This summer, pool service techs should brace for the most bizarre pool party of the century, where the guests will all be buzzing — literally. Picture this: a cacophony of 17- and 13-year cicadas crashing the pool scene, making their first joint appearance since Thomas Jefferson was in the White House.

For those who are unfamiliar with the characteristic summertime staccato buzz of cicadas, these insects are a staple in many parts of the U.S., particularly the South and the East Coast. Most are born from the earth on an annual basis, but a few broods emerge 13 or 17 years after living underground.

This year, for the first time since 1803, both a 13-year and 17-year brood are synchronizing their emergence, making 2024 a rare, double brood year. For people who study insects for a living, it’s as exciting as a solar eclipse. Many people find the fat-winged, beetle-like insects — which can grow up to 2 inches in length — off-putting. But that’s not the only thing that makes people nuts.

During their mating season, which is the only reason they emerge from underground, they emit a very loud electrical sounding buzz, not unlike those New Years Eve noise makers.

A combined 17 states located mainly in the Southeast and Midwest will be hosting the year’s broods.

If you’re not already knee-deep in cicadas, consider yourself lucky. Because these insects won’t just be hanging out poolside — they’ll be taking over. Expect to see pools filled with them and skimmers brimming over with them.

To the hard-working pool techs braving this summer’s cicada invasion, we salute you! As you gear up for another day of skimming and scrubbing, try not to imagine a cicada taking a dive down your shirt, soliciting a few choice words not suitable for kids: Just a routine service appointment turned into an impromptu dance — arms flailing, wild gyrations — which could easily climax with a partial striptease at your customer’s home.

But in all seriousness, you really might have your hands full. Dead cicadas in the water emit nitrogen, which can impact your water chemistry. You need to get them out, fast, and you need to check the skimmers, pump baskets, and filters more often. Be sure to have extra chlorine on hand to counter the additional organic load.

It’s all in a day’s work, right? Just remember to check your shirt pockets for unexpected guests before you head home.

Photo credit: cicadamania.com. Roy Troutman.