Humans aren’t the only ones who enjoy swimming in pools. Pools can be a great way for dogs to cool off in the summer, have fun, and get some exercise. But is having your dog swim in the pool a good idea? Pools can present a danger to your dog, and your dog can affect the cleanliness of your pool and damage its equipment. In this blog post, Liquidus Pool Services will be discussing some things to consider when thinking about allowing your dog to swim in your pool.
If you have any additional questions, please consult with your veterinarian and a pool professional.
Pool Safety with a Dog
As with other people, you must watch your dog whenever they are in the pool. You may also want to consider equipping your dog with a life jacket to ensure that they are always able to keep their head above water. There are many sizes of life jackets available for dogs, and some have handles that allow you to lift your dog.
It is important to keep in mind that not every dog knows how to swim. Those that do can get tired and suddenly start to drown. They may not be able to alert you by barking. You’ll need to ask yourself if your dog is struggling to swim, can you safely get them out of the water even if they are scared and confused.
The Dangers of Pool Covers
A dog can walk onto a pool cover, thinking it is a solid surface, which can result in them falling into the water. Pool covers can trap dogs in the pool and make it nearly impossible for them to escape. By keeping your pool fenced in with a shut gate, you can help to prevent this. Make sure your dog can’t jump over the fence or open the gate.
Pool Alarm Systems
A pool alarm system can help alert you when a person or animal is in the pool that shouldn’t be. This is a good idea not only for dogs but children as well. Be sure to test it regularly to make sure it is functioning correctly.
Dog First Aid
By learning dog first aid, you can be ready to help your dog if a swimming accident occurs. There are classes you can take, both in person and online, to learn how to care for any wounds or perform CPR on your furry friend.
Certain Breeds of Dogs Can Have More Difficulty Swimming
Texas A&M University School of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences notes that “In particular, brachycephalic dogs with large heads and flat faces, like pugs and bulldogs, tend to have the most trouble swimming.” Be sure to consult with your veterinarian if you have any concerns about your dog being in the pool or water.
Pool Water and Dog Health
After your dog swims, Texas A&M University School of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences says to rinse them off. This helps to remove chlorine and other chemicals from your dog. When using a hose to wash your dog, make sure that the water is not too hot. You do not want a dog swimming in a pool after you “shock” it and when chemicals like algaecide are in use. Speak with your veterinarian about the right age for your dog to begin learning how to swim.
Some dogs may attempt to drink pool water. While a little pool water might not hurt them, if they drink a lot, it can cause serious health problems. Be sure to provide them with clean drinking water.
Skin Irritation
It is possible for your dog’s skin to be irritated and dry from swimming pool chemicals. Make sure to check your dog for flaking, redness, and other signs of irritation. If it occurs, reach out to your veterinarian.
Water Chemical Use and Storage When Allowing a Dog in the Pool
It may be tempting to leave pool chemical bottles, chlorine tablets, and containers lying around the pool. However, this can be lethal to animals and humans. Bottles can be knocked over, and their contents spilled out. It is vital that you securely store pool chemicals out of the reach of children and pets.
The Impact a Dog Can Have On a Pool
While many dogs love going for a swim in their pool, keeping your pool clean and chemically balanced may require extra work after they have gone for a swim. Not only can their hair clog filters, but the oil from their skin can affect water quality. When you have a dog that swims in your pool, it can throw off the pH levels, so be sure to check them regularly. Dogs bring more bacteria to swimming pools. Fecal matter from your dog can enter the pool, possibly leading to E. coli.
How to Care for Your Pool Post Dog Swim
You will have some extra work taking care of your pool when you have a dog that swims in it. The effect of one dog in a pool is the same as having three people in it. Their hair can get caught in the filter, and the oil from their skin can affect the water.
To keep your pool clean, It is important to double the number of pool enzymes you use. Treat your pool twice a week. If more than one dog is in the pool, you’ll need to shock your pool afterward. Maintain your chlorine around the 1 to 3 pm area, and be sure that your alkalinity and pH are balanced.
Dog Hair and Swimming Pools
Dog hair can overwhelm your swimming pool’s filtration system, causing it to clog. If your pool filter gets clogged, it won’t be able to do its job and will be unable to efficiently filter out dirt and debris in your pool. It can even result in costly damage to your pool and pump. When a pool filter stops working, it can lead to bacterial and algae growth as well as dirty water. It may be necessary to clean your pool more regularly to deal with dog hair.
In the following sections, we will be detailing some ways you can clean dog hair out of your pool and help to protect your pool’s filtration system.
Brush your Dog Before they Go Swimming
If you brush your dog before they enter your pool, you can reduce the amount of hair they shed. Speak with your veterinarian about the best type of brush for your dog.
Use a Skimmer Net On the Surface of the Water
After your dog leaves the pool, use a skimmer net to clean the surface of the water. This will reduce the amount of hair that goes through the filtration system.
Use a Skimmer Sock Over the Skimmer Basket
By placing a skimmer sock over your pool’s skimmer basket, you can help prevent objects such as hair from entering your pool’s filtration system. Disposable skimmer socks are a lot easier to deal with than a clogged filtration system.
Use a Hand Vacuum Equipped with a Filter
A hand vacuum can be a useful tool in cleaning the dog hair on the bottom of your pool. As with other pool equipment, there are many hand vacuum cleaners on the market for a variety of price points.
Clean Using A Robotic Pool Cleaner
Not only can a robotic pool cleaner be an effective way to clean dog hair from your pool, but it’s also pretty cool to boot. Robotic pool cleaners drive along the bottom of your pool, cleaning it as they go. However, as with anything electric in your pool, it is extremely important that you exercise caution when using it. There are many models of robotic pool cleaners available at different price points.
Clean Out Your Filtration System
Not only can dog hair get into your filtration system, but depending on what type of breed your dog is, their water-resistant oils can clog your filtration system as well. It may be necessary for you to clean out your pool’s filtration system more than you normally would.
Upgrade Your Filtration System
If your dog is a frequent pool user, you may need to upgrade your pool’s filter to one that can handle more hair. An upgraded filtration system might just save you money in the long run. By working with a qualified pool professional, you can determine the optimal pool filtration system to deal with the hair.
Pool Cleaning Services
Since 2017, Liquidous Pool Services has been helping people maintain and clean their pools in the Dallas area. It takes a lot of work to keep your pool clean and looking great. Give yourself a break and leave your pool maintenance and cleaning to the professionals. We proudly stand by every job we do. Our team members are licensed and certified, so you know you are working with true professionals. By making sure your pool is cleaned regularly, you can create a safer environment to swim in and potentially save money in the long run. We look forward to working with you.
Contact us to receive a quote on cleaning and maintenance.