Backyard Blogging.

Every day you head out to your pool, excited to swim, only to find it filled with bugs. Some of the most common swimming pool bugs are the backswimmer and the water boatmen.

In this article, we look at how to get rid of bugs in the pool and prevent them from returning. First, let’s look at these two common bugs:

The Water Boatman

This bug is oval in shape. It eats algae, water microorganisms and mosquito larvae.

While they are certainly unsightly, but they won’t bite you. Because water boatmen breathe air, though, you can drown them.

Do be careful as these bugs can fly and even like to lay eggs in pool algae.

The Backswimer

A more common bug, the backswimmer is thinner. It also breathes air, surfaces a lot and also skims across your pool water.

The backswimmer eats other bugs like the water boatmen and beetles.

Unlike the water boatman, this bug bites. It also files and likes eggs in your pool algae.

Now, let’s look at how to get rid of them.

Shock the Pool

To kill aquatic pests, you have to take away their food supply. In this instance we know that water boatmen eat algae. Backswimmers eat the water boatmen.

So, you need to get rid of your pool algae by shocking the pool!

Chlorination kills organic material in the pool. This step is critical to your success. Consult with your dealer for the ideal amount of shock to add to your pool. Be sure and do this after sundown and don’t swim in the pool until the chlorination level is at a safe-swimming point.

Brush and Vacuum

A clean pool is not one bugs want to swim in.

Be sure and clean your pool walls and floor by brushing with overlapping strokes. Vacuum the sides and floor of your pool after brushing it.

Stop by your local pool store for cleaning products to make your task easier. Just 10-15 minutes a day can help you control the bugs in your pool.

Use Algaecide

Once you’ve shocked the pool and waited about 48 hours, it’s time to use algaecide in the pool. Follow the directions on the bottle. Then, be sure to brush and vacuum the pool to remove the dead algae.

Questions? Feel free to give us a call or stop by. And, remember, we offer free water testing!

Skim the Pool

It’s a good practice to skim your pool daily to remove bugs and dead algae.

This is especially important when regularly treating for algae.

Dead bugs provide food for other bugs, and they attract more bugs when they’re floating on the surface of your pool. In addition, leaves and grass in your pool make a great place for bugs to lay eggs.

Always skim your pool right after it rains.

Control Your Lighting

Bugs are attracted to light. Try and position lights away from the pool at night. If you aren’t using them, go ahead and turn them off.

If you want to use lighting for ambiance, use the lowest wattage bulbs possible.

Still have questions? Stop by, call or contact us below!