How to Get Rid of Water Bugs in a Pool
Learn how to banish water bugs from your pool by tackling algae, the root cause of their attraction, and prevent their return.
One Minute Read Summary
•Algae attract Boatmen, and Boatmen attract Backswimmers. So get rid of Algae!
•Water boatmen are harmless and oval-shaped bugs that have wings, large eyes, and special legs at the back which act like paddles. They feed on algae, plant bits, microorganisms as well as mosquito larvae.
•Backswimmers are predators that eat boatmen, they have long thin bodies and light to medium brown coloring; their distinctive back legs are longer than their other six. They can bite humans!
•To get rid of them one must get rid of any existing algae in the pool since this attracts waterboatmen who then attract backswimmers. Additionally, a solar cover can be used when not using the pool to keep them away for good.
•Great pool maintenance is key to preventing them from returning; chlorine levels should be kept up and shock treatments given regularly. Using a solar cover when the pool is not in use keeps them away too!
Read below for more information
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No one enjoys an outdoor party ruined by unwelcome guests, and we’re not talking about your next-door neighbor. Insects and pests can quickly turn a sunny day at the pool into chaos, but do you know how to politely show them the door? Don't worry, read below to know.
Water Boatmen
These oval-shaped bugs are usually brown or greenish. They have large eyes and their wings enable them to take flight! Despite being less than half an inch in size, they don't let that stop them from floating around on the water thanks to special legs at the back which act like paddles.
They eat algae, plant bits, microorganisms, as well as tasty mosquito larvae.
Don’t worry these insects are really harmless - they won't bite or poison you.
Backswimmers
They reach no more than half an inch in size. They come complete with long thin bodies and light to medium brown coloring. On top of all this, their distinctive back legs are longer than their other six! Making them nimble enough to skim across water surfaces like a pro. So next time you spot some strange-looking creatures at the bottom of your pool just remember: check which way up they’re facing, then decide whether it's friendly waterboatmen or naughty backswimmers invading YOUR space!
Backswimmers are predators that feast on other bugs, especially water boatmen.
Be careful, one bite could leave you feeling like the victim of an angry bee
How to get rid of them?
Algae attract boatmen, and boatmen attract backswimmers. So get rid of algae.
Algae can be microscopic and hard to spot, but these little guys sure know where it is before you do. So if you want them gone, just take care of that hidden algae first – then say adios to those aquatic guests!
Here is a Guide on how to get rid of algae
How to prevent them from returning?
Keep them away for good with great pool maintenance. A clean and regularly-treated swimming space is the best way to make sure algae doesn’t grow, and water boatmen don't come knocking! No need for algaecide if you keep your chlorine levels up and give it some shock treatment from time to time.
Another way to keep them away is using a solar cover when the pool is not in use.
You may also be interested in how to keep Mosquitoes and Frogs out of your Pool!
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