If you have got your pool invaded by a group of sweat bees and find it annoying, you’re not alone.
It’s hard to believe they can cause any significant harm to your pool but they indeed can damage some of the major components of it which could result in pool downtime.
Most of us think they can cause problems and discomfort to swimmers and assume that’s the worst that can happen. If you’re one of them, think again!
These sweat bees may seem all tiny and innocent but can bring you great troubles, the kind of troubles you certainly won’t enjoy dealing with as a pool owner.
Here are some ways these annoying little creatures can directly damage your pool without you even noticing and why you should do your best to keep these sweat bees away from the pool.
All the corresponding solutions are also mentioned, so keep on reading.
Clogging Pool Skimmers and Filters
Sweat bees can get stuck into the pool skimmers and drains which can cause clogging problems that will affect the flow of water. Not only that but if the skimmer is blocked, it will be difficult for the pool to maintain clean water.
Apart from that, if these bees die, they will release their stingers which can cause even more problems.
Solution:
You should install bee guards or screens over the skimmers and filters to keep these bees away. You should also clean your skimmers and filter frequently so it doesn’t clog and your pool components continue to work just as efficient.
Messing Up The Pool’s Chemical Balance
When sweat bees fall into the water & their bodies decompose, this affects the chemical balance of your pool which increases the demand for chlorine and other chemicals for maintaining safe water conditions. Not doing so will make water unsafe and unhealthy to swim in.
Solution:
Check your pool regularly and remove any dead bees if found to keep the water clean and safe. Also, keep an eye on the pool’s chemical level, especially after noticing bees in the water and then adjust the chemicals as per the requirement. Apart from this, you should also install a pool cover when the pool is not in use. This way, bees won’t be able to fall into the pool.
Damage to Pool Covers
Talking about pool covers, the bees can build their nest even on these covers and as the time goes on, these nests can create holes and weak spots in the cover material which will become the reasons for tears and structural damage.
Solution:
Monitor the pool cover on a regular basis to make sure there’s no sign of wear or nests. If a nest has already been built, try to get rid of them gently and then repair any small holes your cover has before they worsen further. When your cover is not being used, store them. Also, consider using insect repellents around the pool area to keep bees away from landing on it.
Damaging Pool Pumps and Motors
These sweat bees love nesting in the pool equipment and when they do, the pumps and motors get damaged and due to this, the entire system overheats which requires costly repairs or even replacements to restore things back to normal.
Solution:
Install bee-proof screens over the pump or motor to keep bees out. Inspecting the equipment for signs of bee activity is also beneficial as it allows you to catch any problems before they escalate.
Creating Unpleasant Smells
They can create unpleasant smells by leaving behind their waste and body parts which is not a piece of cake to get rid of and as much as you dislike it, a swimmer who’s swimming in that pool will absolutely hate it.
Solution:
Clean the pool surface and equipment with a mild detergent and water once every few days.
Pool Lights
If you have pool lights with small holes then sweat bees will love to nest inside it which will damage the wiring and reduce the effectiveness of the pool light.
If you are having a bad day then even a short circuit can happen and from there, you will find yourself spending on highly expensive electrical repairs.
Solution:
You can use weather-resistant caulk to seal any holes around the pool lights and block these bees from accessing the area. However, if bees have already nested then it’s a bit too late for you to do anything on your own and in that case, you have to call an electrician to remove the nest and keep the wiring intact.
Conclusion
Sweat bees can be a headache for pool owners which can cause countless problems by damaging your pool. With that being said, there are some things that we can do to minimize the worries they have the potential to bring for us so that we can enjoy our swimming experience for months and years to come.
If you are aware of some other ways they can cause our pools troubles along with the solution, please share with us.
