Natural Pool Design
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Founders Will and Sarah Murch have been constructing natural pools, wildlife ponds and gardens for over 20 years. They created their first natural swimming pool in their family gardens – now Ellicar HQ – and under the Ellicar brand, they've been designing and building natural pools for others to enjoy ever since.
Today we're recognised as award-winning natural pool specialists. As landscape designers, horticulturalists, water specialists, and wildlife and wild swimming enthusiasts, natural pools bring together the best of what we do.
Our skilled design creates an effortlessly natural-looking pool. Utterly precise landscape engineering enables a flawless build. Meticulous construction gives an immaculate finish. And hydraulic detailing together with biological filtration builds in technical components below ground and underwater to ensure your pool functions biologically and looks perfectly natural.
We've studied how people use water and interact with landscapes for many years. So, we understand how to design and build your natural pool for the way you want to use it.
Perhaps your priority is family fun with toddlers or teenagers, swimming lengths, or simply relaxing and watching wildlife while enjoying the occasional dip. Your pool will be as beautiful as you imagine yet practical and easy to look after.
Whether a naturalistic retreat at the end of your garden or a contemporary plunge pool by your patio, it will blend into your garden and complement your architecture.
From experience, we appreciate how the smaller details can have a big impact on making the most of your pool. Boulders, jetties, stepping stones, play beaches and more add to your experience in the water. Read More...
With carefully considered pool hydraulics, you can enjoy a still, reflective pool for peace and tranquillity. We can create mesmerising ripples spreading across the water's surface or make it livelier with water bubbling up through boulders, or splashing into the pool via a millstone or rill.
Optimising natural thermal gain means you can use your pool for more months of the year, and with lighting, you can enjoy it after dark.
A natural pool offers much more than swimming. Whether you’re looking for family fun, alfresco dining, quiet contemplation or a place to reconnect with nature, a hidden getaway in a hammock or a sundeck with loungers – our expertise doesn’t stop at the water’s edge.
Our pool design and landscaping teams incorporate sun decks, outdoor kitchens, outdoor living spaces and saunas, all surrounded by beautiful planting, integrating your natural pool into your garden.
Your pool will become the focus of family life and a retreat….just as ours has.
Water plants are key to hydro-botanical (chemical-free) filtration. Our understanding of the different aquatic species, their function and where and how they grow best in your pool means your pool will thrive. Read More...
Biological water filtration is at the core of our natural pools, so you can swim in sparkling clear, chemical-free water all year round. Water is hygienically filtered and purified naturally by water plants and a special Biotop filtration system. Swimming in your natural pool is like wild swimming in your garden. You’ll enjoy proven health benefits in a pool that’s good for the environment. Read More...
We visit your garden to learn more about your ideas and assess the site. You tell us about your pool requirements and wish list, preferred style and finish, and we look at the best location and orientation for your pool to function optimally in your existing garden. You’ll discover more about our biologically filtered natural pools including technical information and maintenance requirements.
Now we know your requirements and understand your site conditions, we're ready to design a pool that works with your lifestyle and garden. A concept plan pulls everything together so you can see your ideal pool start to take shape.
Our optional garden and planting design service for around the water ensures your natural pool fits seamlessly into your garden.
Landscaping Services
A 3D model and full set of technical drawings in AutoCAD specify your pool's filtration equipment, pumps, hydraulics and pipework layout. We detail construction drawings for the pool's chambers, drainage requirements, lining and aggregates. Finally, we produce a set of pool planting plans and detailed pool finish drawings showing in–pool features, decking, paving and cladding options to finish the water's edge.
Project Gallery
Our BALI and APL -accredited pool specialists and landscape craftsmen construct and install your natural pool from start to finish. For self-build projects, we provide detailed construction plans for the pool chambers, with support during the construction phase. We then install your pool from lining onwards.
Construction Services
Once your natural swimming pool is complete, we commission it and hand it over to you with a comprehensive manual and training in pool maintenance.
Once we hand over your pool we continue to monitor the water, providing help and aftercare.
We record water tests, monitor plant growth, and maintain pool service data so we understand your pool and water ready to provide professional assistance should you need it.
You’ll also receive reminders for things like turning on the carbonators, starting to fertilise your pool and monitoring plant growth during the summer season.
In addition, your pool will be serviced in winter leaving you with a full service report and water analysis. Some clients enjoy a spring service too, to get their pool ready for the swimming season. They’re good opportunities to talk with our pool team if you have any questions.
If you have any questions about natural swimming pools, or you would like to discuss a project, please get in touch.
