Why are they around or in the pool and does that cause any danger to the water balance / safety?
Yes, frogs can be irritating, but understanding them and how to deter them may save a few frog lives and keep your pool sparkling.
REASONS FROGS GET IN YOUR POOL: WATER – LIGHT – LOW CHLORINE CONTENT
• Water: As we all know, frogs love and need water. They can’t tell the difference between chlorinated water and pond water—both look inviting, so they “take a leap of faith”. Unfortunately, once they hop in, they often can’t hop back out. Therefore, if you don’t make the efforts to deter them, try to at least have a way for them to get out like the Froglog Escape Ramp. https://store.watercrafters.com/froglog-critter-saving-escape-ramp.html
• Light: During the night, frogs may leap in to take a bite of the insects that are attracted to your pool, therefore, sneaking into your pool undetected. Insects are attracted to light which can come from natural and reflected light and/or man-made light such as moonlight, patio lights, landscape lighting, your neighbor’s lights, etc.
• Low Chlorine Content: Consider giving your pool a “shock” (with Burnout or Turbo Shock) to keep them out—they may even tell their frog buddies not to go near the pool.
TIPS TO DETER THE FROGS FROM YOUR POOL:
• Pull the Weeds: Keep the area around your pool free of weeds, tall grass, and other hiding areas for frogs.
• Pool Cover: Cover your pool at night to prevent insects and frogs getting in your pool.
• Keep it Dark: Reduce the insect attraction = reducing frog attraction. Turn the lights off at night, and if the light is coming from reflection or light you cannot control—cover the pool.
• Keep it Moving with a Water Feature: You can eliminate the insect and frog problem by using water features to avoid the stagnant water that attracts them. This is, also, important because frogs like to lay their eggs when the water stops circulating. Try the following: https://store.watercrafters.com/pool-spa-waterfall-fountain.html OR https://store.watercrafters.com/underwater-light-show-and-fountain.html
• Make your own Frog Repellant: Spray the perimeter of your pool edges on the cement with a mixture of water and vinegar to deter frog visitation. You can, also, use saltwater or a mix of water and one of the following: bleach or citric acid. Do NOT use ammonia fertilizer around your pool. This will kill the creatures, and it isn’t good for the rain to wash it into your pool.
• Multipurpose your Morning Brew: Use your old coffee grounds and sprinkle on the vegetation around your pool area. They coffee grounds, also, irritate the feet on the frog causing them to hop away.
• Give them a HOME: Install a pond somewhere else on your property and allow this alternate habitat to keep them happy and “home”.
• Keep it Warm: Use a heater, solar cover or liquid solar cover to keep your pool warm. Frogs find cold water more inviting since cold water has more oxygen. Frogs like heavily oxygenated water, and the oxygen absorbs through their skin. Keep it more comfortable for you, and less comfortable for them. WIN – WIN
• Keep it Sparkling: Don’t let your pool resemble a pond. Keep the pool clean, sparkling, balanced and algae free. Don’t feel overwhelmed by the task of your pool’s upkeep! Call our PoolCare Plus team for weekly maintenance of your pool at 301-948-8111 x120 or email poolcareplus@watercrafters.com
IS MY POOL SAFE IF I FIND A DEAD FROG?
Although finding anything dead in your pool is disturbing and scary it is very rarely a concern for a health risk. However, you do still want to make sure you are cautious in the removal and treatment of your pool after removing the creature. The CDC recommends the following:
1. Request all swimmers to get out of the pool so you can deal with the situation.
2. Wear protective, disposable gloves to prevent any disease or microorganism transfer that could possibly occur.
3. Use a net, cup or bucket to remove the dead frog. The dead animals are often bloated, and it is best to use an aid to remove them.
4. Disposal should be made at your discretion. It is recommended that you double bag the frog to cut down on the smell that may occur.
5. Wash your hands even though you have worn gloves.
6. Disinfect your pool per CDC recommendation as follows. It is not necessary to use any extreme use of chemicals. The steps used are the same you would use if there was solid stool formed in the pool.
