naturally filtered water without chlorine
Designed for swimming, wildlife and year-round enjoyment
Designed for swimming, wildlife and year-round enjoyment, pools are designed to be enjoyed in more than one way. They are places to swim, cool off, sit beside, watch wildlife and enjoy the changing seasons.
The planted margins attract insects, birds, frogs, newts and dragonflies. The water and planting soften into the garden over time, creating something that feels established and alive rather than added on.
Every pool is designed around the site, the landscape and the way you want to use it.
Built by the people you deal with
Mount Pleasant Natural Pools is a small, family-run business. We design and build our pools ourselves, bringing together practical construction experience, landscaping knowledge and a genuine interest in natural water systems. From the first conversation through to the finished pool, you deal directly with the people who will be building it.
Visit our own natural swimming pond
We built our own natural swimming pond because we wanted to live with the system ourselves, not just sell the idea to other people.
Our own pond is where we swim, test, observe and continue to refine the way we design and build. It allows potential clients to see the swim zone, oak-edged wall, regeneration planting, water clarity, wildlife and overall feel of a working natural pool in person.
Visits are available by appointment for serious enquiries.
Lower chemical input, more natural balance
A natural swimming pond is a living system. Instead of relying on chlorine or chemical treatment, water quality is supported by good design, planting, gravel filtration, oxygenation, circulation and regular removal of organic debris.
Like any living pond, it does need some care. Leaves, dead plant material and excess algae should be removed when needed, and the planting and circulation should be checked throughout the seasons. But the maintenance is very different from that of a conventional swimming pool, resulting in a far more natural swimming experience.
Start planning your natural swimming pond
If you are considering a natural swimming pond for your garden, we would be happy to talk through the options.
We can help you understand what may be possible on your site, how much space is needed, what affects the cost, and whether a Mount Pleasant natural pool is the right fit for your garden.
Get in touch to arrange an initial conversation. We’d love to hear from you.
Call: 01332 480534
Email: hello@mountpleasantnaturalpools.co.uk
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