Skimming & Debris /
How to Skim a Pool with Lots of Bugs on the Water
Skim bugs with a fine-mesh net, clear baskets safely, and check circulation and water quality. If they return, fix the cause or call a pool professional.
Archive date: this article was written for PoolSkimmer on Oct 7, 2026 and given the earlier archive date of Jul 8, 2026 so the blog reads as an organized archive. It was not published on that date.
Tackle the surface
If the pool is covered in bugs, get to them with a skimmer before they have a chance to sink or break up. The calmer the water, the more you can clear away in less time and with fewer passes.
For fine debris like pollen and small insects, a coarse leaf rake will not do; opt for a fine-mesh skimmer or put on a skimmer sock if your setup allows. Work at a leisurely pace from the edge in toward the middle to avoid churning the water and scattering the layer of bugs.
A steady approach to skimming
There is no need to be haphazard. An orderly sequence is more efficient and ensures nothing is left behind:
- Go after the large clusters, particularly those by the waterline, steps and in the corners
- Take long, overlapping swipes across the pool
- Do not let dead bugs fall back in; empty the net as you go
- Give the quiet spots where they congregate another look
This is especially important after a warm day or when wind has pushed mosquitoes, backswimmers and other common pests into the water from nearby standing sources.
Safety first with baskets and circulation
Should you see bugs piling up at the skimmer, resist the urge to put your hand in while the suction is running. Power down the pump and refer to the manual before you open the skimmer or pump basket. A clogged basket means poor flow and bugs that stay in the pool rather than being filtered out.
Once the pump is off and it is safe to lift the lid, take out any debris and inspect the pump basket for leaves and bug clumps. Put everything back in place securely. Wear the proper PPE for this kind of work and if you are not familiar with your system, consult the manual or a pro.
Why do they keep coming?
Skimming is only part of it. If there is a persistent buildup, some condition in the pool environment is likely to blame. Look at what is happening around the water:
- Are there dead spots in the circulation behind ladders or in corners?
- Is there insufficient surface movement to carry the bugs to the skimmer?
- Could plants, deck lighting or standing water be an attractant?
Stick to a consistent maintenance schedule. Properly balanced and sanitary water is not a welcoming place for pests or organic matter. Read the chemical labels and make no guesses about corrections.
Water quality and prevention
Do not allow anyone in the pool if it is cloudy, smells or has algae. Bugs will be drawn to weak sanitation and dead algae. Some good habits to have are to brush the steps and waterline, run the circulation as the manufacturer suggests and turn off exterior lights to deter flying insects. And under no circumstances should one swim if the water is unsafe or an electrical fault is suspected.
What not to do
Certain practices are counterproductive or outright dangerous. Do not skim in a hurry and stir the bugs down, nor let the basket overflow. And do not assume chlorine is a panacea for every bug issue.
When it comes to any electrical matter with the pump, outlet or controls, leave it to an electrician or pool professional. Shut the equipment down and call them in.
Time to call in the experts
A qualified professional can check your circulation and filtration to see what is going on without introducing new hazards. Seek their assistance if:
- You have done your due diligence with cleaning but the bugs are back
- The returns or skimmer are not doing their job
- The water is discolored or you cannot seem to keep it sanitary
- You have reason to believe there is a hidden problem with the system or an early case of algae