16 Jun 2024 | Apex Environmental Services (UK) Ltd

How to Keep Birds Away from Pool Decks

Are you tired of sharing your pool with feathered visitors? While birds can be delightful in nature, they can quickly become a nuisance when they invade your pool area. But not to worry - this comprehensive guide will explore effective and humane methods to keep birds away from your pool deck, ensuring you can enjoy your outdoor oasis in peace.

Understanding the Problem

Why Birds Gather around Pools

Pool decks often provide an ideal environment for birds; they offer open spaces for roosting, potential food sources, and access to water. Birds may view your pool as a large birdbath, making it an attractive spot for drinking and bathing.

Potential Issues

While birds may seem harmless, their presence around your pool can lead to several problems; droppings can create unsightly messes and potentially spread diseases, while birds themselves can also damage pool equipment or furnishings and create noise disturbances that detract from your relaxation time.

Environmental Impact

It's important to consider the environmental impact of bird control methods; many traditional deterrents can harm birds or other wildlife, so as responsible pool owners, we should seek solutions that effectively keep birds away while maintaining ecological balance. Fortunately, there are many harmless bird deterrent options available.

Natural Deterrents

Plants and Trees

Strategic landscaping can play a crucial role in deterring birds; certain plants and trees are known to repel birds naturally, so consider planting marigolds, lavender, or peppermint around your pool area. These plants not only add beauty to your outdoor space but also help keep birds at bay.

Water Features

While it may seem counterintuitive, adding a water feature away from your pool can actually help - a small fountain or birdbath placed at a distance can attract birds away from your main pool area, providing them with an alternative water source.

Predator Decoys

Placing decoy predators around your pool deck can also be an effective deterrent; birds are inherently territorial, so having realistic owl or hawk figurines around your garden can make birds think twice before settling in your pool area. However, birds aren’t stupid, so remember to move these decoys regularly to maintain their effectiveness.

Physical Barriers

Netting and Screens

High-quality anti bird netting is also an excellent solution for keeping birds away from your pool. When properly installed, netting creates an invisible barrier that prevents birds from entering the area - you can talk to a member of our team if you’re looking for effective bird netting around London.

Spikes and Wires

For areas where birds tend to perch, such as railings or ledges, bird spikes or wires can be effective; these devices make it uncomfortable for birds to land, encouraging them to find alternative roosting spots. At Apex Bird Control, our bird spikes are 100% safe and cruelty-free, so you don’t need to worry about harming any birds in the process.

Pool Covers

When you’re not using your pool, a sturdy pool cover can also come in handy in preventing birds from accessing the water; this also helps maintain your pool's cleanliness and temperature, so it’s a win-win!

Sound and Visual Deterrents

Ultrasonic Devices

Often used for pests like rodents, ultrasonic pest repellers emit high-frequency sounds that are unpleasant to birds but inaudible to humans; these devices can be an effective way to deter birds without creating noise pollution for you and your neighbours.

Reflective Objects

It’s worth knowing that birds can be startled by sudden flashes of light, so hanging reflective objects like old CDs, aluminium pie plates, or purpose-made reflective bird diverters around your pool area can create an environment that birds find unsettling.

Wind Chimes

The unpredictable movement and sound of wind chimes can make birds uncomfortable. Strategically placed wind chimes can add a pleasant ambiance to your pool area while helping to keep birds away.

Final Thoughts

All in all, keeping birds away from your pool deck doesn't have to be a constant battle. By implementing a combination of these humane and effective methods, you can create an environment that is less appealing to birds while still enjoying the beauty of your outdoor space. Remember, the key is consistency and patience; it may take some time for birds to change their habits, but with persistent effort, you can reclaim your pool area and enjoy it bird-free.