Why newts thrive in natural swimming pools
When we think of water-loving creatures, frogs and fish might come to mind first. But newts—those small, semi-aquatic amphibians—are some of nature’s most adaptable explorers. Their ability to find new water sources and thrive in eco-friendly settings like natural swimming pools reveals a fascinating story of instinct, evolution, and environmental synergy.
How Newts Find New Water Sources
Newts have evolved to be remarkably mobile and resourceful. Although they spend much of the year on land, particularly in damp woodland or under logs and stones, water is essential to their life cycle—especially for breeding.
1. Sensory Superpowers:
Newts locate water sources primarily through their sense of smell and sensitivity to humidity. They can detect the moisture content in the air and follow gradients of increasing humidity toward ponds, streams, or artificial pools. Some studies suggest they may even sense chemical cues from algae or decaying vegetation—signs of a healthy aquatic environment.
2. Night time Navigators:
Newts often migrate under the cover of night, especially during rainy periods in spring. This reduces their risk of predation and desiccation (drying out). They’re known to travel surprising distances—sometimes hundreds of meters—to find suitable breeding water.
3. Homing Instincts:
Remarkably, many newts return to the same breeding sites year after year. This site fidelity means they remember the location of a pond or stream and will even navigate around obstacles to get there.
Why Natural Swimming Pools Are Perfect for Newts
Natural swimming pools (also called swimming ponds) combine the aesthetics and functionality of a conventional pool with the ecology of a natural wetland. They are chemical-free and rely on biological filters, plants, and gravel to keep the water clean. This makes them an unexpected haven for local wildlife—including newts.
1. Chemical-Free Zones:
Traditional pools use chlorine and other sanitisers, which are toxic to amphibians. In contrast, natural pools are safe for sensitive species like newts, whose permeable skin readily absorbs toxins.
2. Biodiverse Ecosystems:
The planted regeneration zones of natural pools mimic the shallow margins of ponds—prime real estate for newts. These zones provide shelter, breeding grounds, and a rich supply of insects and invertebrates for food.
3. Seasonal Synchrony:
Newts thrive in environments that change with the seasons. Natural swimming pools often allow for water level fluctuations and plant die-back, which align with the breeding and hibernation cycles of newts. In the summer, you might see them gracefully swimming among the reeds; in winter, they retreat to nearby logs, leaf litter, or even cracks in the stonework to hibernate.
4. Human and Wildlife Coexistence:
One of the greatest benefits of natural swimming pools is how they allow people to enjoy a clean, swimmable water body without displacing local fauna. With careful design—such as gently sloping edges and quiet vegetated corners—humans and newts can share the same water source harmoniously.
Supporting Newts in Your Natural Pool
If you’re lucky enough to have newts in or near your pool, here are a few tips to support them:
Avoid chemical treatments, even nearby.
Add native aquatic plants to provide oxygen and shelter.
Create gradual slopes for easy access in and out of the water.
Leave some leaf litter or stones nearby for hibernation spots.
Don’t disturb them during breeding season (usually spring to early summer).
Final Thoughts
Newts are quiet ambassadors of a healthy ecosystem. Their presence in your natural swimming pool is not just a biological bonus, it’s a testament to the harmony between thoughtful human design and wild nature. By understanding how they find water and what they need to thrive, we can create back garden oases that are both beautiful and biodiverse.
