How To Get Rid of Water Bugs In Your Pool?

Water bugs are more likely to become an issue during warm weather and summers. While the bugs generally are not harmful to humans, they can be a nasty nuisance for swimmers. Fortunately, eliminating a water bug infestation from your pool is relatively simple.

Why Do You have Water Bugs In Your Pool?

Algae and microorganisms in your pool are the culprits if your pool is attracting water bugs. Water bugs feed on algae and microorganisms found in water sources as well as lay eggs in algae, and if you want to get rid of water bugs, you must take away their food sources and nesting places.

Types Of Common Water Bugs In Swimming Pools

Water Boatmen and Backswimmers are typical visitors to residential swimming pools throughout the summer months, and they're an indication that your pool's chemistry isn't quite right. They both can fly, and they both can lay eggs in algae in your pool. However, one of these is a more significant issue than the other.

While Water Boatmen will let swim around them without fear, be cautious of the Backswimmer because they can bite. The sensation of being bitten by a Backswimmer is similar to that of being stung by a bee. If these nasties have taken over your backyard paradise, continue reading to find out how to get rid of them.

Removing Water Bugs From Your Pool

As mentioned earlier, the most effective technique to get rid of either of these pests is to remove their food supply. For water boatmen its algae, for backswimmers its other water bugs such as water boatmen or water beetles. So, ensuring that your pool is free of algae will go a long way towards keeping your pool bug-free.

Follow these simple steps to remove the water bugs from your pool:

1. Skim your pool - Most water bugs stay on the surface of the water; therefore, the first thing you should do is remove as many water bugs as possible from your pool using a skimmer.
2. Drop the bugs - Add Zodiac No Ducks to break the surface water tension and drop the bugs to the bottom of the pool.
3. Brush and vacuum – Scrub all surfaces to remove algae and MANUALLY vacuum the pool thoroughly. Remove as much sediment and debris from the pool as you can.
4. Shock the pool - Algae thrive in the heat, and the best defence against it is chlorine. We recommend that for an average-size pool (around 45,000 litres), a shock dose of 20 litres of liquid chlorine or 2kgs of stabilised chlorine for a pool without heavy algae growth.

   Pro tip: Remember to shock your pool in the evening or night. The chlorine will work longer without being broken down by the sun rays.

5. Run the filter– Filter your water for at least 8 hours to get the shock chemicals evenly distributed.
6. Check chemical levels – Retest the water after shocking your pool. Check the pH, alkalinity, and chlorine levels and make necessary adjustments.
7. Monitor and maintain – regularly check your pool chemistry and maintain pool hygiene.

How To Prevent Water Bugs From Returning to Your Pool?

• Check your chlorine and pH levels every two days. Pay particular attention after a period of heavy usage or after a very hot day.
• Regularly clean and skim your pool daily. This helps continually remove algae spores that may have entered your pool and keep them from sticking to the surface and blooming, and help keep your pool clean.
• Cover your pool: Use a pool cover whenever your pool is not in use. This will help keep everything out, including algae and bugs that try to sneak in.
• Use a quality algaecide to prevent algae at bay when necessary.
• Clean your filters regularly and check the pump for build-up. Run your pump for approximately 6-8 hours a day.

Next time you find yourself surrounded by these annoying pests, remember to follow these steps or contact a pool professional if you require any more assistance.