Having worms in your pool can be quite an annoying and unsanitary sight, and the prospect of having to get rid of them can also seem like a daunting task.
Scuds in the aquarium (what are they and ... Scuds in the aquarium (What are they and should I remove them?)
However, if you notice errors in your pool, it is important that you fix them immediately so that you can use your pool again. You should also know the types of pool bugs so that you can correctly identify them.
Let's take a look at some common types of errors and how to get rid of them.
Types of Pool Bugs
There are different types of pool bugs that you may notice. Some of them bite, while others may be harmless. Still, it is important that you get rid of them as soon as possible.
You can examine the types of pool bugs and their characteristics below.
boatman
Water bugs belong to the Corixidae family of insects, which thrive in aquatic environments, including fresh and salt water. They tend to have a long body and can thrive in your pool.
They live in your pool not only to eat the algae and feed themselves, but also to breed, lay, and hatch eggs.
As long as there is algae in your pool and some lights around it, these insects will be attracted to your pool. It is important to deal with them as soon as possible, otherwise they can multiply quickly.
calluses
Thrips are extremely small insects with dark brown bodies. Although they are not immediately attracted to the water in your pools, they can certainly invade if they notice some nearby plants or even algae in the pool.
The eggs that thrips lay are also quite small, which makes it easier for them to reproduce and disperse their population.
They can also transmit bacteria and cause itchy skin if they come into contact with the body in the pool. Another reason for their attraction to the pool is the fact that they tend to gravitate towards the color blue.
shoreline swimmer
Backswimmer is another common name for the Notonectidae family of insects. They are known as backstroke swimmers because they tend to swim in an inverted position.
These insects live and thrive in freshwater, stagnant ponds, and swimming pools and tend to rely on the oxygen already present in their bodies to breathe in the water.
Be sure to treat them as soon as you notice them, as they not only spread quickly, but they can also sting if they come in contact with your body.
mosquitos
Mosquitoes are a threat everywhere, even in your swimming pools. What is the problem with swimming pools that attract mosquitoes?
Mosquitoes tend to lay their eggs in standing water surfaces and will be attracted to algae if it accumulates in your pool. That is why it is important to perform regular maintenance on your pool.
Once the eggs hatch, mosquitoes quickly spread through the house, causing itchy bites and possible diseases that can be transmitted.
Some of these ailments can be very serious, so do everything you can to get rid of them.
colembolos
Springtails are insects that you can often find in your swimming pools as well. They are hexapods that tend to thrive in areas ofhigh humidityand around organic substances.
This makes swimming pools very attractive to springtails, especially if you haven't done their routine cleaning and maintenance.
Springtails are not very harmful to our body, since they do not bite. However, they can spread certain bacteria and infest your pool, making it unsightly.
These beetles are usually brown, black, or gray in color.
water beetle
Water bug is a general term for all species of insects that tend to live and thrive in water. Generally, these species are most attracted to fresh water, although they can also thrive in pools in the presence of algae or standing water.
Because water beetles (herbivores) feed exclusively on algae. If you have other types of water bugs in your pool, they can be a bit more dangerous.
Be sure to treat them early so they don't spread disease. If they do end up laying eggs, you can cause them to multiply quickly.
jesus bug
Jesus beetles are also known as water striders. These beetles belong to the Gerridae family of insects and are particularly known for their unique feature of gliding, sliding, or running on water using their appendages.
Most of these insects are found in fresh water, but like most of the other insects mentioned here, they tend to be attracted to pools when the water is dirty, stagnant, or filled with algae.
These insects are generally found on the surface of the water. If there are plants or algae nearby, they may also allow them to lay their eggs, causing them to spread throughout the pool.
giant water bugs
Giant water bugs or finger biters belong to the insect family Belostomatidae. They are quite large and most of the species in this family are found in fresh water.
They are commonly found in ponds, wetlands, swamps, and rock pools.
Especially if your pool tends to have some vegetation in and around it, you can expect these insects to be around.
