There is nothing more disgusting than diving into the pool and finding little red worms crawling in the water with you. In reality, it is not even that difficult to find red worms in a pool.
It’s not a particularly happy topic but it’s one of the most frequently asked questions by pool masters and several pool owners.
What are pool worms like?
Unless it is earthworms, which accidentally end up in the tank, the most common species you may have to deal with is Nematomorphs. These are parasites which develop from bodies of cockroaches, grasshoppers, crickets, and beetles.
They have a filamentous body, a few millimeters in diameter but which can exceed one meter in length. These adult invertebrates live freely in freshwater environments, while the canines are parasites.
Why are there worms in my pool?
One of the most puzzling questions by those in this situation is about how these vermin entered their pool – even above-ground pools.
However, you should know that the larvae of the Nematomorphs penetrate the cuticle of the host and grow inside them. They then emerge from their skin when this is in the vicinity of an environment rich in water, such as the swimming pool.
Red worms in the pool are always a sign of suboptimal and unsanitary water quality. When algae form, mosquitoes are attracted and lay their eggs because the larvae can feed on them. There is thus an increase in the risk of infections.
These are parasites of invertebrate beings therefore not dangerous for humans (and all vertebrates). If ingested, they can cause intestinal problems but nothing more serious.
In addition, they can trigger allergies if they come into contact with the skin. By jumping into the water, the larvae could loosen up, and the risk of getting them in your mouths while having fun while wet is high. The disgust factor here is extremely high.
How to keep worms out of the swimming pool
Although they are harmless, it is logical that you would want to eliminate them as soon as possible. The process is pretty simple, and it’s the same one you would use to remove soil or dirt.
- Use a Net
When you see a worm, especially if it is floating on the surface of the water, fish it with a net. You can invest in a skimmer net for removing not just worms but leaves and other debris, especially after a rainfall. Just insert a telescoping pole to fish the worms and debris.
- Use a Vacuum
You can also remove live and dead worms from the bottom of the pool if you are not able to reach them with a net. After vacuuming, do not forget to clean the filter of the suction unit to remove the bodies. They are not dangerous so nothing will happen to you if they come into contact with the skin of your hands.
- Check the Pool Filter
When you operate the filter pump, some worms will likely be caught inside the filter: remove them if you notice their presence. You can remove them by backwashing and cleaning the pool filter.
Ensuring regular replacement of your pool filters is crucial. Explore the superior pool filter replacements offered by All Filters to guarantee optimal filtration and crystal-clear water in your swimming pool.
- Shock Treatment and Backwash
As the last step, we recommend that you super chlorinate the water to disinfect it. Then, backwash the filter so you can be sure it is clean.
To backwash the pool filter:
- Turn the filtration system off
- Connect your hose to the backwash port
- Open the backwash gate
- Turn the filtration system on and leave for three minutes
- Turn the system off again
- Turn it in again and run for two minutes
- Turn your filter system off again
- Close the push/pull valve.
Tips
- This procedure also applies to getting rid of some earthworms that have accidentally ended up in the pool. This can happen in underground pools surrounded by soaked soils after heavy rains.
- You may need to hire power pest control, or a company near you, to take care of this issue.
- To prevent the presence of worms inside the pool, we recommend the use of a cover that creates a barrier for these invertebrates.
- You can remove worms by simply using the net, a vacuum, while shock chlorinating and backwashing your pool.
Final Thoughts
Red worms are harmless while in the pool but their presence can be annoying. No one wants to swim with them.
First, they are larvae of a small gnat from the chironomid family. They are mosquito-like midges, but they are smaller and they cannot bite. To get rid of them, remove their eggs as well as larvae from the pool by simply running your pool skimmer and straining every day. You may also kill the worms with larvicide. However, make sure that the product is recommended for swimming pool use. Larvicides approved for residential or backyard swimming pools can be bought at your hardware stores, pet stores, or even your garden nurseries.
