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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:
Original poster
Poolproblems · 15/07/2020 22:13

Its hard to explain just that I feel very uncomfortable and scared outside in the garden. I prefer being inside it's safer. I don't need to go out there really so it isn't a problem. I don't know if once this is sorted I will feel different but I didn't like being out there before this.

OP posts:
BlackPetunia · 15/07/2020 22:13

yes, but make sure they know what they are getting themselves into here....its been weeks, not as if it just happened and needs a quick hooking out

be honest with them before they get to you. if professionals say no then theres a reason why.....i.e its become too dangerous/hazardous

icedaisy · 15/07/2020 22:18

I know it has @BlackPetunia but trust me when I say it would not bother dh one bit. Think of the stuff that happens on farms. Eg, drain blocked, private water supply, frog stuck in pipe, will have been there weeks to run system down, out it goes.

I actually think the worst was a freezer going off in the heat of summer, that was the worst thing I have ever seen. It needed dealt with.

Yes be honest but it's really not a big deal for those who don't bother about these things. And yes I know we are all different as I've said, my mum would absolutely not be able to go near it.

Interested in this thread?

Then you might like threads about this subject:

Home improvement
MinesAPintOfTea · 15/07/2020 22:19

Do you have any as and when MH meds? If I have to face something that makes me panicky I take a beta blocker first, which helps manage it whilst I have to do the thing. I then sleep for about 30 of the following 36 hours, so it is only for extreme events.

HalfTermHalfTerm · 15/07/2020 22:19

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 still think it’s probably a cat. I really don’t see how a badger or a fox could get in to your garden. If it is a cat will you please post something on your local Facebook group or put posters up? You don’t have to go in to all of the details, but it’s awful to think of someone waiting for their pet to come home. I don’t think it will be possible to scan it for a microchip at this point.

Original poster
Poolproblems · 15/07/2020 22:25

We see foxes in our garden regularly, there are more foxes than cats locally to be honest. I have not seen a badger but that was I think what the council men thought it was too.

OP posts:
Streamingbannersofdawn · 15/07/2020 22:28

Honestly OP you need to sort this.

Have you tried the farm services mentioned on this thread. They will be your best bet.

Original poster
Poolproblems · 15/07/2020 22:31

We don't have farms nearby but as I've said I contacted septic tank drainage but they couldn't remove the animal only empty pool (once the animal had been removed). So that isn't an option really.

OP posts:
HalfTermHalfTerm · 15/07/2020 22:35

I didn’t think that either a fox or a badger would be able to jump a 6 foot fence, but a quick google tells me that I am wrong on the fox front so I apologise!

Not sure about badgers though. I don’t think badgers are really built for jumping.

Alwaysinpain · 15/07/2020 22:36

Wow. I would ask Environmental Health. They are just the ones who will know who can do this. You can't be the first this has happened to.

As for the garden anxiety, I used to have this. My last house just had a yard at the back and was full of spiders and cobwebs, no matter how much I jet blasted it. That, combined with my very very weak stomach and crippling anxiety, I just never felt comfortable out there

I get it OP.

FusionChefGeoff · 15/07/2020 22:36

I have no practical advice I'm so sorry but I would like to say that I don't think you are letting your children down or any of that rubbish and anyone who says so is obviously lucky enough not to ever have had serious MH issues.

It sounds like you are doing everything possible to get this sorted and I am very sorry that you keep hitting brick wall after brick wall.

All you can do is keep trying and eventually it WILL get sorted I'm sure.

Your children's fathers lack of assistance is a disgrace. But you knew that I guess!!

Keep trying and everything will work itself out. You are doing a great job!

Streamingbannersofdawn · 15/07/2020 22:37

I think you might have to scoop it out then, I hate to say this but its probably not going to be in one piece any more. Heavy duty bags.

Or empty the pool directing the water down a drain somehow.

Its just going to rot and stink otherwise.

TokyoSushi · 15/07/2020 22:54

Environmental health is a good suggestion, surely if you explain then they'll know what to do.

Lovebug06 · 15/07/2020 23:02

I hope the Facebook add went well, and this Gets sorted ASAP for you.

Atalune · 15/07/2020 23:15

Farmer! Of course a farmer would whip it out for £50. Great suggestion. Or a local builder with a digger.

OhioOhioOhio · 16/07/2020 07:38

Could you ask a vet?

Mightymurphy · 16/07/2020 07:46

How did Facebook go?

Redtartanshoes · 16/07/2020 07:47

You’re doing ok OP. It’s shit having to sort things on your own sometimes but you’ll get there, and once you have you should feel proud that you did.

Re your anxiety, is it just your garden or outside in general? Do you manage to work?

DomDoesWotHeWants · 16/07/2020 07:56

Why are people being so vile to OP who has said she has MH issues already. So cruel. Why are you like that? Take a look in the mirror.

Some people seems to get their jollies being horrible on MN.

Weird.

leafeater · 16/07/2020 08:05

Environmental Health at the council should be able to assist, surely?

inappropriateraspberry · 16/07/2020 08:11

I think when this is resolved, you should really consider if the property is right for you. It sounds like you have a large garden that isn't appropriate if you can't get out there to maintain it. You can't expect the children to do gardening/maintenance.
Do you go out at all? Are you getting help?

37KAT · 16/07/2020 08:22

@Poolproblems
I feel the best thing you can do is not look at mumsnet.
What has happened is an accident. No doubt it has taken longer to resolve as we're in the middle of a global pandemic and have spent months locked down.

You're not a bad mum and you have not let your children down over this.

So many judgemental, unkind, odious comments. Shameful. You have mentioned you have MH issues, reading this thread will just exacerbate them.

Good luck asking for support in your local area.

Original poster
Poolproblems · 16/07/2020 08:24

I do appreciate the kinder comments thank you. I am trying. I know this is an awful situation but I'm trying to resolve it.

No replies yet on Facebook but hopefully I will hear something today. I will try and contact Environmental health too.

I work from home, so that isn't a problem. I don't like going out generally but do of necessity for shopping and exercise. Not the garden though. Once this pool situation is resolved I would like to get a gardener, finances permitting. If the garden looks different - tidier, less overwhelming, I'm hoping i might feel more prepared to try and go out into it.

OP posts:
LeonoraFlorence · 16/07/2020 08:36

I feel sorry for you, OP. This sounds difficult. I hope you get it sorted.

Molecule · 16/07/2020 08:43

@Poolproblems, it might be worth playing with your pump inside to start with to suss out how it works. I’d fill a bath and attempt to pump it out into the basin. My pump needs priming on the plug, and your children might not have done this, hence it not working. And also the float switch needs to be above the pump. Is the outlet hose the correct diameter? Also an excellent idea to chuck some chlorine granules in to deal with the smell.

I’m sorry you’ve had such a hard time on here, some people are truly perfect and love nothing more than to stick the boot in. I always think it says far more about them than the person they are attacking.