Or… Dead Frogs Tell No Tales Matt Giovanisci Swim University & Terry Arko SeaKlear

A list of possible suspects (or things found in pools) Leaves Grass Insects Snakes Dogs Ducks Frogs Birds Bats Rats Bears

What About Bears?

Bears in Pools What to do if a bear has been swimming in a pool Chemical treatment: Check chlorine levels and raise to at least 3 ppm Super-chlorinate if necessary keeping bears away from pools Clean up after BBQs and parties do not leave food out around the pool! No dog or cat food left outside. No bird feeders Never approach a bear Turn on radios or TVs. Talk loudly or bang pots and pans together

What About Birds?

Birds in Pools Birds or pigeons will leave droppings around, or in the pool, that can contaminate the water with: E.coli Salmonella Campylobacter Cryptosporidium Most of these germs can inactivated with chlorine with the exception of Crypto Chemical Treatment: Raise the free chlorine concentration to, or maintain it at, 2 parts per million (ppm) Maintain the pH level at 7.5 or less; Keep the temperature at 77°F (25°C) or higher. The free chlorine and pH should remain at these levels for 30 minutes. If Crypto is suspected then chlorine should be kept at 20 ppm, pH of 7.5 or less, temp 77 for 16 hours.

Keeping Birds Away From Pools Remove plants that produce edible nuts, fruits, and berries. Remove bird feeders. Trim or remove trees and shrubs to limit branches hanging around or over the pool that can be used by roosting birds. Source: CDC.Gov Healthy Swimming and Recreational Water

Keeping Ducks and Geese Away From Pools Do not feed ducks or geese Many types of ducks and geese eat grass, so reducing the area of grass lawns around the swimming pool. Put up barriers that prohibit movement between swimming pools and grass lawns, such as fences and hedges. Removing domestic ducks and geese from the pool area can also help decrease the likelihood that wild ducks and geese will be attracted to the area. Source : CDC.Gov Healthy Swimming and Recreational Water

What About Raccoons?

Raccoons in a Pool (They’re not so cute) Raccoon feces can sometimes contain the eggs of a worm called Baylisascaris procyonis, which can infect humans, particularly children, and cause severe neurologic illness. (cdc.gov/healthywater/swimming/pools/animals/raccoons-and-pools)cdc.gov/healthywater/swimming/pools/animals/raccoons-and-pools Many Raccoons throughout the country can carry a pathogenic parasite in the feces (poop). If Raccoons are swimming in the pools they are probably pooping in the pool. Swallowing the eggs of this parasite in the water can lead to serious neurological illness

Treating a Pool That Raccoons Have Used If there is evidence that the Raccoons have defecated in the pool the CDC recommends two options: 1. Keep swimmers out of the pool and run the pool filter for 24 hours. Backwash the filter and clean the filter. Change out the filter media if possible. Dispose of filter media by double bagging in garbage bags. Wear disposable rubber gloves when handling material and dispose of gloves in garbage bag when done. WASH YOUR HANDS with hot water and soap when done. 2.Backwash the filter. Drain and rinse down the pool. Clean and dispose of filter material if possible. Double bag material in garbage bags. Use disposable rubber gloves and dispose of after use in garbage bag. Wash hands in hot water and soap. Another option if draining is not possible would be to raise the chlorine level to 20 ppm, pH 7.5 or less, temp of 77 degrees and maintain Cl level and pH for 13 hours. Run filter 24 hours and backwash when done.

What About Bats?

Bats in the Pool Info on Bats being trapped and drowning from Aqua Magazine Bats should be treated the same as with birds. Bats carry rabies and other forms of bacteria. Care should be taken if bats are alive or trapped in the pool. Many bats are now protected. Contact an animal control official.

What About Snakes?

Snakes are attracted to pools especially in dry seasons Many times snakes will coil up inside the skimmer (Rattle snakes have been found in skimmers) Never handle attempt to remove or handle a snake with your hands There are snake repellents available as well as do it yourself formulas that you can find searching the web

When Dead Animals Are Found Close the pool to swimmers. Put on disposable gloves. Use a net or bucket to remove the dead animal from the pool. Double bag the animal in plastic garbage bags. Clean off any debris or dirt from the item used to remove the dead animal. Remove gloves and place them in the garbage bags. Close the garbage bags and place them in a sealed trash can to help keep wild animals away from the dead animal. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water immediately. Raise the free chlorine concentration to, or maintain it at, 2 parts per million (ppm); maintain the pH levels at 7.5 or less; keep the temperature at 77°F (25°C) or higher. The free chlorine and pH should remain at these levels for 30 minutes. Confirm that the filtration system is operating properly during this time. Disinfect the item used to remove the dead animal by immersing it in the pool during the 30 minute disinfection time. ( pools.html)

What About Cars?

Gasoline and Oil The best option drain the pool if possible. If draining isn’t an option set pool to skimmer to skim most of the floating oil or gasoline. Use an enzyme at high strength. Chlorine shock and natural based clarifier. Clean filter media with a good filter cleaner.

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