How do I keep birds from pooping on my pool ledge?

Quick Answers

Birds pooping on pool ledges is a common nuisance for pool owners. Here are some quick answers to common questions on how to deter birds from using your pool ledge as a bathroom:

• Install bird repellent devices like ScareCrow motion-activated sprinklers, Predator Decoys of hawks/owls, or reflective tape on the ledge.
• Use physical barriers like bird netting or wire screens above the ledge.
• Apply bird repellent gel on the ledge.
• Remove food sources around the pool area that may attract birds.
• Let a dog loose in the yard to scare birds away.
• Use ultrasonic bird repellers.
• Spray birds with water from a hose or Super Soaker water gun.

The most effective long-term solutions involve installing physical barriers like netting or using motion-activated deterrents. Removing food sources and keeping the pool area clean is also key. It may take some trial and error to find the right deterrents that work for your specific backyard and local bird population. Persistence is important so birds do not get accustomed to any one technique.

Why Do Birds Poop in Pools?

Birds often poop in pools because water provides them with a perfect open space and clean ledge for perching. Reasons birds are drawn to pools include:

• Open water is attractive for drinking and bathing.
• Wide ledges provide safe perches protected from predators.
• Water reflects sunlight attracting birds.
• Morning dew collects on the ledge which birds drink.
• Insects around the pool area provide food sources.
• Nearby trees offer protection and nesting spots.

Birds also have indiscriminate bowel movements and cannot control when or where they poop. Their droppings are often released while taking off from a perch. Since pools have open ledges perfect for perching, they naturally become targets.

Some types of birds that frequently poop in pools based on their behavior include seagulls, crows, pigeons, grackles, starlings, and sparrows. Backyard pools surrounded by lots of trees and power lines tend to attract the most birds.

Health Risks of Bird Droppings

Bird droppings are more than just a nuisance – they can also carry health risks if too much accumulates on your pool ledges and possibly contaminates the water. Potential health concerns include:

• Respiratory infections – Droppings contain fungi and bacteria that can cause histoplasmosis and cryptococcosis when inhaled.
• Gastrointestinal illness – Parasites or bacteria like giardia and salmonella can end up in pool water leading to nausea or diarrhea if swallowed.
• Eye infections – Bird dander and feathers in poop can irritate eyes and cause conjunctivitis (pink eye).
• Skin rashes – Allergic reactions to bird droppings can lead to red, itchy rashes on the skin.
• Corrosion – Uric acid in poop can eat away at pool ledges and metal railings over time.

To minimize health risks, droppings should be removed from ledges before they accumulate and washed into the pool. Proper pool maintenance like using chlorine is important to kill bacteria. Shower before swimming and avoid swallowing pool water as added precautions.

Cleaning Bird Droppings from Pool Ledges

Here are some recommended steps for safely cleaning accumulated bird poop from pool ledges:

1. Wear proper protective equipment like gloves, goggles, mask, and coveralls when handling bird droppings.
2. Spray droppings with a hose on a high pressure setting to dislodge them.
3. Use a plastic putty knife or scraper to remove remaining debris.
4. Clean area with a chlorine bleach solution (1 part bleach to 10 parts water) and let sit 5-10 minutes.
5. Rinse thoroughly with a hose and scrub with a brush if needed.
6. Disinfect again if lots of droppings accumulated.
7. Use baking soda and vinegar to remove any staining.
8. Allow ledge to dry completely before refilling pool.
9. Bag and dispose of debris carefully to avoid contamination.

Power washing is another effective cleaning method but avoid using metal brushes which can scratch the ledge surface. Work carefully when on elevated pool ledges and follow safety precautions.

For water safety, you may need to shock treat the pool, test water chemistry, and balance chemicals after an extensive bird poop cleaning. Consider draining a portion of the water if droppings entered the pool. Letting the chlorine circulate for a day or two can also help kill any bacteria or parasites introduced.

