Is your pool well loved by all the members of your family?

Is your pool well loved by all the members of your family? Even the four-legged ones?

Some dogs are natural swimmers and L-O-V-E getting in the pool. Dog breeds such as Labrador Retrievers, Newfoundland Retrievers, Chesapeake Bay Retrievers, Portuguese Water Dogs, and Golden Retrievers even have webbed feet which help them be more proficient swimmers. Cat lovers—you may already know this, but there are even some cats that enjoy a good swim too!

Here are the top five things to consider if your furry friends are enjoying your pool with you!

• The average size dog is equivalent to approximately three people in terms of the load on your sanitation system. That means if your furry friends are regular swimmers in your pool, you should be testing your chemicals more frequently to maintain proper balance. Any dirt, fecal matter, and bacteria on their fur will end up in the water, so it is important to stay diligent.

• If your dog is a big shedder, that hair will end up in your pool. It will be important to regularly clean your filter or consider upgrading to a larger capacity filter.

• Your dog’s skin is very similar to yours—just as people’s skin can become irritated from chlorine and chemicals, your dog’s skin might too. Be sure to rinse your fur-baby off after swimming.

• Not all dogs are swimmers. Be sure to take extra precautions to keep your dog safe. Some dogs may benefit from a life jacket, and some should be kept away from the pool entirely to prevent accidents.

• Dogs often have very sharp nails, so it is important to keep them trimmed to prevent scratches to both people and pool surfaces (especially vinyl liner pools).

  
  

Thinking about remodeling your pool? Here are three upgrades your dog will love too!

• Entry/Exit: Beach entries are great for dogs and make entering the pool feel more natural—like a lake or ocean.

• Rest Areas: Consider adding swim-outs or sun shelves so your dog has a place to rest.

• Safety Features: A baby fence can help protect puppies, older dogs, or non-swimmers from accidentally falling in.

  
  

A few final tips:

Always supervise your pets while swimming, take extra precautions when they are around children or elderly swimmers, and respect your dog’s comfort level. Swimming should be fun—never forced.

If you are considering remodeling or refinishing your swimming pool, give Pelagic Pool & Spa a call. With years of experience, we are here to help you create a pool that is beautiful and enjoyable for the entire family—including your four-legged friends!