Natural Swimming Pool Design Information

Natural Swimming Pool 

Plan View Natural Swimming Pool Design with Fish Habitat and Jacuzzi, Handicap Access Ramp, Fountain, Aquatic Plant Habitat, Pump House 

While creating the Families future Hemp Home.  The Girls all pointed out that they needed a Swimming Pool.
This honestly didn't cross my mind as I planned to locate the Hemp Home in a rural location that bordered on a lake or natural spring.

        Why would we need a swimming pool?

        Do they know how much energy a swimming pool uses?  We have to put up more Solar Panels to cover the electricity use.

I mentioned, "Is a traditional chlorine pool the best option?",

Natural Swimming Pool Design with Fish Habitat and Jacuzzi, Handicap Access Ramp, Fountain, Aquatic Plant Habitat, Pump House 

"Have you looked at any Natural Swimming Pools?"

Quickly answered by: "We're not swimming in no green pool !!!"

Luckily google^[1] came thru and found a slew of images on Natural Swimming Pool Images

Disaster averted!!! 

The Girls love the designs and when I mentioned that it won't turn their hair yellow and dry their skin out--the unanimous mutual agreement was:

"Yes Build It !!!- Scotty"

So here are some of the suggested techniques for building a Natural Swimming Pool as used in the following Natural Swimming Pool Designs by Scotty

Design Information How to Build a Natural Swimming Pool   MOTHER EARTH ... Reserving at least 50 percent of your pool's surface area for shallow plants, either at one end or in a ring around the sides, eliminates the need for chlorine and expensive filters and pumps. You'll want to separate the swimming area of your pool and the filtration area, or plant zone (see the illustration in the image gallery). The water needs to circulate continuously for the plants' roots to cleanse the pool. You also may need to aerate the water so the water organisms' oxygen needs are met. Without adequate oxygen, your pool could become stagnant, harboring odoriferous anaerobic bacteria. Besides cleaning the water and making your pool beautiful to behold, the shallow plant zone warms the water quickly and provides habitat for frogs and many invertebrates. They'll appreciate the shallow water for breeding grounds and repay the favor by eating mosquito larvae. A rim within an inch of the water's surface keeps plants in their place but allows water from the swimming area to move to the plant zone for filtering, As water passes through the fibrous root structure of the plants, bacteria concentrated on the plants' roots act as a biological filter, removing contaminants and excess nutrients in the water. Decomposer organisms, also found in the plants' root zones, consume the bacteria, effectively eliminating underwater waste buildup. Inside the plant zone, the water should get steadily deeper, reaching a maximum depth of 18 inches near the swimming zone. The outermost 6 inches of the plant zone will be 2 to 3 inches deep, providing a home for taller aquatic plants. Submergent and floating vegetation occupy the deeper area.[2][3][4][5][6][7] pics

---

• Frogs, Fish and many Invertebrates all appreciate the shallow water for Future Kids Science Projects

Aerator Fountain Feature

Top View

Pool View from Patio Home

For More Information Contact Scotty

[1] 2011. Natural Pools or Swimming Ponds - Inspiration Green. http://www.inspirationgreen.com/natural-pools-swimming-ponds.html.

[2] <http://www.inspirationgreen.com/assets/images/Blog-Building/Pools/bio-natural-pool1.jpg>

[3] <http://cordinglandscape.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/natural-swimming-pool-1400x933.jpg>

[4] <http://www.art-scape.co.uk/images/pool/natural_swimming_pools_4.jpg>

[5] <http://www.clear-water-revival.com/images/3_12390930761.jpg>

[6] <http://jessedutralandscape.com/images/nsp7.jpg>

[7] <http://assets.inhabitat.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/1/files/2011/01/PhillipJohnson1.jpg>

Thank You for stopping by If you liked the content Please share comment in the section below. Together we can make a difference. Build a Green StLouis Get Your Green Building Tips and Resources at St Louis Renewable Energy Green Blog
-->

Industrial Hemp CAD Designs Natural Sustainable Net Zero Home

#Hemp. pic.twitter.com/6z85g46o4r
— Hemp Farmers (@HempFarmers) June 24, 2014

Industrial Hemp CAD designs of 4 Bedroom, 2 Bath, Net Zero Sustainable Home. 

Industrial Hemp Home CAD designs by Scotty-Energy Efficient Post Frame and Hempcrete creating a Net Zero- Energy Efficient Sustainable 4 Bedroom 2 Bath, Gardens, Pool, Basement, Safe Room, Green Roof, SkyLights, Dual Pane Windows, Fireplace, Hardwood Floors, Radiant Heating, Indoor Garden, Hedge, Landscaping, Water Features...see the easy to read CAD Details 

• HEMP HOME COLLECTION BY SCOTTY February 9, 2014 Collection of Hemp Home Design CAD Drawing photos showcasing the sustainable lifestyle that this net zero energy efficient home, gardens, pergola, solar panels, solar water heating, pool, garage, safe room, basement, fireplace, 4 bedroom, 2 bath…

