We know your dogs aren’t just pets—they’re part of the family. With 41% of Canadian households owning at least one dog, it’s no surprise that many pet owners want their furry friends to enjoy the backyard pool as much as the rest of the family. While pools can provide fun and exercise for dogs, they also come with risks that require careful attention. If you’re a dog owner with a family swimming pool or planning for one, please read our guide on making your pool safe for your furry friend. In this blog, we’ll explore practical tips to keep your dog safe in and around the pool and design ideas to make your pool dog-friendly.
Can Dogs Safely Swim in Pools?
Let’s get this one dealt with straight away. Yes, dogs can safely swim in pools, but there are precautions to keep in mind. While most dogs are natural swimmers, pool environments can pose risks if not properly managed. Most dog owners are very aware of their dog's capabilities, but whether your dog is a natural swimmer or a little bit more hesitant, here are some things to consider.
Chlorine Pools vs Saltwater Pools
Chlorine is safe for dogs at low to moderate levels, just as it is for people, but overexposure can irritate their skin, eyes, and nose. Make sure your pool’s chemical levels are properly balanced and get your pool water tested regularly (pop a sample into our showroom for free water testing whenever you need it). Rinse your dog off immediately after swimming with regular water to help prevent irritation.
Read more: Importance of pH Water Balance for Your Home Swimming Pool
Saltwater pools are generally gentler on your dog’s skin and fur than chlorine pools (the same is true for children and those with sensitive skin). However, drinking too much salt water can lead to dehydration or an upset stomach, so always supervise your dog’s time in the pool.
Pro Tip: Regularly maintain your pool’s chemical balance to ensure it’s safe for both humans and pets. If you’re unsure about the correct levels, Waterworks Pools & Spas offers free water testing and maintenance services to keep your pool in shape.
Bring your pool water sample to 194 Killam Drive, Moncton, NB
Pool Safety Tips for Dogs
Even the best-behaved dogs need help to keep safe around the pool.
- Always Supervise Your Dog: Even if your dog is a confident swimmer, they should always be supervised in and around the pool. Dogs can become tired or panicked, especially in deep water, and may need your help to get out.
- Teach Your Dog How to Exit the Pool: One of the most important safety measures you can take is to teach your dog how to get out of the pool. Show them where the steps or shallow areas are and train them to use these exit points. Practice this regularly so they feel confident.
- Limit Pool Time: Dogs can tire quickly in the water, even if they seem to be enjoying themselves. Keep swimming sessions short, especially if your dog is new to swimming or belongs to a breed not built for endurance in the water (e.g., bulldogs or pugs). Regular breaks prevent exhaustion, even if your dog is pressing for more pool time due to excitement.
- Protect Their Paws: In the summer, pool decking can become extremely hot, burning your dog’s paws. Use a thermometer to check the temperature of the surface or provide shaded areas around the pool where your dog can rest comfortably. Test hot spots with your palms to see if they are comfortable for sensitive paws.
- Use a Dog Life Jacket if Needed: If your dog isn’t a strong swimmer or is just learning, you can purchase a dog-specific life jacket. These provide extra buoyancy and peace of mind, especially for breeds less adept in the water. Think of it as water wings for your dog; a step towards confident swimming.
How to Keep Your Pool Clean When Dogs Swim
While dogs can safely enjoy pools, their presence does require extra attention to cleanliness and maintenance. We recommend a few steps to keep your pool clean when you have four-legged swimmers.
- Rinse your dog off with fresh water before they enter the pool to help remove dirt, oils, and loose hair, which can reduce strain on your pool’s filtration system.
- You should always clean filters regularly, but it’s even more critical if you have a canine swimmer. Dogs shed hair and introduce debris into the pool, which can clog filters more quickly than usual.
- Dogs add organic material to the pool, which can affect chlorine levels, so closely monitor chemical levels. Test your water regularly to ensure it stays balanced and safe for everyone.
Be aware that you may wish to brush a dog before letting them swim if they are prone to shedding. One of our team used to let a couple of golden retrievers swim in their pool. The mountain of hair that was left behind took substantial clean up time!
Dog-Friendly Pool Features to Consider
If you’re planning to build a custom pool for 2025, now is the perfect time to think about features that will make your pool more dog-friendly. As we’ve mentioned, your primary options are between a concrete pool (highly customizable) and a fibreglass pool (less durable but quicker installation and cheaper). If you opt for a concrete pool, you may want to consider tanning ledges or shallow areas. These are perfect for dogs who like to cool off without fully swimming and also provide a safe space for smaller or less confident swimmers. They even provide you with a relaxed place to watch your dog in the water, so there are benefits for everyone.
Whether you opt for a fibreglass or concrete pool, you can opt for pool decking that has a non-slip surface. Better grip reduces the risk of slipping for pets and humans with wet feet and paws.
Finally, as we mentioned before, saltwater pools are gentler on your dog’s skin and fur, making them an excellent option for pet owners. Saltwater is a more natural solution to pool water balancing and a wonderful choice for those with sensitive skin concerns.
Dogs and Pool Safety in Canadian Winters
We couldn’t write an article on dog safety in swimming pools without mentioning our Canadian winters. Again, this advice is also valid for those with small children!
Use a sturdy, properly fitted pool cover to prevent your dog from accidentally falling into the pool. Although lightweight covers are cheaper, they could collapse under their weight, so we don’t recommend them. You should also ensure your pool area is fenced off year-round to keep pets and children safe, especially when the pool is closed or frozen over in winter.
Finally, dogs may mistake a frozen pool for solid ground, which could lead to dangerous accidents. Always supervise your pets outdoors during the winter months to avoid the risk of accidents.
Time to Start Planning
If you’re considering a custom pool for 2025, now is the perfect time to start planning. Our installation is booking up fast, so act now to ensure your design is ready for you to dive into this summer. When you visit our team, let us know if you plan to let your dog swim so we can suggest pet-friendly features and maintenance guidance.
At Waterworks Pools & Spas, we understand that your pool is more than just a backyard feature—it’s a space for your entire family to create memories, including your beloved pets. Let’s create a perfect pool design together that’s safe, functional, and tailored to your needs.
Ready to get started? Come visit our showroom to discuss your vision for a custom pool that your whole family—including your furry friends—will love!
194 Killam Drive, Moncton.
Waterworks Pools & Spas.
Complete bespoke solutions for backyards across Atlantic Canada.