Your Inground Pool and Your Pup: Tips for Dog Owners

For most Americans, our canine companions are true members of the family. They have their own couch, they get a special diet, and they may even have a wardrobe of their own! We take them with us everywhere, and for pool owners, that can include letting them swim or lounge by the pool.

Whether you currently have a dog AND a pool, or you’re thinking about getting a new inground pool and wondering how your dog will like it, or you’re thinking about introducing a new puppy into your home, there are some things you should consider.

Today, we’re going over several things to consider and including some tips for dog owners or soon-to-be dog owners who are also pool owners.

Inground Pool Design with Your Dog in Mind

If you don’t already have a pool and you’re meeting with inground pool contractors, think about how your pool design choices will enable your dog to join in on the fun. If you’re serious about your dog joining you in the pool, you need to get a fiberglass pool or concrete pool. Avoid a vinyl liner pool as the dog’s nails can puncture the liner. 

You also want to consider how your dog will enter and get out of the pool. While a naturally swimming breed such as a Labrador Retriever may take a running jump into the pool, a smaller dog may want to ease its way in. Ease of entry for humans is the ease of entry (and exit) for dogs, as well.

Consider a beach entry pool where you, your kids, elderly relatives, and your dog can walk into and out of the pool. Or add a tanning ledge. Or add stairs that the dog could use to climb out. The main thing to consider is while it’s easy for dogs to get into an inground pool with a single leap, they can struggle to get out if all you have is a ladder made for people.

If you have an existing pool without a beach entry or stairs, there are a variety of ramps and steps you can order and install poolside.

RELATED READING: What Is a Beach Entry Pool and Is It Right for You?

Pool Safety Tips for Dog Owners

We already went over the #1 pool safety tip for dog owners – providing an easy exit for your dog. Now we’re going to go over some other safety tips you might not have thought about.  Many of these come courtesy of the American Kennel Club. They are:

• Never throw a dog in the water.
• Coax a dog into the pool with a treat, or by holding it while you enter the water. 
• Consider life jackets for smaller dogs.
• Avoid letting your dog drink copious amounts of chlorinated water. Keep fresh water available poolside.
• Teach your dog how to get in and out of the pool safely. (Beach entry, steps, ramp.)
• Rinse chlorinated water off your dog to avoid skin irritation, and dry their ears to prevent infection.
• Never leave your dog alone in the pool.
• Ensure the pool fence and gate is secure enough to keep the dog out of the pool area. 

RELATED READING: Add an Outdoor Shower to Your Pool Area

Inground Pool Maintenance If You Let Your Dog Swim in the Pool

If you’ve decided to let your dog swim in your inground pool, you need to be prepared for some increased pool maintenance. Dogs are hairy, and they shed that hair right into your pool. You’ll need to check and clean the pool filter more often. You may also want to use your pool vacuum or pool cleaner more often. Keep a close eye on your pool chemistry as well, and adjust the levels as needed. 

And last but not least, have fun with your pup in the pool! 

Make It Exceptional. Make It Woodfield.

If this is the year you take the plunge and schedule a new inground pool installation, we can help. We design and build custom inground pools our clients (and their pooches) love. At Woodfield, we believe you deserve an exceptional experience when it comes to enhancing your outdoor living spaces. 

We work with discerning homeowners throughout the Baltimore area, including Anne Arundel County, Baltimore City, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Cecil County, Harford County, and Howard County. Schedule a call today.