Can Dogs Swim in an Above Ground Pool?
Plenty of dogs love the water, and on a hot day the backyard pool is hard for them to resist. A dog can swim in an above ground pool, but it’s harder on the liner and on the dog than most owners expect. Here’s what can go wrong, and how to do it safely if you decide to let your dog in.
Step 1
The risks
| Risk | Why it happens |
|---|---|
| Liner punctures and tears | Claws scrape the wall as a dog paddles or tries to climb out |
| A dog that can’t get out | The walls are straight, and pool ladders aren’t built for paws |
| Clogged skimmer and filter | Dog hair builds up fast |
| Cloudy water and higher chemical use | Dirt, oils and bacteria come in on every swim |
Even strong swimmers tire quickly when they can’t find a way out. A dog that falls in when no one is home can drown. Keep the pool blocked off when you’re not there, just as you would for a child. See Above Ground Pool Safety Checklist for Families.
Step 2
Protecting your liner
- Trim your dog’s nails short before swim season, and keep them short.
- Give them a way out, so they’re not scrambling at the wall. A pool ramp made for dogs attaches to the side or the ladder.
- Keep a patch kit on hand. Small holes can be patched with water in the pool using a vinyl patch kit. See Reasons Why Your Pool Is Losing Water.
- Choose a thicker liner next time. Heavy-duty 25 mil vinyl stands up better to claws than standard 20 mil. See our Pool Liners.
Step 3
Keeping your dog safe
- Teach the way out first. Guide your dog to the ramp or steps several times, from different spots in the pool, until they head there on their own.
- Use a dog life jacket sized to your dog for older dogs, puppies, and breeds that aren’t natural swimmers.
- Keep swims short and give breaks. Dogs don’t always know when they’re tired.
- Don’t let them drink the pool water. Keep a bowl of fresh water nearby.
- Watch the deck and ladder. Wet surfaces are slippery for paws too.
Step 4
Keeping the water clean
- Rinse your dog off before they go in, to cut down on dirt and hair.
- Empty the skimmer basket after every dog swim, and skim floating hair with a bag skimmer.
- Clean the filter more often. Watch the pressure gauge. See Above Ground Pool Filtration Systems.
- Test and shock more often. Keep free chlorine at 2–4 ppm. See How Much Chlorine Should I Use?
Step 5
After the swim
- Rinse your dog with fresh water to get chlorine out of their coat and skin.
- Dry their ears well. Wet ears can lead to ear infections in some dogs.
- Check the liner near the ramp and steps for scratches or small holes.
If your dog has a skin condition or health problem, ask your vet before letting them swim in a chlorinated pool.
We replace liners across Massachusetts and Rhode Island, including heavy-duty 25 mil options. Site visits are free.