These errors usually leave a rather difficult problem andpainful bite, so be careful when handling them.
water mites
Water mites are other insects to watch out for. known ashydracnidiaThese water mites abound in all kinds of freshwater sources, be it swamps, ponds, calm streams, lakes, and swimming pools, if you don't clean them regularly.
They also easily find their way to the pool if it has rained recently and the pool has been left open.
These water mites are small but colorful, making them easy to spot. They are also parasitic and tend to feed on the larvae of other insect hosts, so preventing insect infestations in your pool can be a good way to keep them at bay.
mosquitos
Mosquitoes are generally used to refer to insects that belong to the suborder Nematocera. There are several families and species within this suborder, many of which are found near wet and humid regions.
Mosquitoes near water probably won't bite, but they can certainly carry a variety of diseases. Also, they tend to lay their eggs in the water that comes to the surface when they hatch, making your pool look extremely dirty when mosquitoes breed this way.
You may also encounter biting mosquitoes, so be careful.
mosquitos
Mosquitoes are insects that can describe several families and species. However, one thing to remember about mosquitoes in your swimming pool or other body of water is that they generally do not bite or cause harm unless they are carriers of disease.
These mosquitoes are also calledblind mosquitoesdue to its inability to bite us. Also known as chironomoids, these non-biting species are generally found in freshwater or other bodies of water that are stagnant with organic matter.
If you find these mosquitoes in your pool, you need to control them effectively to prevent excessive contamination and spread.
To fly
Flies belong to the order Diptera and can be used to refer to a wide range of species and families, many of which can thrive underwater or on the water's surface, while others are simply attracted to them.
They can also lay their eggs in water, which allows them to quickly reproduce and spread both in the pool and in your home. This can result in the transmission of various diseases to you and your family, as well as causing irritation and itchiness when they land on your body.
What attracts insects to swimming pools?
Now that you're aware of some common types of pool bugs, you may be wondering what exactly attracts them to your pool. Some reasons are as follows:
- Leaving your pool uncovered can attract dust, dirt, and insects.
- If the water is standing, it could be a sure sign of a bug infestation, especially since bugs tend to be attracted to dirty, standing water.
- Algae and other plants in and around your pool can provide food and bedding for insects.
- In many cases, the presence of insects can result in the attraction of other insects, which is the origin of most of these insects.
How to get rid of insects in the pool
It's important that you take steps to get rid of bugs in your pool, otherwise they can swim around, carry disease, multiply, and cause pollution.
You can follow the methods below to get rid of these insects and prevent them from swimming and nesting in your pool.
Blatt-Skimmer
Leaf rakes can be a great way to get rid of bugs right away so you can get your pool cleaned up fast. They can also help you remove other debris and debris that may be floating on the surface of your pool.
Opt for leaf rakes with a large handle so you can easily carry and control them. You can also opt for automatic devices that float on the surface of the pool and suck up all the bugs and leaves.
This can help you get rid of insects that normally thrive on the surface, but you may need to take extra steps to thoroughly clean your pool.
chlorination
Chlorinating your pool can be a great way to get rid of algae that has built up in your pool. This can also be a good way to get rid of pool bugs that lay their eggs in the algae.
Also, this can be a good way to prevent insects from accumulating in your pool, so that they cannot find any organic elements inside to feed or reproduce.
However, you must bring your pool back.safe level of chlorineso you can use it again.
Algicide
Using algaecide in your pool can be another method you can use to get rid of algae in your pool so that other insects are not attracted to it.
While not essential, as long as you take helpful preventative steps, algaecides can give you the added power to kill all algae effectively. This can be especially helpful if you have already tried other pool cleaning methods.
Make sure you choose a good but strong enough algaecide, but you should also be aware of the chemicals present and how they can change the safe composition of the pool.
Empty
Vacuuming your pool can result in the killing of all bugs and the removal of all algae, debris, and other possible debris in your pool. This can also ensure that the entire bottom of the pool is clean enough to be safe enough again.
