How to Get Rid of Iguanas In Your Pool
Why Iguanas Keep Showing Up to Your Pool
Florida swimming pools and patios are the perfect refuge for invasive green iguanas. Concrete or travertine pavers are ideal basking spots for iguanas, resulting in Floridians finding destroyed plants, damaged patio furniture and iguana droppings all over their decks. If you notice mysterious dirt or foul smelling spots, consider it an early warning of an iguana problem at your Florida home. We’re here to help teach you how to deter iguanas from your pool for good.
Biggest Risks to Pools in Florida with Unwanted Iguanas
Having a pool in Florida comes with its unique challenges. One of the most common is dealing with iguanas. Green iguanas may look harmless, but they can create serious problems around your pool.
Top Problems Iguanas in Your Pool Can Cause
Water Contamination
Iguanas leave droppings in pools, shed skin and spread debris. This contaminates the water causing health hazards.
Increased Maintenance
Iguana presence adds unpleasant odors and extra workload for pool cleaning and regular upkeep.
Expensive Equipment Damage
Iguana climbing and digging behaviors often damage pool pumps, filters, and liners, leading to costly repairs.
Health & Safety Risks to Family
Slippery decks combined with surprise iguana encounters can lead to falls, especially in children and seniors.
3 Quick Ways to Keep Iguanas Out of Your Pool
Chasing iguanas with hoses, sprinklers, or loud noises rarely work as long term solutions. Iguanas are clever and persistent, so without the right approach, you’ll be cleaning up after them again and again. Start by removing anything that attracts iguanas, installing effective physical barriers around your pool, and using the best humane iguana traps for backyard pools that naturally discourage iguanas.
Remove What Attracts Iguanas to Your Pool
Block All Points that Iguanas Can Enter Your Pool
Use the Best Iguana Repellent & Deterrents
What to do if an Iguana Poops in Your Pool
Iguanas leave behind… how do we put this? A whole lot of iguana poop, iguana feces, or iguana droppings. Whatever you call it, nobody wants it in their pool! That’s why it’s so important to know whether the unwanted mess in your pool actually came from an iguana or different Florida pest. Once you confirm the culprit, you can take the right steps to clean your pool and set it up to keep iguanas away.
What Iguana Poop Looks Like
Knowing what iguana droppings look like, helps Florida pool owners identify and clean their pools safely. Iguana poop in the pool is dark green to brown when it’s fresh, tapering to a point at one end. Droppings are firm and segmented, ranging from a few inches to over 6 inches for large adult iguanas. Once in the water or on pool surfaces, iguana feces can spread. It may harbor bacteria like Salmonella, so it’s vital to remove and sanitize your pool as soon as you see it.
How to Clean Iguana Poop from Your Pool Safely
Iguana poop in your pool is unsanitary and can spread bacteria like Salmonella. Knowing how to clean iguana poop from pool water safely is essential for Florida homeowners. Following the right steps protects your pool chemistry and keeps your water safe for swimming. We made it easy for you:
Step 1: Remove the waste immediately
Use a skimmer, net, or scoop to collect visible iguana feces as soon as you notice it. Avoid bare hands because even small traces of iguana poop in pool water can spread bacteria quickly under the Florida sun. If it’s on the patio, try a pooper scooper with scented bags to help with the smell.
Step 2: Rinse the affected area(s)
Use a hose or bucket of clean water to loosen debris from pool edges, ladders, tiles, or deck surfaces if it’s stuck on. Do not run the pool vacuum or filter during this step, it can cause damage and contaminate your plumbing system. You will do this after.
Step 3: Disinfect surfaces and sanitize pool water
For iguana poop in your pool: shock the pool using one pound of pool sanitizer per 10,000 gallons and run the pump for at least eight hours. After shocking, wait one hour and test and rebalance pH and chlorine levels. Repeat this after twenty four hours to ensure it’s safe to swim. For iguana poop on your patio or deck: use a pool safe surface disinfectant, such as hydrogen peroxide based cleaners. You can also mix one part household bleach with nine parts water for a homemade cleaning solution. Apply it to the affected area and let it sit for ten minutes before rinsing thoroughly.
