Found dead critter in pool skimmer... do I need to shock it???

[Lis010]

Hi all!!
I’ve got all my pool values where it needs to be, but my question now has to do with shocking the pool. What is typical protocol when you fish out a dead critter out of the skimmer?
Do I shock the pool if I fished out a dead mouse in the skimmer??? That’s my morning surprise today.

 

[borjis]

I've seen posts saying to up to shock value for your cya level.

What I would do is test chlorine and combined chlorine then maybe up to half shock
level at most if combined chlorine level is above 1ppm.

Thinking out loud of course.

 

[atttech-2]

I have never had to slam for a dead mouse or the occasional rat but I have always found them in the first day two. If I found one that was starting to skeletonize I would rethink. Sounds like Borjis has the right idea let the cc level be you guide, if your still a bit freaked out I don't see any harm in a onetime extra dose up to, but certainly not past slam.

 

[Rancho Cost-a-Lotta]

If you're having a mouse problem, maybe I can send you what I found in my pool yesterday...

I'm no expert, but I think it is a "red racer".

 

[tim5055]

Yup, no need to panic. Always keeping your FC at the correct level for your CYA handles these situations. Test and adjust back to the correct level.

If you feel you need to raise it up, then yes - nothing above shock level.

The only exception I am aware of is if you find a dead Racoon in the pool - then follow the CDC Guidelines for Raccoons & Pools

 

[Lis010]

Thanks for all your input everyone!

 

[Lis010]

If you're having a mouse problem, maybe I can send you what I found in my pool yesterday...

I'm no expert, but I think it is a "red racer".

Lol!!!
This is the first time I’ve encountered a dead creature (outside of bugs) in our new pool. I’m hoping there’s no mice problems but being in Texas, I’m sure all widelife proliferates here.

 

[Dirk]

The only exception I am aware of is if you find a dead Racoon in the pool - then follow the CDC Guidelines for Raccoons & Pools

I get a gopher once in a while. After throwing it away, I forget about it. Pool is always at or above FC target.

But that bit about raccoons did a number on me. Thanks for sharing. And I hate you for sharing. Empty the pool?!? And/or throw away $400 worth of filter cartridges?! Did I read that right? That can't be the only options.

Two nights ago I saw a skunk getting a drink. I haven't seen raccoons here yet, but where there are skunks, there's probably raccoons. What that article doesn't tell/show you is how to identify the scat. Now I have something else to learn/worry about! Yikes.

 

[shingles]

I have had dead snakes and frogs in the pool. But usually like Dirk, they are found within a day or two. I have simply removed them and went on my way. FC/CC testing have always been fine.