Preventive Measures to Keep Birds Off Ledges

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure when it comes to deterring birds from using your pool ledges as a toilet. Here are some simple preventive measures pool owners can take:

• Keep ledges clean – Rinse off ledges daily with a hose to remove any droppings before they accumulate and dry out. Birds are less likely to return to dirty ledges.
• Trim overhanging trees – Keep any branches or leaves from extending across or over the pool area which birds can perch on.
• Remove food sources – Pick up fallen fruit or spilled seed from feeders which can attract birds looking for an easy meal.
• Limit water features – Birdbaths, fountains, and drippers provide drinking sources for birds so limit water displays near the pool.
• Clean the filter – Change pool filters regularly so feather and droppings do not end up re-circulating in the water.

Developing daily or weekly maintenance routines to follow these tips will help make your pool area less appealing to birds stopping by to leave their mark. An immaculate pool area goes a long way in keeping birds at bay.

Bird Deterrents to Keep Birds Away

When basic maintenance does not do the trick, there are a variety of bird deterrent products available on the market to discourage birds from perching on pool ledges:

Physical Bird Deterrents

• Bird netting – Draping protective netting above ledges blocks birds from landing.
• Foam strips – Tactile sticky strips or spikes make ledges uncomfortable for birds to perch on.
• Motion-activated sprinklers – ScareCrow brand sprinklers detect birds with sensors and give them a startling but harmless spray of water.
• Predator decoys – Fake owls, snakes, or hawks placed around the pool look like threats to scare away birds.

Visual Bird Deterrents

• Reflective tape – Mylar flashing tape distracts and repels birds with its flickering effect in sunlight.
• Fake spiders – Large plastic spider decoys intimidate birds and give the appearance that area is already claimed by another predator.
• Lasers – Randomly moving laser beams irritate birds and prevent them from settling.

Sonic Bird Deterrents

• Ultrasonic devices – High frequency sound waves are undetectable to humans but frighten and disorient birds.
• Predator distress calls – Recorded alarm calls of hawks and crows signal danger to other birds in the area.

The most effective approach is alternating between several different deterrents so birds do not get accustomed to any single method. Positioning them both in and around pool areas provides maximum coverage.

Bird Repellent Chemicals

There are also liquid bird repellent products that can be applied directly onto ledges or roof peaks to deter birds from landing. Common repellent chemicals used are:

• Methyl anthranilate – Grape flavoring irritates birds upon ingestion.
• Methyl nonyl ketone – Clear oil creates a surface too slippery for birds to grip.
• Naphthalene – Pungent mothball odor drives birds away.
• Polybutene – Extremely tacky texture makes perching uncomfortable.

Look for EPA-registered products labeled safe for outdoor use around pools. Reapply after rain or every 2-3 weeks during peak bird season for continued effectiveness.

Getting Rid of Bird Nests

One long-term solution is removing nearby nests and potential roosting spots to prevent birds from congregating and continually frequenting the pool area.

Here are tips for safely removing bird nests around your property:

• Consult local wildlife regulations – There may be restrictions against removing active nests during breeding season.
• Hire a professional – Tree companies can remove nests from high branches or downspouts you cannot reach.
• Seal holes and crevices – Plug spots where birds entered under eaves or roof overhangs after removing nests.
• Install bird netting or spikes – Block areas around porch railings, gutters, and chimneys once they are cleaned out.
• Use appropriate safety gear – Wear thick gloves and wash hands and clothes after handling nests which often harbor mites, fleas, and lice.

Taking away convenient nesting sites forces birds to relocate farther from the pool for roosting and loitering during the day. Discourage them from rebuilding nests by using repellents and maintaining a clean pool area.

Vinegar as Bird Repellent

Plain white vinegar makes for a safe, non-toxic homemade bird repellent. The acidic smell is offensive to birds. Vinegar’s effectiveness and uses include:

• Spray undiluted vinegar directly onto ledges and other roosting spots.
• Mix equal parts vinegar and water to clean droppings – helps remove stains.
• Spray nearby plants with vinegar solution – irritates birds if they come into contact.
• Soak pieces of bread in vinegar – place on ledges for scent to linger.
• Pour vinegar into empty spray bottles – spray birds that land as added deterrent.

The quick cleaning action of vinegar helps remove any lingering scent markers left by birds that attract others. It sanitizes areas to prevent diseases from accumulated droppings.

For stronger results, use pure vinegar without diluting in water. Reapply every few days for lasting effectiveness since scent eventually dissipates. Spray ledges daily first thing in the morning when birds are most actively looking for places to perch and feed during the day.

