Most homeowners think of iguana damage in terms of landscaping and seawalls. But one of the most expensive problems iguanas cause is damage to pool equipment and plumbing. Iguanas love to burrow near pool equipment pads, and the damage they cause underground can lead to thousands of dollars in repairs.
Why Iguanas Burrow Near Pool Equipment
Pool equipment pads are typically concrete slabs sitting on soft soil. The slab provides a solid roof for a burrow, and the surrounding soil is easy to dig. Pool equipment areas also tend to be tucked away from foot traffic, giving iguanas a quiet, protected spot to nest.
The problem is that iguana burrows go 6 feet deep and 80 feet long. When an iguana burrows under a pool equipment pad, it removes the soil that supports the slab and the plumbing connected to it.
How Iguana Burrows Damage Pool Equipment
- Concrete pad shifting: As the burrow removes soil beneath the pad, the slab settles unevenly. This shifts the pump, filter, and heater out of alignment.
- Cracked plumbing: Pool plumbing runs under and through the equipment pad. When the pad shifts, pipes crack. A cracked return line or suction line means water leaks, pressure loss, and expensive repairs.
- Equipment misalignment: Pumps and motors that sit on a shifting pad vibrate differently. Misalignment causes premature wear on seals, bearings, and impellers.
- Electrical conduit damage: Electrical conduits running to pool equipment can be stressed or broken when the pad shifts, creating a safety hazard.
Signs of Iguana Damage to Your Pool Equipment
- Holes in the ground near your pool equipment pad
- Cracks in the concrete pad
- The pad appears tilted or uneven
- Pool pump making unusual noises or vibrating
- Drop in pool water pressure or flow
- Wet spots or pooling water near the equipment (indicating a cracked pipe)
- Iguana droppings near the equipment area
The Cost of Pool Equipment Damage from Iguanas
Pool equipment repairs are expensive. A cracked pipe under a pool equipment pad often requires breaking up the concrete slab to access the plumbing, repairing the pipe, and repouring the pad. If the pump or heater has been damaged by misalignment, replacement costs run into thousands of dollars.
The cost of professional iguana removal and burrow remediation is a fraction of what pool equipment replacement costs. Early intervention prevents the damage from reaching the equipment in the first place.
What to Do
If you see holes near your pool equipment pad, hear unusual pump noises, or notice a drop in water pressure, call a professional immediately. Rocky's will inspect the area for burrows, remove any iguanas, excavate and backfill the burrows, and assess whether the equipment pad has been compromised.
Serving Naples, Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Bonita Springs, Estero, Port Royal, Sanibel, and Captiva. Free property inspections. Call (239) 922-5992 or visit iguanaswfl.com.