The natural pool and living creatures

A multitude of small animals make their home naturally in a natural swimming pool/bath. Aquatic insects (gerris, hydrometers, dragonflies, dytics...), daphnia, gastropods (snails, planorbes, physes...), amphibians (frogs, newts), and sometimes small fish (gudgeons, bouvières...). They eat plant debris, graze on biofilm on the walls, chase away undesirables, and more generally, by occupying the territory they prevent the establishment of harmful species (such as mosquitoes).

In a mature natural pool or Baignade naturelle® , they are very rare because they compete with other species. As the seasons change, they may pass through your pool, but they will disappear as quickly as they came.

Mosquitoes only settle in stagnant water, and are quickly eaten by amphibians, insect larvae (notonectes, gerris...) and small fish.

Mammals can come and drink, but they can't nest in the materials used. Don't leave garbage in the vicinity (garbage cans or compost bins), and if you have livestock and/or pets (chickens, rabbits, etc.), their cages should be kept away (also avoid attracting birds with food near your bathing area).

There are a few common-sense rules to follow:

• Do not introduce fish species, especially those that need to be fed, as their secretions cause nitrogen pollution.
  
• Don't let your pets go swimming, as their hygiene is not sufficiently controlled.
  
• Do not introduce ducks or other aquatic birds, as they destroy aquatic plants, carry salmonella and cause bather's dermatitis.
  

Remember:

• Don't introduce plants from the wild. They almost always carry parasites (aphids, mealybugs, etc.) and slug eggs, which will harm all your plants.
• Don't drench your flowerpots in water, as soil and fertilizer will escape.
• Avoid planting fruit trees near your bathing area, as the sparrows that feed there are also vectors of salmonella and fecal germs.