Pawsitive vibes in your pool

Most of us love our cats and dogs just as much as our children. Pets come to their owners for affection and no matter what, they love their owners. Return their love by making their pool experience enjoyable and safe.

With the warmer days starting to greet us, many a dog in the home is craving for a swim in the pool. Immediately a whole file of questions pops up, from safety of pool water for the dog, right down to the effect on the hygiene of the pool.



Obviously, you could be worried about the health of your pet. Is it safe for a dog to swim in a swimming pool with its chlorine and other pool chemicals? Chlorine will probably irritate a dog’s eyes or sensitive nose just like ours, but a dip in the pool for a few hours on a sunny day is harmless.

Being showered or hosed down after the swim is a good idea for dogs, to prevent the chlorine from drying out skin and fur. Be sure to dry your dog thoroughly, as well.

Discourage your dog from drinking pool water by keeping a fresh bowl of drinking water near the pool. This will help to cleanse the throat. This also helps prevent them drinking gulps of pool water because of thirst (although they will, just for fun!)



We are inclined to think that all dogs know how to swim, but this is sadly not true. Some dogs make better swimmers than others due to their physical build, and some dogs have had bad experiences that have made them scared of water. Remember that the smaller the dog, the sooner it will get cold in chilly pool water. Also be aware of dogs panicking if they feel overwhelmed in the water.

Bear these tips in mind for your 4-legged swimmers:

• Dogs are not natural swimmers and may tire easily.
• Keep your dogs in the shallow end and keep an eye on them.
• Never throw your dogs into the pool or drag them in by the collar. Be gentle.
• Dogs should enter and exit using the steps.
• Manage the pH balance well, with a low chlorine level.

Did you know, 1 dog swimming is equal to 50 human beings swimming. Hairy dogs give off hair which can lead to poor water circulation. Dogs in the pool can cause phosphates and nitrates to increase.

So how do I care for my pool if my bundle of love can’t stay out?

• Monitor the pH alkalinity and chlorine levels more closely than normal. High chlorine levels can irritate pets’ eyes and skin.
• Clean the skimmer basket at least twice a week to get rid of dog hair.
• Do a backwash more regularly to get fresh water into the pool.
• Do not let the dog run on the pool cover, those innocent-looking nails can quickly cause a lot of damage to the cover.

Until next time. Enjoy your pool.

Burgert Terblanche

Tel: 061-232839, Fax: 061-238602
Email: [email protected]