Pets In The Pool: Pet Safety & Pool Clean Up

Arizona summers aren’t just hot for people - pets feel it too! Many dogs (and the occasional brave cat) love cooling off with a dip in the family pool. But if you’re a pool owner, you’ve probably wondered: is it safe for my pet to swim in the pool, and what does it mean for my pool’s upkeep?

The good news? With the right safety precautions and a few cleaning tips, your pool can be pet-friendly and crystal clear.

Can Dogs Swim in Chlorinated Pools?

According to PetMD.com, “pool water contains very dilute levels of chlorine and is unlikely to cause chlorine poisoning in humans or animals. A pet is more likely to become ill from a lake or pond filled with microorganisms than from swimming in a properly maintained pool.”

So yes - it’s generally safe for your dog to swim in a well-maintained, chlorinated pool.

Are Saltwater Pools Safer for Pets?

Saltwater pools are still chlorinated pools - they simply generate chlorine differently. For pets, the safety level is about the same as a properly maintained traditional chlorine pool. However:

• Saltwater can dry out skin and paws more quickly.

• Rinsing your dog after swimming is still recommended.

Health & Safety Risks for Pets

Chlorine Tablets

Never let pets near stored pool chemicals. Ingesting chlorine tablets can cause poisoning — always keep them sealed and out of reach.

Ear Infections

Dogs who swim often are more prone to ear infections due to trapped moisture. Dry ears thoroughly after each swim.

Fatigue & Drowning Risk

Not all dogs are natural swimmers. Older dogs, small breeds, or those with joint issues can tire quickly. Always supervise swimming pets.

Even strong swimmers can panic or struggle to find steps. Consider adding a pool ramp for a visible, reliable way out - especially helpful for:

• Older dogs

• Short-legged breeds

• Dogs with arthritis

Training your pet to use the ramp reduces fatigue and drowning risk.

Chemical Sensitivity

Some pets may have sensitive skin or eyes. Rinse them with fresh water after swimming to remove chlorine residue.

With proper attention and supervision, pets can safely enjoy pool time right alongside their humans.

Hot Decks

It’s not just the water temperature you need to think about, it’s the surrounding surface. Concrete, travertine, and pool decking can become dangerously hot in Arizona summers.

Before letting your dog run around the pool:

• Touch the deck with your hand - if it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for paws

• Consider installing cool deck coatings

• Rinse paws with fresh water after pool time to remove chlorine and prevent cracking

How to Keep Your Pool Clean When Pets Swim

Dogs bring a lot of joy - and a lot of fur. Pet hair, dander, and oils can strain your filtration system and throw off your pool chemistry.

In addition to fur, dogs introduce:

• Organic waste

• Body oils

• Dirt and phosphates

• Extra nitrogen (which consumes chlorine)

Here’s how to stay ahead of it:

Before Your Pet Swims

• Brush or de-shed your dog to remove loose fur.

• Rinse pets off with clean water to reduce dirt and body oils.

• Keep chemical levels balanced - pets increase pH and consume chlorine faster.

  
  

During Swim Time

• Skim and check baskets before and after your pet swims - sometimes several times per day if you have multiple pets.

• Use a skimmer sock over the basket to trap fine hair before it clogs your filter.

• Encourage breaks for your dog to prevent fatigue and reduce shedding in the water.

After Swim Care

• Vacuum or skim the pool to remove floating hair or debris

• Run your pump longer on swim days

• Monitor phosphate levels more closely

• Checking chlorine levels the day after heavy pet use

• Use enzyme treatments weekly

• Clean your filters more often than usual - pet hair builds up quickly

• Shock the pool as needed if the water looks cloudy or the chlorine drops

Pet hair is extremely fine and can slip past standard skimmer baskets. Using skimmer socks or upgrading filtration helps reduce microscopic buildup that clouds water over time.

If your pool has heavy pet use, talk with a professional about upgrading to a stronger filtration system such as a high-efficiency cartridge or DE filter. It’s one of the best long-term ways to keep pet hair under control.

When to Call a Pool Professional

There’s no reason your furry friends can’t enjoy pool time safely - it just takes a little extra care and cleaning. So grab a ball, throw on the sunscreen, and enjoy some splash time with your four-legged family member.

If you notice any of these, it’s time to bring in the pros:

• Reduced water flow

• Frequent filter clogs

• Cloudy water that won’t clear up

A professional pool company can:

• Deep-clean your filter system

• Rebalance water chemistry

• Recommend the right equipment for pet-friendly maintenance

Schedule your pool cleaning service with Sunset Pool Care for fast, reliable help in Chandler and Gilbert, AZ.

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