Birds can drink swimming pool water, but there are some important considerations. In the opening paragraphs, we’ll answer some key questions about birds and pool water.
Is it safe for birds to drink from pools?
Generally, it is safe for birds to drink from pools in moderation. However, pool water often contains chlorine, which can be harmful to birds if consumed in large quantities over time. Small amounts of chlorinated water are not likely to cause immediate problems, but prolonged exposure may cause damage to internal tissues and organs.
How does chlorine in pools affect birds?
Chlorine is added to pools to kill bacteria and algae. But chlorine can also be toxic to birds. When birds drink chlorinated pool water, the chlorine can irritate and burn the delicate tissues in their mouths and throats. If they ingest larger amounts repeatedly, the chlorine may start to damage their internal organs like the kidneys and liver.
What levels of chlorine are safe for birds?
Most experts recommend keeping chlorine levels under 3 parts per million (ppm) for bird safety. Many pools contain 1-3 ppm chlorine, which is not likely to immediately harm birds drinking occasionally. But higher concentrations above 3 ppm could start to have toxic effects. It’s best to provide birds with a fresh water source away from the pool.
Do birds know not to drink pool water?
Birds may not instinctively know that chlorinated pool water can be harmful. Thirsty birds seeking water sources can be drawn to the sparkling pool water. They may perch on the edge and drink from the pool, unknowingly ingesting chlorine along with the water.
How can you keep birds away from the pool?
To discourage bird drinking and prevent chlorine exposure, try these tips:
- Install a bird bath or other fresh water source away from the pool.
- Put up decoys, reflective tape, or other deterrents around the pool edge.
- Cover the pool when not in use.
- Use pool covers that prevent bird access.
- Scare away birds with sounds or water sprays when they land on the pool.
What if a bird drinks chlorinated pool water?
If you see a bird drinking pool water, gently scare it away to prevent further exposure. Make sure it has access to fresh, chlorine-free water to help flush its system. Keep an eye out for signs of illness, like lethargy, labored breathing, and fluffed-up feathers. Call a wildlife rehabilitator if the bird seems distressed.
Can chlorine hurt birds when they bathe in pools?
Yes, chlorinated water can also be harmful to birds that bathe or swim in pools, not just those drinking it. As birds preen their feathers while in the pool, they may ingest chlorinated water. Their eyes, skin, and respiratory tract may also be irritated by the chemicals.
What might happen if a bird swims in a chlorinated pool?
Problems birds could experience after swimming in pool water include:
- Burning, itching, or inflammation of the eyes
- Irritated skin and feathers
- Damage to internal tissues and organs if they swallow a lot of water
- Respiratory irritation if they inhale chlorine fumes
How can I keep birds from using my pool?
To prevent illness and injury, discourage birds from accessing your pool by:
- Covering the pool when not in use
- Using pool covers designed to deter birds
- Installing roosting deterrents like wire mesh or spikes on railings/edges
- Using motion-activated sprinklers or sounds to scare away visiting birds
What are the signs of chlorine poisoning in birds?
Watch for these signs that a bird may have consumed dangerous amounts of chlorine:
- Excessive drooling or discharge from eyes/nose
- Difficulty breathing; rapid or labored breathing
- Loss of appetite
- Lethargy and weakness
- Feathers appear loose, damaged, or discolored
- Unbalanced posture or trouble flying
Birds exhibiting any of these symptoms after exposure to high chlorine levels should be taken to a wildlife rehabilitator or avian vet immediately.
Can I add something to my pool to make it bird safe?
While there is no way to make a chlorinated pool completely safe for extended bird exposure, you can take steps to reduce the risks:
- Use the minimum amount of chlorine needed – 1-3 ppm is safer for birds.
- Look into saltwater pool systems which use gentler chlorine-alternative sanitizers.
- Investigate chlorine-free pool sanitizing options like hydrogen peroxide or UV light treatment.
- Add avian-safe water conditioners that neutralize chlorine.
- Install a water filtration system to circulate and refresh the water.
However, it’s still best to keep birds away from the pool altogether and provide a bird-safe water source in another area of your yard.
Can I let my pet birds use my pool?
It’s generally not recommended to allow pet birds like parrots to swim or bathe in a residential swimming pool, even if you try to make it avian-safer. The chlorinated water can still irritate their skin, eyes, and respiratory system. Ingesting any amount of chlorine puts birds at risk of organ damage over time.
What are better water options for pet birds?
For pet birds, provide a safe bathing water source like:
- A bird bath or shallow basin with chlorine-free water
- A bird-safe water spray bottle for misting
- A sink or tub with a spray nozzle, supervised to prevent drowning
Ask your avian vet for the best bathing recommendations for your specific bird species.
Can chlorine hurt young birds and baby birds?
Yes, young birds and babies are even more vulnerable to the effects of chlorine toxicity. Here’s why:
- Their smaller body size means they ingest bigger doses relative to their weight when drinking pool water.
- They have less-developed organs and immunity than adult birds.
- Their growing bodies are more sensitive to chemicals and toxins.
- They have thinner, more permeable skin that absorbs more chlorine.
Even small amounts of chlorinated water can start to cause damage in juvenile birds. It’s critical to keep unattended chicks and fledglings away from pools.
How can you protect baby birds near pools?
To protect young birds:
- Close off any pool access points where chicks could wander in.
- Use pool covers and erect barriers to deter swimming or drinking.
- Provide plenty of shallow, chlorine-free bathing and drinking water options.
- Monitor pools closely when young birds are learning to fly and swim.
With vigilance, you can help prevent tragic accidents and poisoning.
Do saltwater pools harm birds less than chlorinated pools?
Saltwater pools may be somewhat safer alternatives for birds than traditional chlorinated pools. Here’s a comparison:
Chlorinated Pools
- Use chlorine at levels of 1-3 ppm, which can be toxic over time.
- Have a lower pH which makes chlorine more volatile and irritating.
- Produce irritating chlorine gas at the surface.
- Require higher chlorine to stay clean, especially if filtering system is inadequate.
Saltwater Pools
- Use gentler chlorine-alternative sanitizers like hydrogen peroxide.
- Need only about 0.5 ppm of chlorine compound, added less frequently.
- Have a higher pH and do not create chlorine gas.
- Stay clean with lower sanitizer levels.
However, saltwater pools are still not 100% bird-safe. Any amount of chlorine sanitizer can be problematic if birds ingest enough. It’s wise to still follow precautions and provide alternative water sources.
Conclusion
In summary, birds can physically drink from swimming pools, but pool water often contains chlorine which can be toxic with repeated exposure. Small sips may not harm birds right away, but ingesting larger amounts or swimming can cause damage over time. Young birds and chicks are especially vulnerable. While saltwater pools are somewhat safer, it’s still best to provide birds with fresh chlorine-free water sources. With proper alternatives and deterrents, birds and pools can co-exist in harmony!