Backyard pools and bees often end up competing for the same summer space: you want a safe place to swim, while bees need reliable water sources and are drawn to still, sunlit pool water and nearby landscaping. Understanding why bees visit pools is the first step to managing them humanely and effectively.

This article explains what attracts bees to swimming pools, how pool chemicals and moving water affect their behavior, and how to protect swimmers without harming essential pollinators. You will learn practical, bee‑friendly strategies such as alternative watering stations, smart planting choices, and simple maintenance habits so you can enjoy your pool while supporting healthy bee populations around pools and bees.

Why bees are drawn to backyard pools in the first place

Backyard pools look like a perfect water source to bees. A pool offers a large, reliable surface of water, easy access along the coping or steps, and strong scent cues from minerals, salt, or chlorine. Bees are especially motivated to find water on hot, dry days, when natural puddles and damp soil dry up. At the same time, people are using the pool most, so you notice the traffic.

Once a few foraging bees discover that your pool is a dependable water source, they return repeatedly and recruit nestmates. This “site loyalty” means a single curious scout can turn into a steady stream of bees visiting the same spot every warm afternoon.

What bees use pool water for and why it matters

Bees do not visit your pool to bother swimmers. They are working. Honey bees in particular use water for three main jobs inside the hive:

• Cooling the colony. Worker bees carry droplets of water back, spread them on the comb, and fan their wings. The evaporating water cools and stabilizes hive temperature, protecting developing brood during heat waves.
• Regulating food. Bees mix water with thick honey to make it easier to eat and to prepare brood food for larvae. Some nurse bees also blend water with pollen to create a soft, digestible “bee bread.”
• Supplying minerals. Pool water, especially from saltwater systems or slightly “dirty” edges, often contains sodium and other trace minerals that are scarce in nectar and pollen. Bees actively seek these dissolved salts, which is one reason they may prefer pool water over a pristine birdbath.

Understanding this helps explain why bees can seem so determined. They are not casually sipping; they are meeting critical needs for the entire colony.

Common signs bees are using your pool as a water source

If bees have adopted your backyard pool as their watering hole, you will usually see a few clear patterns:

• Regular flight paths. You notice bees arriving from the same direction, circling briefly, then landing on the coping, steps, skimmer lid, or floating objects to drink. Many will leave carrying a visible droplet under their mouthparts.
• Clusters at specific spots. Instead of random, isolated visitors, several bees gather at shallow edges, damp concrete where splashed water dries, or small puddles near equipment pads and leaky fittings. These areas often smell more strongly of chlorine or salts, which attracts them.
• Daily peak times. Activity rises on warm, sunny days, often late morning through afternoon, and drops sharply at night or during cool, rainy weather. This pattern matches the hive’s need for cooling water.
• Dead or struggling bees in the water. Because bees are poor swimmers, some fall in and drown, especially when there are few safe landing spots. Finding multiple dead bees in the skimmer basket or along the tile line is a strong indicator that your pool has become a primary water source.

When you see these signs consistently over several days, it is a good clue that a nearby colony now “recognizes” your pool as part of its regular water supply.

Safety first: swimming with bees around your pool

How to tell if you’re dealing with honey bees vs wasps

Being able to tell honey bees from wasps helps you choose the safest, least harmful response.

Honey bees Honey bees are usually:

• Fuzzy or hairy, with a “golden brown” look and darker bands
• More rounded, with a thicker body and less defined waist
• Often seen slowly crawling on wet surfaces as they drink
• Generally focused on water or flowers, not your food

They tend to be calmer. If you move slowly, they usually ignore you and keep collecting water or nectar.

Wasps (including yellowjackets and paper wasps) are usually:

• Smooth and shiny, with little visible hair
• Brighter, sharper yellow and black patterns
• Narrow-waisted with a more “angular” body
• More likely to hover around food, drinks, and trash

Wasps are also more likely to act defensive around their nest and can sting multiple times, while a honey bee usually stings only once and dies afterward.

If you are unsure, assume it could sting and give it space. You do not need a perfect ID to act cautiously.

