ABC Nightline Feature: Green Swimming Pools
Green Pools Create a Mosquito Breeding Grounds
Green Pools are a perfect place for mosquitoes to breed. Algae grows in pools when it does not have enough chlorine or the filtration system has stopped working properly. Mosquitoes only need one inch of standing water to breed and turn into biting adults. Green pools are a threat to public health because mosquitoes can carry West Nile virus and other diseases that harm humans.
Filter your Pool
It is important to properly maintain your pool to help keep you and your neighbors safe. A working filtration system will keep your pool healthy and clean. In order for the filtration system to be operating correctly, you need to make sure all the pieces are working properly. You should routinely check:
- The Pump: This is the heart of the filtration system. It draws water from the main drain and skimmers and pushes it through the filter
- The Filter: This removes very small particles and debris from the water
- Chlorinator: A chlorinator supplies bacteria killing chlorine to your pool
- Return Inlets: Inlets return the filtered and chlorinated water back into the pool
- Skimmers: These skim the leaves and other floating debris from the water
- Main Drain: This is used to suction the water to the filtration system and to drain the pool
If all of these parts are working properly you will have a clean pool where mosquitoes cannot breed.
Other Solutions
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If you are not able to keep you pool treated, there are other actions that you can take to stop mosquito breeding. The County of San Diego offers free mosquito fish at different locations throughout the area, which feed on mosquito larvae. You can also purchase larvicide at home improvement stores
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Draining your pool is only a temporary solution. Rain and irrigation water can build up and create more standing water. In addition, water trapped on the top of pool covers can also create a mosquito breeding ground.
Pool Construction
Mosquito breeding can occur during pool construction. In order for your pool to have a strong foundation it is important to spray the cement mixture. This, however, can lead to standing water. Water can collect at the bottom of the pool before it's chlorinated.
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Mosquitoes need only one inch of standing water to breed and can complete their life cycle in as little as one week. Creating a place for mosquitoes to breed so close to residential areas is a danger to public health and safety. Mosquitoes can carry the West Nile virus and other diseases, so it is important to take the following steps to prevent their breeding during pool construction:
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- Use products that control mosquito breeding in your pool such as Bti dunks, which kill mosquito larvae.
- Make sure to use products that do not harm people, animals and plants.
- Make sure to follow the directions on all labels carefully.
After Construction
Once your pool is filled with water, chlorinated and filtered it is no longer a threat to public safety. Make sure to keep your pool clean and your filter running to prevent mosquito breeding in your pool.
Report Green Swimming Pools
If you notice a green swimming pool in your neighborhood or know of a foreclosed or unattended home that has a swimming pool please call the Vector Control Program. Vector Control Technicians will treat the pool to prevent it from breeding mosquitoes.
For More Information On
WNV Or Other Vectors Contact:
(858) 694-2888
vector@sdcounty.ca.gov | 
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