Spiders In Pool? Types & How To Remove Them

Swimming pool spiders represent a common nuisance for pool owners. These arachnids, often misidentified, are usually not dangerous but can be alarming when spotted in or around the water. Dock spiders, for example, are large and frequently found near bodies of water, similarly, wolf spiders are ground-dwelling hunters which sometimes fall into pools. Water boatmen, though insects and not spiders, also share the pool environment and can be mistaken for spiders due to their swimming habits.

Alright, let’s talk spiders! Creepy, crawly, eight-legged pool crashers! You’re probably thinking, “Great, just what I needed – another thing to worry about while I’m trying to relax poolside.” But hey, knowledge is power, right? And trust me, understanding why these little guys are setting up shop near your pristine oasis is the first step to reclaiming your splish-splash zone.

It’s a super common problem, believe me. Spiders and swimming pools go together like peanut butter and jelly… except not as delicious. They’re drawn to the water, the insects, and all the cozy hiding spots around your pool area. Ignoring them isn’t really an option, though. Some of these eight-legged squatters are harmless, but others… well, let’s just say you wouldn’t want to find one in your swimsuit. Plus, let’s be real, even the harmless ones can give you a major case of the heebie-jeebies.

We’re not just talking about any old spiders here. We’re talking about specific species that seem to have a particular fondness for pool life. Think Fishing Spiders chilling by the water’s edge, Wolf Spiders hunting for snacks on the deck, and maybe even a sneaky Longlegged Sac Spider trying to make its way into your pool house. While most are about as dangerous as a fluffy kitten, a few can pack a bit of a bite.

So, stick with me! We’re going to dive into the world of poolside spiders, figure out who’s who, why they’re crashing your party, and how to politely (or not so politely) show them the door. Get ready to say “goodbye” to those uninvited guests!

Meet the Neighbors: Common Spider Species Found Poolside

So, you’ve got a pool? Awesome! Time for fun in the sun, right? Well, sometimes you’re not the only one enjoying your little oasis. Let’s talk about those eight-legged freeloaders – the spiders! No need to panic, but knowing who’s hanging around can help you keep things safe and comfortable. We’re focusing on the VIPs (Very Important Pests… just kidding… mostly) – the spiders you’re most likely to bump into poolside.

Fishing Spiders (Dolomedes)

These guys are the bodybuilders of the spider world. We’re talking ***big***, often 2-3 inches across, leg span included! Identification is relatively easy, with their size and coloration. They’re usually brownish or grayish, with markings that can vary. They love water, so you’ll often find them chilling on logs, rocks, or even right on the water’s surface.

Two notable characters in this family are:

• _Dolomedes tenebrosus_ (Dark Fishing Spider): As the name suggests, they’re usually a darker shade, and are pretty common near pools in wooded areas. They’re skilled hunters, perfectly adapted to life near the pool.

• _Dolomedes triton_ (Six-spotted Fishing Spider): These are generally lighter in color, often with distinct spots. They are also well-adapted to life around water and can be found hunting for insects.

  Important Note: Fishing spiders might look scary, but they are generally not aggressive. They can bite if they feel threatened, so it is best to leave them alone.

Wolf Spiders (Lycosidae)

Think of these guys as the sprinters of the spider world. They’re often mottled brown or gray, blending in perfectly with the ground. You’ll recognize them by their excellent running ability. Unlike many spiders, they don’t bother with webs. They’re active hunters, chasing down their prey on foot (or, well, on eight feet).

So, why are they near your pool? They are hunting insects that are attracted to the pool area. Easy meals equal a pool side vacation for these arachnids.

**Important Note:** Wolf spiders can be *fast* and might startle you, but their bites are rare and usually mild.

Nursery Web Spiders (Pisauridae)

These spiders are often confused with fishing spiders. They share the fishing spiders’ preference for aquatic environments and can be found near water sources. The main difference is that nursery web spider carry their egg sacs in their jaws. After the eggs hatch they create a “nursery web” for the spiderlings.

Longlegged Sac Spiders (Cheiracanthium)

These are the slightly more concerning pool guests. They’re typically pale yellow or green with a slender body. What sets them apart is their potential for aggression; they’re more likely to bite than other common spiders. They sometimes wander indoors, especially in pool houses, so keep an eye out!

Jumping Spiders (Salticidae)

These tiny acrobats are the most entertaining of the bunch! Jumping spiders are small, often colorful, and famous for their amazing jumping ability. They’re active hunters, stalking their prey with incredible precision. You’ll often see them on pool decks and patios, hunting the insects that also like to hang out there. They are very intelligent hunters, and use a silk safety line to prevent falls.

Why Pools Attract Spiders: Understanding the Environment

Ever wondered why you’re sharing your poolside paradise with eight-legged critters? It’s not because they’re huge fans of synchronized swimming, that’s for sure! Pools inadvertently become spider hotspots for a few key reasons. Understanding these factors is the first step in reclaiming your pool area.

