Top 10 Tips For A Mosquito-Free Pool

Do you want to keep mosquitoes away from your pool? We all do, don't we.

If you're like us, you're type of person who likes to be outside. And if you've just installed a pool at your home, you definitely want to be able to enjoy the outdoors! When it’s time to relax poolside, mosquitoes are the last thing that you want on your mind (or on your skin).

For a comfortable summer, take advantage of these 10 tips for a mosquito-free pool.

1) KEEP YOUR WATER CLEAN AND BALANCED

You’re doing this anyway, right? The point is that a clean pool with balanced chemicals is much less attractive to mosquitoes and other insects.

2) SHOCK YOUR POOL

At the first sign of larvae, you can go ahead and do a chemical shock to the pool. This will help keep your pool clean and keep the critters from developing.

3) USE YOUR PUMP

We know, finding the right pump usage balance saves you money on your electric bill. Well, after you know how long you need to run it every day, make sure you do it like clockwork. Bugs and mosquitoes can’t breed as easily in moving water.

4) GET RID OF STANDING WATER

Stagnant water is an invitation to mosquitoes. Keep an eye out for anything that can trap water – like pool toys – and dump it out at least twice a week. If you have a recycling bin outside, you can drill holes in the bottom to let water drain. If possible, check your yard for low-lying areas and holes and fill them in.

5) CLEAN UP THE YARD

Trimmed trees, plants, and shrubs are less welcoming to mosquitoes. In addition, clean up leftover organic matter. For instance, when you mow the grass, use a grass catcher if possible. By removing yard waste, you're taking away a potential bug breeding ground.

6) TURN ON THE (RIGHT) LIGHT

You may prefer plain white bulbs but, for whatever reason, yellow lighting is less attractive to mosquitoes and other insects. There's probably a scientific explanation. All we know is that we're keeping the lights on our deck yellow!

7) LIGHT A CANDLE

You can place Citronella candles at intervals around the pool and areas where people relax. Citronella is a natural oil that acts as a repellant. And, as a bonus, many people love its fresh, tangy smell.

8) SAY NO TO BUG ZAPPERS

Even though the zapper gives a satisfying zap! every time a bug is lured in, most of the bugs that fall for it aren’t the ones that bite you. You may wind up killing more bugs that are good for the health of your yard than you do mosquitoes.

9) USE REPELLANT

This is a personal choice, as many people prefer to avoid chemicals. Should you want to use them, repellant sprays are available for both your yard and your skin. A spray with DEET usually works very well. For the chemical-conscious, there are

several natural repellants made from lemon or eucalyptus oil. They do take frequent re-application, especially after you spend time in the water.

10) FEATURE PLANTS THAT REPEL INSECTS

Certain plants and shrubs act as natural mosquito repellant. And you can plant them all in your backyard or near your pool area. Look for sagebrush, catnip, vanilla leaf, and citronella grass.

We hope you enjoy your pool all summer long ... mosquito-free. Feel free to call The Great Backyard for all your pool needs. We're happy to help!