Avoid Critters Getting in Your Pool
Are you worried about a gator or other critters getting into your pool? Finding an alligator in your pool is a terrifying experience. Here in Florida, there are dozens of other animals—like snakes, lizards, frogs, and raccoons—that also might find their way into your backyard oasis. We all want to take a dip in our clean and refreshing swimming pool without meeting critters, and fortunately, there are precautions you can take to prevent animals from getting into your pool.
Install a Pool Fence
If you are concerned about gators or other large animals, installing a pool fence is the most effective method to keep them out. Pool fences are designed to make it difficult for animals to crawl over them. This protective barrier keeps little kids out of the pool area too. If you have a child under three in your home, a pool fence is a smart investment to reduce their risk of drowning.
Invest in a Flashing Light Animal Repellant
A flashing infrared system is another effective method to scare away predators. The infrared motion sensors detect if an animal is moving around near your pool. If one is, the system flashes lights to scare the animal away. There are many effective predator-deterrent light repellers to keep animals out.
Get an Automated Sprinkler System
Have you been thinking about installing sprinklers? Along with hydrating your lawn, an automated sprinkler system can scare animals away. If you are hoping your sprinkler system will keep animals out of your yard, it’s best to invest in a motion sensor system that will automatically spray water if motion is detected.
Spray a Chemical Repellant
Spraying a chemical repellant around your pool is another helpful deterrent. Snakes are especially sensitive to white vinegar or ammonia. Minnesota’s Department of Natural Resources has compiled a list of recommended animal deterrents you can reference. If you prefer to use a natural deterrent, Utah State University recommends boiling two quarts of water with one tablespoon of cayenne pepper, one chopped Spanish onion, and one diced jalapeno pepper. After the concoction has simmered for 20 minutes, let it cool. Then pour it through a strainer into a spray bottle and spray it around your pool.
Maintain Your Yard
Many critters—especially snakes, rats, and mice—are attracted to yards with long grass or overgrown greenery. Mowing your lawn regularly and cutting back your plants is a simple way to deter animals from roaming through your yard and getting into your pool.
Often, the most challenging animals to keep out of your pool are the ones most likely to drown, such as frogs, snakes, and lizards. If you’d like to save these little critters from dying in your pool, you may want to invest in a Froglog or similar pool accessory. A Froglog creates a bridge from the pool to the ground so that little critters can easily climb out if they fall into your pool.
Now you know the top five methods to keep critters out of your pool. So what step are you going to take to keep animals out of your backyard oasis? If your answer is a pool fence, give Pool Works a call! We can help you find and install this effective protective barrier.