It all starts with the allure of water.

Pool Water: A Magnet for Bugs (and Therefore, Spiders)

Pool water is like an oasis in the desert… for insects, that is! They’re drawn to it, especially during hot weather. And guess who loves snacking on insects? Yep, our spider friends. So, the pool itself becomes a de facto spider buffet. Oh, the irony, the same water that attracts these insects is also a death trap. Spiders aren’t exactly known for their swimming skills, and many end up taking an involuntary plunge from which they can’t escape.

Pool Deck/Patio: Spider Real Estate

Your pool deck or patio isn’t just for sunbathing and sipping iced tea; it’s prime real estate for spiders, too. Think of it as their hunting ground. The flat surface provides an excellent spot to set up shop, build webs (for some species), and patiently await their next meal. The deck becomes their personal spider restaurant. If you’ve got a light source nearby, the deck becomes an even more ideal habitat with a high abundance of insects for food.

Pool Coping: The Perfect Hideaway

Pool coping, that lovely edge around your pool, isn’t just decorative; it’s also a fantastic shelter for spiders. It offers protection from the elements, predators, and overly enthusiastic pool cleaners. Think of it as their own little spider condo.

Skimmer Basket & Pool Filter: Accidental Spider Graveyards

Your skimmer basket and pool filter are essential for keeping your pool clean, but they can also become spider traps. Unsuspecting spiders sometimes fall in and can’t get out, turning these pool maintenance tools into accidental spider graveyards.

Pool Cover: A Spider Paradise

While pool covers are great for keeping debris out of your pool, they can also create a dark, humid environment that spiders and insects love. It’s like building a luxury spider apartment complex right next to your pool. Removing the pool cover, you’re revealing a spider kingdom.

Poolside Vegetation: A Spider Oasis

Those lush plants and bushes around your pool might look pretty, but they’re also insect magnets. More insects mean more food for spiders, making your poolside vegetation a spider oasis. Keeping the vegetation trimmed back can help reduce the insect population and, in turn, the spider population.

Spider Behavior Around Pools: Hunting, Habitat, and Hazards

Alright, so you’ve got a pool, the sun’s shining, and you’re ready for a dip. But hold on – ever wonder what those eight-legged critters are actually doing around your little oasis? Let’s dive into the sneaky world of spider behavior near pools, shall we? It’s not all sunshine and spiderwebs, folks; there’s a whole ecosystem at play here.

Hunting: The Circle of (Poolside) Life

Spiders aren’t just chilling by your pool to work on their tan. They’re on the hunt! Pools are basically insect buffets, and spiders are the bouncers, keeping those pesky critters in check (sort of). Most spiders are voracious insectivores, and the area around your pool provides a constant source of sustenance.

• Insect Predation: Spiders around pools are opportunistic hunters. They’ll set up shop near lights (which attract insects), or along the water’s edge, waiting for an unsuspecting bug to wander into their web – or pounce on it directly. Jumping spiders, for example, are like tiny, acrobatic assassins, stalking their prey before launching a perfectly timed attack. It’s like a tiny nature show playing out right next to your inflatable flamingo!

Habitat Preference: Why the Pool is Prime Real Estate

So, why do spiders choose the poolside as their vacation home? Well, some spiders are naturally drawn to aquatic or semi-aquatic environments. Think of fishing spiders – these guys are like the Michael Phelps of the spider world.

• Aquatic Environments: Spiders like fishing spiders are adapted to live near water. They can even run on the surface and dive underwater to catch their dinner! Others prefer the damp, sheltered areas around pools. Underneath coping stones, in cracks, or nestled among poolside plants are all prime real estate for spiders looking for a cozy spot to build their web (or just hang out).

Food Source: Bug Appetit!

What’s on the menu for these eight-legged pool patrons? It’s a buffet of bugs!

• Pool Insects: Mosquitoes, flies, ants, and other insects that are drawn to water or light are the main course for poolside spiders. Those annoying bugs buzzing around your head? The spiders are trying to help you out (in their own, creepy way)! It’s all part of the food chain!

Drowning: A Spider’s Worst Nightmare

Despite their hunting prowess and preference for aquatic environments, spiders face a real danger around pools: drowning.

• Cause: It’s a sad fact, but spiders often fall into the pool accidentally and can’t escape. The smooth, slippery sides of the pool are like a spider death trap. Once they’re in, they’re usually done for.
• Prevention: But don’t despair! You can be a spider hero! Adding escape ramps (like a piece of wood or a pool noodle extending into the water) can give spiders a fighting chance to climb out and live to spin another web. It’s a small act of kindness that can make a big difference for your arachnid neighbors.

Prevention and Control: Kicking Spiders Out of the Pool Party!

