Cardinal Property Management Blog

Keeping Your Pool Ducky

Cardinal Property Management - Friday, March 9, 2012
Keeping Your Pool Ducky

Pests come in all shapes and sizes. One common visitor at this time of year can descend on the surface of your association’s pool like well, like a duck landing on water. They are in fact ducks. On the surface, you might think that hosting these feathered friends could be fun. However, it isn’t. Duck droppings in your pool, around your golf course and ponds are a health hazard. Duck doo can transmit bacteria-borne diseases to adults and children alike. They can also be aggressive, and chase and bite small dogs and children. In addition, ducks have memories like elephants. Once they choose your pool as a stopping point along their migration route, they tend to come back to the same spot every year—unless you make their visit unhappy and downright scary for them. And pool professionals agree on this one—do NOT feed them. Our web-footed friends will look for food from your association for years to come. Why do ducks choose your pool out of the blue to have a swim? David Hoffer, General Manager of Aquatrends Commercial Pool Services, said, “When ducks land in your pool, they’re looking for a nesting place. And when they nest, you get ducklings.” While it’s against the law to molest ducks, it is not against the law to wave your arms in public, said Hoffer. That can scare them off if done consistently. However, Hoffer recommends using professionals such as Aquatrends to prevent ducks from staying in your pool. “We use a chemical that is safe for both the ducks and humans. It reduces the surface tension of water so that the water passes through duck feathers and to their skin. Ducks hate that and they leave.” The chemical should be administered by pool professionals such as Aquatrends so that the right mixture is attained. Aquatrends can be reached through their website at www.aquatrendspools.com or by calling 714- 639-7330.  Aquatrends is one of Orange Country’s largest commercial pool service companies. Does your association need to pay them in cash? No, they can put it on a bill. That quacks me up.