But where does that sand at the bottom of your pool come from? In spring, and sometimes in autumn, the Sahara invades France and sends us its specialty: sand! Don't be fooled by the exotic nature of this meteorological whimsy: it's one of the biggest problems with swimming pools. The cause: very fine particles of sand that settle to the bottom of your pool and pass through your filter. What can you do to protect yourself and, above all, get rid of them? We tell you all about it!
Sahara sand in my pool?
All of France is affected by this phenomenon, especially the Aquitaine and Occitanie regions, the Mediterranean rim and Corsica. As Europe 1 points out in this article, the sand from the Sahara arrives with a particularly warm southerly wind. The sand then settles in the sky in fine droplets, giving the sky a yellowish hue. Then, if it rains, the particles are deposited on cars, outdoor furniture... and your pool! Note: you may find this sand in your pool, but not elsewhere: it all depends on the intensity of the rain. If it's a heavy shower, the sand is immediately washed off cars and other outdoor surfaces. In the case of your pool, however, the sand will already be at the bottom of the pool!
Clermont Ferrand with a sky yellowed by the sand of the Sahara, photo of Saturday, February 6, 2021 - source LA MONTAGNE/ photography Thierry Nicolas ©.
Mustard Algae and Sahara Sand
Not content with polluting your pool (and your day), sand from the Sahara carries germs. Germs grow on contact with water... and algae appear, notably mustard algae, which is particularly difficult to eliminate. So get the sand out of the water quickly, before it's too late!
