Can you create a swimming pond without plants in it?

Summary

In this video, Michael from Pwns by Michael discusses the possibility of creating a swimming pond without plants. He explains that unlike traditional swimming pools which rely on chemicals like chlorine for clarity, his company's swimming ponds achieve crystal-clear water through a comprehensive system that includes water testing, management of GH, KH, and carbonate hardness, oxygen and phosphate management, nitrogen cycle control, and UV treatment. Michael emphasizes that plants are not necessary for filtration, but rather they absorb nutrients from the water. His passion for water chemistry and delivering clear, chemical-free swimming ponds is evident as he shares his expertise and the benefits of their unique approach.

Takeaways

• 🏊 Swimming pools maintain water clarity without plants by using chemicals like chlorine.
• 🌿 Saltwater pools are not chlorine-free as the salt converts to chlorine in the water.
• 🌱 Traditional pond plants are not necessary for a clear swimming pond, contrary to common belief.
• 🔬 Achieving clear water in a swimming pond involves extensive water testing and management, including GH, KH, and carbonate hardness.
• 🚫 Phosphate management is crucial to prevent blanket weed growth, which is often mistakenly attributed to 'bad years'.
• 💧 Oxygen and nitrogen cycle management, along with filtration, are key to maintaining water quality.
• 🌐 UV systems are used to ensure water clarity, but they are incompatible with traditional gravel bed systems.
• 🌡 Clearer ponds are warmer as the sun can penetrate the water more easily, thanks to the absence of silt and debris.
• 🌳 Plants in ponds do not filter water; they absorb nitrates and phosphates under specific pH and hardness conditions.
• 🏆 The company's swimming ponds are designed to deliver crystal-clear water without the need for chlorine, showcasing their expertise in water chemistry.

Q & A

Can you create a swimming pond without plants?

Yes, it is possible to create a swimming pond without plants. The video transcript discusses how a swimming pond can be maintained with clarity and without the need for plants by using a system that involves various water management techniques.

How does a swimming pool maintain clear water without plants?

A swimming pool maintains clear water through the use of chemicals such as chlorine or bromine. These chemicals help to keep the water clear and free from algae and other contaminants.

What is the role of chlorine in a swimming pool?

Chlorine is used as a disinfectant in swimming pools to kill bacteria, algae, and other microorganisms, thus maintaining the clarity and safety of the water.

Is there a non-chlorine alternative for swimming pools?

Saltwater chlorinators are often marketed as a non-chlorine alternative, but they actually produce chlorine through the electrolysis of salt, so all swimming pools technically have chlorine in them.

How does the swimming pond in the video maintain clarity without chemicals?

The swimming pond in the video maintains clarity through a system that includes water testing, management of GH, KH, and carbonate hardness, oxygen type management, phosphate management, filter and nitrogen cycle management, and the use of UV systems.

Why are plants not necessary in the swimming pond projects mentioned in the transcript?

Plants are not necessary in these swimming pond projects because the system in place effectively manages water clarity and quality without their filtering capabilities. Plants can contribute to aesthetics but are not required for the functioning of the pond.

What is the importance of phosphate management in maintaining a clear swimming pond?

Phosphate management is crucial because phosphates are a food source for blanket weed. By managing phosphate levels, the growth of blanket weed can be controlled, contributing to the clarity of the pond.

How do UV systems contribute to the clarity of a swimming pond?

UV systems help to maintain water clarity by killing bacteria and other microorganisms that can cloud the water. However, they are only effective in systems where bacteria are not housed in gravel beds, as UV light would kill the beneficial bacteria there.

Why do traditional swimming ponds with gravel beds tend to have more issues with blanket weed?

Traditional swimming ponds with gravel beds can accumulate silt over time, which leads to an increase in ammonia and nitrites. These conditions provide a food source for blanket weed, leading to more significant weed growth.

How does the clarity of water in a swimming pond affect its temperature?

Clear water in a swimming pond allows the sun's rays to penetrate more easily, which is absorbed by the black liner, warming the water. This makes the pond warmer compared to ponds with less clarity.

What role do plants play in a traditional swimming pond in terms of water quality?

In traditional swimming ponds, plants are thought to filter the water, but they actually take nitrates and phosphates from the water when conditions such as pH and carbonate hardness are correct. If these conditions are not stable, plants cannot effectively remove these nutrients.