• HEMP HOME POST FRAME LATERAL LOADINg February 9, 2014 Post Frame Wood Structure Design-Industrial Hemp Wall Construction Its all about Energy Efficiency and Conserving Natural Resources when using a Post Frame Building option with the added benefit: Post Frame Buildings […]

           

• Q AND A WITH HEMP BUILDING EXPERT GREG FLAVALL HEMP TECHNOLOGIES February 6, 2014 Hempcrete Wall Details by Scotty-  Hemp Home Building Plans Q-n-A with HEMP Building Expert: Mr. Greg Flavall Co-Founder and Technical Director at Hemp-Technologies on the Hemp Home design by Scotty Additional […]

• Hemp Home Catalan Vaulted Style Roof Waterproofing-In the previous post I have been illustrating how I plan to build the Roof System for the Net Zero Hemp Home.  This post shows how I plan to both Insulate the Catalan Vault Style Roof System and make it water proof.

• Designing My Hemp Home February 5, 2014 My goal is simple: Net Zero and Affordable In my quest to promote affordable sustainable buildings has lead me to discover a new building product that provides high R-value for energy efficiency and has the strength of concrete.  Hempcrete the new miracle building material!

  

• ASK A BUILDER-HOW WOULD YOU BUILD YOUR RETIREMENT HOME? My retirement home will be a Hemp Home!  I feel a Hemp Home addresses the main issue facing mankind today (co2 emissions) without sacrificing comfort needed in both energy and lifestyle choices.

  To ensure that my retirement income will provide the needed security as I age in place my hemp home will enable me to use natural resources in the building of the energy efficient structure-controlling costs in the build and the future energy costs.

   Taking pointers from the first American Settlers:  I will build my home from the land and use as many natural resources as possible.

  

1916 US Dept of Agriculture Sign- Marijuana House Saves Millions
Build Your Home Today!
Hemp Fiber Board and Hemp Concrete
300% Stronger than Wood
Self Insulating
Water Proof
And More....

#Hemp. pic.twitter.com/6z85g46o4r
— Hemp Farmers (@HempFarmers) June 24, 2014 

Thank you for stopping by St Louis Renewable Energy. Feel free to comment in the section below or contact Scotts Contracting- St Louis Home Improvement Projects and Energy Reducing Needs Get Your Green Building Tips and Resources at St Louis Renewable Energy Green Blog

Final CAD Drawings Platform Lift Labor Saver

Platform Lift Final CAD Drawings

• Enclosed 1st Floor with Gate

•  Birds Eye View Looking into the Platform Lift Shaft from 1st Floor

•  Basement View of Enclosed Platform Lift 

Basement View 

Thank you for stopping by St Louis Renewable Energy. Feel free to comment in the section below or contact Scotts Contracting- St Louis Home Improvement Projects and Energy Reducing Needs Get Your Green Building Tips and Resources at St Louis Renewable Energy Green Blog

Additional Labor Saver Platform Lift CAD details

Flooring System, Framing Details, Footing, Foundation
-see spec sheet for Fastener Details, Torque and Metal Specs

Example of Cable Location and Attachment Points at Flooring Support Beams.

Electric Platform Lift Design by Scotty

-making moving materials between floors easy and pain free!

  

1500 lb weight limit used in original plans-

an inexpensive option to prior post.

• Safety Switch Each Gate Kills Power in Open Position

2 Safety Switch - PWR Kill Locations on Gates

• Basement View of Support Wall and New Footing Details-Basement Floor Cut away-keeps platform even with Basement Floor Level for ease of loading and unloading of cargo!

Support Wall and New Footing Details

•  First Floor View Looking Down into Platform Lift Shaft

First Floor View Looking Down into Platform Lift Shaft

• 2x4 Standard Framing-Studs at 16in OC with DBL Top Plate

Thank you for stopping by St Louis Renewable Energy. Feel free to comment in the section below or contact Scotts Contracting- St Louis Home Improvement Projects and Energy Reducing Needs Get Your Green Building Tips and Resources at St Louis Renewable Energy Green Blog

Labor Saver Platform Lift Design

Electric Platform Lift Design by Scotty-making moving materials between floors easier and pain free!  1500 lb weight limit used in original plans-an inexpensive option to prior post.

Electric Motor and Spool-1

Electric Motor and Spool-2

Platform Design

Pulley and Electric Motor Set-Up for Platform Lift

Runners and Floor Cutout

Design Notes:

• With 1 shaft operating 2 cable spools will ensure 'level and even' travel of Platform Lift as it raises and lowers between floors

• Safety Rail Added to Final CAD Design

• The Simplicity of the setup will add to the longevity of the Platform Lift System as well as the required maintenance needed to lubricate the cables and pulleys

• Wheel Guide and Basement Floor Cut-Away-keeps platform centered in Lift Shaft for ease of loading and unloading of cargo

• Inexpensive Option when compared to installing an elevator to move materials. 

Next Post in Series:
Wiring-Safety Shutoff.

