So you’ve got frogs in your pool huh? Trust me I get it. There’s nothing worse than going for a refreshing swim and bumping into a slimy amphibian doing the backstroke next to you.
The good news is you can absolutely keep frogs out of your pool without too much hassle. I’ve dealt with this exact problem at my own home and helped neighbors tackle it too.
The simplest solution is installing a proper pool cover when you’re not using it but there are plenty of other methods that work great. Let’s dive into some easy fixes that won’t break the bank or turn pool maintenance into a full-time job.
Why Frogs Love Your Pool
First things first we need to understand why these little hoppers are so attracted to your backyard oasis. Frogs view your pool as prime real estate – it’s basically a five-star hotel in their eyes.
They’re drawn to water obviously and your pool is a reliable source especially during dry spells.
But it’s not just the water. Pools often have lights which attract insects which are basically frog food delivery. And those warm concrete surrounds? Perfect for soaking up heat on cooler evenings.
Frogs aren’t trying to ruin your pool party – they’re just following their natural instincts.
Anyway I’ve found that understanding what makes your pool attractive to frogs is the first step in deterring them. The chlorine doesn’t bother them as much as you’d think either.
Studies from the Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Trust show that many frog species are surprisingly tolerant of pool chemicals at least for short periods.
Physical Barriers That Actually Work
Let’s talk barriers because they’re honestly your best first line of defense. A good pool cover is worth its weight in gold when it comes to keeping frogs out.
They can’t jump in if there’s a physical barrier right? Makes sense.
Pool fencing is another solid option but the mesh needs to be pretty fine. I installed a 24-inch barrier around my pool with 1/8-inch mesh and it cut my frog visitors down by like 90%.
You want it tall enough that they can’t jump over it.
Also those pool skimmers with the extendable nets? Keep one handy by the pool. They’re not technically a barrier but they make removing the occasional frog way less gross than using your hands. Trust me on this one.
But yeah don’t waste your money on those ultrasonic repellers. My neighbor spent like $50 on one and still had frogs everywhere.
Natural England’s research on pool frog behavior suggests these devices don’t significantly affect amphibian behavior despite marketing claims.
Modifying Your Pool Environment
Sometimes the best way to keep frogs out is to make your pool less appealing to them in the first place. This means thinking about the environment around your pool not just the water itself.
Turn off those pool lights when you’re not using them. I know they look pretty at night but they’re basically a neon “FOOD HERE” sign for frogs. The lights attract bugs which attract frogs. It’s like an all-you-can-eat buffet.
You might want to reconsider your landscaping too. I had all these nice plants right up against my pool deck – removed half of them and my frog problem improved overnight. Dense vegetation near your pool is basically frog housing. They’ll hide there during the day then hop in for a midnight swim.
Water circulation helps too. Frogs prefer stagnant water for breeding. Research published in the Journal of Experimental Biology found that frogs can actually smell stagnant water and are drawn to it! Keep your pump running regularly and they’ll be less interested.
Chemical Deterrents (That Won’t Harm Your Pool)
I’m not a huge fan of chemicals but there are some pool-safe options that can discourage frogs without messing up your water chemistry or hurting the frogs.
Wait – let me rephrase that. I don’t mean adding extra chemicals to poison them. That’s cruel and unnecessary. I’m talking about adjusting your existing pool chemistry to make it less frog-friendly.
Maintaining proper chlorine levels is actually a decent deterrent. While frogs can tolerate chlorine short-term they don’t love it. I keep my pool at the higher end of the recommended chlorine range during frog season to ensure effective pool cleaning.
Some people swear by adding a cup of white vinegar around the perimeter of the pool. The mild acidity creates a barrier frogs don’t like to cross. I tried this last summer and it seemed to help though you need to reapply after rain.
Also speaking as someone who’s been maintaining pools for years don’t believe everything you read about coffee grounds or lemon peels. They might work temporarily but they can mess with your water balance and filter. Not worth it.
Natural Predators and Decoys
This might sound a little weird but using nature’s own system can be super effective. Frogs have natural predators and they’re hardwired to avoid them.
Plastic snake decoys placed around your pool can work surprisingly well. I bought a pack of rubber snakes online – totally realistic looking – and strategically placed them around my pool deck. My daughter hates them but the frogs seemed to get the message.
Some folks use owl decoys too. This works on the same principle. You just need to remember to move them every few days otherwise the frogs figure out they’re fake. I forgot to move mine for a week and eventually saw a frog literally sitting on top of my fake owl. Not ideal.
But yeah don’t actually introduce real predators to your yard! I had a customer who released a couple of garden snakes thinking they’d eat the frogs. Created a whole new problem and didn’t fix the frog issue.
Creating Alternative Habitats
This approach is a bit counterintuitive but hear me out. Sometimes the best way to keep frogs out of your pool is to give them somewhere better to go.
I built a small decorative pond about 50 feet from my pool using a preformed liner. Nothing fancy – cost maybe $100 total. Stocked it with some native plants and boom – the frogs preferred it over my chlorinated pool.
Ecology and Evolution published research showing that frogs strongly prefer natural water features with vegetation over artificial ones when given the choice.
This works because you’re giving them what they actually want – a natural habitat with food shelter and breeding opportunities. Your sterile pool is just a second-best option for them.
If you don’t want to build a pond you can even use a large shallow container buried to ground level and filled with water and a few rocks or plants. Just remember to change the water regularly to prevent mosquitoes.
Emergency Rescue Methods
Let’s be real – even with all these preventative measures you’re probably still gonna find a frog in your pool occasionally. It happens. So you need a plan for when it does.
The FrogLog is pretty cool if you don’t mind spending a few bucks. It’s basically a little floating platform with a fabric ramp that gives frogs an escape route.
Science News Explores reports that these simple devices can reduce drowning of small animals in pools by up to 80%.
You can DIY this too. I made one using a piece of foam with a strip of mesh fabric draped over the side of the pool. Worked almost as well as the commercial version at a fraction of the cost.
For immediate removal (like when you’ve got guests coming over in 10 minutes) a pool net is your best friend. Scoop gently and release the frog in a vegetated area away from your pool.
They can jump surprisingly far so set them free at least 100 feet away if possible.
Look I know it’s frustrating dealing with frogs in your pool but remember they’re beneficial creatures that eat tons of insects including mosquitoes. The goal here isn’t to harm them – just to redirect them somewhere else.
With these methods you should be able to enjoy a mostly frog-free swimming experience while still coexisting with your amphibian neighbors.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do You Make Frogs Go Away?
If you want to make frogs go away, try keeping your yard dry and clear of standing water. They love that stuff!
You can also add some natural repellents like vinegar or even citrus peels around the area. Just don’t hurt them; they’re kinda cute, right?
How Do I Get Rid of Frogs From My Pool?
To get rid of frogs from your pool, try making the area less inviting. Here’s what you can do:
- Drain excess water
- Cover it at night
- Use a little barrier like salt around the edge
Oh, and scoop ’em out if they’re already there. Easy peasy!
Why Are Frogs Coming to My Pool?
Frogs are probably just lookin’ for a nice, wet place to chill. Your pool’s water might seem super cozy and safe for them.
Plus, they’re drawn to the bright lights at night. Not ideal but kinda cute, right?
Does Chlorine Kill Frogs?
Yep, chlorine can definitely harm frogs. It messes with their skin, which is super important for them since they absorb stuff through it.
Too much chlorine? Not ideal for their health. They kinda need clean, safe water to thrive.
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