5 Ways to Get Rid of Water Mites in Your Pool

Having a pool is one of the best assets for any home. They are a great way to socialize and relax during the warm months. 

Unfortunately, pools attract water mites. These insects are common and usually utilize pools as living spaces. If your pool needs to be adequately maintained consistently, you can be sure that you will encounter water mites (along with other insects) at some point. 

While these insects can be pesky, thankfully, it’s very easy to get rid of them. Follow these methods on how to get rid of water mites in your pool to return it to its normal state while preventing mites and other critters from ever coming back. 

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How To Get Rid of Water Mites in Pool

Below are six of the best ways to eliminate water mites from your pool.

1. Regularly Shock Your Water 

Shocking the water helps to keep your pool safe, clean, and healthy. It also assists in killing algae in the pool. 

It’s best to shock your pool once a week with calcium hypochlorite and calcium. For every 10,000 gallons of water, you will need 1 pound of calcium hypochlorite. 

It’s essential to keep an eye on your pool’s chlorine measures of at least one ppm. When it comes to shocking your pool, it’s best to double the amount of calcium hypochlorite to clean the water effectively. 

2. Skim and Vacuum

This is the first thing you should do before cleaning your pool. Skimming is also something you should do daily.  

Vacuuming should be done once a week. Both assist in keeping water clear of water mites and other gunk that attracts them to your pool. 

When you vacuum, ensure to capture as much debris as possible. Also, ensure to vacuum the floor and side walls as debris is typically found in these areas.  

The last thing you want is to grab a scrub brush for the algae. The goal is to loosen up the algae on each surface. 

Algae can be difficult to scrub away since it tends to cling to surfaces. However, if you find it challenging, you can add borax into the pool to help break it up. 

Borax is also good because it will help to keep your pool’s pH at a healthy ppm. 

3. Ensure Your Pool Is Chemically Balanced

It’s essential that your pool is at proper chemical levels, or it will potentially attract water mites. A chemically balanced pool should have stabilized levels of calcium hardness and total alkalinity.  

Calcium hardness should measure between 180-220 ppm, Total alkalinity should measure between 80-120 ppm, and cyanuric acid should measure 30-50ppm.  

Making sure your pool is balanced is critical because every organism or substance that enters the pool will, unfortunately, change this balance. 

A chemically imbalanced pool will easily attract water mites. Maintaining balanced levels will keep the pool clear and deter them from making your pool their home. 

4. Keep Up With Maintenance

Ensuring you upkeep your pool plays a significant part in removing water mites. A pool that isn’t clean or chemically imbalanced serves as the perfect environment and food source for them.

Be sure to clean the pool each week by maintaining good cleanliness habits. For example, avoid eating or drinking in the pool or any activity that can cause bacteria and germs to accumulate. 

5. Run the Pump Overnight

Pool pumps help to keep the water clean, filtrated, and sanitized. Running your pool pump overnight or for at least 24 hours will help to filtrate the shock process and filter out the algae. 

Having a pool pump is essential as it helps not only sanitize water but also helps to keep it moving. If water is stagnant, it increases the chances of microorganisms, bacteria, algae, and bugs entering it and finding a new home. 

While you don’t need to run it 24 hours every day, it will help in the case of getting rid of water mites. Ideally, it’s best to run your pump eight hours a day.

What Causes Water Mites?

Water mites, also known as pool or water bugs, are typically caused by their need for a food source. Water boatmen eat microorganisms, mosquito larvae, plant matter, and algae. They also need algae to lay their eggs. 

The tricky thing about algae spores is that it’s microscopic. So, although you can’t see it, if there are water boatmen in your pool, you will likely have an algae problem. It only takes a little while for algae to bloom. It usually grows in 24 hours or less after the spores have developed in the water. 

So it would help if you stopped it as soon as you saw it. Shocking your pool is the best way to eliminate algae in its tracks.  Back swimmers are present because water boatmen are present too. Back swimmers feed on water boatmen, but they also need algae to lay eggs. 

So removing the algae and the water boatmen will help to keep the back swimmers out. 

What Are the Different Types of Water Mites? 

Two common species of water mites can be found in pools. These are the backswimmer and the water boatman. 

While one of these species isn’t specifically dangerous to humans, the other is. It’s important to note that although both these species closely resemble roaches, they don’t belong to the roach species. 

 They are water bugs and belong to the Hemiptera order. 

Water Boatmen

Water boatmen are very calm and don’t pose any threats to health in any way. Instead, they enjoy being in a pool and feeding on the algae that grow in it. 

