Duckageddon. What to do if ducks take over your pool.
- Sage Leif
- Apr 27
- 3 min read
Updated: May 12
Listen to the SWIMCLEAR POOLS Podcast Episode: Duckageddon! How to keep ducks from ruining your pool.
If ducks have taken over your pool, you must act quickly. It’s crucial to protect not just the aesthetics but also water quality and your equipment. Here’s why ducks are problematic and precisely how to deal with them.
Understanding 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
At first glance, ducks may seem charming. However, they can cause significant damage to your pool in multiple ways:
Excrement: Ducks leave droppings everywhere. Their waste is filled with harmful bacteria, parasites, and other contaminants.
Algae Spores: These birds naturally carry algae spores, which they introduce into the water.
Preen Oil: Ducks produce a waterproofing oil from their feathers known as preen oil. This oil can create a film on the surface of the water.
Filter Clogging: Droppings and feathers can clog pool filters, significantly reducing their efficiency. This contaminated debris continuously circulates in the water.
When ducks invade your pool, chlorine quickly gets used up trying to oxidize these pollutants. Since chlorine is consumed first to break down contaminants before it can kill germs, this situation leads to the potential loss of chlorine within a few hours. Consequently, your water may become unsafe and possibly turn green.
In summary:
Ducks are more than a nuisance; they pose serious chemical and health risks if the problem is not addressed.
Steps to Keep Ducks Away
“Okay, nevermind then, I don’t want to swim in duck poop water…! Now what?”
- Random Pool Owner
The first and sometimes toughest step is prevention. Ducks can be determined, so it's essential to scare them off whenever possible. Here are some effective methods:
Use Pool Floats
Consider adding large floats in your pool to deter these birds. Swan Floats have proven effective; ducks tend to avoid pools that they perceive as threatened by swans.
Alligator floats can also help, but in my experience, swan floats are the most effective.
Pro Tip: Always use at least two floats at the same time until the ducks permanently depart.
Cleaning and Disinfecting Your Pool
1. Enzyme Purge
Begin by using a substantial dose of enzymes to break down and remove preen oil and any inorganic contaminants. Chlorine struggles to eliminate oils, so enzymes will address what chlorine cannot manage.
2. Filter Cleaning
After using enzymes, remember to clean the filter. Duck feathers and waste can significantly clog filters, making their upkeep vital for your pool's health.
Good news: If you are a Gold Member, filter cleanings are included in your service! If you don’t have a membership but reside in the Tri-Valley area, follow the link below to schedule a filter cleaning service.
3. Chlorine Disinfection
Next, raise the Free Chlorine (FC) level to a shocking 20 ppm. This will ensure that any bacteria, parasites, or algae that the ducks may have brought are effectively killed.
4. Utilizing PoolRx
Lastly, consider a PoolRx unit for ongoing protection. This device releases minerals that prevent micro-algae from blooming, allowing chlorine to be more effective.
The Benefits of Pool Care Memberships
“There’s way more involved than I thought.”
- Random Pool Owner
Ducks can appear harmless; however, they can swiftly ruin your pool’s water quality and filtration if not properly managed. Adhering to this plan will not only resolve your current issue but also protect your pool from future threats.
If you need assistance in restoring your pool, consider joining a Pool Care Membership Program! It's similar to having a Costco membership for your pool—just one annual fee grants you access to numerous advantages. Our program helps you preemptively address issues, save money, and truly enjoy your pool all season.
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