A Plano Family Found a Cottonmouth in Their Pool Skimmer — Then Discovered Two More Behind the Filter

A Plano family thought they were dealing with an ordinary pool problem when they walked outside and noticed the water did not look quite right.

The pool pump had been running, but the surface still had debris floating near the edges. Leaves were collecting faster than usual, and the skimmer basket looked like it needed to be emptied. It was the kind of backyard chore most pool owners do without thinking too much about it.

Then one family member lifted the skimmer lid.

Inside the basket was a snake.

At first, they thought it might be a harmless water snake that had somehow fallen into the pool overnight. But once they got a better look at the thick body, triangular head, and dark markings, the situation suddenly felt a lot less routine.

The family believed it was a cottonmouth.

That was alarming enough on its own. But the discovery did not end there.

After backing away from the skimmer, the family checked around the pool equipment to see whether the snake had come alone. Behind the filter system, tucked near the plumbing and equipment pad, they spotted movement.

There were two more snakes hiding behind the filter.

What started as a simple skimmer check quickly turned into a backyard emergency. The family kept their distance and made sure no one, especially children or pets, went near the pool area.

Cottonmouths, also known as water moccasins, are venomous snakes that can be found in parts of Texas, especially around water, drainage areas, creeks, ponds, and damp brush. While they do not typically chase people the way some stories claim, they can strike if they feel cornered or threatened.

That is what made the pool equipment area especially concerning. A person reaching behind the filter, pulling weeds, grabbing a hose, or checking a pump could easily surprise a hidden snake without realizing it was there.

For the Plano family, the scariest part was how normal everything had looked from a distance. The backyard did not appear overgrown. The pool was not abandoned. There was no obvious warning sign that three venomous snakes were using the pool area as shelter.

The skimmer basket was the only reason they knew to look closer.

After the discovery, the family contacted professionals rather than trying to handle the snakes themselves. That is usually the safest call in a situation involving a potentially venomous snake, especially when there are multiple snakes and they are hiding around tight spaces.

Pool equipment pads can be a perfect hiding spot. They offer shade, warmth from the motor, cover from predators, and small gaps where snakes can stay tucked away. If there are frogs, mice, lizards, or other small animals nearby, the area can become even more attractive.

The family also began looking around the rest of the yard for anything that might be drawing snakes closer to the house. Common issues include tall grass along fence lines, piles of leaves, stacked wood, gaps under sheds, standing water, and clutter around pool equipment.

Even a clean-looking backyard can have a few hidden spots where snakes feel protected.

The incident also served as a reminder for other North Texas homeowners with pools. Skimmer baskets, filter boxes, and pool equipment areas should be checked carefully, especially after heavy rain or during warmer months when snakes are more active.

It is also a good idea to look before reaching into any dark or hidden area outdoors. A flashlight and a quick visual check can prevent a terrifying surprise.

For this family, the discovery could have been much worse. Someone could have reached directly into the skimmer without looking. A child could have walked near the filter. A dog could have sniffed around the equipment pad.

Instead, the family noticed the problem before anyone got hurt.

Still, finding one cottonmouth in a pool skimmer would be enough to make most homeowners nervous.

Finding two more behind the filter turned a strange backyard moment into the kind of Texas pool story no one forgets.