No matter how hard you try and how well you keep up on your pool cleaning and maintenance, there can still be difficulties. Debris, mold, algae, and even bugs can quickly get out of hand, becoming a real problem. For many people with outdoor pools, bugs are the biggest complaint. In particular are water bugs. It would seem that since your pool is chlorinated and sanitized that nothing could live in the water. However, there are some incredibly hardy bugs and organisms that can not only survive but thrive in your pool.
How Do Water Bugs Get In Your Pool?
Water bugs, as the name implies, thrive in moist, humid environments. They are hardy bugs, which means they can easily make their home in your pool and when they die, well, they are still floating there. While they don’t cause any problems in terms of water chemistry, it is gross to go out and see a bunch of bugs floating on your pool water.
Types of Water Bugs in Pools
Water bugs are most typically found on small bodies of water like lakes and small streams and creeks. There are a large variety of different types of water bugs, found in different climates and regions, but there are two main types that seem to plague pool owners: backswimmers and water boatmen. They are both within the same genus of bug but are slightly different in their behavior and physical structure.
Backswimmers
Backswimmer water bugs are small, brownish, bugs that take their name since they seem to like swimming upside down on their backs. Backswimmers are found in waters all around the world, most often seen in streams and ponds. They use their long back legs as a means of propulsion and are often seen quickly skirting across the water. There has been some confusion as to whether or not they are poisonous but the consensus is that they are not. They feed on small aquatic insects.
Water Boatmen
While backswimmers are sometimes called boatmen, it is a misnomer. There is a species of water bug referred to as a water boatman and it is quite different from a backswimmer. Like backswimmers, water boatmen are brownish, elongated bugs that are typically about a half-inch in length. They are winged bugs and can fly. Water boatmen are completely harmless, they do not bite and are not poisonous to humans in any way. The biggest issue with this is what I call the “heeb factor”, it is just gross to have bugs, living or dead, in your pool with you.
How to Get Rid of Water Bugs in Your Pool
There are a variety of ways to go about getting rid of water bugs and keeping them from returning. Here are the steps I recommend to get rid of the little buggers:
1. Skim the pool and discard the bugs
If you already have water bugs in your pool, you will need to use a skimmer net to remove them from the water. Remember that they can fly and they may do so when you try to skim them with the net. Since they may still be alive, you will have to decide what to do with them. If you just release them, they will likely just come right back to your pool. It is up to you what to do with them. Some people kill them. Others take them elsewhere and release them. They are beneficial in eating mosquito larvae.
2. Clean surfaces with a pool brush
Chances are they are in your pool either because they found a food source in the form of algae, or to lay their eggs. Either way, you don’t want them there. The best way to ensure that all their eggs have been removed is to use a pool brush to scrub the sides and bottom of the pool to remove any algae that may have grown on the surface. It is also important not to miss the steps or ladders as algae can easily grow on these surfaces too.
3. Use Algaecide
To ensure that you have solved the problem, the use of an algaecide is recommended (this is one I personally recommend). This will make sure that all the algae are killed, even algae you didn’t see. It also kills all spores to keep them from coming right back once the algaecide has worn off. Some people will also shock their pool as an additional preventative measure. Most people use this opportunity to vacuum their pool to help remove all the algae particles and dead spores. It can also help reduce the chance of the problem coming right back. Any water bug eggs that may have been hiding in the algae will also be removed.
4. Vacuum to waste (Don’t Recirculate the Waste Water!)
You must vacuum to waste when vacuuming for this purpose. Vacuuming to waste means that the water is removed from the pool and sent out as waste as the name implies. Otherwise, you are just circulating dirty water right back into your pool, which is not the way to solve your problem.
5. Always perform water tests
To avoid a problem with water bugs or algae in the future, it is highly important that you do regular water checks (we like test strips since they’re so fast but test kits are awesome too). You will see this same bit of advice restated many times across this website and that is because of how important it is. Countless issues could be avoided with regular water testing. This gives you measures of the quality of your water and can indicate problems or potential problems. You want to make sure that you keep your chemical balance in the appropriate range, as this will help to reduce the conditions that cause algae to proliferate and waterbugs to look to your pool as a source of food and nesting grounds.
6. Run pool filter at least 8 hours daily
Algae proliferate when chemicals are out of balance or the water isn’t being circulated as it should. Another way to help avoid the growth of algae and thus attracting waterbugs is to make sure that you run your pump often enough. When the water isn’t circulating or adding needed chemicals, it isn’t properly sanitized or removing waste from the water. Leaving the pump running for at least 8 hours a day is another way to help make sure your water stays safe and sanitary. An effortless and inexpensive way to make sure your filter runs enough is to use a pool timer. Learn more about pool filter timers and check out our top picks here.
Rinse and Repeat
As I mentioned earlier, waterbugs are one of the biggest annoyances people with pools face. It may take some time and trying a multiple different options before you can get them gone for good – these bugs are hardy little guys! Hopefully, you find this guide useful in getting ride of these incredibly hardy bugs and organisms from your beautiful swimming pool.