Having a pool in your backyard can be a fantastic luxury, but sometimes unwanted visitors can make it challenging to maintain or simply enjoy your pool – such as mosquitoes or frogs.
Frogs, while not inherently harmful, can pose various risks like contamination or clogged filtration systems. So, keeping these little creatures out of your swimming area is important for both safety and cleanliness. Luckily, there are some relatively simple methods for keeping frogs away from your pool.
Related: How to Get Rid of Frogs
Why Frogs Are Attracted to Pools
Frogs find their way into your pool because they are instinctively drawn to water sources as places to relax and sometimes even breed. Your pool appears to them as a suitable habitat with all the necessary elements for their survival.
Another reason why frogs are drawn to pools is the presence of insects. Depending on your pool maintenance routine and the use of pool lights, the area around your pool might attract a wide range of bugs, which are a food source for adult and baby frogs.
Do Frogs Prefer Chlorine or Salt Water Pools?
Frogs aren’t particularly picky about the type of water they swim in, but they do have a preference for still bodies of water. Both chlorine and salt water pools can be appealing to them if the water is stagnant.
However, they might find salt water slightly less irritating to their sensitive skin compared to chlorinated water, as salt water pools typically have lower levels of chlorine.
Is It Safe to Swim in a Pool With Frogs
Swimming in a pool with frogs is generally not recommended due to safety concerns for both humans and the frogs. Frogs can carry bacteria and diseases, such as salmonella, which can be harmful to humans if ingested or if the bacteria comes in contact with open wounds.
Furthermore, swimming with frogs can be unpleasant for many people, as frogs can leave behind feces and other debris in the pool. This can lead to a decrease in water quality and increase the risk of bacterial growth, which can cause skin irritation and other health issues.
Finally, there’s a chance you may injure the frogs. This can lead to further exposure to possible contaminants and may attract even bigger pests to your pool such as hawks, which will see the injured frogs as an easy snack.
What To Do If You Find a Frog In Your Pool
If you find a frog in your pool, you’ll want to remove it carefully and release it back into the wild. Avoid using chemicals or other harmful substances to remove the frog, as this can harm the frog and may damage your pool.
Instead, you can use a standard pool net to catch the frog and put it in a bucket with water from the source, then relocate it to a more natural home.
See Also: How to Get Frogs Out of Your Septic System
Should You Be Concerned If You Find Dead Frogs In Your Pool?
Dead frogs in your pool are not necessarily a cause for concern as long as you remove them daily. However, if you do not remove them, the dead frogs can attract other animals and insects, which can cause problems in your pool.
Does Chlorine Kill Frogs?
Yes, chlorine can be harmful to frogs and may kill them. However, the concentration of chlorine in most pools is not enough to instantly kill frogs that may end up in your pool. Frogs are sensitive to chemicals, and prolonged exposure to chlorinated water can cause them harm.
Methods to Keep Frogs Away
The good news is that it’s relatively easy to make frogs avoid your pool. For the best results, employ more than one of the following methods:
#1 – Keep Pool Covered When Not In Use
Using a pool cover when not swimming is arguably the best way to keep frogs out of your pool. Since frogs use pools as a source of hydration and breeding grounds, creating a physical barrier such as a cover prevents access to the water.
This is especially important during the breeding season when frogs lay their eggs in water. A pool cover also helps to keep various bugs out of the pool which would otherwise attract frogs.
#2 – Barriers and Fencing
Installing a fence or barrier around your pool can help keep frogs and other critters away. Make sure it’s tall enough to prevent frogs from jumping or climbing over, and consider burying the bottom edge about six inches deep to discourage burrowing.
Related: How to Keep Frogs Out of Your Garden
#3 – Encouraging Predators
Invite frog predators, such as birds (or maybe even snakes), to your yard to keep the frog population in check. Some dragonflies from the genus Anax have been known to attack frogs, but other species will usually just end up as lunch, so they’re not the greatest choice in frog prevention contrary to some claims.
Be sure to provide suitable habitats, like birdhouses or a small pond, to attract these natural frog controllers.
#4 – Frog Repellents
Using a frog repellent like a vinegar spray can help deter frogs from your pool area . Mix equal parts water and vinegar and spray around the perimeter, but be careful when spraying near plants, as the high acidity of vinegar can harm them.
#5 – Lighting Modifications
Frogs will hunt nocturnal insects attracted by outdoor lighting, so changing your pool area lighting can help keep them away. Use yellow or sodium-vapor lights to discourage insects, or consider turning off the lights when not in use.
#6 – Pool Chemical Balancing
Properly balancing your pool’s chemicals can make it less inviting for frogs. Keep your pool’s pH, chlorine, and alkalinity levels within the recommended range to create an inhospitable environment for them.
#7 – Regular Pool Maintenance
Regular pool maintenance not only keeps your pool in good condition but it provides a less welcoming environment for frogs. This includes regularly checking the pool filter and cleaning the skimmer baskets.
#8 – Water Features
Adding a water feature, like a fountain or waterfall, to your pool area can deter frogs from lingering nearby. Moving water discourages frogs from laying eggs and makes the area less appealing. It will also help prevent insects from breeding, which further discourages visits from frogs.
#9 – Using Plants
Choose plants that deter frogs to make your pool area less inviting. Go for plants with strong odors, like citronella, ornamental onions, or lemongrass, to naturally repel frogs. These work equally well at keeping frogs out of your home if they like to congregate around your front porch.
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