5 Surefire Ways to Get Rid of Ants Around Your Pool for Good

As a pool owner, few things are more annoying than lifting up the pool cover to find clusters of ants floating in the water. Ants invade pools for various reasons but their presence means hassle and extra work for you.

While ants in the pool are a nuisance, the real problem is ants living around the pool area Getting rid of ants near your pool is critical to keeping them out of the water With some diligent pest control efforts, you can eliminate ants from the entire pool zone.

Why Ants Invade the Pool Area

Before examining solutions, it helps to understand exactly why ants target the area around your pool Some key reasons ants invade include

• Nearby nests – Ant colonies in your yard provide a ready source to march over. Fire ants and carpenter ants frequently build nests in lawns.

• Moisture – Standing water attracts thirsty ants looking for a drink. Ants require water to survive just like any creature.

• Food sources – Bits of food, dirt and debris around the pool perimeter supply food for foraging ants.

• Insects – Where there’s water, there are bugs. Ants follow insects that congregate around pools.

• Salty water – High TDS levels causing salty pool water also lure ants to drink.

• Heat – During hot weather, ants are desperate to cool off. The pool area provides relief.

• Mating swarms – In spring and summer, flying ants seek water to reproduce around.

5 Proven Tactics to Eliminate Ants from Pool Area

The key to ant eradication is attacking both the pool surroundings where colonies originate and the pool itself that attracts ants. Here are 5 highly effective methods to get rid of ants from the entire pool zone:

1. Apply Ant Pesticide Granules Around the Perimeter

A simple solution for eliminating ants around the pool is broadcasting an ant pesticide granular product over the entire lawn and perimeter area.

Products like Talstar PL Granular contain insecticides that seep into the soil when watered and kill ants and other lawn pests for up to 3 months. Simply sprinkle during dry conditions and water in well. Reapply every 10-12 weeks.

2. Spread Diatomaceous Earth Around the Pool

As a non-toxic approach, diatomaceous earth (DE) is an abrasive dust that destroys ants’ exoskeletons on contact, causing dehydration. It’s also effective against other crawling insects.

Apply a fine layer of food-grade DE around the pool deck and lawn perimeter. Reapply after heavy rains or irrigation since DE must stay dry to work. Completely safe for kids and pets when kept dry.

3. Maintain Proper Water Chemistry

Test and adjust pool chemicals regularly to keep water pH, alkalinity, and sanitizer at proper levels. Well-balanced water will have lower TDS measurements and prevent salt buildup that attracts ants.

Use a home test kit or strips to check the water 1-2 times a week during the pool season. Bring samples to a store for full testing monthly.

4. Clean the Pool Thoroughly

Vigilantly remove any dirt, leaves, or other organic debris from the pool and surrounding area. Eliminate ant food sources and hiding spots.

Skim the pool surface daily. Brush pool walls and floor weekly. Check and empty the pump/skimmer baskets and cleanup pool equipment. Power wash the deck periodically.

5. Apply Ant Baits and Sprays

Use weatherproof ant bait stations loaded with borax-based bait around the pool decking. The ants take the bait back to the colony and destroy it.

Supplement by spraying ant killer like Talstar Pro around the perimeter and other areas ants traverse. Directly kill ants on sight.

Tips for Keeping Ants Out of the Pool Water

Once you tackle ants crawling around the pool, take steps to prevent them from getting in the water:

• Install a tight-fitting pool cover that seals around the edges
• Add a few drops of peppermint oil to repel insects
• Position bug zappers near pool lights to trap flying ants
• Check for gaps in decking and seal with caulk
• Prune back nearby trees and bushes that provide access

Signs of an Ant Problem Around Your Pool:

Watch for these clues that ants have invaded the pool area:

• Ant trails leading to the pool
• Small piles of dirt near foundation
• Clusters of ants floating in pool
• Ants near pool equipment
• Biting ants on pool deck
• Flying ants near lights
• Debris piles in skimmer basket

Catching an ant infestation early allows quicker elimination before colonies grow out of control. Implement preventative measures like granules and barriers in spring before ants become active.

With a little diligent pest control effort before and during pool season, you can enjoy crystal clear ant-free water all summer long. No more ants ruining your pool fun.