Okay, so you’ve identified the eight-legged squatters around your pool. Now, let’s talk eviction notices – the non-toxic, friendly kind! We’re aiming for a “no vacancy” sign that spiders respect, without turning your backyard into a chemical warfare zone. Let’s dive into some practical, down-to-earth methods to keep those creepy crawlies away.

Keep It Clean, Keep It Keen

• Regular Removal: Think of your pool area as your outdoor living room – you wouldn’t let dust bunnies the size of your head accumulate, would you? Regularly scoop out leaves, dead bugs (spider buffets!), and any other debris that might be hanging around. A clean pool deck and surrounding area is less inviting to insects and, in turn, less appealing to spiders. Make it a weekly ritual, like Sunday brunch, but with a skimmer instead of mimosas.

Tame the Jungle

• Trimming: Those lush bushes and sprawling plants might look pretty, but they’re spider condos! Keep vegetation around your pool trimmed back. This reduces the number of hiding spots and cuts off the spider’s highway to your pool. Imagine you’re giving your plants a haircut, but the real goal is spider population control.

Cut Off the Food Supply

• Reduce Food Source: Remember, spiders are just trying to eat. But we can politely ask them to dine elsewhere by tackling the insect population. Mosquito control is key here. Consider using mosquito dunks (safe for pets and people!) in standing water, citronella candles, or even a professional pest control service for a more comprehensive approach. Think of it as closing down the all-you-can-eat buffet that’s attracting the spiders.

Seal the Deal

• Eliminate Hiding Places: Spiders love a good crack, crevice, or hole to call home. Inspect your pool deck and surrounding areas for any gaps and seal them up with caulk or sealant. This denies spiders their favorite hiding spots and makes your pool area less hospitable. Channel your inner handyman and become a crack-sealing ninja!

Cover Up!

• Barrier: When the pool’s closed for the day (or the season), slap on a pool cover. This creates a physical barrier that prevents spiders (and other unwanted guests) from accessing the water. It’s like putting a lid on the spider party before it even starts.

Sock It to ‘Em!

• Prevention: These nifty little contraptions fit over your skimmer basket and catch all sorts of debris, including spiders. By preventing spiders from entering your pool pump system, you’re reducing the risk of clogs and potential damage. Plus, it’s one less spider you have to fish out of the pool! Think of skimmer socks as a spider security system for your pool’s plumbing.

Health and Safety: Spider Bites and What to Do

Okay, let’s talk about the not-so-fun part of our eight-legged neighbors – spider bites. Look, most spiders around your pool are just looking for a snack (insects, not you!), but it’s good to know what to do just in case you have a less-than-friendly encounter. It’s crucial to understand the potential risks and how to react. No need to panic, but a little knowledge goes a long way.

Spider Bites: Identifying Risks

Most spider bites are about as exciting as a mosquito bite – annoying and itchy. But sometimes, just sometimes, they can pack a bit more of a punch.

• Allergic Reactions: Just like with bee stings, some folks can have an allergic reaction to a spider bite. This can range from mild swelling and hives to more serious stuff like difficulty breathing.

• Venomous Bites: This is what most people worry about! Luckily, in many areas, truly dangerous spiders are rare. However, knowing what to look for is important. If you suspect a bite from a black widow or brown recluse (or any spider you can’t identify), keep a close eye on it. Be aware of increasing pain, redness, blistering, or systemic symptoms like fever or chills.

Spider Bites: Symptoms

So, you think you’ve been bitten? Here’s what you might experience:

• Mild Symptoms: Redness, swelling, itchiness, and mild pain are common. Think of it like a slightly angrier mosquito bite.

• Moderate Symptoms: These can include muscle cramping, sweating, headache, nausea, and a more intense pain around the bite area.

• Severe Symptoms: Difficulty breathing, severe pain, muscle spasms, dizziness, and a spreading rash are signs to seek immediate medical attention. Don’t wait!

First Aid: Steps to Take

Alright, you’ve been bitten. Deep breaths! Here’s a simple plan of action:

• Wash the Area: Gently wash the bite area with soap and water. This helps prevent infection.

• Apply Ice: A cold compress can help reduce swelling and pain. Apply it for 10-15 minutes at a time, several times a day.

• Elevate: If possible, elevate the affected area to minimize swelling.

• Over-the-Counter Relief: An antihistamine (like Benadryl) can help with itching and a mild allergic reaction. Pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help with pain.

• When to See a Doctor: If you experience severe symptoms, suspect a venomous bite, or if the bite shows signs of infection (increased pain, swelling, pus), don’t hesitate to seek medical attention. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.

  Pro Tip: If possible, safely capture the spider (or take a photo) for identification. This can really help the doctors determine the best course of action!

So, next time you’re about to dive in, take a quick peek. Spot a spider? Just scoop it out, and everyone can enjoy the pool in peace. No need to panic, just a little poolside etiquette!