Every 17 years, regions in Illinois experience a fascinating natural phenomenon: the emergence of cicadas. While these insects are harmless to humans, they can become a nuisance, especially around outdoor swimming pools. As we approach the summer of 2024, it’s crucial to prepare your pool to minimize the impact of cicadas. Here are some effective strategies to keep your pool cicada-free during their upcoming emergence.
Understanding Cicadas and Their Impact on Pools
Cicadas, particularly the periodical ones, emerge in massive numbers and are known for their loud mating calls. They are attracted to open areas and often fall into pools due to their clumsy flying. The main concern for pool owners is the debris and bodies that accumulate, which can clog filters and create additional maintenance work.
Steps to Protect Your Pool
1. Use Pool Covers
- Effectiveness: Pool covers are the most effective way to prevent cicadas from entering your pool. Whether you use a mesh cover or a solid one, it can significantly reduce the number of insects that end up in the water.
- Application: Ensure the cover fits snugly over your pool, leaving no gaps for cicadas to enter.
2. Maintain Proper Water Chemistry
- Importance: Keeping your pool’s chemistry balanced is crucial, especially when dealing with additional organic matter like cicada bodies.
- Tips: Regularly check and adjust your pool’s pH, chlorine, and other chemical levels to ensure they remain effective in keeping the water clean.
3. Increase Filtration and Circulation
- Strategy: Increase the running time of your pool’s filtration system during the cicada emergence to cope with the extra debris.
- Advice: Consider backwashing the filter more frequently to maintain its efficiency.
4. Install Physical Barriers
- Options: Besides pool covers, using netting around the pool area can help reduce the number of cicadas that get close to the water.
- Installation: Ensure that the netting is installed high enough and secured to prevent cicadas from flying over or crawling under it.
5. Regular Cleaning
- Routine: Skim the pool daily to remove any cicadas and debris to prevent decay and potential staining of your pool lining.
- Tools: Use a leaf skimmer to manually remove cicadas throughout the day.
Additional Tips
- Landscaping: Trim trees and shrubs around your pool area. Cicadas are likely to climb these plants and can fall into your pool if they are too close.
- Lighting: Reduce outdoor lighting around your pool at night as lights can attract cicadas.
Conclusion
While the cicada emergence is a short-lived phenomenon, it can disrupt your pool enjoyment if not managed properly. By implementing these protective measures, you can ensure that your pool remains a clean and pleasant environment throughout the cicada season.
For more advice on preparing your pool for the summer or to schedule a service visit, contact Sunset Pools & Spas. Our experts are ready to help you enjoy a hassle-free pool season, regardless of what nature has in store.