How to Keep Birds Out of the Pool

Pools are a welcome distraction on hot summer days. However, they can also attract some unwanted guests along the way. Birds will take every opportunity to lounge in the pool. While some homeowners don’t mind the intrusion, birds can leave a mess behind. Their droppings and feathers can pose a health hazard, and they can be bothersome to remove.

Here are a few tips on how to keep birds out of the pool.

Use a pool cover

Custom-fitted solar covers are an excellent way to protect pools against unwanted guests. Birds won’t be able to easily walk on a cover and will have a challenging time getting underneath it to dip into the water. Conventional covers will work just as well, deterring birds from landing on the pool.

Put in an automatic pool cleaner

A submerged pool cleaner will not only ensure the water is clean and fresh for the family relaxation time, but it can also scare away birds. Since it’s submerged, it will appear like an underwater predator to most birds, deterring them from swimming in the water. The cleaner also disturbs the water while it’s working, which some birds won’t like.

Using a pool cleaner that looks like a bird might give the opposite result, though, so choose the model carefully.

Use inflatable toys

Inflatable toys are not only a great way to decorate the pool and provide some whimsical aesthetics, but they can also scare away birds. An inflatable alligator, dolphin, or shark might  look like the real deal to an anxious bird.

The toys may also be beneficial to a fledgling bird if it falls into the pool.  The bird may be able to grab onto a toy until another bird (or a generous human) can rescue them.

Out-of-pool solutions

Consider putting up a “scarecrow” to scare the birds away. These don’t have to be actual strawmen, but some fake predators (like a plastic raptor) will usually do the trick. The scare devices might need to be moved or replaced occasionally with a different model to prevent birds from getting too accustomed to them. More intelligent birds (like crows) will get acclimated to the “scarecrow” faster.

Put a birdbath

If the bird problem doesn’t seem to stop, it might be better to embrace the fact that birds are nearby and entice them with a different attraction. Installing a dedicated birdbath might give the birds an alternative to using the pool.

Installing a birdbath is also a good idea because birds are also excellent natural pest control solutions, feeding on pesky bugs that fly around the pool during the summer. Other birds feed on seeds and weeds, keeping the backyard in check from overgrown plants.

Pet help

A dog can be a natural bird deterrent. Larger or noisier breeds can scare off most birds on their own, allowing the family to enjoy the pool with their furry companion happily occupied. Dogs will bark at the birds, even from inside the house.

If you want to make the pool a perfect, bird-free place to enjoy, contact your local pool service to keep the pool clean and fresh.

Dog Days Pool Service is a pool service company serving Clearwater, Safety Harbor, and all surrounding areas. We offer pool cleaning, maintenance, troubleshooting and more and would love to hear from you! (727) 791-6012