Living in the South means embracing the great outdoors—but sometimes, the outdoors can get a little too close for comfort. From lizards and frogs to raccoons and even the occasional snake, wildlife can sometimes find its way into your pool. While these encounters are usually harmless, they can disrupt your pool’s cleanliness and safety. The good news? With a little preparation, you can keep your pool critter-free while staying wildlife-friendly. Here’s how:
1. Use a Pool Cover
A high-quality pool cover is one of the most effective ways to protect your pool from unwanted visitors. It creates a secure barrier that prevents animals from falling into the water. For maximum effectiveness, choose a cover designed to handle heavy weight and ensure it fits snugly over your pool, leaving no gaps. Regularly check for tears or loose edges, as small openings can invite curious critters. If you have an automatic pool cover, make it part of your routine to close it whenever the pool isn’t in use. Not only does this keep animals out, but it also reduces water evaporation and keeps debris at bay.
2. Install a Pool Fence or Cage
A pool fence or screen enclosure (commonly called a pool cage) is an excellent way to keep critters out of your pool area. Fences help prevent medium-to-large animals, like raccoons, opossums, and even alligators, from wandering into the pool. Choose a fence that is at least four feet tall with small gaps to stop smaller critters from squeezing through. For added security, bury the bottom of the fence a few inches into the ground to deter digging animals.
A pool cage offers even greater protection by completely enclosing the pool area, acting as a barrier for insects, amphibians, reptiles, and even falling leaves. Modern pool cages are durable, visually appealing, and designed to blend with your outdoor aesthetic. They also provide shade and UV protection, keeping your pool water cooler and prolonging your swims during the warmer months.
Whether you opt for a fence, a cage, or both, ensure your setup includes a self-closing, self-latching gate to maximize security.
3. Manage Your Landscaping
Your landscaping plays a bigger role in critter prevention than you might think. Overgrown plants, dense bushes, and low-hanging branches can act as highways for animals, guiding them directly to your pool. Keep shrubs and trees well-trimmed, especially those close to the pool deck. Consider adding plants that naturally deter wildlife—marigolds, lavender, and citronella can help repel insects, which often attract frogs and other small creatures. Additionally, creating a buffer zone of gravel or mulch around your pool can discourage animals from venturing too close, as they often dislike walking on these surfaces.
4. Turn Off Pool Lights at Night
While pool lights can create a relaxing ambiance, they can also act as a beacon for insects, drawing frogs, lizards, and other small critters to your pool. Insects are attracted to the light, and predators follow suit, hoping for an easy meal. To minimize this issue, turn off your pool lights when the pool is not in use, especially during the evening. If you prefer to keep some lighting for safety or aesthetics, consider switching to yellow or amber bulbs, which are less attractive to insects. This simple change can significantly reduce the number of nighttime visitors to your pool.
5. Keep the Pool Area Clean
An untidy pool deck can quickly become a magnet for wildlife. Animals are often drawn to food scraps, pet bowls, and trash left near the pool area. After outdoor meals or gatherings, clean up thoroughly, removing any leftover food and wiping down surfaces. Store garbage in tightly sealed containers to keep scavengers like raccoons and squirrels at bay. If you feed pets outdoors, bring their bowls inside as soon as they finish eating. By keeping your pool area clean and free of attractants, you can make it less appealing to curious critters.
Stay Critter-Free and Enjoy Your Pool!
By taking proactive steps to secure your pool, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing it’s safe from unexpected visitors. Whether it’s installing a pool fence or cage, managing your landscaping, or maintaining cleanliness, these simple measures protect both your pool and the wildlife in your area.
If you’d like help critter-proofing your pool or have questions about other pool care tips, contact us today! We’re here to keep your pool clean, safe, and ready for fun all year long.
