A frog loving fan, James, called the other day to report on what he discovered when he visited his Mother’s pool. It seems that during Superstorm Sandy, the covering of the pool ripped and since there was a separation the frogs began creeping in and under the covering. Since they hadn’t been to the home in a while, they didn’t know this was happening. Being back at the home now, there are thousands of frogs in different stages of development.
by James
I have noticed little tiny frogs sitting on the sides of the walls where the liner touches the ground. They all look so fragile and everything is complicated to touch. I just hope they realize the opening is there if they need to come out.
I did see one jump back from the concrete back into the pool onto the first step when he saw me. That’s how I took the picture. I wanted to put something in the water to float but you can’t throw things in because there are so many. I have to try and place it in but the water is so low. This is a job for specialists because if you use nets in the water you will get tadpoles in all different stages. I have never seen anything like it and the frogs that have developed are tiny. They can fit on the tip of your finger. that’s how big the frog is of the picture I sent to you.
I called Peta today but they were busy and couldn’t talk to me. If you were standing in front the of pool you would say “OMG.” You can’t tell in the pictures. When you are standing in front of the pool looking closely you can see them all.
I feel bad because there are tiny green ones sitting on the step and side of the pool and I’m not sure what their game plan is. I opened part of the liner in case they want to climb out.
I didn’t know frogs need to sleep on something so I suspected they might be on the steps since the water is low. When I looked at the steps in the pool I saw many almost developed in the water, some clinging on the side of the pool, and others were sitting on the steps.
I opened the pool cover in the corner where the steps are located to see if any of them climbed out. I was going to put a back wash hose in the water and lead it out to the ground so they can walk on it and out of the pool. i don’t know if this is a good thing to do because there aren’t any ponds around and people are always cutting their grass. plus its hard to even put anything in because there are so many and they can get hurt. If I put the back wash hose in then I would have to do it very slowly. They ones on the steps were all looking at me while I was trying to take their picture.
I sent his story to a few experts and here’s a response from
Keith Gisser, Herpetologist, Herps Alive! Foundation
I would certainly call Wildlife Management. It is unlikely you are the only one. Having said that, this sounds like toads or (if they are bright green) gray tree frogs. There is a reason they all emerge at the same time and that is so that a few of them make it.
Moving these guys is pretty easy. I would use a fish net and a couple rubbermaid tubs with the water they are in. Just scoop ’em up – froglets in one, tadpoles in the other and get them to a suitable habitat nearby.
Do you have the same issue?
Do you have any suggestions that can help James?
This is something expected of a pool abandoned or not taken care of for a while. The best way to rid of these frogs is to have all the water in the pool drained and thoroughly cleaned. We at http://www.absolute-pools.com/ are doing all the effort to avoid this from happening.
Kenneth, This was due to Superstorm Sandy. I believe the home owners were not able to attend to this and that’s why it happened. What I’m most concerned about is what will happen now. – Susan
I have an in ground pool which is covered, water on the cover. I have fenced in yard, where did they come from???? I have dogs. I moved the frogs to a pond with grass around. The frogs had trouble getting out of the pool, that’s why I moved them
Debbie, there is a special product designed for pools so frogs can get out… http://frogsaregreen.org/the-froglog-helps-frogs-avoid-drowning-in-pools/ (we wrote about it).
Susan
I totally fenced my outdoor swimming pool off from my main garden, including close-knit netting 2ft up fence. They get swept into filtration system also, so I even concocted an escape route in the filter! I wished I hadn’t got a swimming pool! I have to maintain it as it is part of the property, as my husband is not around any more, a real pain as I love wildlife!!
Patricia, that’s wonderful. Send photos of the frogs in your area, so we can all enjoy! – Susan
I found a white frog in my mother’s above-ground pool yesterday. It seems safe hiding under the metal over-hanging rim of the pool. I’m in NY state 2 hours north of NYC. I mention where I am because I have never seen a all white frog in my area before… I am an eager wildlife observer. I try to get the frog out of the pool but he/she was having no part of it.
What type of frog might this be?
Do frogs in the swimming pool affect the water safety for children 10 and under?
Thanks,
Billie
Billie, can you email us a photo at info@frogsaregreen.com so we can see it? Also, be sure to get the frog out, we’ve had other people write after frogs laid eggs in the pool and then you may have a lot of frogs. If you can’t get it, try getting the “Froglog.” – Susan
Southern Illinois: This July a large green healthy frog appeared in our in-ground chlorine swimming pool. He is there all night, until about 11:00 a.m., then disappears for the day. It is time to close our pool for the winter, but I am concerned about what will happen to the frog when he suddenly discovers the pool is no longer accessible. Where do frogs go when they leave the pool, and will he find an alternate environment quickly enough to survive?
Dear Ellen, Are you sure there is only one frog? Sometimes frogs will frequent a pool if there is no other pond nearby. Are there woods and / or ponds nearby that the frog will go to once you close the pool? – Susan
I have the same question. Two frogs have been living in my well maintained pool for months. We almost consider them pets. I will be closing it next week. Lots of woods around. One is pretty big so not a tree frog (assumption).
They will just hibernate in the woods right? I just scoop them out of the pool and move them over?
Thanks.
Paul
Hi Paul,
Is there a pond nearby? Where might the frogs have come from? Where exactly are you?
Thanks, Susan
Help! There are at least 8 full grown frogs in the pool at the house where I rent a room. There are probably hundreds of huge tadpoles too. The homeowner has not been taking care of the pool and he says if I want the frogs to live I will have to remove them and relocate them by the end of April 2017 when he plans on adding toxic chemicals (shock) to clean the water. I love frogs. This is hurting me and I know I must move the critters out but I don’t know how to begin. The pool is huge and very deep and I cannot swim. I don’t know how I could even begin to net them and I have no idea where to move them to either. I cannot drive because of medical reasons, so the frogs also need transportation to someplace suitable. Help…please! Some are bullfrogs, I believe. Soon there will be even more babies from the local tree frogs too. Please email me if you have any ideas on how I can save these frogs and tadpoles. The landlord is not calling it off, he will kill them all just for blue chlorine water. HELP ME SAVE THEM!
I am in Hueytown Alabama. Near Birmingham.
Dear Karla, You need to contact a nature conservancy or local zoo/habitat. Do you know of any? I will search in your area.
Susan
The Nature Conservancy in Alabama
Address: 2100 1st Ave N #500, Birmingham, AL 35203
Phone: (205) 251-1155
https://www.nature.org/?redirect=https-301
I’m ok with frogs in and around my pool ,just wan’t to know can i get anything bad if I swim in the water?
Beverly, I will inquire and write again soon. Thank you for asking this question that I’m sure others have been wondering about. – Susan
I have a big pool that turned green . Then I watched the baby’s get bigger and (always eggs ) in pool I love all of God’s creatures. I am disabled and can’t bend down. I do not want to kill them. I have so many there is no way to save the all. maybe the boy scouts or someone else to get as many out as the can .we have 2 dogs that are going crazy with the frogs. I have been caching them by had and placing in th yard. Help. What would happen if I let the pool stay green all winter. will they leave if I flush the eggs .we had a septic tank. Sorry for the long crazy email. I didn’t know what else to do. Barbara