Getting a Dog to Scare Away Birds

Dogs can be very effective at deterring birds from pools by giving them a good scare whenever they enter a backyard. Their presence and loud barking keeps birds from feeling comfortable perching, drinking, or nesting nearby. Tips on using dogs for bird control include:

• Leave dog loose in yard when pool is not occupied – their roaming presence frightens birds.
• Toss toys into pool for dogs to retrieve – activity startles birds away from water.
• Allow dogs access to all areas birds frequent – blocks them from congregating anywhere.
• Make sure dogs bark aggressively on command – occasional loud outbursts deter birds whenever they start swooping by.
• Let dogs regularly swim in pool – leaves scent traces to keep birds wary of returning.
• Place dog kennel or outdoor run near problem bird areas – blocks access and serves as warning.

Breeds like Labs and Retrievers that naturally take to water make the best pool patrol dogs. Their energetic play behavior disturbs birds while chasing down stray toys tossed into the pool by owners. Using dogs takes consistent effort but provides dynamic bird control that adapts to any new patterns or behaviors birds develop over time.

Alternating Multiple Bird Deterrents

The key when battling stubborn bird infestations on pool ledges and areas is alternating different deterrents constantly. Birds inevitably become used to any one technique if deployed for too long. Keep them continuously on their toes by switching things up on a regular schedule.

Try implementing a monthly rotation using a variety of the following:

Month 1	Month 2	Month 3
Foam strips on ledges	Predator decoy owls/hawks	Reflective mylar tape on roof
Ultrasonic device	Vinegar/Methyl anthranilate sprays	Motion-activated sprinklers
Noisemaker alarm calls	Let loose dog 12 hrs/day	Bird netting above ledges

Keep adjusting the schedule based on what seems to work best for your situation. Having diverse deterrents in your arsenal will allow you to find the ideal monthly plan to keep birds on their toes. Consistency is key, so stick to the tactics each month.

Hiring a Pool Service for Bird Problems

For severe bird infestations and droppings issues, consider hiring a professional pool maintenance service. Advantages of leaving your pool care to the experts include:

• Checks ledges daily and takes preventive cleaning measures to avoid droppings buildup.
• Works aggressively to remove all current nests and problem bird attractions on the property.
• Sets up, monitors, and maintains effective bird deterrent devices and measures.
• Keeps safety equipment and chemical cleaners on hand for proper droppings removal.
• Provides different maintenance techs which prevents birds from getting comfortable.
• Alerts homeowners if any new nests appear or ledge cleaning needed.
• Takes over difficult pool chemical balancing and filtration issues resulting from contamination.

Look for providers experienced in bird deterrents, nest removals, ledge power washing, and pool water sanitization. They can tackle the dirty work while implementing proven industry methods to rid your pool of bird poop problems for good.

Filling in Birdbaths and Fountains

Standing water sources like birdbaths and fountains attract birds looking to drink, splash, and cool down. Eliminating these bird temptations from your landscape is advised. Options include:

• Pour out and remove birdbaths entirely.
• Fill in fountain basins with gravel so no standing water remains.
• Let fountain pumps run dry without water circulation.
• Install bird deterrents like ultrasonic devices around dry basins.
• Use scented vinegar sprays daily on empty birdbaths and fountains.
• Position dog kennels next to empty water features to deter birds.

Birds are stubborn about returning to established water sources. So keeping former baths and fountains high and dry for at least 3-4 weeks is key to retraining birds not to look there. Avoid refilling anytime soon after emptying.

Pay attention year-round, not just in hot months. Heated birdbaths in winter are also strong attractions certain birds cannot resist. An empty water feature sends a clear signal your yard offers nothing for them anymore.

Conclusion

Bird droppings on pool decks and ledges are a nuisance but also raise health concerns from bacteria in the water. The most effective solutions combine preventive maintenance steps with deterrents to actively keep birds away. Physical barriers like netting or constant harassment from devices, chemicals, dogs, or sprinklers works best. The key is not allowing birds to get comfortable using your pool area. With vigilant efforts to make them uncomfortable, birds will move on to seek more suitable locations further from your pool for roosting and relief.