Where to find naturally filtered and low chlorine spa pools

As a rule we accept that chlorine is a necessary part of using a swimming pool, keeping it clean for everyone to use. However, with more options now available to spas and leisure destinations, many spa locations are opting for biological filtration systems and low-chemical options to reduce environmental impact and improve the wellbeing experiences of swimming. Here are a few favourites.

An Ozone-filtered pool at The Grove, Hertfordshire

A celebrity favourite The Grove in Hertfordshire is all about luxury, and The Sequoia Spa is an intrinsic part of that. Complete with a Jacuzzi, sauna and steam room, a women's only heaven shower and wellness pool, as well as treatments from Bamford and Natura Bissé, they have a striking black mosaic-lined swimming pool, which is uses Ozone instead to cleanse it, which is gentler on the skin and avoids chemical smells.

A chlorine-free pool at Spa at The Landmark, London

An oasis in the heart of London, a day at the Spa at The Landmark is guaranteed to be sumptuous and sophisticated. The Landmark refers to it as a lifestyle spa and wellness centre, and that’s because it is dedicated to providing a holistic experience, individually tailored to each guest. The exquisite facilities include a steam room, Jacuzzi, a sanarium, and a secret hideaway, not to mention a beautiful chlorine-free 15-meter indoor swimming pool, helping to promote rejuvenation for the mind, body and spirit. Treatments use Germaine de Cappucini and include face and body as well as ritualistic therapies.

An Ozone-filtered pool at Apex Hotel Waterloo Place, Edinburgh

A gorgeous sanctuary in Edinburgh city centre, the spa at Apex Hotel Waterloo Place offers a haven of peace amidst the hustle and bustle of everyday life. They are a dab hand at tailoring bespoke treatments including massages and body therapies to your needs using ESPA products. Alongside the treatments, there's a sauna and steam room, as well as an Ozone-filtered pool drenched in natural light.

A chlorine-free swimming pool at One Aldwych, London

One Aldwych is an amalgamation of all the best things that London has to offer. Historic but cosmopolitan, sophisticated but welcoming, chic, creative and located perfectly for exploring the city. The ultra-chic hotel dates to 1905 but remains effortlessly in vogue. It’s also home to a subterranean health club that’s the height of sophistication and escapism, with a 24-hour gym, an 18-metre chlorine-free swimming pool, a sauna and steam room. Instead of harsh chemicals, the pool uses an innovative mineral cleaning system to make your swim even more refreshing.

A mineral-rich thermal pool at The Buxton Crescent Hotel, Derbyshire

A fusion of two historic hotels, The Buxton Crescent Hotel sits on an elegant Georgian crescent in a town famous for its healing thermal waters. The landmark destination brings 200 years of history into the present day, combining it with an exceptional spa that hinges on a spectacular thermal experience. The hotel is perfect for romantic getaways, mother/daughter breaks or quality time with friends, while the combination of five-star facilities and holistic wellness is ideal for a complete wellness experience. Favourite features include a bio-thermal sauna, CO2 mineral bath, an infra-red sauna, Finnish sauna, multiple steam rooms, and a suite of pools, including one on the rooftop. True to its spa town roots, the thermal pool has mineral rich water flowing into it, heated and left chemically untreated, all under a stained glass canopy.

A bio-filtered natural pool at Swinton Estate, Harrogate

The ancestral seat of the Earl of Swinton, Swinton Park is a luxury castle hotel in the Yorkshire Dales, replete with immaculate accommodation, award-winning dining, and a whole host of activities across its 20,000 acres. By contrast to its historic architecture, the spa is a modern, world-class facility set within the grounds with a beautiful 18-metre lap pool surrounded by glass, a classic steam room, an aroma steam room using seasonal natural fragrances and a Finnish sauna. Outside there is an alfresco sauna and shower as well as a 10 metre outdoor natural pool that offers environmentally friendly, natural bathing in bio-filtered water.

A natural swimming pond filtered by plants at Yorkshire Spa Retreat, Helmsley

Yorkshire Spa Retreat is set in eight acres of parkland near Helmsley. Here, luxury and wellness combine with beautiful facilities inspired by the natural world. It's constructed of earthy materials - wood, slate, stone and lots of natural light, while facilities range from a hydro-pool to a natural cold water swim pond, herbal steam room, sauna or salt chamber, and a relaxation lounge. At Yorkshire Spa Retreat in North Yorkshire, the natural swimming pond is filtered and purified biologically by water plants and a specialist filtration system, so it feels like a chilled mountain lake.

A reed-filtered swim pond at South Lodge, West Sussex

An eco spa with exceptional style, South Lodge is a glamorous retreat in the heart of the South Downs. Its 44,000 sq. ft. luxury spa has everything you could ask for, from a state-of-the-art gym to indoor and outdoor pools. The surrounding landscape and the spa's resonance with nature is amongst its greatest features, from the swim pond to the 14 nature-inspired treatment rooms. Even the architecture features a grass and sedum roof as well as green oak cladding so it blends with the landscape. Crucially, the swim pond uses a reed-filtered system made up of plants and a biological filter, mimicking the processes found in lakes and streams for crystal clear water.