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Original poster

Dead animal in pool

383 replies

Poolproblems · 25/06/2020 15:39

We have a 15ft above ground pool in our garden (in UK). For various reasons the pool hasn't been used since last year. It can't be seen from the house due to garden layout and for various MH reasons I've not been in the garden until the last week or so.

At some point the cover has come off the pool which is now half full of stagnant water, and a dead animal (we think badger). I called the council but they are unable to remove it, Rentokil only remove animals from inside. The only company I can find want £450, and can't guarantee removal. Which I will have to pay unless I can find an alternative although it is twice what the pool cost!

Do I just need to suck it up?

OP posts:
Alpacamabags · 15/07/2020 21:32

This is clearly a hazard for other animals and becoming a health hazard in terms of bacteria and decay for your own kids.
I appreciate the MH issues make things hard but you really need to just stab a whole slightly lower than the water level every day for a few days. It'll drain away fine without flooding. Then ask for someone to dispose of whole lot for £150 or so.
One trip to the garden, quick stab with a knife then back in. Repeat over a few days.

BlackPetunia · 15/07/2020 21:36

why couldn't the council do it? too big? dangerous?

i agree its endangering other animals now.....they could be attracted by the smell and you could end up with more in there.....when did you last go out to check it?

Original poster
Poolproblems · 15/07/2020 21:36

I am posting something on Facebook. I just can't manage to do it myself, I couldn't even put a hole in the side. Just going in the garden is a big thing for me. I feel awful about this, I had hoped it would be resolved by now. You don't need to make me feel shit about it because I already do. I know it is unfair on my children.

I'm trying to find the pump name. It is outside so I need to find the receipt.

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hippoherostandinghere · 15/07/2020 21:37

If I was local I'd come and do it. But I seriously doubt I am. As PP said take a knife and go and make some small holes now. 5 mins and you'll be back inside. Get oldest DC to come with you if you need to.

AriettyHomily · 15/07/2020 21:37

Oh goodness I can't believe it's still there. Puncture the sides at intervals, let the water out and then deal with it. It must stink.

You cannot ignore this one.

derxa · 15/07/2020 21:38

There can't be much of a body left. It's been weeks

hippoherostandinghere · 15/07/2020 21:38

No one is trying to make you feel shit, we're trying to help.

Original poster
Poolproblems · 15/07/2020 21:39

The council men just said they couldn't remove it..too heavy/ awkward I think. We have a large fishing net but they couldn't get it inside that.

OP posts:
BlackPetunia · 15/07/2020 21:44

and theres still no indication as to what animal this is, i'm imagining a cow!

OhioOhioOhio · 15/07/2020 21:45

What about one of those orange type snow shovels? Could you use that to push it to the edge of the pool and then push it over the edge?

TokyoSushi · 15/07/2020 21:45

OMG!! I can't believe that this is still going on!

I think we're getting close to crowd funding the £450 just to get this sorted, whatever it is must be becoming a major health hazard by now! Is there no other adult that can help you OP?

Original poster
Poolproblems · 15/07/2020 21:48

Honestly I couldn't do it myself, even if I was able to face it, I don't think I'd have the physical strength to lift it up and over the side of the pool.

OP posts:
Original poster
Poolproblems · 15/07/2020 21:49

Its only me and my children. Their father wouldn't help.

OP posts:
Original poster
Poolproblems · 15/07/2020 21:51

I'm putting something on Facebook and crossing fingers that someone is willing to try and do it, and can actually manage it.

OP posts:
Climbingallthetrees · 15/07/2020 21:57

Have you actually been to check what remains of the animal and the water? It’s summer, it hasn’t been that wet. I’d have thought there’d have been a fair bit of decomposition and evaporation?

tattychicken · 15/07/2020 21:57

Pool you're overthinking it, honestly. The stink and the badger/fox are there as it is. Either sort the pump or do the stabby/drainy thing. It might stink for a bit but it's stinking anyway.
Wrap up the pool, get it all collected to go to the tip. If it's wrapped securely, tied up with ropes etc you don't need to mention the sludgy ex badger in the midst of all the plastic. Spray perfume on a scarf, wrap it tightly round your mouth and nose. Put marigolds on. It won't be pleasant but it won't hurt you, and you can have a lovely fragrant bath afterwards to shift the whiff from your nostrils. Then it's finished and you can be proud of yourself.
You're obviously bothered by it or you wouldn't be posting. You can sort this, you're in charge.

icedaisy · 15/07/2020 22:00

That's great you have posted on Facebook OP.

Honestly, I know it's huge for you but it won't bother some people at all. Dh is a farmer and wouldn't bat an eyelid. I would gag but could do it. My mum would have same reaction as you. Everyone is different. You will feel much better once sorted.

BlackPetunia · 15/07/2020 22:02

the weather is warming up against will only get worse

dont see how 2 men from the council couldn't manage it if its only a badger/fox.

i dont even think you should be dragging in people from facebook now......its a 2 man job, its a health hazard, someone wanting a bit of cash could end up ill because of this.

hippoherostandinghere · 15/07/2020 22:03

Well done for getting it on FB. That's a positive action.

Original poster
Poolproblems · 15/07/2020 22:04

I can't do it myself. I know this might sound pathetic but I can't. Just going in the garden is bad enough. I am going to pay someone and they will empty it/ remove animal and then I will need to pay someone else to take away the (dismantled) pool. And then it will be done.

OP posts:
IAmReportingYouForBBQing · 15/07/2020 22:05

Definitely add some chlorine to the water op, it will improve the smell and reduce the bacterial load too. That is literally its job. I would put 10 tablespoons of colouring granules into a jug and mix with cold water and then chuck it in and give it a quick mix.

icedaisy · 15/07/2020 22:07

It's not about dragging people in though. It's about local knowledge.

Bob from the farm up the road won't care and has equipment. John used to do pest control and can easily pop round etc. OP said she doesn't know anyone, that's what community is about, lending a hand and local knowledge to get the right people to do it.

BlackPetunia · 15/07/2020 22:08

she won't go in the garden let alone mix in chlorine into the pool

Original poster
Poolproblems · 15/07/2020 22:08

Blackpetunia what do you suggest I do if as I've said I can't manage it, and I can't get a company to do it? That only seems to leave asking on Facebook.

The animal can only be a badger or fox, it will be bloated because it's been in water for a long period, which I guess is why the council men couldn't do it.

I don't know what else I can do. I tried pool cleaners, I've tried septic tank people, I got the council men. I'm now trying to pay someone else.

OP posts:
hippoherostandinghere · 15/07/2020 22:09

What is about going into the garden is difficult and perhaps we can help you through it?
@tattychicken had some excellent advice to help you get out there. Is there anything else in the garden that triggers you?