Step 4: Clean your pool filter
Backwash sand filters or rinse cartridge filters to remove any bacteria or debris that may have entered. Backwashing is reversing the flow of water through the filter to flush out trapped debris, dirt, or contaminants. This step ensures the water remains clear and safe for swimming.
Step 5: Prevent future contamination
Use iguana repellents and visual deterrents around your pool. Trim any overhanging branches and block all potential entry points. Maintaining an unwelcoming environment to iguanas will discourage them from returning.
Quick Visual Steps to Clean Iguana Poop Out of Your Pool
Pool Cleaning & Maintenance After Iguana Visits
Even with the best prevention, sometimes iguanas find their way into your pool. They leave behind dirt, debris and worse of all iguana poop in your pool. Knowing how to clean iguana poop out safely is essential for protecting your family, pets, plants, and pool equipment. From pool skimmers for the top of the water to the best pool vacuum for inground pools, these products help you sanitize a pool after animal feces, remove waste effectively, and keep your water crystal clear. Learn how to stop iguanas from pooping in the pool with the right maintenance routine to keep your Florida pool clean, safe and enjoyable year round.
Top Pool Cleaning Equipment for Florida Pools
Choosing the right pool cleaning tools makes removing iguana droppings and debris easier than ever. From telescopic poles to robotic cleaners for floor and waterline scrubbing, these devices help maintain a clean, healthy swimming environment.
POOL BLASTER Max Cordless Pool Vacuum
Powerful cordless vacuum cleans leaves, debris, and iguana poop from pool floors and corners. Helps maintain a clean swimming environment with minimal effort.
Aiper Scuba Smart Robotic Pool Cleaner
Automated and efficient, this cleaner handles the pool floor and waterline, scrubbing away iguana droppings. Smart navigation and extended battery life make cleaning effortless.
Betta SE Solar Powered Pool Surface Skimmer
Continuously collects debris and iguana poop in pool from the water surface. Solar powered and eco-friendly, perfect for long term pool cleanliness. Keeps your pool clean all year long.
ProTuff 16ft Telescopic Pool Pole
Adjustable pole that works with skimmers, brushes, and nets to remove debris, iguana droppings, and leaves from hard to reach areas. Essential to safely clean iguana poop in your pool.
Fast and easy debris removal for cleaning after iguana visits to your pool. Works well with telescopic poles (sold separately). The wide net quickly scoops out iguana droppings from the water.
Sepetrel Pool Brush Head Scrub
The brush’s stiff bristles scrub algae, dirt, and iguana poop in the pool from all surfaces. It’s sturdy and durable but also lightweight making it easy to rigorously scrub inground pools, if needed.
Top Sanitizing and Water Maintenance Products
It’s critical to sanitize your pool after an iguana visit to prevent bacteria and other contaminants from spreading through the water. Proper use of chlorine shock, sand filter cleaners, and test strips ensures your water stays safe, clear, and balanced, keeping your pool ready for swimming at all times.
In The Swim Pool Shock Sanitizer
Fast acting pool sanitizer that kills bacteria after unwanted iguana visits. This chlorine shock disinfects the pool water and is crucial for sanitizing a pool after animal feces to maintain safe swimming conditions.
Ready to use chlorine shock restores water clarity and disinfects after unwanted iguana feces. Helps maintain healthy swimming conditions, keeping your water safe and crystal clear for swimming.
In The Swim Liquid Sand Filter Cleaner
Improves filter efficiency and removes trapped debris after iguana droppings enter the pool. Quick and easy to use for cleaner, safer water. An essential for how to clean iguana poop from pool safely.
Pool Filter Cartridge Cleaning Tool
Makes cleaning pool filter cartridges simple and effective. Prevents bacteria and debris buildup, ensuring clean water and proper pool sanitation after animal feces.
