[flyin-lowe]

I friend of mine had 5 hives that were 100 yards or more away from his neighbors pool. It didn't take long until the bees were all over the pool floats, toys, etc. I can't remember what he used but he put something in the water (I think it was vinegar) and the bees stopped using it. What ever he put in the water just took a little bit.

 

[GreenSalsa]

Why chlorinate the water?

I was thinking of chlorinating the water because the bees are otherwise ignoring it now and favoring the pool water. I read earlier that bees were drawn to the smell of chlorine and I was thinking of giving them a source MUCH closer to the hives.

 

[GreenSalsa]

I can't remember what he used but he put something in the water (I think it was vinegar) and the bees stopped using it.

Could you find out what that was?

 

[AstroBee]

This is just a theory, so take it for what its worth. I would not provide chlorinated water BEFORE the bees find the pool. I'd find another nice smell for your alternate source (lemon grass, HBH, etc - small amounts only). The thought is that it might be better to differentiate the two water sources. If they both smell the same, then the bees may treat them as the same source, since they are relatively close. Now, its completely another matter if the bees are already in the pool water. In that case, I would provide chlorinated water (pool water directly) at an alternate site. This way you might have a chance to pull them away from the pool. Its far better to train them to your preferred source BEFORE they start using the pool. As a pool owner, I can advise that you need good pool practices, that is, wet towels, pool toys, etc need to be put away after use. Don't provide any bee-friendly landing sites in your pool area.

 

[flyin-lowe]

I asked my friend and he said that added vinegar to their pool water. I asked him how much they added and how often they had to add more and he did not know. He said it took care of the problem so they never really discussed it again.

 

[Aucoop94]

I asked my friend and he said that added vinegar to their pool water. I asked him how much they added and how often they had to add more and he did not know. He said it took care of the problem so they never really discussed it again.

Interesting, but that may make it worse in my case...I put vinegar in the sugar water I feed my bees.

 

[Michael Bush]

I wouldn't count on vinegar to discourage them. When I tried it in syrup it set off a feeding frenzy...

 

[Mephibosheth1]

Thanks for all the response!! This community is amazing already…when I asked for help about my snake on a reptile forum it took me almost a week to get answers

Im thinking that I may back them up against the fence on the east side of the yard to start…that would put them about 12-14 feet from the Swimming Pool. I wouldn't plan on working the bees on days we wanted to swim anyway, and if push came to shove I could always try and move them to the other side of the yard.

Ordering bee books on Amazon now…parents almost convinced and everything Can't wait to get started!!

 

[Mephibosheth1]

So, my folks gave me the green light for bees!!!!!!!!!
I'll post some photos showing the two locations i'm debating on using, just to be on the safe side for where the bees would be best housed.

Very excited…can't wait to start getting supplies!!

 

[Stingy]

Let me know if you need some assistance. I'm only a mile or so away.