The underlying science of natural water filtration

Origin Aqua’s mineral+biome® system creates the next generation of natural swimming - the original inspiration for the team’s revolutionary system.

From Plants to Plant room

Traditionally, natural swimming ponds consisted of two zones: a deep (oligotrophic) central swimming area and a shallow (eutrophic) gravel planted area which removed the nutrients that fed negative pathogens. However, it isn’t necessarily the case that more plants create a cleaner pond.

2013 breakthrough

In 2013, our PhD microbiologists made a breakthrough; They demonstrated that it was the bacteria in the gravel in the ponds that were having the biggest impact in removing phosphate, nitrogen and carbon and that it was this process of starving the water of nutrients, that made it difficult for bacteria, algae and pathogens to survive.

Further to this, in 2015, our scientists in collaboration with the University of the West of England (UWE) proved that the beneficial microbes housed in our system will actually destroy pathogens and that certain minerals will inhibit the colonisation of pathogenic bacteria.

The addition of minerals encourages the colonisation of good bacteria, and augments the healing properties of thermal springs.

These discoveries have allowed us to reimagine and evolve natural filtration - from planted swimming ponds to traditional (and even heated) pools, with a system small enough to fit in a normal pool plant room, without the need for aquatic plants.

As a result, the mineral+biome® is now available for every type of pool (indoor, outdoor, heated or non heated). The technology is suitable for new build swimming pools and can easily be retrofitted to existing pools. Why not upgrade your water and swimming experience today? Our chemical-free Pool FAQ">pool FAQ covers installation, running costs, and what to expect.

A note on terminology: By chemical-free we mean no disinfection chemicals (no chlorine, bromine, salt chlorination, copper or ozone) and no chemical residuals in the swimming water. Trace phosphate management agents are used automatically during filtration — these bind to phosphates and are removed entirely during backwash, leaving no residual in the water. Mineral supplements are used at parts-per-billion concentrations in a food-grade carrier. Read our full definition.