Backyard Pool

We recently (last Fall) had a backyard pool constructed. Beautiful job done by the contractors. We did experience delays (permitting, hurricane, overseas trip, etc.) which meant that, rather than a finished pool in August, it was November. Too cold (even in Houston) for the pool (not the hot tub).

I'm the pool boy and actually enjoy the routine and accomplishment of keeping the pool clean. I knew there would be leaves in the pool but had not realized the extent of our pools ability to attract - well - just about every thing.

After the dead leaves came the pollen (oak) as new leaves were unfolding: Cottonwood seeds, tallow seeds, other, unknown little berry-like seed from trees - all were attracted to the pool. The flora deposits have pretty much abated but the fauna have, I fear, just begun.

Who knew that sowbugs ("roly polys") would reenact the lemmings to the sea scene. Hundreds of roly polys bodies, carpeting the pool bottom, greeted me each day. Fortunately, to every thing there is a season and for roly polys, it past. However, spiders like to hide in the waterfall outlets, so that, when activated, they come leaping out like creepy cliff divers. I think we've flushed them all out now - or they've returned to their spider universities after the spring break.

Other fauna have tried to enjoy the pool. I have a catch and (back into the bayou - or less prosaically - the ditch) release program in place for frogs (about half a dozen - or if I count the possible gastronomic possiblities, a dozen frog legs).

We have size limits on other critters: Any turtle whos shell is under two inches in diameter becomes an immediate pet. We have a great turtle habitat set up and currently occupied. We have returned the football sized turtle (Red Eared Slider) back to his/her home.

Can't wait to see what appears next - Just know that I will never run out in the middle of the night for a swim without turning on the lights.