Frogs can be a common and sometimes troublesome presence in residential swimming pools. They are attracted to water and find pools an ideal place for living and breeding. However, their presence can be inconvenient and potentially harmful to both the pool’s maintenance and the frogs themselves. In this article, we will explore various strategies to keep frogs out of your swimming pool effectively and humanely.
✅ WHAT WORKS BEST IN TAMPA (Top 3)
- ⭐ Frog Log / Critter Escape Ramp — gives trapped frogs a way out
- ⭐ Insect control (bug lights + remove water)
- ⭐ Landscaping: keep area dry + cut back
Chemical Repellent:
Use products like Snake-A-Way granules, which can also be effective in deterring frogs. Spread the granulars around the pool area to create an unwelcoming environment for frogs.
| DO NOT USE: | Bleach Salt in pool water (may harm equipment) Poison/baits (illegal + animals protected) Mothballs (toxic, environmental harm) |
Natural Repellents:
Certain natural substances, such as lemon juice or vinegar, can act as irritants to frogs. Diluting and spraying these substances around the pool can discourage frogs from approaching the area.
Spray around, not in the pool.
You can use:
- Peppermint oil + water
- Citronella spray
- Vinegar perimeter line
- Coffee grounds along the fence line
Reapply after rain (Tampa summer storms will wash deterrents away).
Plastic gator/snake decoys sometimes work briefly, but frogs often ignore them once they realize they don’t move.
If you use them, reposition every few days.
Altering Landscaping:
Altering the landscaping around your pool can make the area less appealing to frogs. Avoid having plants or water features near the pool that could attract frogs.
Tampa yards are humid and buggy = frog paradise!
| Reduce cover and moisture: | Keep grass short around the pool deck Trim shrubs & palms so they don’t overhang the pool Avoid heavy mulch (holds moisture) Place gravel/stone around the pool perimeter if possible Remove clutter where frogs hide (pots, toys, storage bins) |
| Plants That Help Repel Frogs: | Citronella Lemongrass Mint (in pots — can spread) |
Water Circulation:
To prevent frogs from considering your pool as a suitable place to lay eggs, ensure that the water is kept in constant circulation, as they are attracted to still water. Engaging a professional pool company to maintain an efficient filtration system is crucial in creating an environment that is less inviting to frogs.
If You Have a Pond or Water Feature:
- Keep pond pumps running
- Add mosquito fish
- Reduce dense plants
- No bright lights near water
(Otherwise, they will always migrate into the pool.)
More Tips:
| Pool Cover: | Using a pool cover is one of the most effective ways to keep frogs out of your pool. When the pool is not in use, a cover prevents frogs from accessing the water. It’s essential to ensure that the cover fits properly to avoid any gaps where frogs could enter. |
| Insect Reduction: | Fewer insects = fewer frogs! Insect Reduction (Your BEST long-term strategy) • Minimize landscape lighting • Swap bulbs for yellow “bug lights” • Reduce standing water — plant pots, buckets, drains • Use a fan on the patio at night (skeeters hate air movement) |
| Fencing: | Frogs in Tampa often come from ponds, lakes, and retention areas. If your pool is near a body of water: • A 12–18″ smooth pool fence or vinyl edging • Aluminum flashing around the bottom of the fence line Both prevent easy hopping access. |
| Maintaining Cleanliness: | Keeping your pool and its surroundings clean can reduce the likelihood of frogs being attracted to the area. Remove any standing water, weeds, or debris around the pool that could provide a habitat for frogs. |
| Use of Lights: | To deter frogs from your swimming area, we suggest a strategic use of lighting. Since frogs are lured to pools primarily by the insects swarming around pool lights, opting for yellow LED lights can be an effective solution. These lights are known to be less appealing to insects and, therefore, will likely reduce the presence of frogs in your pool environment. |
| Regular Inspection: | Regularly inspect your pool for any frogs that may have entered. If frogs are found, remove them gently and relocate them to a more suitable environment away from the pool. |
| Educate and Involve: | Educate your family and neighbors about the importance of keeping frogs out of the pool and involve them in preventive measures. This collective effort can significantly reduce the likelihood of frog infestations. |
Want an Ultra-Minimal Plan?
| Just do these five things: | Turn off the lights at night Run the pump overnight Trim landscaping near the pool Add a frog escape ramp Spray peppermint perimeter 2× weekly |
Professional Help:
If the frog problem persists, consider seeking help from a professional pest control service that can offer more permanent solutions.
Picture Credit: iStock
JJB Pools & Spas provides expert pool maintenance, pool repair, pool resurfacing, pebble surfacing, and pool renovation across Tampa Bay — serving Largo, Palm Harbor, Dunedin, Belleair, South Tampa, Hyde Park, Palma Ceia, St. Pete Beach, Westchase, Odessa, Nine Eagles, Davis Islands & Clearwater Beach, and surrounding areas. We use only the best pool and spa industry brands, including Wet Edge Technologies, Primera Stone, Prism Matrix, Luna Quartz, Signature Matrix, and Aquabella Tile. JJB Pools is also a platinum warranty station for all Hayward brand equipment, and an expert in Variable Speed Pumps and energy-efficient pool heating. Call for a free estimate! (727) 412-4373