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An unused, neglected pool can become an unintentional habitat, particularly if it's been sitting with standing water for an extended period. Before draining begins as part of your demolition project, it's worth checking for wildlife that may have taken up residence. Here's what DFW homeowners should know.

Why Neglected Pools Attract Wildlife

Standing water in an unmaintained pool creates conditions similar to a pond, attracting frogs, turtles, and other creatures looking for water sources, particularly in areas near natural habitat or during dry periods when standing water is scarce elsewhere.

Common Wildlife Found in Neglected Pools

Frogs and toads are among the most common visitors, often laying eggs in stagnant pool water. Turtles occasionally find their way into pools, particularly properties near creeks, ponds, or other natural water features. Various insects, and sometimes small mammals seeking water, can also be present.

Checking Before Draining Begins

Before your pool demolition project begins draining, it's worth doing a visual check of the water and surrounding area for signs of wildlife, egg masses, tadpoles, or animals themselves. This is particularly relevant if your pool has sat with standing, untreated water for a significant period.

Safely Relocating Wildlife

If you find turtles, frogs, or other wildlife in your pool, safely relocating them to an appropriate nearby natural habitat before draining begins is generally the right approach, giving displaced creatures a chance to find a new home rather than being caught in the draining process.

When to Involve Local Wildlife Resources

For larger numbers of animals, unfamiliar species, or situations where you're unsure how to safely handle relocation, contacting local wildlife rescue organizations or your city's animal control department can provide guidance or assistance specific to your situation.

Timing Draining Around Wildlife Checks

If you discover significant wildlife activity, it may be worth adjusting your draining timeline slightly to allow for proper relocation before the draining process begins, rather than proceeding immediately and potentially harming animals in the process.

Coordinating With Your Demolition Contractor

Let your demolition contractor know if you've identified wildlife in your pool, so draining can be scheduled with appropriate timing, and so the crew is aware to watch for animals throughout the process, not just at the very start.

Preventing Wildlife Issues During the Waiting Period

If there's a gap between deciding to remove your pool and your scheduled demolition date, covering the pool or taking other steps to discourage wildlife from establishing themselves in the interim can reduce the likelihood of finding significant wildlife activity once your project begins.

Environmental Considerations Beyond Wildlife

Standing, untreated pool water can also become a mosquito breeding ground, which is itself a reason to address an abandoned pool promptly rather than letting it sit indefinitely, both for wildlife considerations and general property and neighborhood health.

A Reasonable, Practical Approach

While wildlife consideration is worth taking seriously, this doesn't need to become a significant obstacle to your demolition timeline. A brief check and, if needed, simple relocation efforts are generally sufficient for the types of wildlife commonly found in neglected residential pools.

Tips for Homeowners With a Long-Neglected Pool

• Do a visual check for wildlife before draining begins, particularly if the pool has had standing water for an extended period.
• Safely relocate any frogs, turtles, or other wildlife found to an appropriate nearby habitat.
• Contact local wildlife resources if you're unsure how to handle a specific situation.
• Communicate any wildlife findings with your demolition contractor so draining timing can account for it.