Are There Above Ground Pools Safe For Dogs?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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As summer approaches, the pool becomes increasingly inviting. Pool owners who have dogs they dote on often wonder, “Can my dog swim in my above ground pool?” In short,

yes—dogs can safely swim

. They have a natural ability to stay afloat in the water.

How do I make my above ground pool dog friendly?

  1. Always rinse off your dog after each swim to help protect their skin and fur.
  2. Keep an eye on your skimmer for any build-up of unwanted debris, pet hair, and dirt.
  3. If your dog sheds an excessive amount, it may not be wise to let them in your pool.

Are Intex pools dog proof?

This dog pool by Intex is great for those looking for something cheaper for puppy pool playtime! Designed to be filled to just 6.5 inches deep,

it’s a safe option to cool your dog off in the summer.

How do I keep my dog from tearing up my pool liner?

Are liner pools OK for dogs?


If you have a fiberglass or cement-lined pool, your dog will not cause damage

. You can let them swim in these pools to their heart’s content without worry about damage. If you have a vinyl-lined pool, on the other hand, exercise some caution.

What breed of dogs can’t swim?

1. Bulldogs. Both

English bulldogs and French bulldogs

possess the triple threat of flat faces, barrel-shaped bodies and short legs. In other words, bulldogs simply aren’t made for swimming.

What size pool does my dog need?


Large is 63′′ in diameter and 11.8′′ high

, which is a good size for a Labrador to be able to lie out in. However, if you have a smaller dog, you could go for medium (47.2′′ by 11.8′′) or small (31.5′′ by 7.87′′). What is this? While most buyers seem to be happy with this pool, there have been some reports of leaking seams.

Why dogs should not swim in pools?


Pool chemicals can cause skin irritation and dryness in both humans and animals, especially if they swim often

. Be sure to rinse your dog’s coat after swimming and check the skin regularly for redness, flaking, or other issues.

Is a salt water pool better for dogs?

While salt water pools contain less sodium than ocean water,

too much of it can still be bad for your dog

(and potentially give them salt water poisoning). As with chlorinated pools, swallowing a little while swimming won’t hurt your pup, but they shouldn’t be allowed to drink it.

Can a dog drown?

Although we think of them as naturally strong swimmers,

dogs can still drown

. They may panic in a strong current or become exhausted if trapped in water, particularly dogs in swimming pools, ice holes or rough seas.

Can all dogs naturally swim?

Many people mistakenly think that all dogs can naturally swim.

This isn’t true

. Though most dogs will attempt a doggy paddle if they find themselves in the water, not all dogs are good swimmers or are able to stay afloat.

Are Basset Hounds good swimmers?

Basset HoundBasset Hounds are

not natural swimmers

because of their short legs and stocky and long bodies. When they are in water, the back part of their body starts to sink while the front half floats. As a result of this, Basset Hounds are in an inefficient and uncomfortable vertical position.

How do you pet proof a pool?

  1. Keep your dog supervised at all times.
  2. Use a gate to block the pool.
  3. Help your dog practice swimming.
  4. Teach your dog a way out of the pool.
  5. Invest in a canine life jacket.
  6. Keep your in-ground pool covered.

How deep does a pool have to be for a dog to swim?

You’ll need to decide on length, width and depth. For us it was important that dogs actually have room to swim so ours was

3 feet deep

, 12 feet wide and 20 feet in length. The best decision we made was the beach entry and installation of a large step on the deep end of the pool.

How do you make a dog pool at home?

Is pool chlorine bad for dogs?

According to the CDC,

chlorinated water is safe for both humans and dogs to drink in concentrations up to 4 milligrams per liter

. The recommended level of chlorine in pools and tubs is 1-3 milligrams per liter, so your dog should be fine if they ingest some of the pool water.

Kim Nguyen
Author
Kim Nguyen
Kim Nguyen is a fitness expert and personal trainer with over 15 years of experience in the industry. She is a certified strength and conditioning specialist and has trained a variety of clients, from professional athletes to everyday fitness enthusiasts. Kim is passionate about helping people achieve their fitness goals and promoting a healthy, active lifestyle.