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When it’s safe to coexist and when you should clear the area

A few bees calmly drinking at the pool edge are usually not a threat. In many cases, you can safely coexist if:

• Bees are scattered, not swarming
• They are focused on the water, not people
• No one nearby is known to be allergic
• You can enter and exit the pool without stepping through clusters of insects

In that situation, keep movements slow, avoid swatting, and use the opposite side of the pool if possible.

You should clear the area and pause swimming when:

• You see many bees or wasps circling people, hair, or clothing
• There is a steady stream of insects flying in a straight line to and from one direction, suggesting a nearby nest or hive
• Bees or wasps are getting trapped under pool floats, in skimmers, or under covers
• Anyone has already been stung and more insects are gathering

If you notice aggressive behavior, repeated stings, or a visible nest close to the pool, get everyone out calmly and move indoors. Once people are safe, you can decide whether to call a bee-friendly professional to inspect for a hive or wasp nest.

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What to do if someone in the family is allergic

If anyone in your household has a known allergy to bee or wasp stings, treat pool safety as you would any other medical risk.

Before swimming:

• Keep prescribed epinephrine auto-injectors close to the pool, not inside a distant room.
• Make sure at least one adult present knows how and when to use the injector.
• Share the allergy details with guests or caregivers who may supervise swimming.

If a sting happens and the person is allergic or starts to react:

1. Get out of the water immediately and move the person to a safe, shaded spot.
2. Remove the stinger if it is a honey bee sting. Scrape it out with a fingernail or card; do not squeeze it, which can push in more venom.
3. Watch for signs of a serious reaction, such as:

• Trouble breathing or swallowing
• Swelling of lips, tongue, or face
• Hives spreading beyond the sting site
• Dizziness, confusion, or fainting

4. Use the epinephrine auto-injector right away if there are any signs of a severe reaction or if a doctor has instructed you to use it after any sting.
5. Call 911 immediately after using epinephrine or if symptoms are getting worse. Do not drive yourself if you can avoid it.

For mild, non-allergic reactions, rinsing the area, applying a cold pack, and using over-the-counter pain relief or antihistamines (if appropriate for the person’s age and health) can help. Still, monitor closely for at least 30 minutes, since serious symptoms can sometimes develop later.

Planning ahead, keeping medication poolside, and setting clear rules about staying calm around bees will make swimming much safer for everyone.

Create a bee-friendly water source away from the pool

How to set up a simple bee watering station that really works

A bee watering station does not need to be fancy. What matters is that it is shallow, stable, and safe for bees to land on.

Use a wide, shallow container such as a plant saucer, low bowl, or small birdbath. Aim for 1–2 inches deep so bees cannot easily drown. Fill the base with pebbles, small stones, marbles, corks, or rough gravel. These should break the surface of the water so bees can stand on them while they drink.

Add clean water until it just covers the lower parts of the stones but leaves plenty of dry or barely wet surfaces on top. Bees prefer water they can reach without getting their bodies wet. Plain water is best; avoid sugar, honey, or additives, which can spread disease and attract ants or wasps.

Place the container on level ground or a sturdy stand so it cannot tip. Check it daily in warm weather, topping up as needed and rinsing every few days to prevent algae and mosquito larvae. Consistent water is critical; once bees trust a source, they will return to it.

Best distance and placement so bees choose it over the pool

To pull bees away from a backyard pool, the watering station needs to be more convenient and reliable than the pool itself. A good rule is to place it at least 20–30 feet from the pool, in the direction you usually see bees coming from, and closer to flowers or garden beds they already visit.

Choose a spot with morning sun and light afternoon shade. Bees like warm water, but full, all‑day sun can evaporate it quickly. Shelter from strong wind also helps them land safely.

Keep the station away from high‑traffic areas such as play spaces, seating, and doorways. A quiet corner near flowering plants, herbs, or a vegetable patch works well. Bees will naturally check that area while foraging and, over time, will “bookmark” the new water source instead of the pool.

Step-by-step to gradually retrain bees from pool to new water

Bees are creatures of habit, so shifting them from your pool to a new water source works best if you change things gradually:

1. Start where they already drink First, set a bee watering station very close to where bees are landing at the pool edge or on nearby coping. Use the same type of water they are used to (for example, slightly chlorinated pool water) so it smells familiar.

