What are aquatic plants?
Aquatic plants are an essential part of many aquatic ecosystems. They are well adapted to living in aquatic environments or in soils with high humidity, and play a fundamental role in the ecology of these environments. There are three main types of aquatic plants: submerged, floating and emergent.
Types of aquatic plants
- Submerged plants: They live completely underwater, absorbing nutrients directly from the water. A classic example is the elodea, which is known for its ability to oxygenate water.
- Floating plants: Like the water lily, these plants float on the surface of the water. They absorb nutrients through their roots, which remain submerged.
- Emergent plants: These plants, such as sedges, have roots in water or in saturated soils, but their stems and leaves grow out of the water.
Ecological functions of aquatic plants
Aquatic plants not only beautify aquatic spaces, but also perform essential functions such as filtering impurities and oxygenating the water. They act as natural filters, trapping and decomposing organic remains and improving water quality. This capacity makes them ideal allies for the creation of natural swimming pools, as we will see below.
The importance of aquatic plants in natural pools
One of the key elements in the construction and maintenance of a natural pool is the right choice of aquatic plants. These plants not only provide an attractive aesthetic, but also fulfil an essential function: keeping the water clean and healthy.
Natural filtration: how plants remove impurities
In my personal experience, when building a natural pool, I realised that aquatic plants function as natural filters, removing impurities and organic debris from the water. This is crucial for maintaining water quality, as the plants, by absorbing nutrients, prevent the water from filling with organic matter that can become food for unwanted algae. It is important to note that not all plants have the same characteristics, so choosing the right species according to the pH and conductivity of the water is essential to achieve a healthy balance.
Balance between plants and water in the natural pool
However, there is one critical aspect to take into account: too many plants can be detrimental. If there are too many plants, they will compete with each other for nutrients, which can lead to a lack of balance in the pool.
To avoid this problem, it is essential to find the right balance between the number of plants and the amount of water available.
I have observed that overgrowth can lead to a build-up of organic matter, negatively affecting the health of the water.
Selecting aquatic plants according to climate and pH
When selecting plants for a natural pool, it is essential to consider several factors, such as the climate of the area, the pH of the water and the salinity.
This is because each plant has specific requirements to develop optimally.
Recommended native plants
We always recommend opting for native species.
These plants are adapted to the local climate, soil and water conditions, which facilitates their growth and improves their efficiency as natural filters.
In addition, by introducing native species into your natural pool, you encourage biodiversity and help preserve the environment.
Factors to consider: conductivity, salinity and phosphates
In my personal experience, I have found that, in order to select the right plants, it is necessary to analyse aspects such as:
- Climate: Aquatic plants vary according to climatic conditions. For example, in temperate climates, some species may flower all year round, while in colder climates, many go dormant.
- Water pH: Some plants thrive in acidic water (pH below 7), while others prefer more basic media (pH above 7).
- Phosphates: Plants in a eutrophic (high phosphorus) medium will not work in an oligotrophic (low phosphorus) medium, and vice versa.
How do we select the plant species for a natural pool?
When choosing the plants for a natural swimming pool we must take into account different elements such as:
- The climate
- The flowering times (if the plant has foliage all year round or not).
- The amount of phosphates (oligotrophic medium (phosphorus lower than 60ppb) or eutrophic (phosphorus higher than 60ppb).
- Type of pH acidic media (below 7) and basic media (above 7).
- Water salinity
In the following table we show you some examples of autochthonous species from the province of Alicante, of the ideal species for the different conditions.
It is very important for the functioning of the pool to select the species of the regeneration zone from this table, since neither the species of a eutrophic medium can function in an oligotrophic one, nor those of basic pH can function in those of acid pH and vice versa.
Maintenance of aquatic plants
The maintenance of aquatic plants is a key task to ensure the proper functioning of a natural pool. Poor management can lead to problems such as algae blooms or the build-up of unwanted bacteria, which can compromise water quality.
Regular pruning and care to avoid nitrogen build-up
Regular pruning of plants is essential to prevent leaves falling into the water and generating nitrogen, which could feed algae and harmful bacteria. I usually recommend deep pruning at least once a year, ensuring that the plants do not expand more than necessary. Throughout the year, it is advisable to remove plant debris that falls into the water to maintain balance and avoid overfeeding the plants.
How to avoid algae and bacteria proliferation
The accumulation of organic debris and excess nutrients in the water creates a favourable environment for the appearance of algae and bacteria, which can affect the aesthetics and health of your natural pool. To avoid this, it is important to closely monitor plant growth and adjust maintenance as needed. Remember that while aquatic plants are an excellent solution for filtering water, they must be carefully managed to prevent the cycle from becoming counterproductive.
Conclusion
In summary, aquatic plants are fundamental to creating a balanced and healthy ecosystem in a natural pool.
Through a careful process of selection, maintenance and balancing, we can ensure that these plants fulfil their filtration function without overloading the system.
The key is to find the right species and manage their growth effectively, ensuring that the pool water remains clean and healthy all year round.
