Did you know that there are approximately 10 million swimming pools in the U.S.? Have you ever stopped to consider why this amenity is increasingly valued by today’s homeowners? It’s actually not anything new. In fact, the allure of pools of water for recreational purposes goes back decades, centuries, and even millennia! From purification rituals and worship to meeting places, humans have appreciated the healing and calming properties of water since ancient times.
Pooltime with Pets
Pools can do more than connect us with other humans — they can also be a great way to further our connections with our furry friends. Arguably the most loyal and well-loved type of pet, there’s a reason dogs are called “man’s best friend.” There’s also a reason for the phrase “a dog’s life,” especially in our day when our canine companions even have their own homemade treats, spas, daycares, and parks — all custom-built to serve them. But have you ever carefully considered how you integrate your dog into your pool life? By taking a few precautions, you can ensure that your dog and your pool remain safe from potential problems as you seek to enjoy both.
Primary Precautions
The first layer of protection has to do with keeping your pet from potentially entering your pool unsupervised. Many homeowner associations and towns already have safety fence regulations, primarily to protect children; these same fences can help protect animals too. The fence should be around your pool area, not your entire yard, and should include a self-latching gate that your dog cannot unlatch.
Paddling Proficiency
We’ve all heard of the “doggie paddle,” but that does not mean that all dog breeds or individual dogs will naturally know how to maneuver themselves in water. If you’re not sure, you can talk to your veterinarian about whether your dog’s breed is well suited to swimming and whether your dog in particular is healthy enough to spend time in the pool. Even if you do get the go-ahead from your vet, you may wish to hire a trainer or intentionally teach your dog to swim.
Protected Passage
Once you’ve made sure that your pet is safely kept out of the pool area when you aren’t available to supervise, and once you know that your pet is a proficient swimmer, you still want to consider providing a safe access point for your furry friend. Unless you are committed to always accompanying your dog whenever he or she enters or exits your pool, you want to make sure to train your dog to do this safely and provide an access that is both visually obvious and easily accessible for your dog.
Once the safety issues surrounding your pool are in place, there are a few other areas to consider. In a future post, we’ll take a look at pooltime hydration, skin care, and play.
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