2. Let them “discover” it Give them a day or two to find and use the station. You should begin to see bees clustering on the stones or corks instead of the pool surface.

3. Move the station a few feet at a time Once bees are using it reliably, shift the container 3–6 feet away from the pool in the direction of your chosen final location. Do this once or twice a day, always keeping it easy to find. This slow “walk” of the water source is a common beekeeper trick for redirecting foragers.

4. Keep the pool less appealing While you move the station, try to reduce the pool’s attraction: skim out drowning bees promptly, avoid leaving still water in skimmers or puddles, and run circulation so the surface is more disturbed. Bees prefer calm edges and shallow spots.

5. Reach the final spot and stay consistent Over several days, continue moving the station until it sits in that quiet, flower‑adjacent area 20–30 feet or more from the pool. Once there, stop moving it. Refill it daily and never let it dry out. If it runs dry even once, bees may go back to the pool or search elsewhere.

Handled patiently, this approach does not harm bees and can significantly cut down on the number that treat your pool as their main watering hole.

Use movement and covers to make the pool less attractive

How running pool jets and fountains helps deter bees

Bees prefer calm, shallow water where they can land safely and drink. Strong movement on the pool surface makes it harder for them to touch down and stay afloat. When you run pool jets, bubblers, or fountains, the ripples and splashes break up the smooth surface that bees look for and can push them away from the main swimming area.

If you know bees are most active around your pool in late morning and early afternoon, try running water features during those hours. Even a return jet aimed toward the surface can create enough disturbance to make the pool less appealing. Just remember that movement is a deterrent, not a barrier, so you will still want other bee-friendly strategies in place.

Using solar covers and safety covers without trapping bees

Covers can reduce how often bees visit your pool by hiding the water and limiting access. A solar cover or safety cover works best when:

• It fits snugly, with minimal gaps where bees can slip under.
• You remove it slowly, giving any resting bees time to fly off.

Before pulling a cover tight, check for bees resting on top. Gently shoo them away with a soft splash of water from a distance or a slow wave of a pool net. Avoid snapping a cover closed quickly, which can trap bees underneath and drown them.

When the pool is not in use for long stretches, keeping it covered most of the time reduces evaporation and also cuts down on the scent of treated water that can attract foraging bees.

Fixing leaks and puddles that invite bees to the pool deck

Even if bees avoid the main pool, they may still gather at small puddles around it. Drips from hoses, leaky filters, and splashes that collect in low spots can create perfect shallow drinking areas.

Walk the deck and equipment pad regularly and look for:

• Constantly damp spots near plumbing joints or valves
• Puddles under ladders, slides, or diving boards
• Water collecting on furniture covers or in toy bins

Repair leaks, improve drainage, and sweep or squeegee standing water away from high-traffic areas. If you use a rinse station or outdoor shower, make sure runoff flows away from the pool deck rather than forming warm, shallow pools where bees will quickly learn to drink.

Adjust landscaping and colors around the pool

Which flowers and plants near a pool attract more bees

Bees are drawn to plants that offer easy nectar and pollen, especially in sunny, open spots like a pool deck. Flowering perennials and shrubs with simple, open blooms are the biggest magnets. Common bee-attracting plants include lavender, salvia, catmint, coneflower, black‑eyed Susan, yarrow, daisies, clover, and many herbs such as thyme, oregano, basil, and rosemary.

Color also matters. Bees see blues, purples, and violets especially well, and are very responsive to strong contrasts and “flower-like” patterns. Studies on bee color preference show that violet and blue‑yellow tones often attract more bees than plain white or pale shades.

Around a pool, that means a border full of purple salvia, lavender, and catmint right at the coping will almost guarantee regular bee traffic. Fragrant, nectar‑rich shrubs and flowering groundcovers close to the water line have the same effect. If you enjoy these plants, it is usually better to keep them, but not right beside the pool.

Relocating bee-attracting plants instead of removing them

You do not have to rip out bee-friendly plants to make the pool area more comfortable. Instead, move them to a dedicated pollinator bed farther from the water. Many experts recommend shifting lavender, clover, jasmine, daisies, and similar nectar‑rich plants away from the immediate pool surround and grouping them together in a sunny spot elsewhere in the yard.

