How To Get Rid of Water Bugs In Your Pool?

Water bugs are more likely to become an issue during warm weather and summer. 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

How to Get Rid of Boatmen Bugs in Your Pool

To effectively get rid of boatmen bugs, it's crucial to eliminate their primary food source, which is algae. Maintaining a pool that is free from algae will help prevent boatmen bugs from taking up residence. Regular cleaning and balanced pool chemistry are key to keeping your pool algae-free and reducing boatmen bug infestations.

How to Get Rid of Backswimmers in Your Pool

Cutting off their food source is the most effective method to eliminate backswimmers. Backswimmers feed on other water bugs, including boatmen and beetles. By ensuring your pool is clean and free of these bugs, you can drastically reduce the presence of backswimmers.

Therefore, to effectively manage water bugs in your pool, addressing the root causes that attract them is essential. Getting rid of backswimmers involves ensuring no boatmen bugs in your pool, as backswimmers feed on these and other water insects. Conversely, eliminating boatmen bugs requires maintaining an algae-free pool since algae are their primary food source. By keeping your pool clean and free of algae, you not only prevent boatmen bugs but also discourage backswimmers, creating a cleaner and more enjoyable swimming environment.

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. 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.
3. 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.

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