Why Bugs Keep Drowning in Your Pool
It started with a few dead bugs here and there. No big deal, right? But by mid-June, Ellie from Rocklin was fishing out bees, beetles, earwigs, and even a drowning lizard almost every morning. The pool didn’t smell bad. The water wasn’t cloudy. But it was starting to feel like a petting zoo—and not the fun kind.
If you live in Northern California and find yourself scooping up more bugs than leaves, you’re not alone. Certain regional conditions make pools here a bug magnet—but the good news is, you can do something about it.
Why So Many Bugs End Up in Your Pool
Bugs don’t just randomly fall into pools. In Northern California, several factors combine to turn your backyard oasis into an accidental insect trap.
Warm Climate + Water Source
Bugs are naturally drawn to water, especially in areas where it’s hot and dry. In places like Lincoln, Roseville, and Granite Bay, your pool might be the only water source for thirsty critters during peak summer.
Landscape Attractants
Pools surrounded by flowerbeds, grass, or fruit trees are an open invitation to bugs. Nectar and plant life attract flying insects, and when they get tired or disoriented, they crash into the water.
Nighttime Lighting
Ever noticed more bugs in the pool after you’ve left the lights on overnight? That’s no coincidence. Many backyard lights attract moths, beetles, and flies. Once they’re in the area, they get pulled toward the reflective water surface and can’t escape.
Poor Water Flow and Skimming
Still water invites more trouble. If your pump and skimmer aren’t working efficiently, dead bugs collect fast—and live ones find it easier to land and get trapped. Your pool might technically be running, but not well enough to prevent build-up.
What to Do About It (So You’re Not Skimming Bugs Daily)
Just because bugs are inevitable doesn’t mean you have to host an all-you-can-swim buffet for them. Here’s how to cut down on the creepy crawlers floating in your water.
Adjust Landscape Placement
Before planting anything near your pool, ask yourself: does it attract bees or aphids? Does it drop seeds or fruit? Trim back overhanging branches and consider placing pollinator-heavy plants farther away from the water’s edge.
Change Your Lighting Setup
Switch out standard white or blue bulbs for warm amber or yellow LED lighting. These are far less attractive to insects. You can also use motion-activated lights that only turn on when needed.
Improve Skimming and Water Circulation
Check your water flow. Are your jets pushing water in a circular motion? Are your skimmer baskets clogging too fast? Make sure your pump is moving water properly and that your skimmers are cleaned on a regular basis.
Use a Pool Cover
A quality pool cover does more than hold in heat—it keeps bugs out. Even a solar cover can block most flying insects overnight. It’s an extra layer of defense that makes a noticeable difference.
Try Natural Bug Repellents
You don’t need harsh chemicals to keep bugs away. Citronella torches, eucalyptus oil, or even planting lavender nearby can help discourage pests without affecting your pool chemistry.
Your Pool Shouldn’t Be a Bug Trap
Nobody wants to swim with beetles—or spend the first ten minutes of every pool day cleaning them out. If your backyard pool has turned into an insect graveyard, it might be time for more than just a good skim.
At American Dream Pool & Spa Service, we help homeowners across Lincoln, Rocklin, Roseville, Granite Bay, Sheridan, Loomis, and Penryn fix small problems before they turn into major maintenance issues. Whether it’s your filter, your circulation, or your landscaping that’s contributing to the bug buffet, we’ll find the cause and offer real solutions.
Reach out today for pool maintenance, repair, or just a second opinion. Your pool deserves better than to be a backyard bug trap.
American Dream Pool and Spa Service is a trusted provider of pool and spa maintenance, repair, and cleaning services. They serve the areas of Lincoln, Rocklin, Roseville, Granite Bay, and Sheridan, CA, offering comprehensive care for both residential and commercial pools. Their services include everything from routine maintenance to specialized repairs for pool and spa equipment, ensuring that every pool owner enjoys a clean, safe, and well-maintained pool or spa throughout the year. With a focus on customer satisfaction, American Dream Pool and Spa Service strives to keep pools in top condition, regardless of the season.
