Ohhhh Australia, buckle up — because it’s not just the mozzies coming out to play this summer. Yep, we’re talking snake sightings in pools. And while you’re floating around on your inflatable flamingo living your best life, there could be a very unwelcome guest doing the same, minus the cocktail and playlist.
With scorching temps already rolling in, snake sightings around backyard pools are surging, and experts are sounding the alarm. Jim’s Pool Care has dropped a serious warning for homeowners, revealing a noticeable spike in serpents slithering into pool zones across the country.
And look, we get it — the pool is the place to be in summer. But before you brush this off with a casual “Eh, they won’t come near my pool,” let’s snap out of the complacency. Because snakes don’t care how nice your landscaping is or that you finally learned how to vacuum your pool properly. They are coming for the water, the shade and the frog buffet by your filter box.
Venomous snakes are becoming the norm
Brett Blair, CEO and general manager of Jim’s Pool Care Australia, says these aren’t harmless little tree snakes doing laps for fitness.
“We are seeing a disturbing increase in the number of snakes lurking around household pools. These just aren’t your average python — we are coming across brown snakes and red-bellied black snakes,”
So yes… the REALLY scary ones. The kind of snakes that would make you suddenly re-evaluate every decision that led you to opening that skimmer lid barefoot.
And kids? They think everything is a “nature discovery moment.” Not quite the vibe when the discovery can land you in hospital.
Why it’s happening
Summer heat = thirsty snakes.
Pools = free water, cool hiding spots and a sneaky nibble if there’s a frog hopping about.
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“Over the past few weeks, our pool technicians have seen a significant increase in sightings of dangerous snakes lurking in pool areas, skimmer boxes and filter enclosures.”
Shade, moisture and peace? It’s basically a snake spa retreat in your backyard.
🫣 The close-call nobody wants
Imagine it — sunny morning, you head out with your coffee, ready to scoop a few leaves… and BAM. Snake curled behind the filter.
Suddenly, stepping on LEGO barefoot doesn’t seem so traumatic anymore.
“It can be a terrifying experience when you reach for the pool skimmer or step outside barefoot and there’s a snake coiled up behind the filter box,”
Why Snakes Love Your Pool Setup
You’ve accidentally created the perfect reptile resort:
✅ Water source
✅ Shady hiding spots under pool equipment
✅ Frogs and rodents hanging around
✅ Garden oasis vibes
If you’re thinking “surely not my place,” please know … snakes do not discriminate. Suburbs, bushland edges, coastal areas… if there’s water, they’re interested.
What you need to do RIGHT NOW
Blair isn’t sugar-coating it. With snake season peaking, the time to act is yesterday.
His top tips for keeping snakes away:
- Ditch the clutter — old pool toys, pots and random “I’ll put that away later” stuff
- Trim bushes and long grass around the pool area
- ALWAYS check skimmer boxes before sticking your hand in
- Don’t leave pet food or bird seed lying around (hello rodents, hello snakes)
- Call a licensed snake catcher if you spot one — no hero moves, please.
And yes, that also means keeping your pool crystal clear. If you’ve been putting off that vacuuming session… congratulations, the snakes thank you.
“Snakes are part of our environment, but a little awareness and maintenance can go a long way toward keeping your family safe.”
Extra Caution Snake Tips from the Pros
- Don’t lift toys, furniture or pool gear with your bare hands
- Use a long-handled broom first to tap and move things
- Snakes can hide under steps, ledges and even underwater
Basically, if you’re heading outside, think like you’re playing a real-life game of ‘Where’s Wally?’ but Wally could be venomous.
A tidy yard = safer summer
Pools are paradise, for us and for wildlife. But a little decluttering and vigilance could save you a very painful hospital visit … or a scream heard three suburbs away.
So yes, enjoy that icy dip, but don’t let your backyard oasis become the neighbourhood snake day spa.
About Jim’s Pool Care
They’re one of Australia’s largest pool service networks with over 150 franchise operators nationwide — and they live in backyards, so when they say snakes are on the move, believe them.
They know pools, they know hazards and they’ve seen things that would make your skin crawl. Literally.
Final word
We LOVE a good pool day. But if you want to keep summer full of cannonballs and inflatable unicorn races — not emergency calls and shrieking — get proactive.
Clean up. Check boxes. Keep grass short. And eyeball EVERYTHING before touching it.
Snakes aren’t trying to ruin your life — they’re just following the heat and the water. But they’re not exactly welcome at your pool party, so let’s make sure they don’t get an invite.
Stay safe, stay savvy and don’t get complacent — or you might just find someone else doing laps in your pool. 🐍
