Bugs in Your Pool: How to Keep Them Out and Maintain a Clean Swimming Area

There’s nothing worse than diving into your sparkling pool only to find it filled with bugs. Whether it’s pesky mosquitoes, flies, or other critters, bugs in your pool can turn your relaxing swim into a frustrating experience. But don’t worry—keeping bugs out of your pool is possible with a few simple strategies. In this blog post, we’ll explore some effective methods to prevent bugs from invading your pool, ensuring you can enjoy a clean and bug-free swim all season long.

1. Use a Pool Cover

One of the simplest and most effective ways to keep bugs out of your pool is by covering it when it’s not in use. A pool cover acts as a physical barrier, preventing insects from accessing the water. Here’s how it works:

• Protects While Not in Use: When your pool is covered, bugs can’t land in the water or breed in the still surface. It’s particularly helpful during the evening when bugs, like mosquitoes, are most active.
• Reduces Debris: A pool cover can also help keep other debris, such as leaves or twigs, from blowing into the pool. This helps minimize the attraction for bugs who may be drawn to the water.

Make sure to use a cover that fits your pool properly, and always store it safely when you plan to swim.

2. Install Mosquito-Repelling Plants Around Your Pool

Certain plants can naturally repel bugs, especially mosquitoes. Adding these plants around your pool can help keep insects at bay while also enhancing the beauty of your outdoor space. Some plants to consider include:

• Citronella: Known for its mosquito-repelling properties, citronella is a popular plant around pools.
• Lavender: The strong scent of lavender naturally deters mosquitoes and other insects.
• Marigolds: These vibrant flowers not only brighten your pool area but also act as natural insect repellents.
• Lemon Balm: A member of the mint family, lemon balm has a strong aroma that mosquitoes dislike.

By strategically placing these plants around your pool area, you’ll create a natural barrier that bugs will want to avoid.

3. Maintain Your Pool’s Water Quality

Bugs are often attracted to stagnant or dirty water, so maintaining a clean, well-maintained pool is key to keeping them away. Here’s what you can do:

• Regularly Skim the Pool: Use a pool skimmer to remove any debris from the surface, such as leaves, insects, or other organic matter. Bugs like mosquitoes are attracted to stagnant water with debris, so keeping the surface clear can help deter them.
• Check the Pool’s pH Levels: Unbalanced water can create a breeding ground for bugs and algae. Test your pool’s water regularly and adjust the pH and chemical levels as needed to maintain optimal water quality.
• Run the Pool Filter: Make sure to run the pool filter daily to circulate the water and prevent stagnation. This will help keep the water moving, making it less attractive to mosquitoes and other insects.

4. Use Poolside Lighting Wisely

While it’s important to have lighting around your pool area, certain lights can attract bugs, especially moths and mosquitoes. To minimize their attraction, consider the following tips:

• Switch to Yellow or Bug-Repellent Lights: Instead of using bright white lights, opt for yellow bug-repellent LED lights, which attract fewer insects.
• Place Lights Away from the Pool: If possible, place poolside lighting farther from the water. This will draw bugs away from the pool area and into less populated areas.
• Use Motion Sensor Lights: Motion sensor lights can reduce the amount of time lights are on, which in turn reduces the attraction for bugs.

By using the right type of lighting and placing it strategically, you can enjoy a well-lit pool area without inviting swarms of bugs.

5. Set Up a Mosquito Trap

If mosquitoes are a particular problem around your pool, consider using a mosquito trap. These devices attract mosquitoes using carbon dioxide and heat, luring them away from the pool area. Some traps use natural attractants, while others use UV light or fan-powered suction to trap the bugs. Place the trap a few feet away from your pool to help keep mosquitoes at bay. Additionally, installing a mosquito dunk in areas of standing water around your yard (like fountains or plant pots) can prevent mosquito larvae from developing into adults. These non-toxic, biodegradable products will kill mosquito larvae but won’t harm plants, animals, or your pool.

6. Regularly Clean and Empty Pool Equipment

Bugs can often hide or breed in pool equipment, such as skimmers, filters, or pool toys, if they’re left sitting around. To avoid attracting bugs:

• Clean Skimmer Baskets: Empty the skimmer baskets regularly, as they can collect debris that attracts insects.
• Check Pool Toys: If you have pool floats or toys, make sure to clean and store them properly when not in use to prevent bugs from nesting in them.
• Inspect Filters: Keep your pool filter clean and free of debris to ensure it works properly and doesn’t contribute to insect attraction.

By staying on top of your pool’s maintenance, you can prevent insects from using these areas as hiding spots.

7. Use Insect Repellents Around Your Pool Area

Another effective way to keep bugs away from your pool is by using insect repellents around the pool area. This can be done in several ways:

• Insect Repellent Sprays: There are sprays designed specifically for outdoor use that can be applied around your pool deck, fences, and nearby areas. These sprays can keep mosquitoes and other bugs at bay for hours.
• Essential Oils: Natural oils like eucalyptus, peppermint, or citronella can act as insect repellents. You can dilute the oils with water and spray them around the pool or use a diffuser to keep the area bug-free.

Conclusion

Bugs don’t have to ruin your time at the pool! By using a combination of preventative strategies like covering your pool, maintaining your water quality, using insect-repellent plants, and setting up mosquito traps, you can significantly reduce the number of bugs around your pool. A little extra effort in the off-season and regular maintenance during pool season will help keep your swimming area a peaceful and bug-free haven. Have questions about your pool maintenance? Visit us in-store for expert advice!