After a long week of work and running errands, you just want to take a dip and relax in your swimming pool. But if you’ve got bugs buzzing around your head the whole time – or tons of dead bugs in the pool – then your much-needed downtime quickly becomes another source of stress and annoyance.
Bugs are naturally attracted to water, but if you’ve been diligent about adding your pool chemicals, then there could be several other reasons why they keep bugging you.
Here are some fast and effective ways to solve your bug problem, so you can go back to enjoying your swimming pool in peace.
Confirm your pool treatment plan
Mosquitoes love standing water – but not when it’s been treated. As long as you’re sticking to the right treatment schedule, the chemicals should be a major turnoff for the mosquitoes. Not only that, but they can’t lay their eggs in treated water. And since proper treatment also prevents algae, which attracts mosquitoes, the bugs will have even fewer reasons to come near your pool. So keep checking the water and adjust chemicals as needed throughout the season.
Get rid of standing water near the pool
If you’ve got standing water anywhere else near your pool – in plastic kiddie pools, backyard puddles, trenches, empty flower pots, wheelbarrows, on swing sets, etc. – then you’re setting an open invitation for mosquitoes and other insects. Remove all standing water and say goodbye to the bugs.
Trim back trees and landscaping
Flowers, trees and shrubbery all beautify a pool area. But they also attract bugs in droves. If you have foliage hanging over the pool, then that’s likely the main source of your bug problem. Trim it back and you should see an instant improvement.
Turn off pool lights when not needed
Lighting is another essential part of beautifying a pool. But if you’re leaving those lights on all night, every night, then the bugs are taking notice. Turn them off. Switching to LED bulbs (rather than UV) can also help reduce the insect population.
Skim the pool frequently
Dead bugs attract more bugs! This is why it’s essential to skim your pool frequently to remove those dead insects and other debris that may be attracting bugs. Besides, who wants to swim with that stuff floating around, anyway?
Remove all food sources
Dog food, trash cans, recycling bins, bird feeders, greasy BBQ grills – all of these things can attract bugs and ruin your time in the pool. Remove these food sources and watch the bug population disappear. Also, if you have a backyard composter, make sure it’s nowhere near the pool.
Bug zapper lighting
When in doubt, go for the bug zapper. These little lights can be a big help in getting rid of unwanted bugs around your pool. Plus, today’s bug zappers are available in a range of attractive styles that can be worked into your landscaping seamlessly.
Not sure what’s causing your bugs? Give us a call. Our Pool Service Specialists will test your water for treatment problems and can also make bug-removal recommendations specific to your property.