From its self-contained ecosystem to its plant life to its overall aesthetic – your living pool will mimic a naturally occurring pond in most ways. This means wildlife may likewise be attracted to it. These visiting creatures can bring even more nature and life to your backyard oasis. While we don’t believe those squeamish about these occurrences would be interested in a living pool, it is still helpful to know what wildlife to expect and how it may interact with your pool.
Dragonflies
Living pools will almost certainly attract dragonflies, but this is good news! The highly mobile bugs are great insect hunters, especially when it comes to mosquitoes. A single dragonfly can eat 30 to hundreds of mosquitos per day!
Frogs
Frogs will be naturally attracted to water. But these active amphibians are fun to watch with bulging eyes that allow most to see in front, to the sides and partially behind them! And of course, the jumping. Most frogs can leap more than 20 times their body length.
While they are generally harmless and extremely useful in controlling insects, you don’t necessarily want a frog to lay eggs in your pool. If you are concerned about this, you can turn your pool’s lights off at night. This will deter insects from congregating and dissuade frogs from coming to your pool for a meal. You can also keep your water moving at night with a water feature that will similarly discourage insects from gathering.
Snakes
Though the water in a living pool will be clearer than the murky muck that snakes prefer to hide in while looking for food, they may be found near the edges of the regeneration zone. But snakes can actually be a big help for your garden. They eat insects and rodents and aren’t known to dig new holes either. Plus, they typically won’t bite unless provoked.
If you are still concerned with snakes, remember they are shy creatures so the fewer hiding spots near your pool, the better. You can also keep bushes and shrubbery away from the area and mow your lawn regularly.
Mosquitos
A living pool has constantly moving water, which is a good thing because mosquitoes prefer standing water. They won’t lay eggs in the pool for this reason.
Ducks
Water fowl, though harmless, is generally discouraged as they may eat your plants and treat your pool as their personal toilet. But these visitors wouldn’t be aggressive and would be rare when humans are present.
Ducks tend to avoid areas with tall vegetation, where they can’t quickly spot predators, so as long as your plant life has that you shouldn’t have any concerns with this visitor.
Fish
Although fish can survive and thrive in a living pool, if you choose to add them, please conduct the proper research as fish greatly increase the amount of maintenance you will need to complete each year.
A living pool beautifully blends in with your yard’s natural landscape, which may include neighboring wildlife. If you have additional questions on how these creatures may interact with your living pool, please get in touch with us today!