Final CAD Details

First Post in Series:

Design-Build ADA Wheelchair Ramp-

ADA COMPLIANT-RESIDENTIAL WHEELCHAIR LIFT AND RAMP CAD DESIGNS WITH BEFORE PHOTOS AND BUILD NOTES

Thank you for stopping by St Louis Renewable Energy. Feel free to comment in the section below or contact Scotts Contracting- St Louis Home Improvement Projects and Energy Reducing Needs Get Your Green Building Tips and Resources at St Louis Renewable Energy Green Blog

Exterior Wall Hempcrete Insulation Retrofit

Why Hempcrete and not other forms of insulation?

• Hemp Plant Fibers are a natural product that can be grown and sourced from Missouri Farmers.
• Hempcrete is as strong as Concrete with less damaging effects to our climate and provides a High RValue
• Adds Structural Reinforcement

Learn More Here You will be directed to the main website for contact information and additional details.

http://stlouisrenewableenergy.com/2013/12/18/stlouis-brick-home-hempcrete-insulation-retrofit/

Designed by Scotty-Scotts Contracting
Build a Green StLouis!

The politics of bringing hempcrete product to market and grown locally I feel will be an uphill battle...until that time I  looked into substituting Kenaf Plant Fibers instead of Hemp Plant Fibers. Scotty added April 24, 2014 Kenaf Plant Fibers will not replace Hemp Plant Kurd / Fibers for Hempcrete Retrofit and Construction Techniques per Greg- Hemp Technologies

Thank you for stopping by St Louis Renewable Energy. Feel free to comment in the section below or contact Scotts Contracting- St Louis Home Improvement Projects and Energy Reducing Needs Get Your Green Building Tips and Resources at St Louis Renewable Energy Green Blog

CAD Solar SketchUp Design Layout For Shading Issues

I use a CAD program for optimum Solar Panel Layout for the challenging buildings in the StLouis Region. This allows me to remove the Panels that are affected by Shading Issues. I then Place the CAD drawing onto a Google Earth Location and can provide a Clean Energy Output Report based on the location in relation to the Suns Position on the Location.

Step One Design the Building for Solar Array

Install Solar Modules 'Notice Shading Area'

Remove Solar Panels Located in the Shaded Portions

Insert SketchUp CAD Design into Google Earth for
Clean Energy Production Report 

April 29, 2018 update: Sketchup CAD drafting program was sold to Trimble after posting these images- Trimble CAD 3d modeling system 

Thank you for stopping by St Louis Renewable Energy. Feel free to comment in the section below or contact Scotts Contracting- St Louis Home Improvement Projects and Energy Reducing Needs Get Your Green Building Tips and Resources at St Louis Renewable Energy Green Blog

CAD Heavy Duty Solar Racking Designs by Scotty

DIY Build Your Own Solar Ballasted Racking System using these CAD Plans by Scotty-Scotts Contracting, StLouis Renewable Energy.  In a recent Solar Project I had a few issues of finding a Heavy Duty Ballasted Racking Design for Skyscraper High Wind Zones.

This is a simple heavy duty plan that you can build yourself as its made out of standard metal sizes and adaptable to your specs.

Install Central Ballast Per Engineering Wind Force Guidelines.  85mph Minimum Design StLouis MO.

Heavy Duty Ballasted Racking Design for Skyscraper High Wind Zones

ISO View of Racking with CMU

Underside View of Basic Racking Design

Racking Design CAD Materials Designed by Scotty

Side View Note: More Ballast Points Suggested per Engineering Report

Note: Fillet Welds Suggested at all Connection Points

Additional Plans are available or place your orders using the Contact Form on the right.Scotty

Thank you for stopping by St Louis Renewable Energy. Feel free to comment in the section below or contact Scotts Contracting- St Louis Home Improvement Projects and Energy Reducing Needs Get Your Green Building Tips and Resources at St Louis Renewable Energy Green Blog

Solution for StLouis Smash and Grab Thefts

The Recent Smash and Grab Thefts rampant in the StLouis Region has prompted me to offer a Vehicle Barrier to Secure any Local StLouis store front from costly damage and the insurance claims that come from Smash and Grab Thefts.


Protective Bollards come in many shapes and sizes.  The drawing below is an Low Cost Alternative to the Protective Barriers seen around Banks, Security Offices and other buildings that house valuable assets.

As in all the projects I'm called to work on I go above and beyond the normal scope and choose to add additional protection by setting the Protective Ballard a Minimum depth of 36 Inches into the walkway.

Tested Strength-Stopped a 4,500 Pound Vehicle at 30mph

Additional Information and Sources: Appendix E. Vehicle Barrier Selection and Implementation Considerations (1); Field Manual 5-114 - Engineer Operations Short of War (2)

#StLouis #AirConditioning #Theft #Prevention Cages 

See for AC- #StLouis #AirConditioning #Theft #Prevention Cages


Thank you for stopping by St Louis Renewable Energy. Feel free to comment in the section below or contact Scotts Contracting- St Louis Home Improvement Projects and Energy Reducing Needs Get Your Green Building Tips and Resources at St Louis Renewable Energy Green Blog