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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 · 17/07/2020 12:28

It's done. He couldn't pump it out but I might have found someone else to do that (either using our pump or their own) next week. I may also have someone who wants the pool frame so will take that away, which would save me a bit of money. Fingers crossed.

Feel quite relieved now. Thanks for the support.

We do want to move, it is difficult right now because of schools (we are on the edge of a rough estate so our house is worth £50-100k less than houses in the nicer parts) - we live about as far as we can from thehe schools already. Also if we can hang on for a few years the neighbour disputes will be historic and less likely to put off potential buyers.

This might sound odd but I am considering getting a dog, I am going to be working from home permanently now and I feel it would be a bit of security and company when children are back at school. And dog will need to go in the garden so that will make me go out. We do have slight pet hair allergies though so I will have to find one that is not too hairy 🙂

OP posts:
derxa · 17/07/2020 12:45

But what about the dead animal?

Original poster
Poolproblems · 17/07/2020 13:24

When i said it's done, I meant the animal had been removed. perhaps I should have made that clearer. It has been taken away to be hygienically disposed of.

OP posts:

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Home improvement
OhioOhioOhio · 17/07/2020 13:25

Dogs are expensive.

Nicknacky · 17/07/2020 13:31

What kind of animal was it?

Nicknacky · 17/07/2020 13:32

Is getting a dog really a good idea if you struggle to even go in the garden?

derxa · 17/07/2020 13:32

Well done Pool Here's to a happier future!

Original poster
Poolproblems · 17/07/2020 13:59

He was pretty sure it was a badger.

The dog idea was just that, an idea. I do go for walks now but only if the children are with me. And even with them I struggle with going in the garden although I was out there for 5 mins or so today. My thought was that a dog might help with that, and give me confidence and security. It's not something I would rush into though, and it would be a rescue not a puppy. I'd have to think about the ongoing costs too. I'm just thinking of ways that might help me cope here better now this big problem has been sorted out, as I can't move, and my neighbours definitely aren't going to.

OP posts:
icedaisy · 17/07/2020 14:03

Really glad it's sorted OP.

I actually think a dog could be a great idea. Dogs make great companions, and are wonderful for mental health. I'm not sure I would have got through some periods if it wasn't for my dog needing me to walk her, coming in for cuddles.

There are assistance dogs and mental health assistance dogs as well.

A rescue might be just what you need.

BendyLikeBeckham · 17/07/2020 14:23

OP a dog sounds good though you'd have to go out and clean up its poo from the garden. It would also pick up in your anxiety and bark at any perceived threat like neighbours talking, because your stress levels would go up at that. Would the neighbours cause problems because of the dog?

My relative had a similar problem, and the neighbour kept banging the fence to make her dogs bark (they were a yappy breed too) and then complained about the barking. She moved because of the stress. It was low level annoyance and she overreacted with massive anxiety. So it was more about her than the neighbour's action tbh. I wish she had got therapy instead as it would have meant she kept her house. She has now turned her anxiety onto something else.

I would recommend getting help with the anxiety first and then consider a rescue greyhound as they are so docile and gentle, really calm dogs and don't need much exercise and are not barky.

I would put some trellis up on top of the fences to raise the height and just try and get on with my life too. And put on headphones with nice calming music on in the garden so you don't hear any neighbours at all.

TokyoSushi · 17/07/2020 14:37

Oh amazing! I'm not sure I've ever been so pleased to see a MN thread come to a conclusion!

longtompot · 17/07/2020 15:40

I'm glad to read the body has been dealt with.

With regards to you getting a dog, can I suggest you work on going out first before getting one and not the other way round. What if you get the dog and then realise you still can't go out? It wouldn't be very fair on the dog.

hippoherostandinghere · 17/07/2020 15:50

This is brilliant, I'm so happy that the body is now gone. I'm sure you are so relieved!

MissRabbitIsExhausted · 17/07/2020 16:56

So glad it's sorted op.
I hope you get some resolution to the issue with going to the garden & hope this being resolved helps ease your mind a bit.

ArthurMrdr2 · 17/07/2020 22:05

I'm pleased you got it sorted, must be such a relief.

IAmReportingYouForBBQing · 17/07/2020 22:39

I think the idea for putting headphones on when in the garden is a great idea to ease you in slowly. Also getting a dog could be great. If you have allergies you can get something called petalcleanse on amazon and you rub it in the coat and it reduces allergies MASSIVELY! I'm allergic to cats but we still have two as the stuff works a treat.

So glad the dead animal has gone too. Hopefully if you chuck done chlorine in the water it will kill off the smell ready to be drained.

Atalune · 17/07/2020 23:48

That’s fantastic news’n

I think it would be with caution to get a rescue dog. I would go for a much safer bet in terms of temperament and training for a puppy of a good breed. A lab, a terrier cross maybe? A rescue may come with bad habits that could be stressful for you.

Love the idea of dogs that are specifically trained to help with mental health issues.

Alwaysinpain · 18/07/2020 00:48

@BendyLikeBeckham

OP a dog sounds good though you'd have to go out and clean up its poo from the garden. It would also pick up in your anxiety and bark at any perceived threat like neighbours talking, because your stress levels would go up at that. Would the neighbours cause problems because of the dog?

My relative had a similar problem, and the neighbour kept banging the fence to make her dogs bark (they were a yappy breed too) and then complained about the barking. She moved because of the stress. It was low level annoyance and she overreacted with massive anxiety. So it was more about her than the neighbour's action tbh. I wish she had got therapy instead as it would have meant she kept her house. She has now turned her anxiety onto something else.

I would recommend getting help with the anxiety first and then consider a rescue greyhound as they are so docile and gentle, really calm dogs and don't need much exercise and are not barky.

I would put some trellis up on top of the fences to raise the height and just try and get on with my life too. And put on headphones with nice calming music on in the garden so you don't hear any neighbours at all.

Well no, dogs should poo on their walks Hmm
clipclop5 · 18/07/2020 02:44

OP - it sounds like a horrific job and I definitely couldn’t do it but I can’t help but feel sorry for the poor innocent animal that drowned because you didn’t have a properly fixed cover. Please let this be a lesson.

Bloodybridget · 18/07/2020 03:01

@Poolproblems so glad the body has gone, hopefully you will be shot of the pool soon! A shame some people are still feeling the need to wade in with sanctimonious admonishments. Wishing you better times Flowers

Nat6999 · 18/07/2020 03:21

Definitely would be cheaper to trash the pool & then get a new one. Make sure the cover is on properly next time or take it down at the end of the season.

Obviouspretzel · 18/07/2020 07:30

You got the typical rough ride from many on this thread OP. Just wanted to say I'm really glad you got this sorted, and that I completely understand your comments about your MH and how it was impossible for you to deal with this.

I bet you feel that a real weight has been lifted now, these things can prey on your mind.

Schmoozer · 18/07/2020 18:26

So relieved for you that the yukky body has gone !!
What a horrid situation for you !

PrincessForADay · 19/07/2020 21:34

Glad it's sorted OP

MaggieFS · 19/07/2020 22:04

Finally! Great news that it's gone. Hopefully the next steps to get rid of the pool will be more straightforward. Also hope you do get a gardener and build the confidence to get back out there.