You probably enjoy your pool and how it lets you cool off after a hot day, but local wildlife might see it the same way. Animals might not swim in your pool, but they could use it when you’re not there. Similarly, the pool might turn into an ideal place for insects, raccoons, and other nearby animals to settle. That’s why it’s important to learn how to keep animals out of pool and maintain a clean, safe environment for everyone.
If the thought of this makes your skin crawl, it’s never too late to take some preventative measures into account. The sooner you begin to create barriers around your pool, the quicker you’ll gain peace of mind.
Animals in pool: How does this affect you?
The effect on your pool depends on the type of animal, how long it is in the water, and the condition of the pool water. If you remove the animal quickly, the effects are usually small.
But if it stays longer or dies in the pool, the effects can be bigger. Here is a list of common animals that can get into your pool and how they might affect it:
- Ducks: Might look cute and swimming in your pool seems cool, but they can spread nasty stuff like bird flu, salmonella, and E coli.
- Alligators: are common in southern states like Florida and can occasionally wander into residential pools. If this happens, you may need resurfacing due to scratches and damage, as well as a professional pool shock to restore water quality.
- Raccoons: Are super curious and love hanging out near water, especially when it’s hot. But the real danger lies in their feces, according to the CDC, they can carry Baylisascaris procyonis, a parasitic roundworm that’s dangerous to humans.
- Mosquitoes: Love to hang out in warm, still water. If you don’t keep your pool clean and in check, it could turn into a nasty spot for germs to grow. They don’t just leave you with annoying bites; they can also pass on some pretty serious illnesses.
- Bear in pool: Though not super common, sometimes end up in our backyards and take a swim, especially when it’s super-hot or there’s no water around. They pose serious safety risks and can damage your pool. After removal, you may need repairs and a professional pool shock to ensure it’s safe again.
How to keep animals out of pool?
According to Nuisance Wildlife, the first step is to put up a pool screen, especially in places like Miami, Fort Worth, TX, and Port Charlotte. A fully enclosed lanai or pool cage keeps medium to large animals out while letting in air and light.
But if you might not like the idea of a pool screen you can chose some of the following ideas:
1. Install a Fence: Hiring a pool service expert to install a fence will enhance safety and prevent wildlife from entering your pool area. It’s a straightforward and effective method to keep animals out.
2. Install an automatic sprinkler: Another way to keep animals away from your pool and yard is to set up an automatic sprinkler system, even if you don’t have much grass. A surprise spray of water can scare off animals.
Some sprinkler systems use infrared beams to notice animal movement. When they spot an animal nearby, they spray water to keep it away. After a few weeks, you may not need the system anymore because the animals will learn to stay away.
3. Use a flashing infrared system: If you see large animals or predators near your home, think about putting up a flashing infrared system by your pool. This device works well after dark when animals start to come around.
The light flashes to scare them away from your yard and pool. It’s a safe and eco-friendly way to keep animals away that could be dangerous.
4. Spray around your pool: According to Line World, use essential oils like peppermint or lemongrass, burn herbs like sage or rosemary, turn on outdoor fans, cook with garlic and onions, and hang bird feeders to attract bug-eating birds.
Pool animal escape ramp
Of course we know animals are kind of scary in your pool but at the end of the day we should try to treat them with kindness, cause they don’t realize how dangerous they can be for our health, so we also recommend to install a pool animal escape ramp, that according to Four Paws, these tools are made to help small animals like frogs, ducklings, and squirrels get over the side of a swimming pool.
This way, we can protect the animals from drowning, and our pool will be safer. However, please don’t forget to do a weekly cleaning, and every time you see one of these animals, don’t hesitate to get in touch with a pool professional.
Whether you have a large pool to protect from wildlife or a small one, these tips can help you keep local animals and insects from becoming a nuisance throughout the year. The time and money put into these tactics will be well worth it for peace of mind.
FAQ’s
1.How to keep racoons away from pool areas?
To stop raccoons from hanging around your pool, you should put up a good fence that keeps them out. Raccoons are pretty smart and nosy, so you might want to try using sprinklers that go off when they move or lights that flash in the infrared to keep them away.
2. How to keep bugs away from pool water?
To stop bugs from crashing into your pool party, keep the chlorine at the right level and throw a cover over it when you’re not swimming. Setting up fans outside keeps bugs away, and using stuff like peppermint or lemongrass oil sprays around the pool area works as well.
3. What should I do if I find a dead animal in my pool?
If you find a dead animal in your pool, it’s important to handle the situation carefully, first contact animal control and if you want to relax and keep your pool clean, it’s a good idea to get in touch with a pro like Amenity Pool Services. They’ve got the know-how and gear to make sure your pool’s safe, clean, and ready for a splash without any health worries.
4. Why are animals attracted to my pool?
Animals like your pool because, just like you, they love water. Especially when it’s super hot or really dry, pools are like a lifesaver for staying hydrated and cooling off.
5. Is it worth it to spend money on pool screens to keep wildlife out?
Absolutely, particularly in places like Florida or Phoenix. Pool screens, or fully enclosed pool cages, are super effective at keeping medium to large animals like raccoons, ducks, and even alligators from crashing your pool party.
