The pool is inground but there is a 4 foot high fence around it. We have a pond and lake too. Surely they know to stay away from the bodies of water. So if we put them out back, then that is directly west of the house. So if they smell then I guess it would smell by the house. Hhmmm... We...
A note about the swimming pool. Chickens drown because they can't swim. Is your pool above or in-ground? Above should be safe for the most part, unless you have bantams that can fly that high up.