Dead animal in pool

[Poolproblems]

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?

Well it can't be a badger then, that would fit in my normal size net.

Deer?

I would just get it drained and then cover it and either lift it or get someone lose to lift it out. I'm sure if you asked on Facebook someone would do that for much less than you have been quoted.

I'd be happy to pay one of you to remove it for me, but I suspect none of you live nearby (I'm in the South East)

Vicks vapour rub on top lip blocks smells.
You could buy a massive fishing net for that price.
Do you not know any anglers who may have nets of be kind enough to help it you out?

It must be a huge badger for people not to be able to lift it!

I hope it's not someone's lost dog

Can you take a photo? Then we can see the set up and come up with more helpful ideas

Nah Scotland OP and under a five mile travel restriction! Or I would do.

I think you only have two choices really, do it yourself or pay the £400.

My teenager tried to use our net and was sick due to the smell. I don't know any local anglers. The net we have is kind of like this

I doubt it's a badger if 2 fully grown nen couldn't get it out. Can't you drain the pool as normal and then the teenager can get into the pool to remove it without a net?

I have a 10ft above ground pool, so a bit smaller than yours but probably a similar type (Bellway?) Mine has a few exit points for the water that I have to uncover and it takes a few hours for all the water to drain. If the water is stagnant then you're going to have to drain it anyway. Get the water out and then get in and remove the remains of the animal using strong sacks (several of). My mum had a dead fox in her garden the other week and rather than pay the extortionate council fee I took it (wrapped in several sacks) to the bins at the local woods. It stunk to high heaven but it had to be done.

Pool and filter will need a damn good cleaning before you fill it up again. Make sure to get a more secure cover before filling it again.

I'm South East by the way, but it's a huge area so unlikely we're near each other.

Honestly, I would pay the money.

There's no way I would do that myself - it sounds utterly grim and I would want someone who I knew would get all of it and would sort the pool out so it's clean after.

I think 450 is a fair price given what a grim job it is. And I'm not super squeamish.

Sorry, Bestway, not Bellway.

I can't see what else it could be other than a badger, there are no deer round here and no way for a dog to enter, I've never even seen a badger locally but it's too big to be a cat.

What animal is it?

I think I'll have to just pay the money. It's such a lot but there is no way round it. I will double check they're going to drain it as well before I pay though.

The council only charged £50, just a shame they couldn't remove it.

We don't know for sure as it is mostly underwater, but it can't be a deer or dog, and is too big to be a cat (or a rat for that matter) so badger seems the only possible alternative.

Take a picture of it! Am I really gross 🤢

I would start by draining the water regardless of what you plan to do next as assuming its still uncovered something else could easily fall in and drown.

I would not advise removing it yourself. Pay the money. When bodies are submerged, it can result in a really unpleasant mess due to something called degloving. Definitely do not supervise those who remove it. The sight never leaves you.

Post a pic and let’s play guess the animal.

I'm in the south east - I'll do it!! Lol.

Post a photo, we need to see!

Surely it would have to be drained and cleaned anyway
I feel for you OP but it’s a case of DIY or cough up the money

@Poolproblems

I simply can't do it myself, honestly if two guys from the council couldn't do it I can't see how I could, plus I retch when emptying the bin, the thought of trying to scoop this out is just too much for me. I don't have a strong enough stomach.

Then you need to pay. If you don't protect your pool properly so animals don't needlessly drown then tough - the animal suffered far more than retching so I have no sympathy for you whatsoever.

How big is this badger?!

You might just need to pay. If they’re cleaning etc too, might be worth it.