How Calima, Heat and Dust Affect Your Pool
What Is Calima?
Calima is a weather phenomenon where hot, dry air carries fine Saharan dust across the Mediterranean into southern Spain. It happens several times a year, most commonly in summer and early autumn. The sky turns hazy, surfaces get coated in fine orange-brown dust, and — importantly for pool owners — that dust lands directly in your pool water.
How Calima Affects Your Pool
A single calima event can deposit a visible layer of fine dust on your pool's surface and floor. This dust clogs filters, increases the load on your skimmer system, and introduces minerals and particles that can throw off water chemistry. After a calima, pools often need extra skimming, filter cleaning, and chemical adjustment.
The Impact of Sustained Heat
It's not just calima — the sustained heat of an Axarquía summer is itself a challenge. Water temperatures above 28°C create ideal conditions for algae. High air temperatures increase evaporation, concentrating minerals and chemicals. UV light breaks down chlorine faster than in cooler, cloudier climates. All of this means pools need more attention in summer, not less.
Wind and Dry Conditions
The terral wind and general dry conditions in Axarquía blow dust, pollen, leaves, and debris into pools constantly. Open pools in exposed locations — hilltop villas, properties near agricultural land — are particularly affected. Regular skimming and filter maintenance is essential.
What We Do About It
We monitor weather conditions and adjust our service accordingly. After a calima or storm, we may add extra skimming or bring forward a visit. Our chemical management accounts for the increased UV and heat load in summer. This proactive approach prevents the problems that reactive maintenance misses.
Frequently Asked Questions
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