Call Us(02) 8625 3656

As the summer heat continues to hit our homes, it stands to reason that everyone in the family could do with a little dip in the pool, including our furry companions. However, before jumping straight into the water with your dogs, there are important considerations for both human and pet safety. Don’t worry though, as we’ll offer valuable tips to ensure a safe and enjoyable swimming experience for your pets.

Potential Concerns With Chlorine Swimming Pools

While it is normally okay to allow your dogs into chlorine swimming pools, there are some risks that you should take into consideration to ensure both human and pet safety. Depending on the level of chlorine and chemicals, exposure to the water can cause skin irritation and sore eyes. Moreover, if your dog tends to drink pool water, this can potentially cause digestive issues or worse. Another concern with letting your dogs into swimming pools is that they may scratch the pool liner with their nails, potentially causing damage and leaks.

Tips For Ensuring Pool Safety

There are several actions you can take to prepare your pets if they want to spend time in a chlorine swimming pool. These tips will help to ensure that both you and your dog have an enjoyable swim without risk of health concerns or pool damage.

  1. Grooming Before & After

Before letting your dog take a plunge, it’s best to rinse and groom them. This will help to remove any accumulated dirt, oils and other contaminants on their fur, reducing the impact on water quality. After swimming, another quick rinse should also help to eliminate any residual chlorine or chemicals, reducing the risk of skin and eye irritation. Clipping their nails will also reduce the risk of them scratching and damaging pool equipment.

  1. Supervision Is Essential

It’s important to recognise that like humans, not all dogs are natural swimmers. Always supervise your dog while they are in or around your pool to prevent accidents. In particular, if it’s their first time in a swimming pool, panic can also quickly set in so it’s best to start slow at the shallow end. You may also find it useful to install a ramp if they struggle with exiting the pool themselves.

  1. Limit Their Time

The longer that your dogs spend in chlorine swimming pools, the higher the risk of a reaction to the chemicals. Extended time in the pool can also lead to more dirt, hair and oils being shed, impacting the water quality further. Restricting their swimming time is a surefire way to ensure that both you and your pets stay safe.

Safe Pool Alternatives For Dogs

If you are concerned about the risks associated with chlorine, there are fortunately several dog-friendly alternatives for you to try:

  1. Doggy Pools: These are smaller and shallower pools specifically designed for your dogs to play in without the risks associated with traditional swimming pools.
  2. Natural Swimming Pools/Ponds: These combine aquatic ecosystems with a natural filtration system, providing a chemical-free environment to swim in.
  3. Freshwater Lakes or Rivers: If you have a body of freshwater near you, it will usually be safe for dogs to swim in, but it’s always best to be cautious of currents and water quality.

Providing a Safe And Enjoyable Swim For Your Furry Friends

Letting your dog jump into your chlorine swimming pool is a perfectly safe decision, as long as you follow this set of simple tips. By providing constant supervision, washing your dog before and after and limiting their pool time, you can ensure a comfortable experience for every member of the family, whether they’re human or canine. If you’re considering installing a swimming pool this season, view our full range of affordable pools today for a solution that meets your needs.