Like humans, once in a while, animals like a place where they can cool off and grab a refreshing drink. The problem is that, in that instance, your swimming pool may appear pretty enticing to a hot, thirsty animal.

Just for safety sake, before you take a dip, try to keep a keen eye out for animals that may have strayed into your pool. Snakes (yes, snakes), squirrels, mice, rabbits and deer may all be drawn to the allure of your pool. Your swimming pool is also a great hangout for toads, ducks and frogs to frolic.

It’s always a good idea to try to deter animals from venturing into your pool in the first place, so that you don’t have to struggle to extract them later. Structures like fences, ledges and enclosed lanais are good for keeping critters at bay. You’ll also want to try to keep foliage, which can be a great hiding place for some critters, from around the edges of your pool.

Here are some other nifty tips to keep certain animals out of your pool. Let’s face it, no one likes bird poop in the pool, so a plastic owl may be a good purchase. Rubber snakes can be scary to frogs. Snakes don’t like the smell of cloves, so sprinkling ground cloves around your pool (anywhere in your yard, for that matter) could be a good thing. The smell from high chlorine content can also keep certain animals from jumping in your pool.

On to extraction…You may be able to net a smaller animal. Visible, knotted rope around the edges of your pool can help animals climb out on their own; and buoyant devices like a floating chair may give larger creatures the help they need to get out of your swimming pool. Also, it may very well go without saying, but please leave the gators to Animal Control.