How to Get Rid of Waterbugs in Pools
Water bugs are a common problem for swimming pool owners. Bugs such as the water boatman, the backswimmer and the giant water bug call water their home and will travel to find adequate water sources. They invade pools, make them dirty and create a nuisance for swimmers. While you can get these bugs out of your pool using a net or other such tools, it's best to first get rid of their food source so the bugs won't return. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Use your pool's skimmer to remove as many bugs as you can from the surface of the water. Kill as many of them as possible to stop them from reentering the pool.
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Shock the water to kill algae and other growths that may collect in pool water. To shock the water, increase the amount of chlorine in the pool water temporarily. The amount you should use depends on the type of shock you use -- liquid or powder -- and the size of your pool.
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Remove and wash the pool filter to remove traces of algae and other vegetation that water bugs might feed on. Removing their breeding ground and food source will cause the water bugs to seek another habitat. Consult your pool's owner's manual for the proper way to clean the filter for your pool.
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Scrub the sides of the pool with a pool brush to remove any vegetation or algae growing along the sides. Use a pool vacuum cleaner to remove all traces from the water and the pool.
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Turn on any lights surrounding your pool to draw out any stragglers that may be flying around that you didn't catch the first time. Water bugs, like other types of bugs, are attracted to light. Use your skimmer to pick up any that land on the water surface.
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Tips & Warnings
Clean your pool once every week or two to prevent recurrences of water bug infestation.
Do not put pesticides or algaecides into the pool water to kill the water bugs. This could make swimmers ill.
References
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