Tiny pool without using chemicals

[atpeace]

I decided yesterday to build a tiny pool to cool off in after my HOT runs outside.  I have a well and solar so water and energy cost aren't an issue.  It will be 120 cm deep and basically a 180 cm x180 cm box in a shaded area adjacent to the patio.  .  It will have a small water fall and a 160 watt aerator running at most times hoping that will keep the water from stagnating and will probably lower the temp a couple degrees.  I am constantly topping off our 15mx15m fish pond so plan on just dumping the pool water every few days into the pond and refilling with clean water.  The pool/bathtub will be completely tiled(porcelain glazed ) with a slippery surface that won't attract as much bacteria as non-slip tiles.  Hard to slip in a tiny pool if it water covers most of the  body so safety isn't a concern.  

 

I plan on buying this 160w aerator and just feeding the oxygen lines into the pool.  I will also build a DIY filter (basically pumping water through aquarium filters and gravel) that will be placed behind the tiny waterfall.  I t will be finished tomorrow is my guess, minus the waterfall and filtering system.  Is this going to work???  Might end up being a nice fish pond 🙂

 

 

 

[Crossy]

 

 

Even with a bubbler and basic filter it's not going to stay clear for long, and doubtless even with regular water changes, you're going to get a slimy algae buildup on surfaces 😞 

 

Get a cheap floating chlorine dispenser and some tablets 🙂 

[Mitker]

From my experience, filtration is the key.

I've never been able to totally get rid of chlorine, but I've succeeded reducing it to a ridiculous amount (for a small pool of 16 m3, a single tablet would suffice for 2-4 weeks use in plain Mediterranean summer). It was mostly needed at starting the season.
The filter would run most of the day with adequate backwash every couple of days. Your solar system will erase the cost.
You'd never smell any chlorine

Removing any debris (min-skimmers ?) and preventing users to use the pool without prior shower are a must

Good luck with your project (I actually plan something very similar and will follow this discussion)

[atpeace]

1 hour ago, Crossy said:

 

 

Even with a bubbler and basic filter it's not going to stay clear for long, and doubtless even with regular water changes, you're going to get a slimy algae buildup on surfaces 😞 

 

Get a cheap floating chlorine dispenser and some tablets 🙂 

Chorine is always an option and I tend to think you are correct if I emptied every 3-5 days.  Maybe emptying ever other day would work.  I could drain at night and set the pump timer to fill it up after.  My ice bath stays clean for at least a week (gone 3 weeks 🙂 )  and it is only circulating when I'm in it and while the pump from the cooler is dumping water into it.  It stays covered and around 17c except for the 10 minutes I drop it to around 9c.  Not apples to apples but interesting...

 

I could clean the inside glossy tiles (30cmx30cm) with bleach once a week when empty.  Hoping this would eliminate the algae buildup and would  take me less than 5 minutes.

[atpeace]

46 minutes ago, Mitker said:

From my experience, filtration is the key.

I've never been able to totally get rid of chlorine, but I've succeeded reducing it to a ridiculous amount (for a small pool of 16 m3, a single tablet would suffice for 2-4 weeks use in plain Mediterranean summer). It was mostly needed at starting the season.
The filter would run most of the day with adequate backwash every couple of days. Your solar system will erase the cost.
You'd never smell any chlorine

Removing any debris (min-skimmers ?) and preventing users to use the pool without prior shower are a must

Good luck with your project (I actually plan something very similar and will follow this discussion)

Thanks and I'll take pics when finished.  The DIY filtration will be an interesting project and getting many ideas from YouTube.  Were you emptying your pool often?  I could do every other day which should eliminate most the filth.  During the hot months I am already pumping from the well more than this quantity of water into the pond every day so I would  use the tiny pool as the storage tank that could be dumped into the pond as needed.

[atpeace]

The Thai workers  doing the work just told me they have to go to another job for 4 days.  Was hoping to finish tomorrow but no rush🙂

[Elkski]

Will it have a lid?  I assume a sturdy ladder? Bromine is less offensive to most people.  Maybe have the overflow go directly to the pond and run the well pump when you have solar.   Are you using epoxy grout?  I think this project could benefit from that.  

[atpeace]

11 hours ago, Elkski said:

Will it have a lid?  I assume a sturdy ladder? Bromine is less offensive to most people.  Maybe have the overflow go directly to the pond and run the well pump when you have solar.   Are you using epoxy grout?  I think this project could benefit from that.  

I'll make a lid when finished using eva gym matts. I have enough battery excess to run the overflow at night if needed.  My only concern is the well drying up but the pump is currently 15 meters below the water line.  First year using a well so have no idea how much the water drops during the hot dry months that are coming. 

 

Sturdy ladder to get out?  I was planning on just pulling myself out which would be easy enough now and hopefully for at least a few more years.  My wife is a few years older than me but extremely athletic and would be able  do it easier than me 🙂  I'll check out the grout recommendation.  Thanks for the advice!