Essential Natural Pool Accessories & Equipment for UK Owners

Essential Equipment for Natural Pool Owners

Owning a natural swimming pool requires a different set of tools and accessories compared to a chlorinated pool. No chemical dosing equipment needed—instead, you'll invest in tools that support your pool's biological health and make maintenance effortless.

Cleaning Equipment

Robotic Pool Cleaner

The single best investment for any natural pool owner:

• Cost: £800-£2,000
• Automatically cleans the swimming zone floor and walls
• Removes fine sediment that settles between maintenance visits
• Runs independently—just drop it in and retrieve later
• Choose models rated for natural pools (some standard models damage biological surfaces)
• Recommended frequency: Weekly during swimming season

Skimmer Net and Leaf Rake

Basic but essential:

• Long-handled skimmer net: (£15-£30): Daily use during autumn leaf fall
• Deep leaf rake: (£20-£40): For collecting debris from the pool floor
• Telescopic pole: (£20-£50): Extends reach across larger pools
• Five minutes of daily skimming prevents most water quality issues

Pool Vacuum (Manual)

For targeted cleaning of specific areas:

• Hand-powered siphon vacuum: (£30-£60): Simple and effective for small pools
• Battery-powered handheld: (£100-£300): More convenient, good for spot cleaning
• Useful for cleaning around aquatic plants where robotic cleaners can't reach

Pool Covers

Thermal Pool Cover

The most practical accessory after a cleaner:

• Cost: £500-£3,000 depending on size and type
• Retains heat (extends swimming season by 4-6 weeks)
• Reduces evaporation by up to 95%
• Keeps leaves and debris out
• Reduces maintenance time by up to 50%

Types available:

• Solar bubble covers: Budget option (£200-£500), lightweight, manual handling
• Foam slab covers: Better insulation, £500-£1,500
• Automatic slatted covers: Premium option, £3,000-£8,000, motorised operation
• Safety covers: Load-bearing, £2,000-£5,000, recommended for families

Winter Cover

Protects your pool during the dormant season:

• Mesh covers allow rainwater through while catching debris (£200-£600)
• Solid covers keep everything out but need drainage provision (£300-£800)
• Essential for reducing spring cleaning effort
• See our winter swimming guide for year-round pool management

Water Quality Tools

Test Kits

Essential for monitoring your pool's health:

• Comprehensive liquid test kit: (£40-£60): Tests pH, phosphates, nitrates, and dissolved oxygen
• Digital pH/temperature meter: (£50-£200): Quick, accurate daily readings
• Test strips: (£10-£25 for 50): Convenient for quick checks
• See our complete water testing guide for recommended testing schedules

Phosphate Binder

An emergency tool for phosphate control:

• Cost: £20-£40 per treatment
• Natural mineral-based products (e.g., Phoslock, Rowaphos)
• Use sparingly—your regeneration zone should handle phosphates naturally
• Useful during the first season while biology establishes

Heating Equipment

Solar Heating

The most popular choice for natural pools:

• Solar panels/mats: (£1,000-£3,000): Roof or ground mounted
• Can raise water temperature by 5-8°C
• Zero running costs
• Works best May-September in the UK
• See our heating guide for full options

Heat Pumps

For guaranteed warmth:

• Air-source heat pump: (£3,000-£6,000): Most efficient option
• Running costs £200-£500/year
• Extends swimming season to April-October
• Must be correctly sized for your pool volume
• Compatible with natural pool biology when set below 28°C

Safety Equipment

Pool Alarms

Recommended for families with young children:

• Surface wave alarms: (£100-£300): Detect disturbance on the water surface
• Perimeter alarms: (£200-£500): Motion sensors around pool edges
• Wristband alarms: (£50-£100): Alert if a child enters the water

First Aid Kit

Keep a waterproof first aid kit poolside:

• Standard first aid supplies
• Emergency thermal blanket
• Waterproof phone case for emergencies
• Relevant for pool safety compliance

Non-Slip Surfaces

Add grip to wet areas:

• Anti-slip strips for steps and coping (£20-£50)
• Textured deck coatings (£100-£300)
• Essential for natural stone edges which become slippery when wet

Lifestyle Accessories

Outdoor Shower

Practical and helps protect water quality:

• Solar shower: (£50-£150): No plumbing needed, heats water naturally
• Plumbed shower: (£300-£1,000 installed): Hot and cold, more convenient
• Encourages swimmers to rinse before entering—reduces contaminants

Pool Furniture

Complete the experience:

• Sun loungers rated for poolside use (moisture-resistant materials)
• Shade sail or parasol for hot days
• Poolside storage for covers and cleaning equipment
• Lighting for evening enjoyment

Maintenance Tools Checklist

Here's your essential toolkit:

Must-Have (£200-£500):

• Skimmer net and telescopic pole
• Leaf rake
• Basic water test kit
• Garden hose with spray attachment
• Secateurs for plant maintenance
• Bucket and scrub brush

Recommended (£1,000-£3,000):

• Robotic pool cleaner
• Digital pH meter
• Thermal pool cover
• Pool vacuum

Premium (£3,000+):

• Automatic pool cover
• Heat pump
• Smart water monitoring system
• Integrated lighting system

Where to Buy

Specialist natural pool suppliers offer the best advice and products suited to biological pools. Avoid generic pool shop products designed for chlorinated systems—some contain chemicals that harm natural pool biology.

Your pool builder can typically supply and install major equipment as part of the build or as aftermarket additions. For ongoing maintenance equipment, specialist online retailers often offer the best prices.