It was fall the first year we had the pool. We had several days of storms and leaf cleaning. One afternoon we went shopping in neighboring town right after work and it was dark when we arrived home. I decided I needed to empty the skimmer baskets. It had been raining and windy all day and I was afraid the packed leaves may be putting pressure on the pump. When I got out back I could see the skimmer was backed up with leaves- so full they were building up in the pool area going into the skimmer. I noticed one long stem on one of the leaves and grabbed it when I was grabbing the "wad" of leaves from the pool. When I touched it- it felt funny- and then I noticed I had the tail of a big dead rat..... I was sick for days- never empty the skimmers in the dark anymore.

One Afternoon I was swimming in the pool and I was at the deep end swimming toward the shallow- where there is a skimmer. I thought I saw something looking at me when the skimmer thing flapped- I noticed it again..
hmm... Got out to check it out. It was a baby snake coiled in the skimmer on top the basket- he was keeping his head above water- could not get out of the skimmer area- just there trying to survive. I felt bad for him- especially when I chopped his head off. I hated too- but he scared me- what fear will make you do!!!

I hope those are the worst stories I will ever have.