Unlike us, our dogs don’t sweat as efficiently as we do. They do sweat but only in areas of the body that do not have fur like the paw pads and the nose. Sweating is an important mechanism for cooling the body. That is why dogs pant a lot if they are tired or when the environmental temperatures are way too hot. It is through panting that they are able to release most of the excess heat from their bodies. You can just imagine how hot your dog will feel during the summer. And just like you, it also needs a way to keep its core body temperature down. This is exactly why you may want to consider a dog pool
A dog pool is an accessory that actually doubles as a bathtub for your young child. Choosing the right dog pool is crucial to help ensure optimum cooling fun for your pet this summer. If you’re lost on how to proceed, you can start with our 10 best dog pools in 2019.
The 14 Top-Rated Dog Pools
1 Jasonwell Foldable Dog Bath Pool
- Constructed of durable, extra-strong PVC
- Conforms to EN71, ASTM standards
- Anti-skid, non-slip, extra-thick bottom panel
- Easy to setup requiring no inflation
- Fully portable and storable design
- Comes in 5 different sizes
If the FrontPet’s regular price tag places it outside your budget, the Jasonwell Pet Bath should be a great option since it has virtually the same heavy duty PVC construction as the FrontPet, especially at its bottom. It doesn’t need any inflation, too, making super convenient to set up anywhere. The Jasonwell comes with drain plugs in 2 locations, the side and the bottom for faster and more efficient drainage. It’s available in 4 different sizes, too, so you’ll be able to choose the right size for your pooch.
2 Intex Snapset Dog Pool
- Measures 5 feet in diameter and 10 inches deep
- Easy, foldable, and extra-fast setup
- Sidewalls made of plastic; bottom panel made of vinyl
- Includes repair patch
Everyone knows Intex. And while the Snorkel Buddies is actually intended for young children, having a depth of 9.5 inches, it can also provide lots of fun for your furry friend. Like the FrontPet and the Jasonwell, it doesn’t require any inflation. The Snorkel Buddies kiddie pool for dogs is one of the most inexpensive in our list. And while we are saying that it is also great for mutts, it is imperative that you trim your pet’s nails first before letting it inside.
3 Fuloon PVC Dog Swimming Pool
- Constructed of safe and durable PVC
- Foldable, lightweight, easy to setup design
- With drain plug for ease of water emptying
- Leak-proof, watertight seams
- Available in 4 sizes
The Fuloon Foldable paddling pool for dogs is an inexpensive and sturdy tub for helping your mutt cool itself down during hot days. Its sides and bottom are made of durable PVC and lined with a lightweight housing. It is foldable and can be easily stored and carried for anywhere-use. It can be used for other purposes, too, such as a canine bath tub, a kiddie bathtub, and a water pond.
4 Cool Pup Splash About Dog Pool
- Constructed of high-quality, extra-tough, ultra-durable PVC
- Collapsible, foldable, easy to store, and easy to use design
- Easy to clean and maintain
- Available in 3 different sizes: small, medium, large
- Maximum water capacity: 19.25 gallon (small), 67 gallons (medium), 119.25 gallons (large)
The Splash About dog swimming pool by Cool Pup is another highly durable pet tub that’s designed to last. Its extra-tough PVC construction gives it longevity and ease of cleaning. While it is not inexpensive, it is not steeply priced either, making it an ideal choice if you want an excellent compromise between affordability and durable functionality. It doesn’t require any inflating, too, so you can literally take it anywhere. And thanks to its foldable design, the Splash About can be stored easily.
5 KOPEKS Round Outdoor Pool For Dogs
- Easy to use design; no inflation needed
- Easy to setup, easy to drain and clean
- Made of industrial-strength, high-grade, durable PVC
- Portable and storable design
- Twist-off cap drain
If you’ve got a kid who loves taking a bath with his or her pet pooch, KOPEKS’s Outdoor Dog Swimming Pool should be on your list. Reasonably priced, the KOPEKS comes in 3 different sizes to match the size of both your child and your pet. It’s fully collapsible and foldable, too, making storage super easy. Unlike other products, the KOPEKS uses a twist cap to seal the drain hole instead of the usual snap-on plug. It’s still made of PVC, though, so you can feel confident of its durability.
6 Midlee Portable Outdoor Dog Pool
- 63″ in diameter sides are 12″ high
- Durable PVC sides
- Easy storage and portability
- Summery beach motif
The design of this dog pool is a summery beach, so it provides the perfect accompaniment to your back yard. During the colder months of the year or if you want to take the pool on your travels, you can simply fold it away. All you need to do is to make sure that it is properly drained.
