[h=1]Nation's first chemical-free pool opens to the public[/h] By Marilyn Malara | July 25, 2015 at 3:10 PM MINNEAPOLIS, July 25 (UPI) -- The nation's first naturally-filtered, chemical-free public pool opened Friday in Minneapolis.
The
Webber Natural Swimming Pool boasts an organic filtration system which pumps pool water through a system of biological filters -- including 7,000 aquatic plants.
... Visitors to the pool can swim for free, although some strict rules are set to keep the system running smoothly. "This unique water management system is more sensitive than a traditional, chemically treated pool and will require cooperation from the public to stay open," Minneapolis Parks and Recreation Board
said in a statement.
Outside food or drinks, tobacco, pets and glass are prohibited from the pool area while swimmers are limited to wearing nylon, silicon, latex, Lycra and polyester swimwear.
According to the CDC, there are between 4,000 and 5,000 pool chemical-related emergency room visits every year. The city's Parks and Recreation superintendent, Jayne Miller,
told Upworthy that being good stewards of public land and water is consistent with the city's mission. ...
