Dog Pools

Yup, dog pools...

As holistic animal health becomes more common place for our pets, there are a growing number of "health clubs" for canines.

If you've ever owned a pet, and dogs in particular, you know that they need exercise. This is especially so if your canine companion is older, or dealing health issues such as arthritis. I remember my father in law's golden retriever Tyler. He was a great pet and companion for my in-laws in their later years. But like many goldens, Tyler suffered from arthritis as he got older. If he had a pool available, it probably would have made it easier or more comfortable for him in last years.

One of the best forms of exercise for humans is swimming. Great for cardio. Very low if no impact - water provides great buoyancy and almost weightlessness. The cooler water helps to lower body temperature causing the body to work harder to keep warm. And if it's good for you and me, it's going to be great for your pet.

Let's face it, most dogs LOVE to be in the water! They'll just jump in and swim around. It's almost natural for them. This is especially true of many large retrievers, certain hounds, shepherds, rottweilers, etc.

But with dogs in swimming pools, comes concerns as to properly treating them. First, we have to remember that each dog puts additional "stress" or strain on the pool's treating system. It is figured that one canine in a swimming pool can equal 10 to as many as 50 humans¹. Obviously, the size of the dog, the type & length of fur or hair, the amount of fur or hair will all come into play as to the exact ratio.

 When treating a swimming pool we have to keep that ratio in mind. The average swimming pool may only have 2 to 5 people per day using it, but add just one dog, and you've blown that usage rate right through the roof! Chlorine, bromine or other sanitizers must be properly adjusted to keep up with the additional bather load. Excess shed fur & hair in the pool (whether floating, on the bottom or sitting in the skimmer baskets) will cause a chlorine demand (causing excess chlorine use).

Take a look at our Dog Pool Video.

 

You always want to maintain a chlorine level of 1.0 to 3.0 ppm, Free Available Chlorine (FAC) for proper sanitizing. And don't forget pH! Be sure to maintain a proper pH level of 7.4 - 7.6.

As with people, it may be worth your while to rinse or shower your dog prior to their entering the pool if for no other reason to eliminate some of the initial fur or hair that would otherwise go into the pool. After swimming, shower your pet to remove excess chlorine or bromine from their bodies.

Swimming pools specializing in canine therapy should keep the following in mind:

• Maintain a good chlorine, bromine or sanitizer leve. 1.0 - 3.0 ppm FAC
• Maintain a proper pH level. 7.4 - 7.6
• Filter systems should be run a minimum of 12 hours daily.
• Skimmer baskets should be equipped with "skimmer socks" to help remove excess fur or hair & prevent clogging of the pump.
• The pool should be skimmed & vacuumed at least daily to remove as much shed fur & hair from the pool.
  
• The pool should be shocked more often, possibly twice each week, to break up & reduce chloramine build-up.
• Consider using a good quality enzyme product that will naturally eat or consume excess organic waste in the pool water.
• Depending on pool size & canine bather load, it may be necessary to drain & refill the pool at least once each year. Keep an eye on Total Dissolved Solids to be sure.

Notes: 1 - Spa & Pool Education Committee on Education, Accent, The Orange County Register, Santa Ana, CA. April 16, 1997

Contact us with your questions:

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 203-377-0100, Monday - Saturday, 10 - 5 pm Eastern Time, Connecticut, USA.

Follow ParPools.com on the web:

Remember that you can view ALL of our Pool, Spa & Backyard videos at YouTube. Become a subscriber & be notified when new videos are posted. YouTube.com/parpoolspa

Friend or Like us on Facebook for the latest sales & information notifications: FaceBook.com/par-pool-spa

Follow us on Twitter: @parpools

 

Comments

[James Harvon]

My dog Matt would love this place. We call him Brown Bear because of his love for water. The next time we go on vacation we will look to check him into a place like this. I think it would be a healthy retreat for our pet.

[handyman in your pocket Rio Rancho]

Wow, amazing blog layout! How long have you been blogging for? you made blogging look easy. The overall look of your web site is great, let alone the content! My blog: [url=http://skmetal.kr/xe/?document_srl=37263]handyman in your pocket Rio Rancho[/url]