How to get rid of springtails in a non-chlorinated pool?

[anthonypool89]

Hi,

Never had this problem before, but recently we had a (previously bare) large area near the pool regraded, loads of soil added, seeded, straw over the top, etc. And now, the pool is loaded with these bugs. I'm thinking it has to be a connection with the landscaping project. In particular, since I started watering the seeded area with sprinklers (new grass is emerging), that's when they showed up in the pool. I've also read that these things can't survive in chlorinated water, but since we use baquacil the idea of shocking won't help us. Any suggestions? Not too many in my family have any desire to swim with thousands of these things on the surface of the water. I've read several articles (and even posts on TFP) about adding soap to the pool, etc. but really don't care to do that - nor does it seem to be recommended here. I've contacted the landscaper that did the work for his suggestions as well. I'm thinking that rather than mowing over the straw that was used to cover the grass seed it might be better to rake it all up and dispose of it once the new grass gets a bit higher?

Thanks for any help...

Keith

 

[cowboycasey]

Keith,

I wanted to stop by and let you know people are reading your post, most people come here to learn how to switch from baquacil.. I use dawn dish soap and it works great, about 40 to 60 ounces in my 15000 gallon pool, it is not an exact science

 

[zea3]

Since you don't want to convert to chlorine, and you don't want to add soap, the only two options I have for you are to scoop them out and remove the source of the infestation, or consult your Baquacil dealer to see if they have a solution.

 

[anthonypool89]

Keith,

I wanted to stop by and let you know people are reading your post, most people come here to learn how to switch from baquacil.. I use dawn dish soap and it works great, about 40 to 60 ounces in my 15000 gallon pool, it is not an exact science

Don't you encounter any foaming after adding the soap?

- - - Updated - - -

Since you don't want to convert to chlorine, and you don't want to add soap, the only two options I have for you are to scoop them out and remove the source of the infestation, or consult your Baquacil dealer to see if they have a solution.

The only reason I'm sort of hesitant to add soap is the potential for foaming. I already had a significant foaming issue a few weeks ago but managed to get rid of it by adding an anti-foam chemical. As to scooping them out, I've done a good deal of that already but they seem come back in droves. I think the key is to probably get rid of the wet, decaying straw once the new grass is high enough. Thanks for the suggestions.

 

[Fingaling]

Soap works by breaking the surface tension, so the bugs can't swim properly. Anything that floats on top will do the same... If you have a liquid solar blanket, you could try that.

 

[anthonypool89]

Wouldn't a liquid solar blanket - which I have and considered trying - have the opposite effect though? Aren't they designed to maintain surface tension until interrupted by swimming, etc.?

 

[Serious1]

Chlorine doesn't kill them. I put chlorine in a bucket and threw in some springtails and they bounced around. I had another bucket with a few drops of mineral oil and they died instantly. I have a spray bottle with soapy water that I spray around the landscaping hoping that it'll at least slow them down a little. I still have them in the pool after a big rain but not nearly as many. I use a fine mesh net that I got at walmart to scoop them out and throw them in the bucket of mineral oil/water. I also throw water bugs in the bucket if I find them in the pool. Chlorine doesn't seem to bother them either when I did the bucket experiment.

 

[anthonypool89]

Interesting about the lack of success with chlorine. Tough little critters, aren't they? The population here seems to be dwindling, and it appears most of them cling to the sides of the tiles. I've just been netting them along the side of the pool and right into the skimmer opening. I'm wondering if they are a significant factor in recent filter pressure increase I've been seeing. Changed the filter a few days ago and have to do it again today. When I tap off water at the top of the tank with the relief valve, a spray of probably thousands of these bugs come shooting out. The water doesn't smell all that great either lately - I suspect due to all the dead springtails in the filter. Can't wait till they are gone. My landscaper suspects that they came from a huge compost pile that was removed as part of a recent yard project. Sounds reasonable.

 

[Fingaling]

Yes. Chlorine won't kill them quickly. However something floating on the water will prevent them from flying away (mineral oil, solar blanket, dish soap) and your sanitizer will then have time to work on them. Try a fine hairnet stretched over the top of the skimmer basket to prevent them from getting into your filter.

 

[LFrankow]

When I first put in the pool I have now, they invaded my pool, due to nearby composted material I used for fill around my pool shed.
I didn't find the chlorine in my pool really put a dent in the population.
Soap is about the safest cheapest way, as the soap will break the surface tension and cause the pest to drown.
If you don't want to add soap to your pool simply spray the surrounding area down with a soapy water mixture for a few days, then reapply for a few days in a week or so to get the new hatchlings.

 

[anthonypool89]

Thanks for additional suggestions! I believe I'll try the liquid solar blanket first. Luckily, filter pressure went back down several pounds today...YAY! Saves me about an hour or so of work!

 

[lawson23]

Did the liquid solar blanket work? I have been fighting these things now for two years. We have tried some soapy water but that just makes me nervous.

 

[Rancho Cost-a-Lotta]

I hate springtails. 'nuff said.