A dad fell into his pool while grabbing a nine-foot-long python playing near his three-year-old after refusing to pay for professional help.

Ben Robards was swimming in his backyard in Brisbane, Australia, when he spotted a reptile slithering around the edge.

Hilarious footage shows Ben trying to reach over to the python with a pool net after he decided not to spend $250AUD on a snake catcher.

He eventually grabbed the snake’s tail with his bare hands and placed it in the net but fell into the water in basically the same motion.

Ben said: “I was lucky I got the snake into the bin before I fell in to be honest.

“I don’t regret not calling a professional. The only thing that can hurt an adult from a python is the bacteria from its saliva or an infection.

“I'm actually more scared of snakes under 3 foot. They are more aggressive and can turn on their body so quickly.

“I was swimming with my three-year-old then went to rocks at the edge saw the snake in the rocks.

“Luckily my friend was there to look after my son while I changed and removed the snake.

“There are at least three pythons in our yard at all times. Brown snakes, red belly blacks and death adders are everywhere but 90% only active at night, therefore rarely seen.

“I used my hands in the end so as not to harm the snake. I placed it in an empty large bin then put in my ute and released it in bush.”