Bugs in your pool? You’re not alone. In El Paso, the hot desert climate brings more than just sunshine—it brings plenty of flying, crawling, and floating pests right into your swimming pool. If you’re tired of sharing your water with mosquitoes, ants, or beetles, you’re in the right place.
In this blog, we’ll break down simple and effective ways to keep bugs out of your swimming pool all season long. Whether you already have a backyard pool or you’re thinking about building one, these tips are for you.
Why Are Bugs Attracted to Pools in El Paso?
Bugs love moisture, especially when it’s combined with high temperatures. In El Paso, where summer highs often exceed 100°F, your swimming pool becomes a bug magnet. Add in trees, grass, and standing water, and you’ve got the perfect pest playground.
That’s why prevention matters—and it starts with everyday habits and smart upgrades. To keep bugs out and have your pool clean enough to safely swim in without you worrying about running into dead bugs, this is what you should consider:
1. Skim and Vacuum Your Pool Regularly
Use a pool skimmer daily to remove floating insects, leaves, and debris. Bugs often land on the water before they die and sink to the bottom, where they attract more pests. A quick vacuum session once or twice a week can make a huge difference in keeping the pool clean and inviting.
2. Maintain the Right Chemical Balance
Proper pool chemistry discourages algae and bacterial growth, which bugs feed on. Keep chlorine, pH, and alkalinity levels balanced with weekly testing. This not only keeps the water safe for your family—it makes your pool less attractive to pests.
3. Trim Trees and Bushes Near the Pool
Overhanging trees, thick bushes, and groundcover near the pool area can drop insects, leaves, and even bird droppings into the water. Keep landscaping trimmed and neat to limit the amount of organic matter and shade, which bugs love to hide in.
4. Remove Standing Water Around the Yard
Old flowerpots, clogged gutters, and buckets of rainwater are mosquito hotspots. Dump out standing water after storms and regularly inspect your yard. Mosquitoes can lay hundreds of eggs in just a few days—don’t give them the chance.
5. Add Bug-Repelling Plants Around the Pool
Citronella, lavender, peppermint, marigold, and rosemary don’t just look pretty—they help keep bugs away. Plant them around the perimeter of your pool or in raised beds near seating areas. Bonus: they’re drought-tolerant and perfect for the El Paso climate.
6. Use Pool Covers When the Pool Isn’t in Use
Covering your pool, even for a few hours, keeps out insects, debris, and desert dust. Choose a solar cover for energy savings or a mesh cover for easy handling. Either option helps keep your pool cleaner between swims.
7. Install Bug Zappers or Traps
Solar bug zappers and sticky traps placed around the patio or fence line can zap flying pests before they reach your pool. Make sure they’re placed away from your lounging areas to avoid attracting bugs toward swimmers.
8. Clean Up Food and Toys Promptly
Leaving out soda cans, fruit trays, or even wet pool noodles can invite pests. Store pool toys in a dry bin and clean up food and drinks right after eating. Keeping your pool area tidy is one of the easiest ways to reduce bugs fast.
9. Shock Your Pool When Needed
If you’ve had a big gathering or notice cloudy water, give your pool a chlorine shock treatment. This kills bacteria, algae, and any eggs bugs may have laid. Follow up with a thorough vacuum and skim.
10. Add a Pool Enclosure or Screen
For those dealing with constant pest problems, a screened enclosure can be a long-term solution. These structures keep bugs out while letting fresh air and sunlight in. It’s a bigger investment but can drastically cut down on maintenance and pests.
When to Call Pest Control or a Pool Pro
If you’ve done everything right and bugs still won’t leave, it might be time for professional help. A licensed pest control service can safely treat your backyard without harming pets or people. You can also hire a pool maintenance company to deep clean and inspect your setup.
How Premier Pools and Spas 915 Helps Homeowners Like You
At Premier Pools and Spas 915, we don’t just build beautiful pools—we build smart, low-maintenance backyards that work for El Paso families. Our custom swimming pool construction in El Paso includes concrete decks, efficient drainage, and high-quality plaster finishes that resist algae and bacteria buildup.
We design pools that are easier to clean and harder for bugs to invade. From bug-resistant water features to efficient filtration systems, our craftsmanship gives you more time to enjoy your pool—and less time worrying about pests.
El Paso’s Trusted Pool Contractors Are One Call Away
When it comes to fighting bugs, smart pool design makes all the difference. Whether you need a new pool built from the ground up or want to upgrade your current one with cleaner surfaces and better filtration, we’ve got you covered.
Ready for a cleaner, more enjoyable pool? Call Premier Pools and Spas 915 today for a free estimate and see why El Paso homeowners trust us for quality, comfort, and peace of mind.