Is pool water bad for dogs?

Dogs and the Pool: What You Need to Know

Should You Let Your Dog Swim in the Pool?

If your dog likes to swim in the pool, I would say let the dog swim in the pool, but please make sure your dog can actually swim. I know with my Pitbull’s they just sink like a sack of potatoes and when they pop up they panic and look for any way to get out. A dog must ALWAYS be supervised when swimming, even if it’s a small backyard pool.

With this been said, having a dog in your pool will change the way you need to maintain it. It will take extra time and work to make sure your pool chemical levels are appropriate and your filtration system is in good working order.

Is Pool Water Safe For Dogs?

A properly maintained swimming pool is generally safe for dogs to swim in. Pool water, whether chlorine or saltwater, is not considered harmful under most circumstances. However, there are a few things to remember.

Everyone who swims ingests some amount of water. Kids and animals tend to swallow more than adult humans. Dogs simply do not know any better and may actively lap up the pool water. This should be avoided. Drinking pool water can lead to an upset gastrointestinal tract, leading to nausea, vomiting, and esophageal damage. In rare cases, drinking excessive amounts of pool water can cause a dangerous condition called water intoxication, this causes a major imbalance in the electrolytes in the body, leading to serious and possibly irreversible brain damage.

Pool chemicals can cause skin irritation and dryness in both humans and animals, especially if they swim often. Be sure to rinse your dog’s after swimming and check the skin regularly for redness, flaking, or other issues.

Can Your Pool Be Affected By Animals In It? 

Per 1 dog in a swimming pool is equal to having 3 people in a pool meaning per 1 dog there is quite a bit more muck going into the pool.

Dogs, of course, have a lot more hair than people. Any loose or dead hairs on your dog’s coat will end up in the pool water, affecting the filtration system and the chemical balance. A dog’s coat also tends to have a lot of debris like dirt, pollen, and even fecal matter that goes into the pool water when they swim. Parasites and germs can also contaminate the pool water and affect humans and other animals that enter the pool.

Dogs also have strong nails that can easily tear the pool liner, so it’s best to keep your dog out of pools with plastic or vinyl lining.