Pool Care /
How to Get Rid of Water Bugs in a Pool
Remove water bugs by skimming, brushing, and cleaning the filter, then fix weak circulation and sanitation so backswimmers are less likely to return.
Archive date: this article was written for PoolSkimmer on Oct 23, 2026 and given the earlier archive date of Sep 7, 2026 so the blog reads as an organized archive. It was not published on that date.
First steps in dealing with water bugs
The answer to what you should do first is straightforward: put your efforts into removal and a thorough cleanup. Skim the surface for any visible bugs, give the walls and fixtures a good brushing, and vacuum up what has settled. Be sure to see to the skimmer and filter as well; by taking away the food and shelter that draw insects in, you are already half way there. Should the water be cloudy or foul, or if circulation is lacking, those issues take priority.
A safe way to clear the pool of water bugs
There is no need to be putting household insecticides in the water. The safest course of action is to stick to basic maintenance. Hayward’s weekly recommendations are sound: skim off the leaves and insects, brush down the walls, vacuum the bottom and keep your filter and skimmer in order. It is these very steps that eliminate the conditions allowing water bugs to make themselves at home.
To do it properly:
- Shut the pump off before you open or empty the skimmer basket.
- Use a long-handled skimmer to clear bugs and floating matter from the surface.
- Brush all the fixtures, ladders and steps.
- Once the debris is loosened, vacuum the floor.
- Clean out the skimmer basket and backwash or clean the filter as the manual dictates.
The case of the persistent backswimmer
Backswimmers are aquatic insects and they have a habit of appearing where there is poor sanitizing, weak circulation or an abundance of debris. They are not to be confused with the water boatman or other so-called “water bugs,” but the remedy is much the same: get rid of them and change the environment that is luring them in.
You will know the pool is inviting them if you notice organic matter like pollen or leaves on top of the water, a skimmer basket that is full too soon, a dirty filter that is not doing its job, or a return flow that is anything but strong.
The best sequence for a pool owner
Following a simple order ensures the root cause is not overlooked:
1. Pump off before you go to the skimmer basket. 2. Skim the surface. 3. Do a pass with the brush on the walls and steps. 4. Vacuum the floor. 5. Inspect the filter and clean the skimmer. 6. Put the equipment back in normal running order per the manual. 7. Test the water and address sanitation in line with product labels and your pool manual.
To shock or spray?
Resist the urge to use general insect spray in the pool. Only act on the chemical directions found on the label or in your manual; never mix chemicals or guess at the dosage. In most instances you will find it more effective to improve filtration and remove debris than to resort to sprays. And if the water is unsafe or you have reason to think there is an electrical fault with the equipment, stay out of the pool.
Time for a professional?
If the bugs are back after you have done your part, or the water refuses to clear, a call to a qualified pool pro is in order. The same goes for a filter or pump that is not behaving, or if you are in any doubt about how to correct a sanitation problem without making matters worse.
In the end, most homeowners will find that the solution is not to go after one bug at a time. It is to maintain the pool and circulate the water well enough that the bugs have no desire to remain.
Sources and further reading
- [Hayward: Weekly pool maintenance](https://www.hayward.com/maintenance/weekly-pool-maintenance)