Dealing with a Snake in Pool
It’s surprisingly common to see snakes in pools. If your pool is heated, snakes might head to your pool for warmth in the winter. When the weather is warm, snakes can see your pool as a way to cool off. Having a snake in your pool isn’t going to impact the water chemistry. You won’t have to treat your water after the snake has been removed. Still, you’ll likely want a snake-free pool as soon as possible.
Removing a Snake in Pool
Even though snakes can be spotted swimming in a pool, they are more likely to be detected in the pool’s skimmer. As long as your pool pump is on, your snake will be pulled into the skimmer at some point. In some cases, the exposure to the chlorine can be fatal to snakes. The suction of the pump keeps snakes from leaving the skimmer. Snakes usually can’t remove themselves from a pool on their own, even if they want to leave.
Thankfully, there are several ways to handle this problem.
Snakes can be removed from a pool with a net if they are still swimming in the pool’s waters. If you don’t have access to a net, you may be able to get the snake out of the pool using a long stick or pole.
If these methods don’t work for you, and you can’t find another way to get the snake out, you’ll have to bide your time. It will be easier to remove the snake once it’s pulled into the skimmer. It’s essential to keep in mind that snakes usually can’t get out of pools on their own, even if they’re scared and want to leave. Water circulates throughout your pool, thanks to the return jets. This means that any debris in your pond will wind up in the skimmer. The same thing will happen to snakes. As long as your pump is on, then the snake will be in the skimmer at one point or another.
If there are cracks or holes in the basket of the skimmer, likely, the snake will eventually read the pool’s pump basket. Since the handle of the skimmer basket will be near the snake, it’s a good idea to use some sort of pole to grab the basket. Once you’ve grasped the basket, you can toss out the snake and give it away from your pool.
It’s more common to see smaller snakes in pools. In most cases, snakes in pools won’t be much larger than three feet. With that said, if you see dangerous snakes such as a coral snake or a python in your pool, don’t try to remove it yourself. Grab your phone and call animal control!
Keeping Your Pool Snake-Free
While you can remove snakes from your pool, it’s better to make sure they don’t get in there in the first place! You can make your yard less inviting to snakes by mowing it regularly. In spring and at the start of summer, you should mow it once a week. You should also maintain your hedges in the spring. Clean out the area beneath your hedges; snakes can often be found in these spots.
You can also use landscaping to keep snakes from getting close to your pool. Shrubs, hedges, and other pushes are great hiding spots for snakes, which is why you won’t want these types of greenery to be too close to your pool. Remember, snakes are scared of people, just like many people are afraid of snakes! If a snake doesn’t have a spot to hide, it’s unlikely to lurk in an area.
Easy And Effective Ways To Repel Snakes
Are you still spotting snakes in your yard, even after following the advice above? If you’re having lots of snake problems, there are some easy ways to repel snakes from the area around your pool.
Snakes will avoid areas that smell like humans. It might sound strange, but leaving hair or even dirty socks near a pool can keep snakes from coming too close. This is especially important during the night. Mice are most active during the nighttime, and snakes rely on mice as a source of food.
You can also try leaving a little bit of ammonia or white vinegar around your pool each night. Just sprinkle some around the border of the pool before you head in for the night. Snakes won’t cross these lines. They absorb liquid via their skin, so these kinds of barriers can be beneficial.
Work With A Professional That Can Assist You
Your pool is supposed to be inviting, which is why you won’t want to spot a snake there. It’s best to assume that any snakes you see are poisonous. It’s better to be safe than sorry! Try to prevent snakes from getting close to your pool. If a snake’s in your pool, and you’re worried about removing it, don’t hesitate to call Wildlife Removal Services of Florida. Our team can help you deal with pests in your pool!