So, I have been thinking about this question that was asked of me recently, "How and why do I get earthworms in my pool?".... I have researched this because it is actually a question that I had no answer for. So I did some research, (took my experience, talked to pest control guys and other more knowledgeable pool guys). Here is what I found:
Earthworms naturally will seek moist areas, whether in dirt, sand, etc. That being said, it seems that they would try to go deeper into the earth when heavy rain, thunder and lightening approaches. However, this doesn't seem to be the case. Worms crawl out during rain, then when the rains stop, the worms dry out and head for the nearest source of water - your pool. And yes, they can crawl across, or are carried across the pool deck by the rain water.
Since they "breathe" through their skin, they fall in or crawl in trying to find a moisture source, especially after the rain subsides and they start to "dry" out. When they travel across the ground and end up in the pool they drown and collect there. Unlike crickets, spiders and other insects, worms lack the ability to swim to a place where they can get out of the water. Worms are not the only uninvited guests after a storm; see how to keep ducks away from the pool.
Here are some things you can do to help avoid earthworms getting in your pool.
- Keep any soil or plants at least 20 feet away from the swimming pool. Worms normally live in dirt, and hard rain can draw them out of the ground. As they try to get out of the rain, they could end up in the pool accidentally if the dirt and plants are too close to the pool water.
- Watch the chlorine levels year around!! This also helps to kill micro parasitic worms that, unlike earthworms, can cause sickness.
- Use a pool cover whenever the pool is not in use to prevent worms and other organisms from infiltrating the pool water when no one is paying attention.
- CALL US!! We can service the pool and make sure that a build up of worms aren't staying in the skimmer baskets (which causes a TERRIBLE odor) and can vacuum the worms out each week.
