The Problem With Dogs Swimming In The Pool

Most dogs love a good splash - and honestly, it’s hard to say no when those puppy eyes are begging for pool time. The truth is, it’s perfectly safe for your dog to swim in a chlorine or saltwater pool, as long as the water chemistry is properly balanced.

So no, the problem isn’t your dog’s safety, it’s what happens to your pool after they take the plunge.

Why Dogs Can Be Hard on Pools

Here’s something most pet owners don’t realize:

One dog in the pool = 15 people when it comes to contaminants.

That means every time your pup dives in, it’s like throwing a mini pool party — minus the snacks. Dogs bring in natural oils, dander, fur, and dirt that can dramatically affect your pool’s water balance.

When your dog swims, the water instantly takes on:

• More phosphates from fur and skin oils

• Lower chlorine levels (used up fighting organic material)

• Hair and debris that clog filters and baskets

• pH imbalance, making water cloudy or irritating to eyes and skin

If you tested your pool water right after your dog swam, you’d likely find little to no chlorine remaining and a noticeable shift in pH. That’s why post-swim maintenance is essential.

What Should You Do If You Have a Dog That Loves To Swim?

Keeping your dog safe in the pool is important, but keeping your pool safe from your dog is just as vital. Here’s what to do after each swim session:

1. Clean the Skimmer and Pump Baskets

Dog hair can accumulate quickly and clog your system. Empty your baskets immediately after your pet swims to keep the water flowing freely.

If your dog swims daily, consider adding a skimmer sock to trap finer hair before it reaches your filter.

2. Shock the Pool

Your pool needs the same post-party treatment it would after a big gathering. Add pool shock or extra chlorine to kill bacteria and organic matter brought in by your pet.

Think of it this way: if your dog’s swim equals 15 people, your chlorine needs to reflect that.

If you skip this step, your chlorine level will take a day or two to rebound naturally, leaving your pool vulnerable to algae growth and cloudy water.

3. Check and Adjust Water Chemistry

Once you’ve shocked the pool, test and rebalance your chemicals:

• Chlorine – Replenish sanitizer to safe levels.

• pH and Alkalinity – Pets raise both, so adjust downward if needed.

• Phosphates – Add a phosphate remover to prevent algae blooms.

Maintaining these levels keeps your pool clear, comfortable, and safe for both humans and pets.

4. Keep Swim Sessions Short and Supervised

Even strong swimmers can tire out. Limit your dog’s pool time to short sessions, supervise closely, and provide a safe way for them to exit - such as a pet ramp or shallow step area.

When to Call a Pool Professional

Dogs and pools can absolutely coexist - you just need to give your pool a little extra love afterward. Your dog gets their fun in the sun and you get a clean, sparkling pool ready for everyone to enjoy.

If your filter clogs frequently, your chlorine levels won’t stabilize, or your pool looks cloudy no matter how much you shock it, it’s time to call in a professional.

Our technicians at Sunset Pool Care can:

• Clean and inspect your filtration system

• Rebalance your pool’s chemistry

• Recommend upgrades for pet-friendly pool care

  
  

Call us at 480-682-7986 or schedule online to get your pool back in perfect shape.

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