How can I create an escape ramp for animals that fall into a nearby disused swimming pool.?

Question

I live in the country and on some property nearby there is a disused swimming pool that is filled with dead animals that fall in and drown.
The owner refuses to cover it or fill it in and won't put up a fence either.

He will allow me to put somthing in that will help them get out but I am completely at a loss for how to build something that will work for creatures as small as frogs and large as deer. I can't tell how deep the water is as it's all disgustingly gooey with dead things.

Any ideas gratefully appreciated as I am worried sick about pets and children in the area.

And yes, I have already notified every authority and there is no one who can force him to fix the problem.

Answer 1

Wow. That's nasty. I would keep pressing the issue with officials. I would also see if the local news would publish the problem. Do you get along with the neighbor? Where do you live?

For small animals, you can simply throw a decent sized rope across the pool. Tie it securely on each side, but let it lay on top of the water. Small animals can climb the rope. For larger animals, you could get a sheet of plywood. Take small planks of wood (like 1 inch by 2 inch about 3 feet long) and nail them in a ladder formation onto the plywood. Then I just would slide the plywood into the pool at about a 30 degree angle. You would have to brace it so that it doesn't slide in completely and disappear forever. You could nail it to a pole you sink in the ground.

But really, don't become part of the problem. If a child falls in, you might be liable because you attempted to make adjustments to the pool. You need to go to your mayor, your fire department, your health and safety department, whatever! The local news could embarrass your officials enough to do something.

Answer 2

have you told the folks at the Hazardous Waste offices?.... I'm sure what's cookin' in that pool is gonna qualify... beyond the mosquitos!!....there's got to be a Health Office that will help!!!.... I don't think you've gone as far as you can... how about the area TVNews stations?.. do they have a 'Neighboor Helping Neighbor' type show?.. where they help folks that can't get anyone else to listen?... write to the newspaper... a good letter to the Editor!!... I cannot now understand why there's a need to make a bridge out, either.... no animal is about to drink from a polluted water source like that...... they're smarter than that..... but I, too, am worried that kids could get too close (tho the smell should keep them away, you'd think!!)...... and the skeeters worry me, as well....if it's that important, you'll find a way to fix this....

Answer 3

I can't believe he would be able to have this hazzard without a fence anyway build a sturdy wooden ramp and about every foot put a cross piece of 2x4 for a clete attach the one end with a rope and let the other end float in the water.

Answer 4

i know how you fill about that go to the person hed of your town and talk to them about this problem