How do I Get Rid of Water Bugs in a Swimming Pool?

Keep the water bugs out of your pool.

It's normal to see the occasional bug in your pool, but if you're tired of the constant skimming, you may have to take extra measures to get rid of water bugs. The two most prevalent types of water bugs are "water skaters" and "back swimmers." Both move through the water as though they are swimming. These bugs like the water and enjoy going in it. Attack the problem from several different angles for the highest chance of success.

Things You'll Need

• Chlorine
• Dish soap
• Pool skimmer

Instructions

1. Shock your pool with chlorine. Sometimes called superchlorination, shocking your pool means adding additional oxidizing chemicals, like chlorine. Look for a superchlorination kit that has algae-killing properties, since algae is the food source for water bugs. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for the kit that you purchase.

2. Scrub areas outside the water to remove potential algae.

3. Turn your filter off for the night two days after shocking the pool. The filter is necessary when you are shocking the pool, but will not be good for getting rid of the bugs that you have.

4. Add a bottle of dish soap to your pool. This will float on the top, breaking the surface tension in your water. Overnight, it will kill the water bugs in your pool.

5. Turn off all lights in the pool area. You don't want anything that will attract bugs other than the water.

6. Skim the dead bugs off your pool water in the morning. You should have a lot of water bugs to skim.

7. Maintain your pool's cleanliness. Without algae, the water bugs have nothing to eat and will find your pool unattractive.

References

• Water Quality and Health: Pool Treatment 101
• Sonoma Valley Pool and Spa: Pool News