Tiny Bugs in Pool: What Are They And What Can I Do?

Your backyard pool is a summer savior—until tiny bugs turn it into a prickly mess. Handybeeman uncovers the culprits and how to banish them.

Common Pool Invaders

Thrips

Thrips—under 1/20 inch—probe, not bite, leaving an itchy sting. Check plants for white scars and black specks; they flock to water from there.

Gnats

Gnats swarm and slice skin for blood, making itchy bites. Spot them buzzing near plants—pools are egg-laying hotspots.

Pool Mites

Pool mites—tiny red bugs—eat insect larvae, not you. They signal other pests like water boatmen, which lure biting backswimmers. Gross, but harmless to swimmers.

Getting Rid of Tiny Bugs

Shock Chlorination

Blast organic junk with shock (5-10 PPM chlorine) weekly—twice if bugs persist. Wait 48 hours for levels to drop to 1-3 PPM before swimming.

Algaecide Follow-Up

Post-shock, add algaecide (per label) to kill algae. After 12 hours, vacuum and brush away the dead stuff.

Vacuum and Brush

Daily 10-15 minute sessions—overlap strokes on walls and floors, then vacuum. Keeps bugs starved.

Skim Daily

Skim every day to clear debris—no food, no bugs.

Preventing Pool Pests

Keep Plants Away

Move plants feet from the pool—trim overhanging branches too.

Shift Lighting

Place lights 30 feet off or use citronella candles to deter night flyers.

Relocate Trash

Stash bins far from the pool—bugs love garbage.

Clear Standing Water

Dump birdbaths, pet bowls, or toy puddles—keep gutters clean and lawns aerated.

Vinegar Traps

For gnats, set vinegar-filled bottles with hole-punched lids near the pool—they’ll trap themselves.

Why Handybeeman?

Bug woes ruining your swim? Handybeeman pros zap them fast. Contact Handybeeman today!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Bug-Free Swims with Handybeeman

Reclaim your pool with Handybeeman’s pest control expertise. Contact Handybeeman today!