Alligator Adventures: A Poolside Rescue

When Pool Maintenance Gets Wild: An Alligator Rescue Story

Most pool professionals have seen their fair share of unusual situations – leaves, debris, the occasional frog, and maybe even a snake. But what happens when you walk up to a commercial pool and find an alligator floating in the water? That's exactly what happened to Paulette from the Talking Pools Podcast, leading to an adventure that would make for one of the most memorable rescue stories in pool maintenance history.

In a recent episode of Talking Pools Podcast, hosts Paulette and Andrea shared their firsthand experience with an unexpected pool visitor, along with crucial insights about pool safety, chemical handling, and the responsibilities that come with maintaining aquatic facilities. Their story serves as both entertainment and education for pool professionals and pool owners alike.

The Great Alligator Rescue: A Story of Quick Thinking and Teamwork

The adventure began when Paulette arrived at one of her commercial pool accounts for routine maintenance. What should have been a standard service call quickly turned into something extraordinary.

So I went to one of my commercial pools. And I walk up and I'm like, wait, she's floating in the pool. And I get closer and it was an alligator. So I call Andrea, because she works nearby. And I'm like, hey, where are you? And she told me. And I go, have you ever seen an alligator in a pool? And she said no. And I go, you want to come and help me get one out?

— Paulette, Talking Pools Podcast

Andrea's response was immediate, arriving within two minutes to help with the unusual rescue mission. Using their trusty pool nets – specifically Red Baron nets from Purity Pool – the duo successfully removed the alligator from the pool and relocated it to a nearby water source.

The rescue was so impressive that Purity Pool, their equipment supplier, sent them commemorative nets with tiny alligator toys inside as a thank-you gesture. The incident, which was captured on video from two different angles, showcases the professionalism and quick thinking that experienced pool technicians bring to unexpected situations.

Interestingly, the same day as their rescue, a professional trapper in a nearby Florida town was called to remove a seven-foot alligator from another pool. This coincidence highlights an important reality for pool professionals in certain regions: alligator encounters, while rare, do happen, especially during mating season when these reptiles become more active and venture into unfamiliar territory.

Legal Considerations and Safety Protocol for Wildlife Encounters

The alligator rescue raised important questions about the legal and safety implications of wildlife removal from pools. According to Florida Wildlife Commission guidelines, alligators four feet or longer that pose a threat to people, pets, or property should be handled by professional trappers through the Nuisance Alligator Hotline.

Fortunately, the alligator in Paulette and Andrea's case was smaller than the four-foot threshold and was successfully relocated without incident. As Andrea explained:

We weren't doing any of those things. We didn't kill it, hunt it, capture it, or whatever the hell else it was. We just got it out of the pool. We rescued it. Thank you very much. That was not... We netted it out with our trusty red baronets and put it over where there was water.

— Andrea, Talking Pools Podcast

For pool professionals working in areas where wildlife encounters are possible, it's essential to:

• Assess the size and apparent aggressiveness of any animal before attempting removal
• Know when to call professional wildlife control services
• Have appropriate equipment on hand for safe animal removal
• Document incidents for liability and educational purposes
• Understand local wildlife protection laws and regulations

Chemical Safety: Protecting Eyes and Respiratory Health

Beyond wildlife encounters, the podcast hosts discussed a more common but equally serious concern: chemical safety in pool maintenance. They referenced a recent lawsuit involving three individuals who were exposed to high levels of chlorine at a gym spa facility, resulting in ongoing health issues including persistent cough and droopy eyelid.

From their own experience, both hosts emphasized the importance of proper protective equipment when handling pool chemicals. Andrea shared her painful experience with chemical exposure:

I have had copper algaecide in my eye and that sucks. It sucks a whole bunch. And I thought my eyeball was going to explode. And so for that reason, I keep, uh, eye wash in my truck now... I poured it in the pool and it splashed back and hit me right in the eye. So now I put my sunglasses down and every time I pour something into a pool, no matter what it is.