As for the sides of the pool, they are made from durable PVC, which is a strong enough material to contain the kind of rough play that dogs enjoy while they are in the bath. Plus, you can put it up in a matter of seconds, so it is ready to go the moment your pup gets a little bit messy!
7 Pecute Foldable Dog Bath Pool
- Made of safe, non-toxic PVC material
- Easy to fold away in the included storage bag
- Quick drainage design
- Wide range of uses
This extra-large dog pool can comfortably fit one or more dogs – and maybe even you and the kids if you want to splash around with your furry friend! At the bottom of the pool is a non-slip design to stop your dog from slipping over while bathing. Just as you would want from a large pool of this size, it is highly durable.
Storage is easy and convenient. You can open it up and fold it away again in a matter of seconds. The spiral drain design also helps to easily prevent water leakage.
8 All For Paws Outdoor Bathing Dog Pool
- Portable and easy to fill
- Folds away easily
- Anti-slip bottom
- Made of tough material
One of the main issues when dogs have a bath is that they get overexcited and will bound around all over the place. This pool is made with an anti-slip bottom to prevent this from becoming an issue. The pool itself is made from tough PVC for added durability, and there is no need to inflate it when you are ready for it.
Obviously, outdoor bathing is not an option all year round for most dog owner, so this pool folds away easily when you want to put it away. The size is large enough to accommodate most dogs.
9 FurryFriends Foldable Dog Pool
- No need for inflation
- Foldable panel design
- High grade materials used
- Good value
Simply pop up the foldable panels and you can start filling this pool. There is no need to inflate it. There are three different sizes to choose between, so you can select the one which comfortably fits your furry friend inside. Measure your dog beforehand to avoid any disappointment and hassle in sending it back again. Plus, it is very good value if you are on a tight budget.
10 Pidsen Portable Dog Swimming Pool
- Foldable into a small size for easy storage
- Easy to set up in a short time
- Non-slip material on the bottom
- Durable design
Our final selection gives both dogs and kids the opportunity to splash around to their heart’s content. You can fold it all up into a small size, so it doesn’t end up taking up too much room in storage. This is a very highly rated pool, which stands up to regular usage without collapsing or leaking. At the bottom of the pool is slip resistant material, so your dog stays standing when they are taking a bath, reducing the risk that they are going to suffer from some sort of injury.
11 YAHEETECH Foldable Hard Plastic Dog Swimming Pool
- No air pump or inflation needed.
- Includes 4 PVC covers and a brush.
- Marker indicates the highest recommended water level.
- Features a plastic drainage valve and anti-skid bottom.
- Made of MDF boards and PVC.
- Available in four colors and four sizes.
Yaheetech’s foldable doggy pool is quick and easy to assembly, without the use of a pump or any need to inflate it. They have thought of everything with this package, as it includes four PVC covers along with a soft silicone cleaning brush to help to scrub down the pool after use. Additionally, they have included a marker to indicate the ideal water level to avoid overflow once your pool is in use. Yaheetech also offers this pool in four sizes and four colors, so you can pick the perfect pool to reflect your furry family member’s personality.
12 Toozey Foldable Dog Pool
- Available in three colors and four sizes.
- made of non-toxic PVC material and high-strength fiberboard.
- Foldable design space-saving design.
- The drain is sealed well to avoid leakage.
- Sturdy non-slip bottom for safety.
- Spiral drain design makes emptying easy.
With an easy-access side drain to make emptying quick and easy. This Toozey dog pool is built of a strong, fiberboard topped with non-toxic PVC for a reliable, long-lasting doggy pool. The foldable design is the perfect space-saving solution, simply dry it off, fold it away and stick it out of sight until it’s needed again. And with a choice of three colors and four sizes, you can be sure to select the right doggy pool to keep your pup cool during those hot days. With the properly maintenance this pool can last for years.
13 Peteast Splash Sprinkler Pad For Dogs
- Available in five sizes.
- Portable fold-down design is easy to store.
- Non-slip bottom to keep your pet safe.
- Can be easily taken away on vacation.
- Made of anti-scratch PVC and durable fiberboard.
- Side drainage is easy to access for emptying.
