What To Do If You Find Frogs In Your Pool

There's nothing quite as shocking as heading out to go for a morning swim in your pool only to find a small frog already in it doing laps. Seeing these webbed-foot visitors in swimming pools is not uncommon but, while it might give you quite a startle, they're not too hard to get out. Fortunately, there are plenty of easy ways to safely get rid of frogs from your garden and your pool going forward.

To a frog, your pool just looks like a nice, oversized pond. One of the main reasons they'll hop in is that water usually also means food. Many pests (from mosquitoes to cockroaches) like standing water, as it offers them a place to lay their eggs or just stop by for a drink. And where there are bugs, hungry frogs are sure to follow. Additionally, cool water helps them regulate their body temperature, stay hydrated, and even breathe easier. Many frog species also lay their eggs in water.

Unfortunately, once they jump in, the steep (and sometimes slippery) sides of some swimming pools make it difficult for them to climb back out. On top of that, the chemicals in pool water, like chlorine, are harsh on frogs' porous skin; this means an accidental dip can quickly become a serious, if not fatal, problem. Understanding why they're drawn to the water in the first place is the first step in solving your unwanted guest issue.

If there's already a frog trapped in your pool, your first priority should be helping it escape. Seasoned pool owners may already own an escape ramp, which you can always have set up in open pools as an easy way to help small animals escape. The fastest option for removal, however, is to use a pool net; otherwise, you can try to grab the frog yourself, or DIY a ramp or steps for them.

Once you've helped your aquatic visitor safely exit, it's time to make your pool less appealing to any future curious amphibians. Start by breaking the food chain, and turn off your pool and patio lights at night. A lack of light greatly reduces the chances of there being any bugs around, and no bugs means no frogs. You can also add a water feature like a waterfall or fountain to your pool. Why? Since insects prefer still water to lay their eggs in, keeping the pool's surface moving disrupts their breeding ground.

Next, focus on the water temperature and access. Using a solar cover or heat pump to heat your pool will help, as frogs dislike warmer water. Outside the pool, whenever it isn't being used, keep it tightly covered. Finally, trim back any tall grass or thick weeds near the pool. Frogs love to hide in dense foliage, so clearing the border removes their favorite shady hangouts. By tweaking a few habits, you can send the frogs safely hopping elsewhere.