We keep finding dead field mice in our skimmer basket. There are two rectangular holes on the skimmer lid that are large enough for field mice to get into so I’m fairly certain that is how they are getting into the skimmer basket. Is there any reason why I shouldn’t put something over the top of the skimmer lid while the pump is running, or plug up these holes with duct tape so mice can’t get in there? And when I find dead mice in the skimmer, is it necessary to increase the chlorine level any before swimming if it is already at target level?
Dead mice in pool
- Thread starter poolnewbie4
- Start date
- Nov 12, 2017
- 12,690
- Pool Size
- 12300
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-40
They may be drowning in the pool and then getting skimmed up (happens to gophers in my pool, who are too big to get through my skimmer holes). The holes on the skimmer are for lifting the lid. Plug 'em up if you think that will help.
How is your FC and CC levels after finding mice?
How is your FC and CC levels after finding mice?
- Jul 21, 2013
- 66,308
- Pool Size
- 35000
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-60
More likely critters get into your pool and can’t get out and drown. My skimmers have caught all sorts of wildlife. I think normal FC levels take care of whatever is in the water. An outdoor pool is an invitation to all wildlife.
Amazon.com: Swimline 70200SL FrogLog Critter Saving Escape Ramp: Toys Games Many people have had good luck with these. They are even big enough for chipmunks.
You can tape of the holes but I am willing to bet they are getting into the pool from other areas as well.
Kim
You can tape of the holes but I am willing to bet they are getting into the pool from other areas as well.
Kim
- Dec 17, 2017
- 667
- Pool Size
- 36000
- Surface
- Fiberglass
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Astral Viron eQuilibrium EQ45
You need one of these guys in your pool - That will keep 'em away...!
You need one of these guys in your pool - That will keep 'em away...!
[emoji23] I want this cat! I don’t think mine would tolerate the swim ring well and definitely not good at catching mice.
I live in Chicago and regularly find mice and baby skunks/squirrels/rats in the pool or skimmer. Be grateful that you can easily spot them. Just imagine what the bottom of a pond or lake looks like.
I had a frog log last year and I frequently found large live mice on top of it in the mornings. When we got rid of the frog log, we saw a decrease in the number of live mice that we found in our pool. I think the mice were getting into the pool via the frog log and then they couldn’t figure out how to get back on the frog log so they could get out of the pool. I’m not sure if the mice we have found in our skimmer lately are jumping into the pool or crawling in the holes on skimmer lid so I think I’m going to plug the holes on the lid and see if it helps any. I feel a bit uneasy about opening the skimmer lid in the mornings because I’m afraid there is going to be a live mouse in there. I wish they made a see through skimmer lid so I could see in there before opening up the lid.
Since we got the FrogLog we've not found one dead frog or snake in the pool. Before that we'd found about 5 over this summer. Maybe the FrogLog works? Maybe we weren't going to get any more anyway? Maybe the FrogLog scares 'em off? I dunno, but I'll take it!
Maddie
Maddie