Relocation works best if you:

• Replant them in similar light and soil conditions so they recover quickly.
• Water well for the first few weeks to help roots re‑establish.
• Fill the old planting holes near the pool with less attractive options, such as ornamental grasses, foliage plants, or flowers that offer little nectar and pollen.

Ornamental grasses, many succulents, and double‑petaled or low‑nectar flowers are usually less interesting to bees but still look good around a pool.

Choosing pool furniture, toys and towels that don’t lure bees

Even if you adjust the planting, your color choices for furniture and accessories can keep bees curious. Bright, flower‑like colors such as vivid yellow, hot pink, purple, and bold blue can look like oversized blooms from a bee’s point of view, especially when they sit right beside real plants.

To make the pool area less attractive:

• Choose loungers, umbrellas, and cushions in neutral or muted tones like white, beige, gray, taupe, or soft green.
• Reserve bright, floral patterns for areas farther from the water, or for items you can easily put away after swimming.
• Store colorful inflatables, toys, and beach towels in a bin or storage box when not in use, rather than leaving them scattered on the deck.

These small design choices reduce visual “signals” that mimic flowers, so bees are more likely to focus on your relocated plants and less on the pool itself.

Natural scents that gently discourage bees from the pool area

Essential oils and herbs bees dislike (and how to use them safely)

Some strong plant scents can make the area around your pool less appealing to bees without harming them when used correctly. The most commonly recommended options include citronella, lemongrass, eucalyptus, lavender, tea tree, clove, geranium, basil, thyme and mint-family plants. These smells can mask floral and sugary odors that normally attract bees and may confuse their navigation, so they tend to avoid heavily scented spots.

For a light perimeter spray, mix 10–15 drops total of one or two oils (for example citronella plus lemongrass, or eucalyptus plus lavender) into 1 cup of water with a teaspoon of mild liquid soap. Shake well and mist fences, railings, the outside of planters, and the underside of pool furniture, not flowers or open water. Reapply every 30–60 minutes if bees are very active, since natural oils evaporate quickly.

You can also:

• Soak cotton balls or small fabric strips in a diluted blend and place them in jars or dishes near seating areas, away from the pool edge.
• Grow strongly scented herbs like basil, thyme, mint, and eucalyptus in pots a little away from the pool to create a mild “scent barrier”.

Always keep oils well diluted, avoid spraying directly on skin or pets, and test a small area of furniture or fabric first to check for staining or irritation.

Where to spray or place scent deterrents so they’re effective

Placement matters more than the exact oil you choose. Focus on where bees approach, not where they might accidentally get trapped. Good locations include:

• Approach paths: railings, fence tops, and the outer edge of the deck where bees first fly in.
• Human activity zones: the legs and backs of chairs, table bases, umbrella poles, and the outside of storage boxes.
• Non-flowering hard surfaces: stone, concrete, or wood away from plants and away from the pool water itself.

Avoid spraying:

• Directly over the pool surface or into the water.
• On flowers, flowering shrubs, or bee-friendly plants, where bees are actively foraging.
• Near hives or known nesting spots, which can stress colonies.

For best effect, create a gentle scented ring several feet out from the pool, leaving open, unscented routes that lead bees toward alternative water or forage away from swimmers. Reapply after heavy splashing, cleaning, or rain.

Options to avoid because they can harm bees or people

Not every “natural” bee repellent is safe or kind to pollinators. Use these with caution or skip them entirely:

• Highly concentrated or undiluted essential oils poured on surfaces or plants. Strong doses can be toxic or irritating to bees and can cause skin and respiratory irritation in people and pets.
• Sprays directly on bees, hives, or flowers. This can interfere with foraging and communication and may kill or disorient bees rather than simply redirect them.
• Homemade “bee killer” mixes that combine strong oils with vinegar, bleach, or other harsh chemicals. These can damage pool equipment, harm other wildlife, and create fumes unsafe for children.
• Smoke or burning oily materials near the pool. Smoke can stress bees and is unpleasant and potentially unhealthy for swimmers, especially children or anyone with asthma.

