International Organization for Natural Swimming Pools & Natural Bathing Waters

The global umbrella organization for natural swimming pools, swimming ponds and biological water treatment

The International Organization for Natural Bathing Waters (IOB) brings together experts and national associations for natural swimming ponds, natural swimming pools and bathing facilities with biological water treatment from around the world.

The International Organization for Natural Bathing Waters (IOB) was founded in 2009 and is the international umbrella organization for associations and experts dedicated to natural swimming pools, swimming ponds and biological water treatment.

Today, the IOB brings together 12 national associations and represents more than 600 individuals and companies involved in the planning, construction, operation and development of natural swimming pools and natural swimming ponds. In addition, associate members from countries around the world contribute to the international exchange of knowledge and experience.

The IOB promotes the development and recognition of natural bathing waters based on biological water treatment. It supports cooperation between national associations, experts, researchers, public authorities and other stakeholders and contributes professional expertise to discussions concerning standards, regulations and legislation.

A central objective of the IOB is the international exchange of knowledge on the planning, construction, operation and maintenance of natural swimming pools, swimming ponds and public natural bathing facilities. The organization supports education, professional training, research and the development of best practices in the field of biological water treatment.

The IOB organizes conferences, seminars and the International Convention for Natural Swimming Pools and Natural Bathing Waters. It also supports emerging national organizations and promotes international research and cooperation in the field of natural and biologically treated bathing water.

The IOB is a registered association under German law with its headquarters in Bremen, Germany. Its international board works together with the Assembly of National Associations to represent and develop the interests of the natural swimming pool and swimming pond sector worldwide.

The IOB is the exclusive international distributor of DANA, a web-based database system for swimming pools with biological water treatment, offering all the features of effective quality management.

IOB brochure
NBS - nature based solutions

Natural swimming pools and natural swimming ponds offer a sustainable alternative to conventionally treated swimming pools. Instead of relying on conventional chemical disinfection, these systems use natural processes and biological and mechanical water treatment to maintain high-quality bathing water.

A natural swimming pond combines the experience of swimming with a living aquatic environment. Plants, microorganisms and biological processes can contribute to maintaining ecological balance and water quality. Depending on the design, swimming ponds can range from small private installations to large public natural bathing facilities.

A natural swimming pool typically has a more pool-like appearance while still relying on biological water treatment. Biological filtration systems and carefully designed water circulation support the purification processes required to maintain suitable bathing water quality.

Both natural swimming pools and swimming ponds are based on the principle of working with natural processes. They offer an alternative approach to conventional pool water treatment and can create attractive aquatic environments for private, commercial and public use.

Natural bathing waters can also provide valuable aquatic habitats and contribute to biodiversity. Their professional planning, construction and operation require specialist knowledge of biological water treatment, filtration, hydraulics, water quality and ecological processes.

Through its international network, the IOB promotes the exchange of professional knowledge, research and best practices for natural swimming pools, swimming ponds and biologically treated bathing waters.