In a fast-paced, always-on world where new technological advancements are being made seemingly by the day, often, it can feel difficult to switch off, and increasingly, we’re seeking new ways to prioritise our health and wellness and ultimately, prevent burnout.
Nature has long been heralded as the ultimate tonic when it comes to reducing feelings of stress, anxiety and overwhelm, and the global pandemic of 2020 shone a spotlight on how connecting with it could help to reinstall a sense of calm in times of need. Limited to just one outdoor walk a day, for many, getting outside served as a much-needed escape from the madness, and a new appreciation for the benefits of doing so took hold – with something that had so often been overlooked in the years prior now becoming more valued than ever before.
While since then the world has largely returned to normal and lockdowns might now be over, it seems our appetite for seeking optimal health and wellness through connection with nature is still very much alive, and now, we’re looking for new ways to get closer to nature in every element of our daily lives.
One of the biggest trends we’ve seen to this end is a growing demand for natural elements in our homes and gardens, and it’s one that has extended to swimming pools. Clear Water Revival (CWR) is at the forefront of this movement, and is paving the way for a new era of natural pools, with a string of celebrities already thought to be fans of this new and exciting concept in its field.
Although chlorinated swimming pools have been around for many years, many people have remained hesitant to swim in them. Chlorine is used because of its ability to kill all bacteria, but unfortunately, that also includes the healthy bacteria that naturally live on our skin and hair, which can lead to dryness and hair loss. Not only that, but when chlorinated water is swallowed – which often happens when swimming, despite our best efforts – the essential good bacteria in our gut microbiomes is also exterminated, ultimately compromising our overall wellness.
With this in mind, it’s unsurprising that many people prefer to swim in natural, chemical-free swimming ponds instead – but such ponds are filled with natural plant life, which is responsible for filtering the water, and thus require a much greater level of maintenance.
Until fairly recently, the solution for those seeking a minimal-maintenance, chemical-free alternative to both traditional swimming pools and natural swimming ponds wasn’t an obvious one – but CWR’s luxury freshwater pool, which requires no plant life to filter water, is changing all of that.
Promising a natural swimming experience with all the benefits that come with swimming in either of the above, the benefits are many. CWR pools use mineral water, which comprises added minerals like magnesium and selenium, offering a much-needed boost to health and wellness.
Magnesium is an essential mineral that plays a vital role in many bodily functions, including muscle and nerve function, maintaining a healthy immune system, and regulating blood pressure – and by swimming in magnesium-infused water, you’ll naturally boost your levels. If you’re familiar with magnesium salt baths, then you’ll also know it has an ability to soothe aches and pains, and swimming in it can offer much the same effect.
Selenium, meanwhile, is known for its antioxidant properties, and swimming in water that contains the mineral can help to protect the body’s cells from oxidative damage, which can lead to inflammation and other health problems.
But that’s not the only reason CWR’s pools are making waves, and their ground-breaking filtration system certainly has something to do with it. Based on innovative technology developed by Origin Aqua, which oversaw PhD research on the subject at the University of the West of England, it uses natural bacteria to eliminate pathogens and provide a sustainable and low-energy option, in the first practical application of this technology in the world so far.
CWR pools also have impressive eco-credentials. They use air source heat pumps to heat the water, low-energy lighting, and solar covers to minimise heating costs, with the one-piece shells used in installations made from recyclable polypropylene. Less concrete is also required for the base and walls of pools when compared with traditional swimming pools.
CWR offers two main pool options: a bespoke pool made to each individual homeowner’s requirements, and a lower-priced one-piece solution with a pre-made shell, that will be speedily delivered from Belgium.
It’s easy to see why these pools are garnering such attention globally, and even Hollywood actress Kate Winslet is known to be a fan. The most cutting-edge, wellness-focused, and sustainable options on the market, they could soon become the norm for health conscious luxury homeowners, so if you’re eager to get ahead of the curve, then why not splash out and treat yourself?
