Should You Let Your Dogs In The Pool?

A dip in the pool can be the perfect way to cool off during hot Tucson summers. If you have furry friends at home, you may be wondering whether it’s safe to let them join you for a swim. The basic answer is yes, a properly maintained pool is safe for your dog. Allowing your dog in the pool may affect water chemistry and there are some cleaning concerns to keep in mind, but it is definitely possible to make the necessary adjustments so your pet can enjoy your pool along with you.

Pet Swimming Safety

First and foremost, you should make sure to teach your dog to swim safely and supervise them while they use the pool. Depending on your dog’s swimming skills, they may benefit from a life jacket for extra assurance.

One of the main questions dog owners have about letting their pets in the pool is whether it is safe for the dog to drink the water. Your dog is going to ingest a small amount of pool water which is not likely to be harmful. This is true whether your pool uses chlorine or salt water. However, drinking too much of the water can cause an upset stomach. To avoid this, make sure your dog has access to fresh, clean water while they are swimming. If you notice them lapping at the pool water excessively, you should stop them from doing so.

Pool water can also affect your dog’s coat. This applies to both chlorine and saltwater pools, but may be more prominent for chlorine pools. It is a good idea to rinse your dog off after they have been in the swimming pool. If your dog has sensitive skin, consult your veterinarian before letting them swim with you. You should also visit your vet if you notice any new or worsening skin conditions after allowing your dog in the pool.

How Your Dogs Affect Your Pool

Once you know your dog can swim safely, your next question is likely how does this affects how well your pool functions and how clean the water is. Experts estimate that a dog has the same effect on pool water as three human swimmers. Their fur can bring in debris and if they shed, they are going to leave hairs in the water as well.

To minimize the impact your dog has on your pool’s cleanliness, it can be helpful to bathe them before they go for a swim. Brushing out their coat can help minimize shedding as well. You should also keep their nails trimmed so to minimize potential scratching of pool walls, although most materials are strong enough to withstand this force.

As for pool maintenance, you will generally take the same steps you would for human swimmers. You should check the levels of pool chemicals and keep these within the recommended range. Shocking your pool after your dog swims can also be beneficial.

A Beautiful New Pool For Your Whole Family

At Pools by Design, we can create a luxurious custom pool that your whole family, dogs included, can enjoy.

To get started on the pool building process, contact us today.