Used thoughtfully, natural scents should nudge bees to choose a different route, not wipe them out. Keep concentrations low, apply them to hard surfaces away from flowers and water, and pair scent deterrents with other non-harmful strategies like alternative water sources and good food management for a truly bee-safe pool area.

Simple behavior changes that reduce bee activity around pools

Small shifts in how you use the pool area can noticeably reduce bee activity without harming them. The goal is to remove the strongest attractions and keep everyone calm and safe.

Managing food, drinks and sweet smells during pool parties

Bees are strongly attracted to sugary smells and open food. During pool parties, try to:

• Keep sodas, juices, cocktails and fruit in closed containers or coolers with lids. Use cups with lids or straws rather than open glasses.
• Cover serving dishes when people are not actively eating. Simple lids, mesh food covers or even clean kitchen towels help a lot.
• Set up the food table a little away from the pool, ideally in a shaded corner, so any bees that do show up are drawn there instead of the water.
• Wipe spills quickly, especially sticky drink splashes on tables, railings and deck boards.
• Use unscented sunscreen, lotions and hair products when possible. Strong floral or fruity fragrances can act like “flowers” to foraging bees.

After the party, bag trash tightly and move it to a bin with a lid away from the pool so lingering sweetness does not keep attracting insects.

Best times of day to swim when bees are least active

Bee activity around pools usually follows their foraging pattern. They are most active on warm, sunny days from late morning through mid‑afternoon. To reduce encounters:

• Prefer early morning swims before the day heats up.
• Evening and night swimming also tends to be calmer, as most bees return to the hive before dusk.
• On very hot, dry days, expect more bees at any time, since they need extra water to cool the hive. Plan shorter midday swims or rely more on early and late hours.

Checking your own yard’s pattern for a few days helps. Note when you see the most bees at the water, then schedule family swim time outside those peak windows.

Teaching kids calm behavior when bees fly near the water

How people react often matters more than how many bees are present. Teach children a simple, calm routine:

• If a bee flies close, stay still or move slowly to the side. Fast waving, splashing or swatting makes stings more likely.
• Show them how to gently step out of the pool and walk away if a bee seems very interested in them or lands on skin or clothing.
• Practice a phrase like, “Bees are just looking for water; we’ll give them space,” so kids understand the insect is not chasing them.
• Explain that pinching, trapping or hitting bees can cause them to sting in self‑defense.

Rehearsing this calmly before pool season starts helps children feel prepared instead of panicked, which keeps both kids and bees safer.

When and how to involve a professional bee-friendly service

Signs a nearby hive is the real cause of constant bees in the pool

If you see the occasional bee taking a drink, you probably do not have a hive problem. A nearby hive is more likely when:

• You notice a steady stream of bees flying in the same direction to and from the pool, following a clear “flight path.”
• Bee numbers build up quickly over days, not just on very hot afternoons.
• Bees appear as soon as the sun hits the pool and stay active for most of the day.
• You can spot clusters of bees entering and exiting a single point in a wall, roofline, tree cavity, irrigation box, or fence post.

Persistent activity like this usually means a colony has adopted your pool as its main water source, and it is time to call a beekeeper or bee-friendly pest professional rather than trying to handle it yourself.

Questions to ask a beekeeper or pest pro about relocation

When you contact a service, ask targeted questions so you know bees will be handled safely and responsibly:

• Do you perform live removal and relocation whenever possible?
• Are you experienced specifically with honey bees, or only with wasps and hornets? Many beekeepers focus on honey bees only.
• How do you locate the hive and confirm the species? (Photo identification, on-site inspection, thermal imaging, etc.)
• What is your process for removing comb, honey, and brood from structures? Incomplete removal can attract new colonies or other pests.
• Where will the bees go after removal? Look for answers such as apiaries, farms, or managed hives, not simple extermination.
• What products, if any, do you use, and are they safe for pets, kids, and pollinators that are not being removed?
• Do you provide repairs or referrals to seal entry points afterward?

A reputable bee-friendly provider should be willing to explain each step, give a written estimate, and advise you on preventing future colonies.

