How to Prevent Water Bugs in Swimming Pools
Water bugs can be a huge problem in your backyard during the summer months and can lead to constant cleaning of your pool. There are several ways to prevent water bugs from ruining your outdoor sanctuary and plenty of ways to eliminate them if they are already there. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Keep the chlorine levels in your pool leveled and maintained. Water bugs will be able to lay eggs and reproduce as long as the water conditions are right. Keeping your water at a safe chlorine level will inhibit egg production and kill off bugs in the process.
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As long as you have no pets or children, sprinkle a small amount of borax around your pool area. The bugs will walk through it, and it will stick to their legs. When they return to their "nest," they will carry it back with them and it will ultimately kill them and the rest of the colony.
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Clean your pool regularly. Empty the filters, backwash the water and skim the pool to remove dirt, leaves and bugs from the pool. Making sure you maintain clean pool water will inhibit bacteria growth, which attracts water bugs.
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To kill water bugs already in the pool, turn the pool pump off in the evening and wait until the water is still. Place 3 to 4 tablespoons of dish soap in the pool water and turn the pool light on. The light will attract the bugs to the surface of the water and they will become trapped.
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Wait overnight and return to the pool area. You will have several dead water bugs in your pool. Clean them out and turn your pool back on. Run all the filters and make sure your chlorine levels are proper. The dish soap neutralizes overnight, so no need to worry about the water being sudsy or soapy.
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Tips & Warnings
Many pool cleaners use Lemon Joy as the dish detergent in the pool, but any dish detergent should work just as well.
Be cautious in using borax anywhere in or around your home. Animals who ingest it can become sick or even die. Only use the borax method if you do not have pets or children.