— Andrea, Talking Pools Podcast

This real-world example underscores the critical importance of:

• Wearing appropriate eye protection when handling any pool chemicals
• Keeping emergency eyewash stations readily available
• Understanding the specific hazards of different chemical products
• Having protocols in place for chemical exposure incidents
• Regular safety training for all pool maintenance staff

Pool Safety and Supervision: A Matter of Life and Death

The conversation took a more serious turn when discussing recent drowning incidents, including a case where a four-year-old child nearly drowned due to inadequate supervision. The child was found at the bottom of the pool but fortunately survived after receiving immediate life-saving measures.

The incident resulted in the mother's arrest for failing to actively supervise her child, highlighting the legal responsibilities that come with pool ownership and the presence of children. The hosts emphasized several critical safety points:

• Always supervise children closely when they're in or near water
• Stay within arm's reach of young children, even if they know how to swim
• Install proper barriers around pools, including self-closing gates
• Learn CPR – it can make a life-saving difference
• Never assume someone else is watching your child around water

The Need for Better Pool Safety Regulations

The discussion of drowning incidents led to a broader conversation about pool safety regulations and enforcement. Andrea expressed frustration with the lack of regulatory oversight for residential pools:

I feel like with the swimming pool, with something like that, I feel like it should be more, I don't want to say regulated, but I feel like there should be more, more involved in the safety of the pools at people's houses... I wish there was a way you could like make people update according to VGB and like, Hey, you can't take that thing off and you have to have a fence.

— Andrea, Talking Pools Podcast

The hosts noted common safety violations they encounter, including:

• Missing or broken pool barriers and gates
• Removed or damaged drain covers
• Disabled safety equipment like vacuum release systems
• Non-compliance with Virginia Graeme Baker (VGB) Act requirements

These observations highlight the ongoing challenge of maintaining pool safety standards in residential settings where regular inspections may not occur.

Professional Responsibility and Industry Standards

Throughout their discussion, Paulette and Andrea demonstrated the high level of responsibility that professional pool technicians carry. From wildlife rescue to chemical safety to advocating for proper safety equipment, their experience illustrates why professional pool maintenance is about much more than just keeping water clean.

Pool professionals serve as educators, safety advocates, and sometimes even emergency responders. Their expertise extends beyond water chemistry and equipment maintenance to encompass risk assessment, regulatory compliance, and crisis management.

The alligator rescue story, while entertaining, also demonstrates the quick thinking and adaptability required in this profession. The hosts' willingness to document and share their experience contributes to the broader education of both industry professionals and pool owners.

Key Takeaways for Pool Owners and Professionals

This episode of Talking Pools Podcast offers several important lessons for anyone involved with swimming pool ownership or maintenance. The combination of an exciting rescue story with serious safety discussions creates a comprehensive look at the realities of pool management.

For pool owners, the key message is clear: pool ownership comes with significant responsibilities. Proper safety equipment, active supervision of children, and regular maintenance by qualified professionals are not just recommendations – they're necessities that can prevent tragedy.

For pool professionals, the episode reinforces the importance of being prepared for unexpected situations, maintaining proper safety protocols, and serving as advocates for pool safety in their communities. Whether it's rescuing wildlife, handling chemical emergencies, or educating clients about safety requirements, pool professionals play a vital role in protecting public health and safety.

The hosts' experience also highlights the value of professional networking and mutual support within the industry. Andrea's quick response to help with the alligator rescue demonstrates the collaborative spirit that makes the pool industry stronger and safer for everyone involved.

Episode Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction and Equipment Unboxing
• 05:30 The Alligator Rescue Story
• 15:45 Legal Considerations for Wildlife Removal
• 22:10 Chemical Safety and Exposure Incidents
• 35:20 Drowning Prevention and Child Supervision
• 45:15 Pool Safety Regulations and Enforcement