How to Get Rid of Bloodworms in the Pool: Everything You Need to Know

One of the most common creatures that pool owners may complain about seeing are bloodworms in the pool. 

Though they are not particularly aggressive towards humans, a bloodworm’s bite can be as painful as a bee or wasp sting. What’s worse is that it may cause an allergic reaction to the human skin.

Oftentimes, these worms are the last things you want to see swimming in your pool. But to know how to get rid of bloodworms in the pool, you must first understand how they got there.

In this article, we’ll dive into exactly what you need to know about these pesky creatures.

Why Are There Bloodworms in Your Pool?

There are bloodworms in your pool because of the non-biting midge flies around. Those worms are the red-colored larvae of these flies.

Blood worms—usually used to feed aquatic animals and as bait for fishing—are typically found in stagnant and polluted water. But as midge flies prefer to live in freshwater habitats, they may end up breeding in your swimming pool, especially if the water isn’t circulating.

It only takes two to three days for midge fly eggs to hatch into blood worms.

How Can You Remove Bloodworms From Your Pool?

Getting rid of bloodworms from the pool is simple. But to remove them effectively, you have to do these steps regularly:

Step 1: Skim the Pool

Clean the pool’s surface daily using a pool net. This is the simplest way to remove contaminants regularly.

Make sure to also scoop out all floating debris from your swimming pool to remove the midges’ eggs.

Step 2: Brush the Pool

When cleaning the pool, start by scrubbing the steps, then the walls, and the bottom of the pool last. Always push your brush towards the pool drain using long strokes to avoid missing some parts.

Also, remember to choose a brush that suits your pool’s condition. A nylon brush, for example, is good for regular use, whereas a stainless steel brush is more suitable for a gunite pool with stubborn algae

Step 3: Check the Filter

You must backwash or clean your pool filter regularly as it collects worms and other debris. The filter pressure is a key indicator in determining when it needs to be cleaned.

A good filter is necessary to keep the pool water’s circulation, which helps remove algae and bacteria from your pool. Bloodworms feed on algae, so if they don’t find it, they won’t keep living in your pool.

Step 4: Vacuum the Pool

A vacuum can remove particles and sediments that a brush can’t clean, so it’s important to add it to your maintenance routine.

Move the vacuum from the shallow side to the deeper end of your pool, and don’t forget to include the walls as well. 

How Can You Prevent Bloodworms in Your Pool?

Removing bloodworms from your pool water isn’t enough. So if you want to keep them away, follow these tips:

Don’t Forget Cleaning Your Pool

Regular skimming, brushing, and vacuuming of the pool are important because they help remove algae that bloodworms feed on. 

Algaecides can help prevent algae from growing, and can be included in part of the cleaning routine.

Circulate the Pool Water

Make sure to run your pool pump long enough each day to achieve at least one complete turnover of water.   You can easily figure out how long to run the pump by measuring the flow rate of water in your pool returns using a noodle.

Sanitize the Pool Water

Check the pool water’s pH level several times a week and adjust it if necessary. Remember to keep the water’s pH between 7.4 to 7.8.

Your pool water needs enough chlorine to remove contaminants. You can add pool shock treatments to get the right chlorine levels in your pool if you have to.

Cover the Pool

Covering the pool when it isn’t in use is a great idea to prevent bugs from laying eggs in it. It will also protect your pool from other falling debris.

You may also choose to have a pool enclosure to protect the area from any contaminants without spending too much time on its maintenance.

Get Rid of Midge Flies

We know that those non-biting midges that lay eggs in your pool are harmless. However, as they’re the major cause of bloodworms, getting rid of them would be a brilliant idea to solve your problem. 

By getting rid of midges, you can reduce the possibility of seeing bloodworms in your pool area and other parts of your home.

How to Get Rid of Midge Flies

Here are some methods that you can try to control the population of midge flies at home.

Method 1: Check for Water Stagnation

You need to drain the stagnant water that might be found in flower pots, as well as in any other objects that hold rainwater. It’s also very important to cover all your water containers.

Additionally, check if there are puddles around your house and be sure to dry them, as bugs usually lay eggs in polluted water. You can use some soil or sand to cover the puddles.

Method 2: Set Out Bug Traps

Traps are effective in reducing the number of midge flies. You can place them in areas where you see bugs the most. Here are some trap ideas that might help you.

• Zap traps
• Fly paper traps
• Venus flytraps and other carnivorous plants

Method 2: Use Bug Repellants

Spray some insect repellant in areas where you see flies the most. You can buy or make your own natural bug repellant spray at home. 

As much as you can, use plant-based ingredients such as essential oils because they are gentle on the human skin. 

You can also repel bugs naturally by planting some herbs at home. Some good examples of these plants are:

• Citronella
• Mint
• Rosemary
• Geranium
• Basil
• Lavender
• Lemongrass

Final Takeaway

It’s important to note that the removal of debris from your pool water isn’t enough to keep it clean. Maintaining overall cleanliness and water chemistry is the key to preventing midges from laying eggs in your pool. 

You’ll learn how to get rid of bloodworms more effectively if you know how they got there.

After removing the bloodworms from your pool, you’ll want to prevent them from coming back. Therefore, it’s a good idea to get rid of midge flies, which are the major causes of those worms’ appearance.