Dog Swimming Pool Basics

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There’s no denying that specific breeds and certain dogs just love the water. And if you’re like many dog owners you may have even tried to purchase a kiddie pool for your pooch only to realize that it’s not a realistic solution. However, giving your pet his very own dog swimming pool to beat the heat and have a blast is.

Kiddie Pools Just Don’t Work

While they may be inexpensive, kiddie pools are simply not made for pets. They are manufactured from thin, cheaply made plastic that can’t stand up to the wear and tear caused by a dog’s nails, rough play, or chewing. Because they don’t last long, you end having to buy them over and over again.

If you’ve tried purchasing one or more for your pet you know this already and it’s most likely why you are reading this article. Kiddie pools are also hard to clean and if you slack off they can quickly turn into a mucky and unsanitary dog hair-filled mess.

Made For Pets And Their Owners

Dog swimming pools on the other hand are designed specifically to have helpful features for both pets and owners alike. They are made from safe and highly durable materials and are typically easy to store away.

Another key feature is that they will almost always have a drain (or at least be designed to make emptying the water easy) which makes keeping the pool from getting dirty simple. And some pools even come in fun doggie-themed shapes.

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Uses And Benefits

Of course, there are many ways your pet can use and enjoy a pool. Just like little kids many dogs love splashing around. This can be a ton of fun and is a great way to use up extra energy especially on hot summer days since you won’t have to worry about your pet overheating. Some dogs simply enjoy a good soak and want nothing more than to lie down and relax.

Soaking and lying in the pool can be especially helpful for northern breeds, breeds that tend to get hot very easily, or breeds that have thick and heavy coats. And of course, a dip in the pool can be a fabulous way for any pooch to cool down after a run or some exercise. In fact, being in the water is also an activity that can really help anxious dogs to relax as well.

Having your own dog swimming pool allows you to introduce puppies to water in a safe environment that is totally under your control. Since they are shallow they are also a good option for dogs who don’t feel comfortable in deep water, are older, or aren’t naturally confident swimmers.

A pool can be used as an alternative to keep your pet from wanting to jump into dirty or even dangerous rivers, ponds, and lakes. And using one as an outdoor bathtub can be huge help particularly for very big dogs. If you have a small or medium-sized pet a large dog swimming pool can actually often work for water therapy if it is deep enough for them to swim.

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Things To Consider When Shopping

When checking out the different types you’ll want to think to consider a few things to help you choose the best dog pool for your needs. How often your pet will be using it is one of them. Where your dog will be using his pool may also influence your decision. And of course, what your budget is will play a role since pools can definitely range in price from quite cheap to a few hundred dollars.

A Portable Pool

Usually, the least expensive choice is a portable dog swimming pool. These are normally made from heavy-duty PVC and are designed to be lightweight and easy to carry. They are simple to set up, put away, and take up very little storage space since they can fold down flat. Portable options are ideal if you will be traveling with your pooch and many even come with a carrying case.

But they are also a convenient choice if you want something for occasional use or don’t want to spend too much. Many people actually like to use one as an indoor dog swimming pool or for bathing pets when they don’t have an actual bathtub. By placing it in their shower they can drain it after using it without making a mess.

Portable pools are tough enough for the average dog they aren’t made to be indestructible. So if you have a dog that likes to chew on things, is generally destructive, or likes to dig at the bottom of pools this probably isn’t the right choice. And while they can be placed on most flat surfaces, when using one on a surface like concrete putting something soft under it like a tarp would be a good idea for extra protection.

The sides of portable options are made to retain their shape when filled with water but if your pooch will be using a dog swimming pool ramp to get in and out you will need something more heavy-duty like plastic since they aren’t designed to be able to support the extra weight.

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Something More Permanent

When you would like something that’s tough, pools made from polyurethane are a smart way to go. Polyurethane is actually the type of plastic that’s used to make truck bed liners so it’s the top material choice if you want an extra-strong dog swimming pool. It’s practically chew-proof and ideal for rough and tough dogs or multiple pets.

