How to Kill Water Bugs in a Swimming Pool

Merriam-Websters Dictionary defines water bugs as, "any of various small arthropods and especially insects that frequent damp or wet places." Swimming pools are no exception for water bugs. Although they are generally harmless, some types of water bugs do bite and can be a nuisance to have in your swimming pool. Killing water bugs that have taken over your pool is almost a necessity to enjoy a relaxing swim. Nobody wants to be swimming around with bugs that could potentially bite them.

Things You'll Need

• Chlorine
• Anti-algae product
• Pool net
• Borax powder
• Dish soap
• Water
• Spray bottle

Instructions

1. Chlorinate and shock your pool everyday for a week. Although this may be costly, it will kill the algae, which is the main food source for water bugs. Remove their food source and the water bugs will die.

2. Use an anti-algae product in the pool. These products can be purchased at pool stores and will kill any algae that the chlorine does not kill.

3. Remove the bugs from the pool with a net and kill them. Step on them, flush them, spray them with chemicals---do whatever you can to kill them once they are outside of the pool to prevent them from going back in and laying eggs.

4. Maintain a safe chlorine level in your swimming pool. The Water Quality and Health Council recommends between 1.0 and 4.0 ppm of chlorine in a pool. Too little chlorine in the water makes ideal conditions for water bugs to lay eggs and take up residency. By keeping a safe chlorine level, the water bugs in the pool will die off and will not be unable to reproduce.

5. Sprinkle Borax around the outside perimeter of the pool only if you do not have pets or small children in your home. The water bugs will travel through the Borax powder on their way to the water and carry it back to their nest in the pool. This will not only kill this water bug, but the rest of the colony as well. Borax powder is can cause irritation to the skin and eyes and can be fatal if ingested. This product should be used with extreme caution.

6. Power off the pool pump, preferable in the evening hours. Once the water is still, drop three to four tablespoons of dish soap into the pool in various spots. Turn the pool light on to attract the water bugs to the surface. They will become trapped and die, usually by the next morning.

7. Mix dish soap and water in a spray bottle and spray the mixture directly on water bugs in the pool. This will diminish their ability to stay alive in the pool water.

References

• Swimming Pool Help
• Water Quality and Health Council
• Do It Yourself