What do I do if I find a dead animal in my pool?

Small animals like rats, mice, squirrels, frogs, and bats may end up dead in residential pools, and it is nothing to worry about. These animals do not pose a health hazard, but if you happen to come across a raccoon, you will need to act fast.

Raccoons are known for carrying infections that can spread through pool water. If you spot a dead raccoon, call Animal Control without hesitation.

In other cases, chlorine in a well-maintained pool can kill germs they may carry. Follow these steps:

  1. Close the pool and wear disposable gloves.
  2. Remove the dead animal using a net, and double bag it in garbage bags.
  3. Thoroughly clean your hands.
  4. Look over your pool to make sure that the pH is at 7.5 or less, free chlorine levels at 2 ppm, and maintain the temperature at 77°F (25°C) or higher for the next 30 minutes.
  5. Check if the filtration system is functioning correctly and disinfect the net you used.

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