EASYTEST 7-Way Pool Test Strips
Quickly test and maintain proper chemical balance after cleaning up iguana poop in the pool. Essential for safe swimming and long term pool health, it ensures balanced water chemistry after wildlife contamination.
Clorox® Algaecide and Clarifier
Dual action formula that prevents algae growth and clears cloudy water after iguana activity. Keeps your pool fresh, balanced, and sparkling clean, reducing bacteria and organic residue from iguana visits.
Prevention Tips to Keep Iguanas Out of Your Pool for Good
Preventing iguanas from entering your pool is easier than constantly cleaning up after them. Creating a less welcoming environment dramatically reduces future visits. Products like a predator decoy for the pool or a natural iguana repellent spray can help keep these reptiles away for good.
Trim Overgrown Plants & Eliminate Accessible Food Sources
Keep shrubs and ground cover neatly trimmed to reduce shady hiding spots. They love to find shade, like most Floridians. Clean up any fallen fruit, loose pet food, or birdseed.
Clear Clutter & Secure Pool Equipment
Move furniture or objects that are near the pool edges. Anything iguanas can climb or use as a ramp, they will. Cover pumps, heaters, filters, and skimmers to block hiding spots or areas for burrowing.
Use a Pool Fence & Keep Pool Water Moving
Install smooth vertical fencing or fine mesh because iguanas have trouble climbing anything without a grip. Use a pump or robotic pool cleaner to keep the water moving. Having a top of the water skimmer that keeps the current flowing is an instant way to deter iguanas. Place predator decoys like floating gator heads in your pool and owls on the patio or deck.
Apply Natural Repellents & Confuse with Visual Deterrents
Apply non-toxic sprays with garlic, citrus, or pepper extracts to make the area unappealing. Place reflective tape or pinwheels to create the illusion of movement on the ground. Be sure to reposition them regularly to confuse the iguanas which helps increase your chances of getting rid of iguanas for good.
Ensure Proper Outdoor Drainage
Remove any puddles or standing water in, and near the patio areas. Be sure to dry up spots around your pool or jacuzzis, since iguanas are attracted to the water. Because they use water for hydration AND cooling, puddles nearby a pool, are essentially a welcome mat for them to make themselves comfortable.
Tools to Prevent Iguanas from Entering Your Pool
Keeping your Florida pool free from unwanted wildlife starts with the right prevention tools. From humane iguana traps to natural iguana repellents, pool fencing, and visual decoys, these products make it easier to keep iguanas out of your pool before they become a problem. Protect your pool deck, landscaping, and water from the nuisance and health hazards of iguana poop in your pool. Using these effective, non-toxic, and safe solutions ensures your patio remains a relaxing oasis, free from unexpected reptile visitors.
Best Humane Iguana Traps for Backyard Pools
If you’re trying to catch an iguana in Florida, it’s critical that the trap is humane. Properly designed live traps allow you to capture iguanas safely without causing harm, making it easier to remove them from your property. Place them strategically around your pool area to humanely catch iguanas, keeping them away from your water, deck, and landscaping.
HOMESTEAD Heavy Duty Humane Live Trap
Sturdy and reliable, this humane trap allows you to safely capture iguanas before they reach your pool. It’s design helps prevent them from escaping the trap. At 24 inches, it’s good for smaller or juvenile iguanas.
HAVAHART Repeating Humane Live Animal Trap
A single entry design makes capture simple and humane. Use this 32 inch trap to protect your pool from iguanas getting in. Safe and effective for preventing repeat visits. Suitable for most average adult iguanas.
VASALAID Humane Live Animal Trap Cage
This trap is foldable and easy to use. It’s rust resistant and waterproof, which makes it great to use near pools. Use this 43 inch trap for large adults. This trap is the safest if you have bigger males.
Best Humane Iguana Repellent for Around Pool
Non-toxic repellents are a safe and effective way to discourage iguanas from entering your pool area. Using sprays with natural ingredients, like peppermint oil or plant based extracts, helps keep iguanas away while maintaining a safe environment for children and pets.
