So you have a dog. Your dog loves swimming in the pool as much as you do. Are there any issues that could cause problems from your furry canine swimming in it? Below, I go over some things that need to be known about a dog in a pool.
First, let me say that chlorine in a swimming pool will not hurt your dog. But can your dog affect the pool?
Personally, I feel that dogs and other pets should NOT be allowed to swim in the pool or spa. A single dog in a pool is equivalent to 3 or more people.
It will raise the pH and quickly consume the pool's chlorine. This creates a nightmare for the equipment and pool plaster, if not corrected quickly.
Animals ALWAYS have small particles of fecal matter stuck in their fur. This fecal matter WILL contaminate the pool's water aiding in the transmission of Recreational Water Illnesses (RWI's) such as E. coli, Giardia, Hepatitis A and Cryptosporidium.
Besides the affect on the pool's water chemistry, the fur of a dog will get caught in the pools equipment resulting in more frequent service and/or replacement of parts and higher service and maintenance costs. The extra hair shows up first on the gauge; see why pool filter pressure climbs.
As much fun as your dog probably has playing in the pool, wading around like a wet rat, it is a risk you take having them in there. If the dog is going to swim anyway, weekly service keeps the chemistry and the filter ahead of it; see what the Full Service plan covers each visit.