Legal and ethical points to consider before moving a hive

In the United States, honey bees are generally protected as valuable pollinators, and many states and cities have specific rules about keeping or removing hives. Regulations vary by state and even by municipality, so it is important to:

• Check local ordinances or HOA rules on beekeeping, nuisance insects, and wildlife removal before any work begins. Some areas regulate hive placement near property lines, sidewalks, and pools, and may require certain setbacks or barriers.
• Use licensed and insured professionals when structural work, ladders, or chemical products are involved. This protects you if there is damage or an accident.
• Prioritize live relocation over destruction whenever it is safe to do so. Ethical bee management aims to protect people while preserving colonies that can be moved to managed apiaries.
• Avoid DIY hive removal. Large colonies can become defensive if disturbed, and improper handling can lead to multiple stings or property damage. National beekeeping organizations explicitly warn homeowners not to attempt removals without training.

Balancing safety, local law, and the ecological value of bees helps you solve your pool problem while still supporting pollinators that your garden and community rely on.

Putting it all together: choose your 9 safe strategies

Quick checklist of non-harmful options to try first

If bees are using your pool, start with gentle, practical steps that protect both people and pollinators. Here are nine bee-safe strategies you can mix and match:

1. Provide an alternative water source. Set up a shallow bee watering station with pebbles, corks, or rough stones so bees can land safely. Keep it topped up and in the same place so they learn to rely on it.

2. Move the water source away from the pool. Place the bee station in a sunny, quiet spot 15–30 feet from the pool, closer to nearby flowers or shrubs than to the water.

3. Use pool movement to make the surface less appealing. Run jets, fountains, or bubblers during peak bee hours. Constant ripples make it harder for bees to land and encourage them to look elsewhere.

4. Cover the pool when it is not in use. A properly fitted solar or safety cover reduces access to water and cuts down on the scent of chemicals that can attract bees.

5. Eliminate leaks and puddles. Fix dripping equipment, clear clogged drains, and sweep away standing water on the deck where bees may gather to drink.

6. Adjust nearby plants instead of removing them. Relocate the most bee-attractive flowers a bit farther from the pool area rather than pulling them out. This keeps forage available while shifting bee traffic.

7. Choose low-attraction colors and patterns. Opt for neutral or darker pool furniture, umbrellas, and towels instead of bright yellows, oranges, and floral prints that can draw in bees and wasps.

8. Use mild natural scent deterrents with care. Lightly apply bee-disliked scents, such as certain herbal or citrus-based sprays, on furniture or railings away from open water and food, and never directly on bees or flowers.

9. Tighten up food and drink habits. Keep sweet drinks covered, clear spills quickly, and use lidded trash cans so sugary smells do not compete with your efforts to redirect bees to safer water.

How to combine methods for a long-term, bee-safe solution

A lasting solution comes from combining several of these strategies rather than relying on a single fix. Think in terms of three goals: give bees a better option, make the pool less attractive, and reduce avoidable temptations.

Start by establishing the alternative water source and keeping it consistently available. At the same time, run pool circulation and fix puddles so the pool becomes a less reliable drink. Over a week or two, bees that once visited the pool will increasingly choose the new station, especially if it is closer to their usual flight paths and flowers.

Next, fine-tune the surroundings. Shift blooming plants a bit farther from the water, swap out highly attractive colors on cushions or toys, and use light natural scent deterrents in targeted spots where bees tend to hover. These changes do not need to be dramatic; small adjustments around the deck can noticeably reduce bee traffic.

Layer in behavior changes during busy swim times. Cover food, manage trash, and schedule the most active pool use for times when bees are less intense in your area, often early morning or later in the evening on hot days. Teach children to stay calm and move slowly if a bee comes close, which lowers the risk of stings and panic.

If, after these steps, you still see heavy bee activity or suspect a nearby hive is focused on your pool, that is the point to consult a bee-friendly professional rather than escalating to harmful chemicals. A beekeeper or bee-conscious pest service can assess whether hive relocation or other measures are appropriate, while keeping pollinator health in mind.

By combining several gentle tactics and giving them time to work, you create a pool area that is comfortable for your family and far less interesting to bees, without harming the insects that your garden and local ecosystem depend on.