Colton’s Naturals Lizard Repellent
Natural, non-toxic spray that deters iguanas from pool decks and surrounding landscaping. An easy way to prevent iguanas from sticking around, while keeping the environment safe for pets and kids.
Natural Armor Lizard & Gecko Repellent
A peppermint formula that naturally deters iguanas from pool areas. This formula creates an unappealing environment for iguanas without harming them. Ideal for deterring iguanas from climbing into your pool area.
Exterminators Choice Defense Spray
Ready to use peppermint spray dissuades iguanas from hanging around your pool. It’s a safe solution for how to keep iguanas out of your pool without harming wildlife. Works on patios and plants around your pool.
Best Pool Fence & Decoy Distractions
Non-toxic repellents are a safe and effective way to discourage iguanas from entering your pool area. Using sprays with natural ingredients, like peppermint oil or plant based extracts, helps keep iguanas away while maintaining a safe environment for children and pets.
Installing a durable pool fence helps stop iguanas from climbing into your pool. It’s easy to set up, and doubles as an extra safety barrier for children and pets.
A realistic predator decoy that floats in your pool scares iguanas away. Its lifelike motion helps deter visits helping keep pool water clean from contamination.
A simple, effective way to frighten off iguanas from your pool area. Each life sized owl rotates naturally in the wind, creating motion that keeps iguanas away.
FAQs About Iguanas in Florida Pools
Can iguanas swim in chlorine pools?
Yes, iguanas are surprisingly strong swimmers and often enter backyard pools to cool off or escape predators. A brief dip typically won’t harm them, but chlorine can irritate their skin and eyes, and they may panic trying to climb out, scratching pool surfaces or furniture. Installing barriers, fencing, or floating predator decoys can safely prevent iguanas from entering your pool. [See our prevention tips section]
Do iguanas poop in pools in Florida?
Unfortunately, yes. Iguanas frequently poop in swimming pools, often after drinking the water or if startled. Their feces can carry Salmonella and other harmful bacteria, so it’s critical to sanitize your pool thoroughly after any iguana incident. [Learn how to clean iguana poop safely]
Will pool chemicals keep iguanas away?
Pool chemicals alone won’t deter iguanas. While chlorine and other sanitizers kill bacteria in the water, iguanas are not repelled by chemical levels. Using visual deterrents, fencing, or natural repellents in combination with proper water maintenance is the most effective strategy. [Check out prevention products]
How long can an iguana stay in my pool?
Iguanas can hold their breath for up to 30 minutes, though most surface or climb out sooner. If one lingers, it may be trapped or exhausted. Use a pool skimmer or net to guide it out gently, or contact a licensed wildlife trapper if it appears distressed. [See humane iguana traps and tools]
What do iguana droppings look like in pools?
Iguana feces are often mistaken for bird or dog waste. They usually have a dark brown or black solid portion with a white or yellowish urate cap (a chalky uric acid deposit). Identifying it correctly helps you take fast action to sanitize your pool. [Learn step-by-step cleaning]
What do I do if an iguana poops in my pool?
Remove any visible droppings with a skimmer or net, then shock your pool using chlorine or trusted sanitizers like In The Swim Pool Shock or Clorox XTRABLUE Plus. Run your filter for at least 24 hours and retest water with Pool Test Strips before swimming again. [See full cleaning instructions]
Is iguana poop in the pool dangerous?
Yes. Iguana feces can carry Salmonella, E. coli, and parasites that may spread through contaminated water. Even trace amounts are risky if ingested or if water enters eyes, nose, or mouth. Always disinfect and balance your pool water after spotting any feces, and use repellents or fencing to prevent future visits. [Prevention products here]
Can I tell if the droppings are from an iguana or another animal?
Yes, iguana droppings have a distinctive dark solid portion topped with a white or yellow cap. This differs from bird droppings, which are smaller and more liquid, and dog or cat feces, which lack the white (urate) tip. Correct identification helps target your cleanup and prevention efforts.
Got Iguanas in Your Garden?
For all legal questions or additional clarity, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission provides the most up to date information.