How to Keep Ducks Out of Your Swimming Pool

Most people who own a swimming pool know the hard work that goes into keeping up with the cleaning and maintenance of it. But did you know that you may find yourself trying to figure out how to keep ducks out of your swimming pool?

You can keep ducks out of your swimming pool using pool toys, a pool cover, or even your pool vacuum. You should never attempt to keep ducks out of your pool using a gun or throwing rocks as this is dangerous for the duck and could introduce parasites and bacteria into your pool. 

Wondering just how to keep ducks out of your swimming pool? Let’s look at the different ways you may be able to accomplish this as well as what you should not do.

Why Are Ducks Attracted to My Swimming Pool? 

Wild Ducks in a Pool

When it comes to figuring out why your swimming pool may be overrun with ducks, it is important to realize that there are several reasons for this. From knowing that they are naturally attracted to water to having a safe place to swim, a swimming pool may be a great attraction for ducks.

One of the most important reasons for ducks being attracted to your swimming pool is that they are classified as waterfowl. This means that they are a bird that needs water for their survival and to live comfortably.

Another reason why ducks are attracted to your swimming pool is that it is likely a much safer place to swim and live than other places. This is because, in other bodies of water, there is the risk of predators that seek out to feed on ducks. A private pool, however, is not as risky because there aren’t really any predators (other than maybe your dog).

Keep in mind, however, that just because you may find the idea of ducks swimming in your pool to be amusing and adorable does not mean that you should allow it to happen. Ducks, like other birds, are known to carry diseases that can be harmful to humans.

Not only can the ducks expose you and other people in your home to various diseases, but the ducks themselves may also be at risk. Since your swimming pool likely contains a wide range of chemicals, when ducks drink the water, it can be harmful and sometimes even fatal to them.

Overall, ducks are often attracted to various bodies of water including the possibility of your swimming pool. Because of the harm they can cause to you and them, you should consider getting rid of them as soon as possible.

Ways to Keep Ducks Away From Your Pool

If you have ever found ducks in your swimming pool, then you may be aware of the various ways to get rid of them. However, if you have never experienced this, then you may be wondering how you can rid your pool of unwanted birds.

Animal Pool Toys 

One of the simplest ways to rid your pool of unwanted ducks is to purchase some floating pool toys that look like animals. You should be careful to ensure that the floaties you choose come close to resembling the animal they are supposed to be.

If you specifically choose animals that are natural predators of ducks, they should work wonders to keep them out of your pool. All you have to do is leave them floating in your swimming pool and the ducks will think it is not a safe place to land.

Here are the most common types of animal pool toys that you can purchase to rid your swimming pool of ducks:

When you put one or two of these in your swimming pool, you will most likely not have to worry about finding a duck family living in it. Keep in mind that this is by far the least expensive option of any others on the list.

Pool Cover

Pool Cover in Fog

Another option you may want to consider when trying to keep ducks out of your swimming pool is by installing a pool cover. There are many different types of pool covers to choose from on the market so choosing one is more of a personal choice.

Most people purchase a solar pool cover if they have an outdoor pool anyway, so you may already have one on hand. Putting on one of these solar covers will not only deter ducks from living in your swimming pool, but it will also keep it free from debris and keep it warm at the same time.

While not the least expensive option, you should consider the fact that it can be used for more than one purpose. Additionally, leaving a solar cover can add a layer of protection to keep young children from falling in when not supervised.

Overall, putting a pool cover on your outdoor swimming pool can help prevent the harmful effects that are possible if ducks have taken up habitat in your space. The pool cover will also help you with the task of cleaning and maintaining your swimming pool.

Automatic Vacuum 

One piece of equipment that you may already have on hand that may work to keep ducks out of your swimming pool is an automatic vacuum cleaner. Because of the automation that comes with this unit, it may help to deter ducks from sticking around your pool.

Most models of automatic vacuums for swimming pools make some kind of noise in addition to the movement they use when cleaning the pool. This movement and noise often can scare ducks from staying in your swimming pool.

At the end of the day, just like the pool cover, an automatic vacuum serves several purposes that can benefit you. Not only will the vacuum keep your swimming pool clean, but as a bonus, you will be able to keep ducks from swimming in your pool.

What NOT to Do

Now that you know several ideas that may work to keep ducks out of your swimming pool, there are some ideas that you should never consider. This is because, while having ducks take up residence in your swimming pool is annoying, they should still be protected.

Use a Fishing Line or Netting 

When you begin your research on ways to keep ducks out of your swimming pool, you may run into some individuals who suggest that you use a fishing line or netting. While this can be an effective way to keep them out, it can also be extremely dangerous.

Keep in mind that the fishing line is typically clear, which means that it will not be seen when in the water. This means that ducks and other critters may not see it before they enter the pool, leaving them to get caught up in the lines.

Because of this, when the duck or other animal gets caught in the fishing line or netting, they may not be able to get back out. This means that you run the risk of finding dead animals or ducks in your swimming pool as a result.

While dead ducks in your swimming pool might not seem like a big deal. It’s important to know that ducks carry many parasites in their feathers which can be released when they die. These parasites can make humans who swim in the pool later on very ill. 

Kill or Purposely Harm Them

Another method for keeping ducks out of your swimming pool that would not be a good idea for you to do is killing or purposely harming them. This is because not only is this cruel, but it is most likely illegal under most local laws. 

This means you should never shoot ducks with any sort of gun including an airsoft gun or one with real bullets. You should also never throw rocks, or other sharp items at ducks. Not only is this bad for the environment, but a dead duck could introduce dangerous parasites to your pool.

Plus, the last thing you want to do is have to drain your pool because it gets duck blood in it. Draining your pool is much more expensive than buying a floatie to deter ducks. 

The bottom line is that there are many methods that you can try to keep ducks out of your swimming pool that does not consist of harming them. Using one of these other methods will most likely not only get rid of ducks that may be hanging out in your pool but also prevent other duck families from moving in.

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