How To Keep Frogs Out Of A Pool
Finding frogs in your pool can be disconcerting. Not only is it a hassle, but chlorine is toxic to frogs and they can quickly die in the water. Understandably, many homeowners struggle with how to keep frogs out of a pool.
Electric pool covers, frog ramps, and fences are among the best ways to keep frogs out of a pool. Maintain your lawn to keep frogs out of your pool, as dense grass and weeds can attract them. You can also keep frogs out of your pool if you install a small pond in your backyard so the frogs will go there instead of your pool.
Run your pool heater overnight to keep frogs away because they prefer cold water. Follow along as we highlight the best ways to keep frogs out of a pool.
Home Remedies To Keep Frogs Out Of A Pool
You don’t typically need to enlist professional help to keep frogs out of your pool. Any homeowner can keep frogs out of their pool with several home remedies and pool upgrades.
1. Electric Pool Cover
Electric pool covers are the best way to keep frogs out of a pool. While they are somewhat expensive, they are worth every penny because they make it much easier to maintain your pool. They cover and uncover your swimming pool at the touch of a button.
You can simply hold the button and cover your pool each night when it gets dark to keep frogs out. Frogs are most likely to get into your pool at night when they are more active. Electric pool covers also help to keep leaves and debris out of your pool overnight.
This will put less of a strain on your filter and your pool basket won’t fill up so quickly. Electric pool covers typically start at $1,500, but they are worth the cost when you consider how much work they eliminate.
2. Turn Off Pool Lights
Frogs commonly get stuck in swimming pools because they are attracted to the lights in and around the pool. Turn off your pool light at night to reduce the risk that frogs will fall into the water and get stuck, You can also turn off the exterior lights around your pool as the reflection on the water can also attract frogs.
This won’t eliminate the risk of frogs getting in your pool entirely, but turning the lights off will attract fewer frogs. Frogs still may enter your pool when it’s uncovered when the moon is bright, however.
3. Maintain Your Lawn
Frogs like dense lawns with tall grass and lots of weeds. That is similar to their preferred natural habitat and will attract them to your yard. In some cases, frogs will make their way through your unkempt lawn and find their way into your swimming pool.
You won’t attract as many frogs to your pool if you take good care of your lawn. Mow your lawn weekly during the spring and summer and regularly pull weeds. This will make your lawn less appealing to frogs and should keep them out of your pool.
4. Heat Your Pool
Do you have a heated pool? If so, you can discourage frogs from taking a dip in your pool if you turn the heat up. Frogs are typically drawn to cold water, and they are less likely to flock toward warm water.
While this is an expensive option, heating your pool should greatly reduce how many frogs get in the water.
5. Run A Vacuum
Many homeowners run pool vacuums overnight. This is a great way to wake up to a clean swimming pool in the morning. Running a vacuum can also keep the water always moving, and that can discourage frogs from getting in.
Frogs are drawn to stagnant water. They are unlikely to get into a pool with wavy water and bubbles, as that isn’t as attractive or comfortable for them. This also helps keep the walls and floor clean, which also can keep frogs out of your pool.
6. Identify Frog Eggs
Frogs lay their eggs in swimming pools in some cases. This is especially true if there isn’t a pond nearby that would be convenient for them. Frog eggs are soft and often come in clusters that float in the water.
Many homeowners find clusters of frog eggs floating on the surface of their pools or within the filter basket. Sadly, frog eggs in pools are unlikely to hatch and become tadpoles because chlorine is toxic to them. Because of that, you should either relocate them to a pond or discard them. There is a good chance that the eggs are already too damaged by chlorine if you find them in your pool.
7. Clean Your Pool
A clean pool is less attractive to frogs than one that is dirty and filled with algae or bacteria. Ideally, you should shock your pool at least once per week to keep it as clean as possible. Run a robot vacuum 1-2 times per week or scrub the walls and floors so that bacteria doesn’t build up.
Keep your filter on as much as possible so that debris will make its way to the basket as it falls into the water. Frogs are more likely to get into a pool that is filled with floating leaves and debris, since it is like the ponds they typically spend their time in.
8. Install Frog Ramps
Sometimes, there is no way to keep frogs out of your pool. Because of that, it’s best to offer the frogs an exit strategy for when they inevitably get in your pool. Frog ramps have become quite popular, and they provide a chance for frogs to get out of the water.
They don’t take up much space and frog ramps are quite humane. This will let frogs get out of the water before the chlorine causes too much damage. They only cost between $10 and $25 and will give frogs a second chance to get out of your pool before the chlorine harms them.
9. Build A Fence
Your only option to keep frogs out of your pool may be to simply build a fence if you live in a wooded area. While building a fence is expensive, it will increase your home’s security and keep frogs out of your pool. It costs an average of $3,250 to build a fence in your backyard.
Aluminum and vinyl fences are quite affordable, but cedar fences offer the most durability. Fences are worth the cost because of the added privacy and security. They can also help keep deer away from plants in your yard.
10. Install A Pond
Frogs are unlikely to get in your pool if there is a pond on your property. Ponds are more appealing to frogs, and they only get in the pool because they mistake it for a pond. However, they will easily be able to tell the difference between a pond and a pool if you have a pond in your yard.
You don’t even need to hire a professional to install a pond. It takes some hard work, but you can create a pond if you dig a hole that is at least 10 feet deep. Simply fill the hole with 7-8 feet of water and let nature take its course. You will quickly find frogs in the pond and a small ecosystem will grow in your backyard.
Summing It Up
The best ways to keep frogs out of your pool are to install an electric cover and turn off your pool lights. You can also keep frogs away from your pool if you maintain your lawn and keep your pool as clean as possible.
Build a fence or put frog ramps in the water so that frogs won’t get stuck in the water. Each of these methods is effective for keeping frogs out of a pool!
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Nick Durante is a professional writer with a primary focus on home improvement. When he is not writing about home improvement or taking on projects around the house, he likes to read and create art. He is always looking towards the newest trends in home improvement.
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