POOL PROBLEM SOLVER

Ants in Pool Joints? Here’s What It Means (and How to Stop It)

Ants love warm, dry pathways—failed expansion joints give them both. If you’re seeing sand, pinholes, or ant trails along the coping, your mastic isn’t sealing properly and water may be escaping.

Common Signs of Ant Activity in Pool Expansion Joints

Sand or grit along the coping edge

Ants push up soil from tunnels below the expansion joint.

Pinholes or seams in mastic

Tiny openings where ants enter/exit and moisture escapes.

Soft, spongy, or separated sealant

Failed mastic makes tunneling easier and allows water intrusion.

Sinking or cracking deck sections

Chronic moisture from failed joints undermines soil and causes settlement.

4-Step Plan to Eliminate Ants and Protect Your Pool Deck

Confirm Activity Safely

Look for fresh sand piles, live ants, and active pinholes.
Note wet areas after running the pool—water may be tracking through failed joints.

Treat Ants Correctly (Keep Pool Water Safe)

Use bait-based ant control around the deck perimeter—avoid broadcast spraying near water.
Do NOT apply chemicals directly into the expansion joint or into the pool.
If fire ants are present, spot-treat mounds away from the water line per label.

Fix the Root Cause: Failed Expansion Joints

Remove compromised mastic, clean and dry the joint, and re-seal to block moisture paths.
Use UV-resistant, flexible sealant sized to the joint with backer rod where required.
Proper preparation matters—adhesion to both coping and deck is critical.

Prevent Recurrence

Maintain intact mastic to keep water and insects out of the joint.
Manage irrigation overspray and standing water near the pool edge.
Schedule seasonal inspections—Texas heat and UV accelerate mastic wear.

Safety First Around Pool Water

Always follow label directions for any pest products and keep chemicals away from pool water. If in doubt, coordinate with a licensed pest control provider and schedule mastic replacement after treatment.

Seeing Ants or Sand Along the Coping?

That’s a sign your expansion joints are compromised. Re-sealing with professional-grade mastic blocks insects and moisture to protect your deck and pool shell.

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