You can buy pool vacuums or attach a suction attachment to a pole and adjust the power. Be sure to cover the entire floor.
You may need to do this vacuuming process twice to make sure nothing is left behind, especially since algae tends to settle without being very visible. This allows you to run the vacuum again after completing the chlorination process.
Schrubben
Take a brush with sufficiently sharp bristles and attach it to a long rod. You can also buy this special pool brush so that you can use it for a long time to clean the pool.
Pass the brush over the floor and scrub well. This method alone may not be enough, but it can certainly help you do the first or even the last peel.
This process takes a bit of time and effort and can be a bit tedious.
PH value
If your pool's pH changes too much, becoming too acidic or too alkaline, it can bring several problems to your pool and make it a breeding ground for all kinds of insects.
Algae will be more likely to grow with this change in pH. Be sure to restore the pH of the pool so that it is safe to swim again.
Ideally, swimming pools should have a pH between7 y 7.6. In addition to insects, high and low pH levels can also cause skin and eye irritation.
remove chemicals
There may be various other chemicals present in your pool that can change the standards for what your water should be like. This is likely to attract the insects back into the water, making it easier for them to breed.
You can buy a pool test kit that you can run your pool water through to find out if it contains harmful chemicals. Depending on the results, you may be able to purchase chlorine tablets or other pool sprays that can bring your pool water back to safe levels.
bomba
Pool pumps can help filter dirty pool water by removing dirt, algae, and insects from the water. This can also be a good way to prevent insects from being attracted to the pool.
Pumping is something you should do regularly to keep your pool clean and safe. In fact, pools designed for this purpose usually come with built-in pumps.
correct stagnation
Stagnation is a common reason why your pool water allows algae to grow and attracts insects. Because the water in your pool stops flowing well and sits still for a long time, it can become significantly dirty.
It can allow mosquitoes and other insects to use the water to breed and lay eggs, leading to the spread of these insects around the pool and inside your home.
It also puts you at risk for various diseases. You can deal with this stagnation by fixing possible leaks and making sure all holes are filled with water.
light vegetation
In addition to the algae that is present in your pool, you may also have vegetation such as plants around your pool. While they add aesthetic value to your pool, they can also attract a variety of insects, since many insects feed on this type of vegetation.
Make sure there is enough distance between your pool and these plants, shrubs or trees. You should also trim this growth back regularly so it doesn't get too close to the pool.
If you notice insects near the plants, you can use a spray or pesticide to control them.
regular cleaning
This is a simple but effective and necessary measure that you should definitely do. Regular cleaning of your pool can help keep the water safe enough that you don't get rashes or irritants on your body.
Accidentally ingesting dirty pool water can also lead to the spread of various bacteria and diseases. By regularly cleaning your pool with rakes, vacuums and pumps, and by covering the pool when not in use, you can ensure that your pools remain safe from pests.
You should also drain and replace the pool water from time to time.
Oxidation
A good way to get rid of organic matter in your pool can be to use oxidizers, which you can easily buy at your local store. These oxidizers are also safer to use compared to increasing chlorine levels in the water.
However, keep in mind that oxidation is most useful for removing various types of dirt and preventing the pool from attracting insects. Getting rid of algae may not work as well if it's already forming in your pool.
positioning of lights
Lights are a sure way to attract insects. If you place lights around your pool, they will end up accumulating different types of insects, which is exacerbated by the presence of the pool.
Before installing lights around the pool, be sure to place them a bit further away from the pool.
supervision
In addition to the steps above, it's important to monitor your pool regularly so you can catch bugs early and prevent them from spreading further. You should do this especially if the pool is not going to be used in a certain season.
Professional Help
While these are some opportunities you can take advantage of, sometimes the infestation can be too overwhelming for you to handle or you may not have the confidence to handle it yourself.
In that case, calling in professional pool cleaners can make things easier for you, but it can also cost you money.
final considerations
In summary, we show different types of pool errors that you can detect in your pool. Be sure to catch them early to prevent them from spreading too far.