Finding an iguana in your pool is a common experience for Southwest Florida homeowners. Iguanas are attracted to water, and pools are a magnet. Whether the iguana is alive and swimming or has drowned, you need to handle the situation safely and clean your pool properly.
If the Iguana Is Alive
An iguana in your pool is usually there because it fell in and cannot get out. Pool walls are too smooth for iguanas to climb. The iguana is likely stressed and exhausted.
- Do not try to grab it with your hands. Iguanas bite and scratch when stressed. Their claws and teeth can cause serious injury.
- Use a pool skimmer or net to scoop the iguana out. Keep your distance from its head and tail.
- Place it away from the pool area on the ground. It will likely sit still for a while to recover before moving on.
- Do not try to relocate it. It is illegal to release captured iguanas at another location in Florida. If you want it removed permanently, call a professional.
If the Iguana Has Drowned
Unfortunately, many iguanas that fall into pools cannot get out and drown. If you find a dead iguana in your pool:
- Use a pool skimmer to remove it. Wear gloves.
- Dispose of it properly. Do not put it in your regular trash if your municipality has specific disposal rules for dead animals.
- Clean the skimmer thoroughly after use.
Clean Your Pool Immediately
Whether the iguana was alive or dead, it contaminated your pool water. Iguana droppings and bacteria on the iguana's body can introduce salmonella and other pathogens into the water.
- Check and adjust chlorine levels. Ensure your chlorine is at the proper level (1-3 ppm for free chlorine).
- Shock the pool. Add a chlorine shock treatment to kill any bacteria. Follow manufacturer instructions.
- Run the filter for 24 hours. This circulates the treated water and filters out contaminants.
- Test the water before swimming. Verify chlorine and pH levels are safe.
- Clean the pool deck. If the iguana left droppings on the deck, clean with a bleach solution.
Why Iguanas End Up in Pools
Iguanas are attracted to water for drinking and bathing. They bask on pool decks to absorb heat, and when they slip or fall in, they cannot climb out. Properties with iguana populations will see this happen repeatedly until the iguanas are removed.
Iguanas also defecate in pools. Even if you do not find a live iguana in the water, you may find droppings. This is a sign that iguanas are using your pool area regularly.
How to Prevent Iguanas in Your Pool
Pool covers help when the pool is not in use, but they are not practical for daily use. The only permanent solution is to remove the iguana population from your property.
Rocky's removes iguanas using FWC-permitted methods, destroys burrows that serve as nesting sites, and implements ongoing suppression to prevent iguanas from returning. Once the iguana population is cleared, your pool stays clean and the contamination risk is eliminated.
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.