Whether it's in the water or on the deck, nothing poops like a duck.

Fortunately, birds are also skiddish creatures. They'll avoid any area that might hinder an emergency take-off.

The photo to the right was taken from a motel roof looking down along one of the nylon strands running from the nail (lower center) to the top of the gate post.

Use nylon fishing line heavy enough to be visible to trespassers, not thick enough to be distracting to paying guests; clear 50 to 80 lb test works best. Have the line cross the pool area every 15 feet or so and keep it at least 8 feet off the deck.

You're not building a bird cage, it's the fear that something could hinder a quick escape that keeps the birds away. And it may take a few months for the various bird populations to recognize the threat but they will all eventually squat elsewhere.

Tip #18: Bird Bath Repair Revisited

An earlier tip to eliminate deck bird baths involves drilling a simple hole through the slab. An excellent idea; but even a great idea can't be used all the time.

A 4' straight edge shows how much build-up is needed.

A stiff 'sandmix' (gray cement and sand) is used in the deeper bath area. Then a thinner, more featherable mixture of finely sanded tile grout (here, a lighter color is used for contrast) is spread over the remainder of the circle.

Trowelled flat and checked often with the straight edge, this patch directs excess water to both the Deck drain and cut expansion joint.

Any cement texture (Knock-down, Kool Deck, Chatt or Presidio) applied over this repair will render it invisible.

Neat ideas? Pool School has hundreds more of them to save you time, money and aggravation.