The FrogLog Critter-Saving Escape Ramp

How It Works

When frogs, chipmunks, salamanders, or other animals enter a pool, they automatically swim toward the pool wall attempting to escape. This is their instinct. Unfortunately, most animals will never be able to escape the pool as there is no way for the animal to exit the water easily over the pool coping to safety. When the animal gets so tired, it typically either drowns or gets sucked into the skimmer basket. For frogs, toads and salamanders, their permeable skin allows chlorine to enter their bloodstream. This will eventually kill the animal if it stays in the chlorinated water too long.

With the FrogLog, the animals easily escape to safety. The animal will circle around the edge of the pool seeking a way out. The animal will bump into the FrogLog, climb onto the floating platform, up the mesh ramp over the pool coping, and exit the pool.

Turning the pump and filter to cycle off at night will improve the effectiveness of the FrogLog. If the pump runs all night, there is a greater chance of animals getting pulled into the skimmer before finding the FrogLog. If regulations allow for only a brief shutdown period for the pump, set it to cycle off at dusk, as this is when animals become active. Using the recommended number of FrogLog units based on pool size will provide the best coverage.

With care, the FrogLog can be used with swimming pools that have automatic pool covers. Small animals can crawl under a pool cover and get into the water. The FrogLog can also be placed on top of or underneath a solar cover.

Easy Set-Up - Assembly and Placement

The FrogLog only takes minutes to set up and install.

Open the flap on the back edge of the floating platform. Pinch the inflator nozzle at the base and inflate the bladder to a firm consistency. Note: there is a flap inside the base of the nozzle that helps keep air in. This flap can stick shut making it difficult to blow air in. If this occurs, use a small Phillips head screwdriver or other small implement and insert it into the nozzle to loosen the flap. Pinch the base again and inflate.

Remove the small plastic bag from the fabric pouch that has the FrogLog logo. Fill the bag with 1.5 to 2 cups of sand or pea gravel. Insert the plastic bag into the fabric pouch. If you live in a windy area and find the sand is not heavy enough, replace some of the sand with small fishing weights to add more weight. Some customers have used scuba dive belt weights inside the pouch to add weight.

Place the floating platform in the water and place the weighted pouch on the pool deck. An optimal location is just upstream from the flow of water moving toward the skimmer opening. Be sure to keep the back edge of the float against the pool wall. For multiple units, space FrogLogs evenly around the pool.

Cleaning and Repair

Clean the FrogLog with warm soap and water. Dry the FrogLog before storing. If ever punctured, the inflatable bladder can be removed and patched with a PVC patch kit. To remove the bladder, simply squeeze the air out and fold the edges into the center so it can be removed through the opening.

Recommended Number of FrogLogs:

• Pool Size 15' x 30' - 1-2 Frog Logs
• Pool Size 15' x 30' to 25' x 50' - 2-3 Frog Logs
• Pool Size 25' - 50' to 50' x 80' - 3-5 Frog Logs
• Pools Larger then 50' x 80' - 5-8 Frog Logs

Use the higher number if:

• The pump and filter are run at night.
• Chlorine levels are kept high.
• The number of animals found in your pool is substantial.
• Small mammals (mice, chipmunks, etc.) are the main concern.
• There are multiple skimmer intakes in your pool.