Can’t enjoy pool because of bugs!!

[Bluelightnin6]

First off, sorry I wasn’t sure where to post this thread..

So this weekend was going to be my first in the pool for 2018. I had vacuumed and tested chemistry earlier today to make sure it was ready for Saturday.

Well I saw thousands of super tiny yellowish bugs crawling all over the outside and inside of the pool walls as well as on the pool deck! The best I can tell from googling is that they are thrips? But I’m having a difficult time finding a proven solution to rid them! I don’t even want to swim now it’s so gross

I’ve read that dish washing liquid like Dawn mixed with water might kill them out but I’m afraid this will hurt the vinyl liner, water chemistry or both. Can anyone offer some advice please?

 

[TomGallopavo]

Garden hose. If they are in the water raise fc?

 

[CJadamec]

Do you have borates in your water? I've noticed that bugs really don't like my pool after I add a dose of borax to the pool to make up for the winterizing water exchange.

It's not the primary or secondary or any real reason to add borates to your water but you can read up on the why and how here.

 

[splashpad]

I second both suggestions and wonder if we could see a picture?

 

[kairus00]

If they're crawling around it I would consider spraying a pesticide around the area. Just look for one that's safe for your pets, children, etc.

 

[Bluelightnin6]

I second both suggestions and wonder if we could see a picture?

This is the best pic i could get

 

[JohnFoe]

Wonder if Lady Bugs will eat those.

If so that might be the best "natural" way. Lady bugs will leave once their bug food source is gone. Hard to know if they will eat those or not.

 

[splashpad]

Wonder if Lady Bugs will eat those.
If so that might be the best "natural" way. Lady bugs will leave once their bug food source is gone. Hard to know if they will eat those or not.

There are a couple of "natural" thrip predators advertised on a couple of sites.

Being on the white pole sounds like something they do

 

[EvDomerese]

I am having this same problem! I can’t even go out and add chlorine and they are all over me biting crazy! They have been all around my pump area for two or three days now and have made me consider getting rid of the pool as I only saw them once in a while before we got the pool now they are there constantly. Please help!!!

 

[EvDomerese]

Trying to upload another picture, not sure if it’s working. This one is from last year. The first one is from this year.

 

[splashpad]

Thrips: Identify and Get Rid of Thrips | Control Garden Pests | The Old Farmer's Almanac

 

[Steve_in_C]

This is a common time of the year to have thrips ( I can't tell from the pictures, they are very small insects). Thrips are "plant lice". If you live in the country, it is common to have them when the wheat dries down for picking. They won't last for long. I bet they will be gone in a couple of weeks. Thrips are noted for pesticide resistance. If you are going to spray a pesticide, spray a pyrehtroid (ends in -thrin) such as permethrin. They have some repellant activity. You might also spray them with soap water and let it dry, then hose them off. I'd vote for just waiting it out.