Duckageddon. What to do if ducks take over your pool.
- Sage Leif
- 6 days ago
- 3 min read
Listen to the SWIMCLEAR POOLS Podcast Episode: Duckageddon! How to keep ducks from ruining your pool.
If ducks have decided your pool is their new home, it’s important to act quickly — not just for aesthetic reasons, but to protect your water quality and equipment.
Here's why ducks are such a problem for pools and exactly what you need to do to fix it.
Why Ducks Will Destroy Your Pool
“I think it’s great that they like my pool! It’s like having my own duck pond!”
- Random Pool Owner
Ducks might look cute, but they wreak havoc on pools:
Excrement: Ducks leave waste everywhere. Their droppings are loaded with bacteria, parasites, and contaminants.
Algae Spores: Ducks naturally carry algae spores on their bodies, introducing them into the water.
Preen Oil: Ducks secrete a waterproofing oil from their feathers called preen oil, which coats the surface of the pool.
Excrement and feathers clog the filter, making it gross and reducing filtration effectiveness. Water continuously circulates through this contaminated debris.
When ducks contaminate your pool, chlorine is immediately used up trying to oxidize contaminants. Because chlorine is used first to oxidize contaminants before killing germs, parasites, or algae, this means your pool can lose all its chlorine within just a few hours, leaving the water vulnerable to turning green and unsafe for swimming.
In short:
Ducks aren’t just messy — they create a serious chemical and health hazard in your pool if not dealt with properly.
Step 1: Prevent the Ducks from Returning
“Okay, nevermind then, I don’t want to swim in duck poop water…! Now what?”
- Random Pool Owner
This is the hardest part. Ducks are persistent. It’s important to scare away the ducks at every opportunity you have. Additionally, try using large floats in the pool. We’ve had success using Swan Floats — ducks seem to tend to avoid pools with swans, viewing them as a threat.
You can also try Alligator Floats, but based on experience, swans work better.
Pro Tip: Use at least two floats at all times until the ducks leave permanently.
Step 2: Clean and Disinfect the Pool
#1: Enzyme Purge.
Use a heavy dose of enzymes to break down and remove all preen oil and inorganic contaminants.
Chlorine struggles to oxidize oils, so enzymes help eliminate what chlorine can’t.
#2: Filter Cleaning.
After the enzyme treatment, clean the filter. Duck feathers and waste clog filters badly, and a clean filter is essential for recovery.
Good news: If you're a Gold Member, you have filter cleanings already included in your service! If you're not a Member, but live in the Tri-Valley area, then click the link below to book a filter cleaning service.
#3: Chlorine Disinfection.
Raise the Free Chlorine (FC) level to at least 20 ppm to shock the pool. This high chlorine level will kill any bacteria, parasites, or algae that the ducks may have introduced.
#4: Poolrx.
A PoolRx unit provides continuous protection by releasing minerals that kill micro-algae before they can bloom, helping chlorine last longer.
POOL CARE MEMBERSHIPS
“There’s way more involved than I thought.”
- Random Pool Owner
Ducks can seem harmless, but their presence can destroy your pool's water quality and filtration system if not handled correctly.Following this plan will not only fix the current issue but also protect your pool from future problems. Need help getting your pool back to perfect? Sign up for a Pool Care Membership Program!
Think of it like a Costco card for pool care—just one annual fee unlocks access to a dozen benefits. We’ve built this program to help you stay ahead of problems, save money, and actually enjoy your pool—all season long.
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