A swimming pool is meant to be a place of relaxation and enjoyment, especially during hot weather. However, your peaceful dip can quickly be ruined by the presence of bugs in your swimming pool. Seeing insects floating, crawling, or even breeding in your pool water is not only annoying but also a sign that your pool may need more attention.
Bugs are often drawn to pools because of the water, light, and food sources. The key to keeping your pool bug-free is proper identification, thorough removal, and effective prevention.
In this guide, we will walk you through how to identify different types of pool bugs, why they show up, and most importantly, how to get rid of them and stop them from returning.
Appearance: Oval-shaped, light brown, about half an inch long.
Behavior: These bugs swim underwater and come up to the surface to breathe. Interestingly, they’re harmless to humans and even eat algae, so their presence usually means your pool has algae growth.
Risk: They don’t bite, but they attract predators like backswimmers.
Appearance: Similar to water boatmen, but they swim on their backs and have long legs.
Behavior: Unlike boatmen, these insects are aggressive predators and feed on other insects.
Risk: They can bite humans, and their bite is painful. A backswimmer infestation often follows a boatmen problem.
Appearance: Very tiny (less than 2mm), often look like black dots floating on the water.
Behavior: These insects hop on the water surface and are attracted to moisture and organic matter.
Risk: They don’t bite, but their presence is a nuisance and indicates debris or dampness near or in the pool.
Appearance: Tiny wiggly worms floating or suspended near the surface of still water.
Behavior: These are immature mosquitoes, laid in stagnant water.
Risk: High—mosquitoes carry diseases, so their presence should be dealt with immediately.
Appearance: Small flying insects, sometimes colorful or dull.
Behavior: Often seen flying around the pool, especially near lights.
Risk: Minimal harm, but they can end up dead in the pool, adding to contamination.
Many people are surprised to find that one of the biggest causes of bugs in swimming pool water is algae. Algae is a food source for insects like water boatmen, which then attracts predators like backswimmers. So even if you don’t see algae, the presence of certain bugs suggests it might be forming in hidden spots.
Keeping algae under control is one of the most effective ways to prevent pool pests from showing up in the first place.
While many pool bug problems can be handled with routine care, some infestations might require expert help. If you’ve tried the methods above and still notice repeated issues, it’s best to consult a professional pool service.
A company The One Pool Care offers full pool cleaning and maintenance services, including inspection, algae treatment, and advanced pool bug identification and removal solutions.
Having bugs in your swimming pool is both frustrating and preventable. By understanding what attracts them, learning how to identify them, and consistently applying the right pool maintenance tips, you can enjoy clean, clear water all season long.
Remember, most pool bugs are a sign of poor water quality, algae, or debris. Address those issues early, and you won’t just be eliminating bugs—you’ll be creating a healthier, more inviting space for everyone who uses your pool.
If you’re dealing with persistent bug problems or want to ensure your pool stays in top shape, consider reaching out to experienced professionals who specialise in pool cleaning and maintenance.
We offer quick same day service!