Bees and other insects can be attracted to the water in a swimming pool.
Dips in a pool can be especially enjoyable when you have your very own back-yard pool and can splash around any time you feel like. The last thing you want to worry about are insects in your water. You get your pool all set up each year and then wonder keep bees and other pests out of your oasis. It is important to get a handle on the problem first thing or these pesky insects can invade your water the entire summer. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
Covering Your Pool
1. Cover your pool at night and any time it isn't in use with a tarp. This will prevent bees and other bugs from getting in the water when you aren't looking. You will need more than one person to place the tarp over your pool.
2. Start at one end of the pool and place something heavy such as a large rock or a chair on the two corners to hold the tarp in place on the ground. One person will stand on each side of the pool holding the tarp and unrolling it as you both walk to the other end of the pool, covering the water in the process.
3. Secure both ends of the tarp to the ground on the opposite end once you have completely covered the pool. You may also want to secure the sides of the tarp to the ground on either side of the pool using heavy items such as chairs or rocks.
Bug Repellents
4. Purchase bug repellent items such as Citronella candles which have an odor that repels all types of bugs. Arrange the candles every 2 or 3 feet around the pool and light them with a match or lighter. Allow them to burn while you are enjoying the pool. Be sure to put out the flame when you are finished using the pool and cover the candles or take them inside so they won't melt in the sun. Once the candles are completely burned out the containers can be disposed of in the trash.
5. Fill a 16-oz spray bottle with a mixture of water and dish detergent and spray the soapy mixture on any bees that come into the area. This will kill them and prevent them from alerting other bees to the water in your pool.
6. Pour a small amount of Pine-Sol in your pool water. This won't harm the swimmers and bees won't like the smell.
Other Options
7. Purchase a bug zapper and install it in close vicinity to your pool. This will take care of all flying insects as they will be electrocuted when they fly into it. These types of devices can be found at most garden supply stores or hardware stores. Simply follow the package instructions for installing and setting up the device.
8. Avoid having flowers, flowering bushes and other types of landscaping greenery around your pool area. This type of foliage attracts not only bees but a variety of other insects which can invade your pool.
9. Keep the jets on in your pool to keep the water moving at all times. Bees don't like moving water.
10. Change the system in your pool from a chlorine base to a saltwater system. This can be expensive option, but insects will not drink salt water. You can contact the manufacturer of your pool or get in touch with the local pool supply store and speak to a professional who can assist you with the process.
11. Clean your pool as often as possible and keep it free from algae. The algae provides a place for bugs such as mosquitoes and water bugs to breed and lay their eggs. You can control the algae in your pool by applying products such as Algaecide or by increasing the amount of chlorine you use. Be sure to carefully follow the directions on the package of Algacide to determine the amount to apply to your pool. Also avoid swimming in the pool in the same suit you wore to swim in a lake or pond.
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