How to Keep Birds Away From My Pool for Good

So… you finally got the pool of your dreams. Sun’s out, floaties are in, and you’re ready to chill. Then? Bam, a flock of birds crash the party. Suddenly, your pool’s a birdbath and your patio looks like a Jackson Pollock painting in poop. 😑

Been there. In fact, one summer, a pair of mockingbirds decided my pool was their personal spa. They splashed around like they paid rent, left droppings everywhere, and even tried to fight their reflection in the windows. Cute, right? Yeah, no.

If you’ve been Googling how to keep birds away from my pool, you’re not alone, and you’re definitely in the right place. I’ve rounded up seven tried-and-true ways to kick the birds out (nicely), without hurting them or blowing your budget.

Let’s fix this mess.

Float Something Shiny or Scary

You know, those party balloons or dollar-store wind spinners? Turns out, some birds hate them. Anything shiny, flashy, or unpredictable freaks them out.

Try These:

• Inflatable predator pool toys: Alligator or owl floaties do double-duty, fun for the kids, terrifying for the birds.
• Old CDs: Hang them from a pole near your pool. When they spin in the sun, they throw light like a disco ball. Birds hate it.
• Mylar balloons: Tie a few to your pool fence. They wiggle and reflect light, birds bounce the second they see ‘em.

Why it works: Birds rely on predictable visual cues. If your pool looks like a carnival, they’re out.
FYI: Switch it up now and then. Birds aren’t stupid. If the “scary owl” never moves, they’ll start inviting friends.

Get a Motion-Activated Sprinkler or Noise Device

Ever wanted to hit a pigeon with a water balloon? This is kinda like that, except automated and legal.

What to Use:

• Motion-activated sprinklers: Brands like ScareCrow or Orbit Yard Enforcer detect movement and spray a burst of water.
• Ultrasonic bird repellents: These emit high-pitched sounds that we can’t hear, but birds definitely can.

Bonus: These also work on cats, raccoons, and the neighbor’s annoying dog.

Heads up: Some ultrasonic devices don’t work on all bird types (looking at you, stubborn crows). But the water ones? Instant karma.

Cover or Move Your Pool Toys

Ever noticed how birds LOVE floating lounge chairs and noodles? Yeah, they think your pool noodles are logs. Cozy, safe little logs.

Fix This Fast:

• Take toys inside when not in use. Don’t give them a landing pad.
• Use a pool cover, even a solar one, when you’re not swimming.
• Put away poolside cushions or towels. Birds love soft spots to perch and poop.

Personal note: Once I left a giant unicorn float out for a week. A pigeon nested in it. I wish I was kidding.

Main takeaway: If it looks like a comfy spot, birds will claim it. Don’t give them the option.

Distract Them With a Bird-Friendly Zone

This one sounds counterintuitive, but hear me out. Sometimes, the best way to keep birds out of your pool is to give them somewhere better to go.

Set Up a “Bird Buffet”:

• Place a birdbath far from the pool (at least 30 feet).
• Add a bird feeder or two, something simple, stocked with seed.
• Include a few native shrubs or trees for shelter.

Why this works: You’re not just telling them “go away”, you’re saying “go chill over there instead.”

IMO: This worked best when I added a small bubbling fountain in the yard. The birds loved it, and left my pool alone.

Caution: Don’t go overboard. You don’t want to attract birds, just redirect them.

Use Bird Netting or Pool Covers

Yeah, I get it. Netting around your pool doesn’t exactly scream “vacation vibes.” But if you’ve got a real infestation going on, this works fast.

How to Use It:

• Drape bird netting over a PVC frame around your pool. It’s ugly but super effective.
• Use a solar pool cover, it keeps birds out and saves on heating costs.
• Try pool enclosures if you’re all-in on a permanent fix.

Pro: Birds can’t land on water they can’t reach.
Con: You’ll need to take covers off every time you swim. Still better than scrubbing bird poop, IMO.

Remove Bird Magnets (a.k.a. Food and Nesting Spots)

Let’s face it. If your yard’s a five-star bird resort, they’re not going anywhere. Time to shut down the buffet.

Eliminate These:

• Pet food left outside: That’s a big one.
• Fruit trees with fallen fruit on the ground.
• Open compost bins or trash cans without lids.
• Ledges, eaves, or gutters where birds can nest.

If birds are nesting nearby, they’ll treat your pool like their personal lounge.

Real talk: I found a nest inside my patio umbrella once. Took me two weeks to get rid of that pair. Don’t wait that long.

Install Fake Predators (and Make Them Move)

A plastic owl can work for a day or two. A moving predator? Way better.

Predator Options:

• Fake owls or hawks: Place them around the pool area, ideally high up.
• Decoy snakes: Toss one near the pool steps. Birds avoid snakes like the plague.
• Kite-style hawks: These flap in the breeze and look real from above.

Key Rule: Move them every few days. Otherwise, birds realize they’re fake, and you’re back to square one.

Pro tip: I once tied a fake snake to a pool skimmer and let it float. Effective and creepy. Win-win.

Bonus Tips (Because Birds Are Persistent)

Birds can be stubborn little drama queens, so you may need to try more than one tactic. Here’s a quick list of extra things that help:

• Hang wind chimes near the pool.
• Use citrus peels or vinegar-soaked cotton balls around the edges (birds hate the smell).
• Laser pointers or reflective tape work in some situations.
• Sprinkle cinnamon on surfaces, they hate the scent.

Also: Clean up droppings ASAP. Fresh poop attracts more birds. Gross, but true.

What NOT to Do (Seriously, Don’t)

Let’s avoid turning this into a horror story, yeah? Here are a few things to skip:

• No loud fireworks or guns. Obvious reasons.
• Don’t use poison or sticky traps. That’s not just cruel, it’s also illegal in many places.
• Skip the bird spikes near the pool. They’re for buildings, not your backyard oasis.

Keep it safe. Keep it humane. Keep it sane.

Final Thoughts: Keep Birds Out Without Going Nuts

Let’s be real. Birds are cute when they’re singing from a tree. Not so cute when they’re dive-bombing your pool like it’s the local Y.

Here’s the short version of what works:

• Scare them with shiny, floaty, or noisy things.
• Spray them with motion sensors (bonus points for style).
• Cover your stuff so they can’t land or nest.
• Tempt them elsewhere with feeders and baths far from your pool.
• Remove food and nest spots they’re using as a base.
• Keep ‘em guessing with fake predators that actually move.

No single trick works for everyone, so mix and match until your pool feels like your turf again. Trust me, once the birds back off, you’ll actually enjoy that cold drink by the water instead of swatting at feathers.

Now go reclaim your pool. You earned it. 🙂