If you or someone you know has a swimming pool or hot tub, termite protection should be on your radar. You may wonder: are termites attracted to water? Absolutely. And that attraction can lead to costly damage.
We recently received a call at our The Bug Man office from a customer who discovered termite damage in their vinyl pool liner. This scenario is more common than you might think.
“But termites eat wood,” you might say. “They don’t eat plastic. Why would they eat the liner?”
Here’s the surprising truth: termites can sense water on the other side of a pool liner. When desperate enough, they will chew through the liner to reach that water source. So yes, termites eating pool liner material is a real concern for pool owners.
Signs of Termite Damage to Your Pool
Damage from termites to pool liners is often gradual. You may not notice it right away. Common signs include:
- Water levels dropping slightly over time
- Tiny holes appearing in the liner
- Termites floating in your pool or near the water’s edge
- Winged termites in your pool area, especially during swarming season
If you’ve noticed termites in your pool water or spotted termites in your pool area, it’s time to investigate further.
Can Termites Swim?
While termites are not skilled swimmers, they can survive in water for a limited time. That’s why you may occasionally find termites floating in your pool: they’ve likely fallen in while searching for moisture or have emerged from nearby colonies.
Why Are Termites Attracted to Pools?
Termite colonies are constantly searching for food and water sources. Pools are a massive, reliable water supply that draws them in.
Even pools without liners aren’t immune to termite damage. Due to various factors, including the giant water source they provide, many pools are at risk.
High-Risk Areas Include:
- Wooden framing at the bottom or underneath vinyl liners
- Wooden decks surrounding the pool
- Hot tubs, which combine water sources with wood construction
The combination of wood touching the ground and a huge water source nearby creates an ideal environment for termite activity.
The Best Way to Protect Your Pool and Hot Tub
So what should you do if you had no idea your pool or hot tub needed termite protection? We recommend having a professional inspect your pool and/or spa for damage. However, inspections and treatments can only occur:
- During the construction stage
- When the liner is being replaced
So if you’re in the Rutherford and Wilson county areas of Middle Tennessee, we offer free termite inspections. We’d be happy to provide a quote and customized treatment plan.
Important to note: We cannot perform termite treatment or inspection on a pool filled with water.
Don’t Let Your Pool Become a Termite Buffet
Your pool and hot tub are meant for relaxation and enjoyment, not to serve as an all-you-can-eat termite destination.
Know someone with a pool or spa? Share this information with them. Many pool owners are completely unaware that termites target these areas.
And if you’re ready to protect your pool or hot tub, contact us today for a free service quote!
