Ah, there’s nothing better than a refreshing dip in the pool. Unfortunately, some curious critters may feel the same way. During the hot summer months, pool water isn’t just enticing to us. It can appear as a cool respite and possibly an excellent place to quench the thirst of quite a few animals, including squirrels, mice, rabbits and deer. Toads, ducks, frogs and snakes can also be attracted to the allure of your pool.

So, what can you do? The first thing is to try to deter animals from venturing into your pool in the first place. What you want near, on or around your pool are fences, ledges, a pool cover or an enclosed lanai, all of which can all help keep critters out of your pool. What you don’t want near your pool is any foliage, which can create hiding places for animals.

Other deterrents include plastic owls because they can scare birds that might otherwise decide to take a bathroom break in your pool. Frogs are not fans of rubber snakes; nor may be your obnoxious neighbor.  Either way, it’s looking like a good purchase. Additionally, the smell of high chlorine content can also keep certain animals from jumping in your pool, and ground cloves sprinkled on the ground around the outer edges of your pool can help keep snakes away.

If you happen to end up with a scared, tired animal in your pool, here’s what you can do. Visible, knotted rope around the edges of your pool can help animals climb out on their own; and buoyant devices such as a floating chair may give larger creatures the aid they need to get out of your swimming pool. You can also try to net smaller animals.