Giant Horrible THING in my Pool

[Nighthawk224]

OK, there was a backswimmer in my pool last night. Tried to catch it, but it was too fast for me. Just now, I see this.... giant horrible THING scooting around... horribly. I would say it is at least 2 inches long... maybe 3.
1. What is it?
2. How do I get rid of it?
3. Do I need a priest to bless the pool afterwards?

 

[LI poolguy]

Never had backswimmers or other things in the pool, but read a few threads about them. General remedy was over chlorinate. Is the thing in the pic alive or dead?

 

[Nighthawk224]

At the time of the pic, it was VERY alive.... Boyfriend and I got it out, sprayed Raid on it.. dumped it into a trash bag, tied it up, and put it in big trash can...... So... still alive?? Plotting revenge??

 

[LI poolguy]

Maybe it's the queen backswimmer. You just really ticked off the colony, watch out when swimming. They may be gathering for the attack! LOL. As for the priest, an exorcism on a pool can't hurt, it's better than pool store advice

 

[pabeader]

kinda looked like a cicada.

 

[singingpond]

OK, there was a backswimmer in my pool last night. Tried to catch it, but it was too fast for me. Just now, I see this.... giant horrible THING scooting around... horribly. I would say it is at least 2 inches long... maybe 3.
1. What is it?
2. How do I get rid of it?
3. Do I need a priest to bless the pool afterwards?

Google "giant water bug" and see if it looks like what you saw.

My kids found one while they were in the pool last summer, and they were out in amazingly quick time. It's one of only a few insects that get this large. It looked like sort of a demented frog as it was swimming. I fished it out and dumped it in the woods.

 

[PoolESQ]

Out of curiosity, I just googled "giant water bug" and the images showed one that is so big it can fight off a snake!! I sure hope that's not what you have in your pool, Nighthawk!

 

[Nighthawk224]

OK, I'm much calmer now. After looking online I found what it is... a Giant Water Bug. Apparently a delicacy in Southern Asia. Me, I'll pass, thanks....