While a polyurethane pool will cost more than portable options, you’ll pay once for something that can last your dog its entire lifetime or more. These durable plastic pools are ideal for daily use and are typically left outdoors from spring till winter and then put away.

And while they are rugged they are also fairly light in weight so they’re not difficult to carry or maneuver. This material is easy to spray clean with a hose and while the majority will have a drain, some shallower pools may not since they are flexible enough to be bent for easy water removal.

A big benefit of polyurethane is that it can be made into doggie-themed shapes for example a paw or dog bone swimming pool. These pools are a huge hit in dog parks, at all types of dog-related businesses, and of course the most popular choice for a doggy daycare swimming pool. While your pet won’t care what shape it is, you’ll be sure to get compliments from your human friends and customers if you have them.

Metal Options

Many pet owners wonder about metal as a material option; however, there aren’t many metal dog swimming pool choices on the market. If you do prefer the toughness or look of metal you could always purchase a stock tank. These are usually made from galvanized steel but sometimes from heavy-duty plastic.

If you do decide to go with a stock tank you most likely add your own drain unless you don’t mind tipping it over to dump the water out. You’ll also want to make sure you choose one that is low enough that your pooch can get into and place it in the shade since metal can get quite hot when left in the sun.

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Choosing A Size

When picking a size you will need to think about a couple of things first. If your pet is not fully grown you will of course want to take into account how big he will be in the future. The bigger the dog the larger the pool should be and if you’re unsure about the size of your dog you can always measure him from the tip of his nose to the base of his tail.

If you have more than one pet, you will want to choose something that has enough room for all of them to spread out and enjoy themselves. The size you pick will also depend on whether your dog will just be soaking, or soaking and swimming.

While almost all pools will be too shallow for the bigger breeds to swim in, a large or extra large dog swimming pool can definitely be deep enough for small dog breeds and possibly medium size pets to be able to swim. The height of the walls can also be a factor. Higher walls will require your pet to jump into the pool while lower ones will only need them to step inside.

Don’t Forget The Accessories

For maximum fun, relaxation, and safety there are some accessories that are worth checking out. Floating dog toys will be sure to keep your pooch occupied and by placing some in your pool you can usually entice even dogs who are afraid of the water to get in.

There are also dog swimming pool rafts made from puncture-resistant materials that will allow pets to just chill out or even to keep their toys on. While a doggie life jacket isn’t a must for all pets, you may want to think about purchasing one if your dog is older, to help build up his swimming confidence, or just for your own peace of mind.

If you do choose a pool that does have high walls, for your senior dog or little pooch you’ll want a ramp or dog steps for swimming pool access that is made for the outdoors and has a non-slip texture to prevent accidents. And don’t overlook some super-absorbent microfiber towels for drying your dog off when pool time is over.

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Extra Quick Tips

As a responsible owner, you will want to make sure that you never leave your pet unattended. This doesn’t go only for very young or older dogs but pets of any age. Accidents can happen and as you already know even the best-behaved canines can be naught every once in a while.

You’ll also want to make sure that you place your pool in a shady spot to keep it as cool as possible. But you can always place a bag of ice, or a few, to drop the temperature of the water on those extra hot days.

Many pets like to drink the water from the pool and it would be a smart idea to have a designated place for them to pee that’s not right next to it such as a dog fire hydrant or a specific section of your yard. And be sure to keep your pool clean by sticking to a regular cleaning schedule and not letting dirt and grime build up in the first place.

Don’t Overlook Other Creative Uses

Because they are more durable than most other choices and have convenient drainage for easy cleaning, dog swimming pools can be used for other purposes too. Children and even adults can use them for taking a backyard soak.

And they can be used by all sorts of other pets such as mini pigs, reptiles, ferrets, chickens, and ducks to cool off and swim in. Some people even use them as fish ponds. A pool could also make an effective flower garden since you can drain the rainwater out or be utilized as a whelping box for young pups

A dog swimming pool is a perfect treat to pamper a pooch that loves the water or keep any pet cool. With this guide to help you, you’re more than ready to get started!

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