Ducks can be adorable and entertaining to watch, but they can become a nuisance when they start living in your pool. Their droppings make the water appear untidy, plus they carry parasites which could be hazardous if swallowed. Thankfully, there are simple solutions to keep ducks out of your pool and prevent them from becoming an issue.

First, inspect the water to make sure it’s clear. Muddy or clogged pools won’t allow swimmers in and will likely move on to another spot. Next, add chlorine to kill any germs they may have brought home while swimming in it.

If that doesn’t help, you can try installing bird netting around the pool to keep them out. They won’t be able to see or smell it so will likely move on when faced with this obstacle.

You can also cover your pool when not in use. Ducks tend to avoid shiny objects and reflections, so this is an effective way to deter them from entering your pool.

Flashing lights around your pool are another effective way to deter birds. If they feel they are being attacked, they’ll likely flee your area in search of a less risky one.

Ducks often avoid pools with inflatable toys shaped like different animals. Alligators, sharks and killer whales can all be used as deterrents by giving the illusion that there are predators nearby which should be avoided.

Some of these inflatable pool toys even feature a rotating head to make them appear more realistic to ducks. You could also hang these items from a tree in your yard so that they’re visible even from a distance.

You can also install fake predators near your pool to scare away birds. Popular choices include owls, alligators and rubber snakes.

Finally, you can run your automatic pool cleaner during times when ducks typically visit. If they become accustomed to coming back at dusk, running the cleaner during that period could be an effective way for them to move on.

Toy boats can also be an attractive option, as they can be driven around the pool and thrown in when ducks are present. Unfortunately, most ducks will try to steer clear of these boats and seek out other areas for swimming instead.

Owning a dog can be an ideal solution to your duck problem. If your canine companion enjoys playing outdoors, they will likely scare away any pesky birds from your pool and yard.