18/01/2026
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A growing number of Australian homeowners are replacing traditional backyard swimming pools with swim ponds, also known as recreational or natural ponds. While pools have long been a symbol of the ideal Aussie backyard, many are falling out of favour as children grow older and maintenance becomes costly and time-consuming. Swim ponds offer a more natural alternative, using plants and beneficial bacteria instead of chlorine to keep the water clean, making them healthier for people and local wildlife.
The trend has been championed by Patrick Handley of Waterscapes Australia, who was inspired while living in Canada and introduced the concept locally in 2011. Once misunderstood, swim ponds are now gaining popularity nationwide, valued for their aesthetic appeal, ecological benefits and versatility. Costs are comparable to traditional pools, but many homeowners see them as a more sustainable, long-term backyard feature.
