We used 2 skamper ramps for 2 years. We adjusted them to fit the edge of the pool better. Not sure if they worked well or not - still had our annual 'opening sacrifices'. (Forgive the euphemism - I always got very upset when I couldn't save an animal).

THen last year wehen I opened, we had a baby chipmunk fall in - I'd had it. I bought one of the leaf nets designed for keeping on top of winter covers. I got it oversize for the pool and attached it to a solar cover reel. When the pool is not in use we 'tether' it down to the deck with loose bricks. When we're ready to use the pool, we push aside the bricks, fold the long edges in and roll it up. It's not going to stop a child or larger dog from falling in (we have a fence to keep them at bay) but for squirrels, coons, chipmunks and other small animals seeking a drink, it's worked brilliantly. They actually know to hang on the netting over the edge to grab a drink.

We haven't had a single fatality in 2 seasons. It's a pain to go through the process and the pool isn't as pretty looking when idle, but no more baby animals dead and it keeps the leaves out. I only vac the pool once every 10 days now. THe pool was installed in 1981 - waaaay before you could get those fancy retractable safety/solar covers for inground pools.