Ants are attracted to water sources like cats are to catnip: they just can’t stay away. This affinity for having water nearby makes ants a real nuisance when you’re trying to enjoy your summer days by the pool. They build colonies as close to the water as they can get, then go off and get into every nook and cranny of your pool, leaving damage in their wake and leaving their bodies floating in your once-pristine pool.
The damage they can do
Ants can damage your pool in many ways, the least of which is the constant contamination of dead or dying ants that end up floating around in your pool. Far worse is the damage they can do to your filter, filter pump and pool liner. Fire ants love to be around electricity, so they are more likely to head for your filter. They can clog their filter with soil to build their colony’s nest. This dirt can create unnecessary contact with moisture for sensitive metal parts and lead to corrosion. Dead ant bodies can stop the filter pump and can also knock over the pump by chewing on the wires and accidentally operating the start switch.
All ants will do what they have to do to get water in times of trouble, so it makes sense for them to seek out your pool liner when they get the chance. Depending on the severity of your infestation, you may end up with a big problem on your hands, to the point where you may need to replace the siding entirely.
Ways to remove them
There are many different options for removing ants from your pool, but your best and most reliable option is to bring an exterminator. They can treat the perimeter of your pool with an effective, long-lasting pesticide to keep ants away. If your siding has been damaged to the point of needing replacement, you can also have the pest control company spray pesticides before installing your new siding to prevent ants from attacking the replacement siding.
There are hundreds of DIY ant removal tips on pool forums, but most of them require children and pets to stay away from your pool while it’s in use. If children and pets are not a problem, both borax and dia
Now what?
Your infestation may have caused some damage that you may or may not be able to see. Ants may have eaten most of your filter, or they may have left unnoticeable cracks in your pool liner that will eventually develop into a major leak. If there is obvious damage, that part should be repaired or replaced by a qualified pool service company. If you can’t see the damage, you’re not safe! The only way to know for sure if your pool came out unscathed is to hire an experienced pool maintenance company. The Certified Pool Mechanic will be able to test your pool for unseen damage that may end up costing you, and will be able to repair any weaknesses or damage that they discover.