Creep crawly things. Whaddayagonnado.
So you build one of these PVC gizmos, and modify it for dual purposes. We'll call is your "Pool Stick." It's for sampling water in the winter without getting your arm wet. (You plug the hole with your thumb, put the Pool Stick into the water, then release your thumb to sample water from about 18" deep.) You fashion or buy a hook that you affix to the end, with a couple of stainless steel hose clamps. The PVC is about 30" long. Then you use the hook to lift the skimmer lid, and reach inside the skimmer with the Pool Stick to snag the basket and pull it out. Snakes can't strike farther than they are long, so you'll be perfectly safe.

The hook would need to be able to fit in the skimmer lid hole, so you could take the lid with you to Lowes/HD to find the perfect one. Something like these, plus the hose clamps, some 3/4" PVC and a couple of PVC caps:


Come on, you can do it!!
Of you could use a Frog Log and give all your nocturnal swimmers a way to get out of the pool.
Buy Swimline FrogLog Animal Saving Escape Ramp for Pool, Blue, One Size: Pool Rafts & Inflatable Ride-ons - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases
www.amazon.com