Swimming Pools Pose a Danger to Pets and Wildlife
While having a swimming pool is great fun, there are several risks to animals that must be prioritised
Pool owners must prioritise the safety of animals. Animals face the risk of drowning if they are unable to escape from a pool with straight, slippery walls. This danger not only affects the owner's pets but also poses a threat to neighbouring pets and wildlife. Making your pool safe for animals is a responsibility that every pool owner needs to be aware of.
When thinking about making a swimming pool safe
In the preparation phase it’s good to reflect on the following questions:
- What animals can I expect depending on the country/the area I am living?
- Which materials are safe for animals and can protect them from getting into my pool area?
That helps focus your efforts on the most relevant precautions to be taken.
Keeping your pool safe:
- Fences: Depending on your requirements, this could be either a removable or a permanent fence. Either way, don’t forget to block up any gaps that animals could wriggle through, and make sure the fence is stable enough to withstand stronger animals.
- Ramps and steps: It is advisable to have different ramps and steps to ensure that smaller and larger animals can find their way out of the pool. Do make sure that these features are non-slip.
- Alarms: If you install an alarm system it is wise to go for one that goes off only when there is movement in the water itself, not around the swimming pool edge.
- Coverings: Choose safety covers that have a strong tension, as they provide a sturdy surface and can support the weight of larger animals.
- Tidy your pool: Always make sure to remove anything that might attract animals and encourage them to jump into the pool. This includes items like flowers that may attract bees or floating objects that might appear interesting for other animals to explore or play with.
- Check the skimmer basket: This is part of the filtration system and there is a risk that small animals can be sucked in and become trapped. If possible, use skimmer covers to prevent this.
- Climbing aids: Some knotted ropes along the sides can be helpful tools for stranded animals to climb out.
- Critter escape ramps/nets: These tools are specifically designed to help small animals such as frogs, ducklings and squirrels to overcome the height of a swimming pool.
- Cut overhanging branches: This prevents small wildlife like squirrels from falling down from trees into the pool.
In case of an emergency
Even with the best precautions in place, it can still happen that an animal finds its way into the water. In such cases, it is advisable to have something to hand to help the animals out:
Small animals: tools like nets, brooms, shovels and pool skimmers are very helpful, so make sure there’s always something like that within reach so that you can help an animal in need immediately.
Larger animals: have something nearby such as a long, wide plank of wood that can be used as a ramp; or place some garden chairs in the pool which can help the animal escape.