Swimming Pool Safety for Dogs

Many of us at Gohlke Pools are dog lovers. Whether they are our pets or our clients’ pets, we get attached to them and we want them to have the best life possible, especially during the “dog days of summer” (no pun intended).

With that being said, with the hot weather that we are currently experiencing, we are getting asked our opinion of whether dogs should be allowed in the family pool. Although it is recommended by most in the swimming pool industry that dogs not be allowed in pools (due to additional chemical requirements and dog hair in the skimmer baskets, pump basket, & filter), we have always felt that dogs that enjoy being in the water should be allowed to do so. The exception to that would be vinyl liner pools, as a dog’s claws could puncture the liner material.

With that being said, safety is something to be concerned about when allowing a dog in or around the pool.

Several times per year, we hear of dogs drowning in swimming pools. Mostly it is due to the fact that we often overlook pool safety for our dogs. Following are some pool safety tips for your dogs:

• Watch your dogs as you would your children when they are in the pool area. This might sound absurd, but not all dogs are able to take care of themselves when they are in the pool. If your dog does not take to water, you might want to consider installing a fence around the pool.
• Have a water dish for your dog. Some people allow their dog to drink out of the pool. The water in a chemically balanced pool should not harm the dog, but if the dog falls in to the pool while trying to get a drink, the dog may become startled and be unable to recover.
• Teach your dog how to get out of the pool. Most dog drownings in pools occur because the dog does not know how to get out of the pool and simply swims around looking for an exit and wears itself out.
• Consider getting a life vest for your dog, especially if they are not great swimmers or tend to tire easily.

Although dog drownings do occur, an area that is often overlooked when it comes to pools and pets are the chemicals used in the pool. Be sure to keep the lids tight on all chemical containers and clean up any chemical spills to prevent accidents with the family pet.

One more thing—like was mentioned earlier, there will likely be additional chemical requirements. Therefore, don’t forget to pay particular attention to your water chemistry if you allow your dog to swim.

Happy swimming to you and your dog!