How to Keep Frogs Out of Your Pool

 

There's nothing quite like stepping outside on a warm summer morning to enjoy your pool—until you discover a frog (or several) swimming inside. While frogs are harmless and beneficial to the environment because they eat insects, they don't belong in your pool.  Frogs are attracted to pools because they're a reliable source of water, especially during hot, dry weather. Fortunately, there are several simple ways to discourage frogs from making your pool their new home.

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Why Are Frogs Attracted to Pools?

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Pools provide exactly what frogs are looking for:

• A constant source of water

• Cool temperatures during hot weather

• Insects to feed on

• Landscaping and shrubs for shelter

• Quiet areas around the pool

 

If your pool is surrounded by plants, mulch, or decorative rocks, it can become even more attractive to frogs.

 

10 Ways to Keep Frogs Out of Your Pool

 

1. Keep Your Pool Covered

A quality pool cover is one of the most effective ways to prevent frogs from entering your pool, especially overnight when frogs are most active.  Whenever your pool isn't in use, cover it to keep out frogs, leaves, and other debris.

 

2. Turn Off Pool Lights at Night

Lights attract insects, and insects attract frogs.

 

If possible:

• Turn off pool lights when they're not needed.

• Use motion-activated lighting instead of leaving lights on all night.

• Replace bright white bulbs with warmer-colored lighting where practical.

 

Reducing insects means fewer reasons for frogs to visit.

 

3. Remove Standing Water

Frogs don't just use swimming pools. Bird baths, buckets, flower pots, clogged gutters, and children's toys that collect rainwater can all attract frogs.  Walk around your yard regularly and empty containers that hold water.

 

4. Keep Landscaping Trimmed

Tall grass, dense shrubs, mulch, and ground cover provide cool hiding places during the day.

 

Keep vegetation:

• Trimmed

• Neat

• Away from the pool edge whenever possible

 

The more open the area around your pool, the less inviting it becomes.

 

5. Reduce Insects Around Your Pool

Since frogs feed primarily on insects, reducing insect activity also discourages frogs.

 

You can help by:

• Removing standing water

• Keeping trash cans tightly closed

• Cleaning up spilled food after outdoor meals

• Using bug zappers or insect traps away from the pool area

 

6. Skim Your Pool Daily

Leaves and floating debris create hiding places for frogs and attract insects.  Use a leaf net or skimmer each day to keep your pool clean.

 

7. Install a Frog Escape Ramp

Sometimes frogs accidentally fall into pools and can't climb back out because of the smooth walls.  A floating frog escape ramp or animal-saving device gives frogs and other small wildlife a way to safely exit the pool on their own.

 

These inexpensive devices can also help protect:

• Toads

• Chipmunks

• Squirrels

• Lizards

• Small snakes

• Turtles

 

They're a simple, humane solution that's good for both your pool and local wildlife.

 

8. Maintain Proper Water Chemistry

While balanced pool water won't prevent frogs from entering, a clean, well-maintained pool is generally less attractive than one with algae, insects, or stagnant water.

 

Regularly:

• Test the water

• Balance chemicals

• Remove debris

• Run the filtration system

 

9. Keep Water Moving

Frogs prefer calm water.  Running fountains, waterfalls, bubblers, or other water features—especially during the evening—can make your pool less inviting.

 

10. Install Low Decorative Fencing (If Needed)

If frogs are a constant problem, a short decorative barrier or fine mesh fence around the pool can reduce access from nearby ponds, wooded areas, or wetlands.  Even a small obstacle can discourage frogs from reaching the water.

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What If You Find a Frog in Your Pool?

If you find a live frog:

• Use a pool net to gently scoop it out.

• Release it in a shaded area away from the pool.

• Avoid handling frogs with bare hands whenever possible, as some species have sensitive skin and human lotions or oils can harm them.

• Never use chemicals or pesticides to remove frogs from your pool.

• Are Frogs Harmful to Pool Water?  Generally, no.

 

A frog in the pool won't ruin your water, but frogs can leave behind waste and, if they remain trapped, they may die in the pool. Regular skimming, proper filtration, and balanced water chemistry will help keep your pool clean and safe.

 

Enjoy a Cleaner Pool All Summer Long

Keeping frogs out of your pool is usually as simple as reducing what attracts them and making it easier for them to leave if they accidentally fall in. A clean pool, trimmed landscaping, fewer insects, and a quality pool cover can make a big difference.

At FillPools.com, we're committed to helping homeowners enjoy a clean, inviting pool from the first fill of the season through the last swim of summer. Whether you're opening a new pool, topping off after evaporation, or filling after repairs, our professional pool water delivery service gets you back to enjoying your backyard faster.  Need pool water delivered? Contact FillPools.com today for fast, reliable service throughout Pennsylvania and Northern Maryland.