Multinational water innovation company Crystal Lagoons has partnered with JSE-listed Balwin Properties to construct and operate South Africa’s first local Crystal Lagoon, a proprietary technology used to construct and maintain lagoons at low costs.

Balwin Properties’ new R4.2-billion The Blyde residential development, at Riverwalk Estate, in Pretoria, will showcase Crystal Lagoons’ proprietary technology, which is patented in 190 countries.

The technology has significantly impacted on the global real estate market by bringing idyllic beach fronts to new locations where swimming, kayaking, paddle boarding and sailing can be enjoyed.

“A Crystal Lagoon is a family-orientated amenity that allows for swimming and . . . water sports in a safe, controlled environment and in a sustainable manner,” explains Crystal Lagoons Africa regional director Alastair Sinclair.

The Crystal Lagoon at The Blyde will feature beaches and a pedestrian promenade, as well as exclusive clubhouses for residents’ use. “At 1.5 ha, the Crystal Lagoon will be a key selling point to the development and the first lagoon to feature our . . . technology and unique concept in sub-Saharan Africa,” says Sinclair.

Crystal Lagoons has 13 projects across Egypt at various stages of design, construction and operation.

Balwin Properties CEO Steve Brookes says: “We are very excited about our partnership with Crystal Lagoons and foresee this as the first of at least six lagoons in South Africa combined with the Balwin brand.”

He adds that by “bringing the beach to Pretoria”, Balwin is creating a resort lifestyle to apartment living. “The continuous promenade around the lagoon is perfect for sunset strolls and it will connect the different amenities around the lagoon,” Brookes adds.

The addition of a Crystal Lagoon to property developments comes at a low construction and maintenance cost. A Crystal Lagoon can be filled with fresh, brackish, or even salt water, which is treated using up to 100 times less additive and 2% of the energy needed for standard pool applications, providing significant operating cost benefits.

A typical Crystal Lagoon uses 30 times less water than a standard golf course and, in many cases, rainwater is all that is needed to replenish the water, partly owing to the patented antievaporation film, which restricts the amount of water lost through evaporation.