They also enjoy feeding on mosquito larvae and plant detritus. So typically, if you see water boatmen in your pool, you can almost guarantee that your pool is infested with algae. 

Backswimmers 

On the contrary, backswimmers can undoubtedly be a problem. These water mites, in particular, are a tad dangerous only because they are known to bite. 

Although their bites don’t contain poison, they can still be quite painful. Their bites have been compared to that of a bee sting. Also, it doesn’t help that the backswimmer can also fly.  

Backswimmers are also carnivores; believe it or not, they prefer to feed on boatmen mites.

Other Bugs and Insects Attracted to Pool Water

Unfortunately, water mites aren’t the only species of bugs you have to worry about going into your pool. Bugs generally see pools as the perfect water supply, especially in the warmer months. 

Their need to quench their thirst on top of trying to stay warm in the Summer heat makes them fly right over. Other bugs that you’ll typically find in your pool include the following:

• Crickets
• Cockroaches
• Scorpions
• Bees
• Mosquitoes 
• Wasps

The main drawback to other insects being attracted to your pool is if they are harmful. Getting stung while relaxing in or near your pool is never fun. 

This is typically the result of a nearby hive for some, while others travel to your pool for something to drink. 

The importance of keeping up with your pool’s maintenance can’t be stressed enough. Chemicals in pools are the main factor that differentiates them from other bodies of water. 

Without the proper chemical upkeep, your pool will appear as a lake or a pond to water mites and insects. The environment will become the perfect area for them to thrive. 

Also, ensure that you implement consistent and small changes. Things like removing dirt and debris from around the pool. 

Make sure you keep your grass low as well. Tall grass and bushes tend to attract all sorts of insects, while debris and dust cause germs and bacteria. Fungus, germs, and bacteria further lead to an imbalance in your pool water. 

How To Prevent Water Mites 

If there aren’t any favorable living conditions, water mites won’t be attracted to your pool. They are only able to thrive where there is drinkable and livable water. 

As previously mentioned, poor pool hygiene is the number one culprit. Improper care of your pool can lead to a plethora of issues that create ideal environments for water mites. 

So, keeping your pool free of algae and maintaining the proper alkalinity are a few simple things that will continually deter water mites. It’s important to note that backswimmers love algae because they can lay their eggs in it. 

Although it’s a lot of work, maintaining your pool can save you many headaches and potential costs in the long run. 

Frequently Asked Questions

How to get rid of boatmen bugs in the pool?

You can get rid of any pool mites or bugs by first using a skimmer to physically remove them from the water. Then, as previously mentioned, you should shock and treat your pool. This process will disrupt their breeding process and kill their living & food source. 

What’s the best way to kill algae in a pool?

The best way to get rid of pool algae is by first testing the water’s pH and chlorine levels. Then scrub the algae with a pool brush and apply an algaecide. Lastly, vacuum any algae that is dead or leftover. 

How do I get rid of mites in my pool?

To get rid of mites in your pool, you can employ several methods. Firstly, shock chlorination can be used to eliminate the mites. Additionally, follow up with the application of algaecide to further combat the mite infestation. Regularly vacuuming and brushing the pool will help remove any mites or debris. Make sure to skim your pool every day to prevent mites from accumulating. Avoid planting any vegetation near the pool area as it can attract mites. Place lighting fixtures as far away from the pool as possible to discourage mites from gathering. Dispose of trash in a different location to prevent mites from being attracted to the pool area. Lastly, clear any standing water around the pool as it can serve as a breeding ground for mites.

What does a pool mite look like?

A pool mite looks like a fat spider with a round body that is bright red in color. It has eight small legs that are attached near the front end of its body.

Are water mites harmful?

Water mites are not typically harmful, but they can negatively impact the well-being of their host when present in large quantities. They are most commonly found among aquatic plants in shallow areas of ponds, lakes, swamps, marshes, and bogs, but can be found in all freshwater habitats due to their diverse distribution.

What eats water mites?

Water mites are eaten by aquatic insects, small crustaceans, small fish, and hydras.

What are the little things swimming in my pool?

The little things swimming in your pool are most likely Waterbugs, specifically Water Boatman and Backswimmers. These bugs belong to the Hemiptera classification of insects and have a similar appearance. Water Boatman are oval-shaped bugs that measure around half an inch in length and are typically brown or brownish with a hint of green.

What disinfectant kills mites?

The disinfectant that kills mites is SANYTOL. SANYTOL has developed a product that effectively eliminates 100% of mites and bedbugs within 24 hours, targeting all stages of their development, including larvae, nymphs, and adults. Additionally, it not only prevents their spread but also purifies the household environment.

