Are you wondering the best way to practice proper pool pet safety? Hi, I’m Marti Norris, the International Pool Girl. I have been cleaning pools in NorthGeorgia for more than 12 years and I share my tips with you. Please make sure to like or subscribe to our channel. If you are interested in learning about my services, please make sure to check me out https://pop.store/intpoolgirl.com
Supervision is Key For Pool Pet Safety
When you have a pool and also pets, the primary thing to focus on is supervision. We have two chihuahuas. We don’t ever just let the dogs run around the backyard unless one of us is present. In the two years that we have had the pool, there haven’t been any issues with the dogs jumping into the water.
We also have a raised wall that the dogs like to walk on. We don’t stop them, but we are always watching them. We don’t have the concern that they will jump in the water. Even though we know that they won’t jump in the water, we never just leave them outside in the fenced area without supervision.
Teach the Dog How to Exit the Pool
This is going to be-in my opinion-easier to do with larger dogs. We have a sun shelf and we have shown both dogs how to exit the pool from the shallow end. They can’t exit the pool from the deep end. This is what practicing proper pool pet safety looks like.
In our years of servicing pools, we have seen that larger dogs tend to be more fond of swimming in the pool in order to chase a ball. We haven’t seen that as much with the smaller dogs. We have also observed that most dogs if they are inside dogs prefer to stay inside. If the pool owner has a dog door, then there is a stronger chance that the dog will like to run around on the deck.
Purchase a Pet Life Vest
If your dog likes being in the pool, then it is going to be a good idea to purchase a life vest for them. We haven’t purchased pet life vests, because our dogs don’t like the pool. If your dog is a fan of the pool, then this is highly recommended. Even when we have had pool parties with numerous guests, we keep the dogs inside the house, separate from the party. Having the pets running around the pool when there are numerous guests, there is a likelihood that something can happen.
Even if your pet isn’t a fan of the water, but you are concerned that they could get into the pool, then having them wear a life vest is always going to be a good idea. With life vests, quality matters. I wouldn’t purchase the cheapest option.
A Secure Fence is Proper Pool Pet Safety
Our pool has a very secure fence. We don’t have a separate fence blocking the pets’ access to the pool. This is because we don’t have small children. In our many years of cleaning swimming pools, we have only seen twice where the homeowner had an additional internal fence blocking access to the pool. If you are aware that your pet likes to go into the pool, then it would be wise to at least install an alarm so you could be alerted when they are in the water.
Adding a second fence is another expense but also it isn’t aesthetically pleasing to look at either. If there aren’t small children and your dog knows how to get out of the pool, then an alarm will likely be sufficient.
Our experience is that the pets want to be with the homeowner, not at the pool, so if we aren’t at the pool, then they will be inside with us.
Rinse the Pet Off for Pool Pet Safety
If the pet happens to get in the pool, then it’s a good idea to give them a shower. The chlorine and other chemicals in the pool can cause irritation to their skin. I would try to give them a shower as soon as possible. You could also just rinse them off in the garden hose because that will be easier to do outside. As our dogs don’t like to swim in the pool, this hasn’t been an issue.
Following these tips will help you to fully enjoy your pool and keep your furry friend safe.
