If you’re like most dog owners, nothing brings us more joy than seeing our pup playing in the pool! Let’s talk about some pros and cons before letting Fido jump in your pool!

Though they’re cute, an average-sized dog can carry 3x more (water) pollutants than humans. This includes anything from insects, to body oil, to fecal matter – YUCK!

Every Cloud(y Pool) Has a Silver Lining

That being said, the chemical levels may change quicker when Fido is in the pool. It’s important to check the water chemistry more often to ensure that your chemicals are balanced. Knowing that 1 dog equals about 3 people in terms of introducing contaminants to the pool, you’ll need to treat the water as if you just had a pool party. Adding a Water Clarifier, like Natural Chemistry’s Pool Perfect, to your pool will help break down oils and other contaminants that enter your pool after a good swim. This will also take some strain off of your filter. The addition of contaminants may also lower your chlorine level, making it a great time to Shock.

Now, let’s test the water chemistry. We recommend the TF-100 as an affordable and reliable test kit option. The ideal pH range is between 7.4 to 7.8. If the pH is below 7.2, swimmers (and dogs) may be susceptible to stinging eyes. If the pH is over 7.8, you and your dog may feel some skin irritation. High pH levels may also give your water a cloudy appearance. We recommend using a pH Increaser or pH Reducer, to balance pH levels and maintain clean, healthy water.

Hair of the Dog

Depending on your dog’s hair length/type, your filter and Skimmer Baskets may fill up quicker than normal. Be sure to clean or backwash the filters more often. Though it may not happen with every dog, cleaning your Pool Filter more frequently is still a good practice to keep in mind.

Vinyl Collection

If your Above-Ground or In-Ground Pool has a Vinyl Liner, you’ll want to use extra precaution. Dogs’ sharp nails may scratch or puncture vinyl liners, which can eventually create leaks and other problems. If possible, train your dog to swim away from the walls and learn where to enter/exit the water. It’s a good idea to have a Platform or Steps easily accessible for your dog to rest.

Keep in Mind

1) Make sure your dog can swim.
2) Be cautious about the amount of water your pet is lapping up.
3) Store all pool chemicals in a safe area. Most dogs have a HUGE appetite and child-like sense of curiosity, so avoid any opportunity for your dog to ingest pool chemicals. This includes cleaning up any spilled chemicals on the deck or pool equipment.

Rinse and Repeat

It’s never a bad idea to give Fido a quick rinse after jumping in the pool; washing off any remaining chemicals.

Final Verdict

If your pool water clean and balanced, there should be no issues having some fun in the sun with your four-legged friend. Happy swimming!

source:https://blog.poolsupplyworld.com/the-effects-of-pet-ownership-and-pools/