What kills pool parasites?

Pool parasites are killed by chlorine or salt water (sodium chloride), which is commonly used by many pool owners to eliminate bacteria, viruses, and contamination. Both chlorine and salt water are effective in preventing the growth of algae and killing other germs and microorganisms through a chemical reaction.

What are the tiny red mites in my pool?

The tiny red mites in your pool could be a result of a clover mite infestation, as these small red bugs have made their way onto your property. It is also possible that they were carried by the wind across your boundary lines or introduced by heavy rain.

Why are water bugs in my pool?

Water bugs are in your pool because it offers a food source for them. Pools are a magnet for both large and small water bugs due to the abundance of their primary food source, white algae, which is commonly found in backyard pools.

What are the tiny bugs in my pool?

The tiny bugs in your pool are often water boatmen, which are oval-shaped bugs that do not bite. These bugs are called water boatmen due to their boat-shaped bodies and oar-like legs. Typically measuring less than 1/2 inch in length, water boatmen swim in rapid, plucky movements.

What is a pool mite?

A pool mite is a small, bright-red dot that can be found in underwater environments. These creatures are actually water mites, which are closely related to spiders and belong to the phylum Arthropoda and the class Arachnida. In North America alone, there are approximately 1,500 species of water mites that inhabit freshwater habitats.

How do I get rid of no see ums around my pool?

To get rid of no-see ums around your pool, you can try using essential oils such as camphor, eucalyptus, lemon, and mint. Additionally, insect-repellent sprays and lotions containing picaridin can be effective in repelling no-see-ums for a duration of eight to 14 hours.

Can water bugs live in chlorine?

Water bugs cannot live in chlorine. Chlorine and shock treatments are ineffective in killing them or controlling their population. To eliminate water bugs, it is necessary to gain a better understanding of their preferred environments and disrupt their way of living.

What is biting me in my pool?

I will rephrase the answer as follows: Back swimmer bugs are likely the cause of the bites you are experiencing in your pool if you have ever been bitten by bugs while swimming. Although the bites from back swimmer bugs are not highly toxic, they can feel similar to bee stings depending on their size.

Can you get a parasite from chlorinated water?

You can acquire a parasite from chlorinated water, specifically Cryptosporidium. This particular parasite is responsible for causing the diarrheal illness known as cryptosporidiosis, commonly referred to as “Crypto.” While there are various germs that can thrive and propagate in swimming pool water, Cryptosporidium is a significant one.

How do you prevent water mites?

The way to prevent water mites is by installing a suitable water filter in your fish tank. If the filter is strong enough, it can effectively combat water mites. Additionally, you can introduce mite-eating fish like mandarin fish, angelfish, or guppy fish into the tank. Another option is to treat the water with Aquari-Sol.

What temperature water kills mites?

The temperature of water that kills mites is 140 degrees Fahrenheit (60 ºC) or higher, according to the researchers. They discovered that washing laundry at this temperature eliminates all house dust mites. In comparison, only 6.5 percent of dust mites are eradicated when laundry is washed at 104 degrees Fahrenheit (40 ºC), or warm water.

What kills mites?

Mites can be killed by using insecticide sprays that contain permethrin or bifenthrin. These sprays have proven to be effective against a wide range of mites and can maintain their ability to kill for several weeks. Before applying these products, it is important to carefully read the label to ensure that they can be safely used in living areas, attics, and crawl spaces.

Do water mites bite people?

Water mites do bite people, usually targeting the hands, arms, and chest. Instances have been reported where individuals working in environments with water mites inadvertently bring them home on their clothes, leading to the infestation of the entire family.

What attracts mites?

Mites are attracted to carbon dioxide and heat, which they use to locate hosts. They cannot jump or fly, so they must crawl. Typically, mites are found in rooms with high concentrations of carbon dioxide, such as kitchens, family rooms, bedrooms, and work areas.

Can you see water mites?

Yes, water mites can be seen in the underwater world as tiny, bright-red dots. These creatures are related to spiders and belong to the phylum Arthropoda and the class Arachnida. In North America alone, there are approximately 1,500 species of water mites that dwell in freshwater habitats.

What repels water bugs?

Water bugs can be repelled by using a mixture of equal parts white vinegar and water, which can be sprayed in the problem areas, according to Nicole Carpenter.

How do you control mites naturally?

To control mites naturally, you can create a solution by mixing one teaspoon of liquid dish soap with one quart of lukewarm water. Shake the solution well and transfer it into a spray bottle. Then, spray the underside of the leaves with the soapy solution at regular intervals until the mites are eliminated.