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French home energy bills to rise in 2026
Household electricity and gas bills will increase by around €50 per year
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Reduce temperature of French home by one degree to save money and even win gifts
One of several ways to reduce electricity usage – and bills – this winter
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Local officials in south-west France search dumped bin bags to identify culprits
Around half of residents yet to collect access cards for new communal bins
Early start means pool will be ready
The end of winter is the time to get your swimming pool ready and Easter is a common date, weather permitting
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If the water is 12C it is ideal as it is before algae starts growing – any later and the work and cost rapidly increase.
An early start also gives time to fix problems but if the pool was properly prepared for winter the water should be blue.
A deep clean is essential, even if the water looks fine.
Clean the edges and border of the pool, skim coarse impurities, scrub sides and bottom, clean and scrub water line then vacuum the bottom before setting up the robot cleaner. Check filters do not get clogged.
Renew at least one-third of the water to reduce levels of product and cleaner residues.