The GoStock pup pool has been designed with your dog’s safety in mind, adding a non-slip coating to the bottom of the pool, which helps to keep your dog from slipping, avoiding possible injury. GoStock has even included a silicone brush to make post-paddling cleaning quick and easy without risking damaging the pool. Additionally, the anti-scratch PVC makes it even more pet-friendly, meaning your little buddy can enjoy a good swim without the worry of puncturing a hole.
14 Lunaoo Foldable Dog Pool
- Available in three sizes and four colors.
- Easy to empty through the side drain hole.
- Thick high-density fibreboard for a strong build.
- Multi-functional – can also be used as a sandbox or ball pit.
- Folds to fit easily into a carrying box.
- Full range suits all sizes of dogs.
Lunaloo’s foldable pool is available in three sizes and four colors for the best variety to choose from, whether your dog is big, small, boisterous, or reserved, you’re guaranteed to find the perfect pool for your pooch. The thick durable fiberboard provides a sturdy and reliable play space, with an easy, side-access drainage hole to empty the pool quickly at the end of the day. A pool like this is also multifunction for family homes, with the choice of also using it as a sandbox or ball pit.
Best Dog Pool: Buying Guide & FAQs
How to Safely Use a Dog Pool
Not all dogs love the water and will thus, enjoy a great time in a swimming pool. But for those doggies that have a knack for staying in a tub filled with refreshingly cool water, the concern is mostly related to their safety. Most experts recommend training dogs to ensure swimming pool safety. But, if you’re only using a portable pool that is only several inches deep and fits only one or two of your pooches, a different approach may be considered. Here’s how to safely use a dog pool.
Take a look at our review of Dog Life Jacket.
Always Choose the Right Dog Pool
This is already a given. As much as possible, you need to pick a doggie tub that’s made of almost-indestructible material. Most of those available in the market today are made of durable PVC then lined with fabric material to improve its comfort. If you have the budget, it is better to get an accessory that comes as a one-piece design. This helps negate the risk of the pool bursting at the seams and injuring your dog. Heavy-duty plastics should be tough for the job. At any rate, the product you choose should be puncture-, chew-, and scratch- proof.
The size of the dog pool should also be taken into consideration especially if you haven’t taught your pooch how to properly swim yet. Don’t get a pool that is significantly deeper than what your pooch is capable of. Consider this as an introductory to swimming in the human-sized backyard swimming pool.
Train Your Dog in Obedience
Before you even start considering various canine swimming pool safety tips you may want to invest time and effort in obedience training your mutt. The doggie pool may be shallow but it needs to understand and obey certain commands such as “come” if ever you want it to have a much safer time in the doggie tub. “Sit”, “lie down”, and “stay” may not be used in the pool but these can surely be used elsewhere. The point is that you will need to train your dog to follow your commands so you can help ensure its safety even in a shallow pool.
Never leave Your Pooch Out of Sight
You may have trained your dog to follow your commands but that doesn’t give you the right to leave it alone in its kiddie swimming pool for dogs. Accidents happen all the time and mostly when you least expect it.
Learn Pet CPR
As absurd as it may sound, learning how to perform CPR on your pet is very important and should never be taken lightly. The water may be shallow but your mutt can be too playful that it can actually drown because water will be entering its lungs and not the digestive tract. That is why you should also not leave your pet swimming unsupervised so you can jump right in and save your pet.
Protect it From the Heat
Sure the dog pool is cool. But did you know that heat is actually more intense near the water? It may be cool in the pool, but once your pet jumps out of it, it’s exposed to an unusually high level of heat. So, make sure you have plenty of shade and provide your pooch with plenty of water to drink and stay hydrated.
Check out our ultimate article on the Best Dog Water Bottle.
Getting your pooch any of the 10 best dog pools in 2019 could very well be one of the most sensible ways you can help ensure your mutt gets a really fun time while helping it cool itself from the summer heat. To help ensure your mutt truly enjoys its time in the pool, you’ll also have to observe some safety tips. Give your mutt the best summer fun today.
The Benefits of a Dog Pool
You may have a dog that is already a prolific swimmer. While there are certain breeds that are naturally attracted to water, don’t expect your puppy to go out and jump straight into your swimming pool at first instance. You have to understand that swimming isn’t something that all dogs are inherently born to do. They have to learn.
One of the safest ways to get your puppy to learn how to swim is to get it a puppy pool. Dog pools give your dog a much safer area which it can learn to appreciate the feel of the water and slowly learn its doggie strokes.
Another benefit of a dog pool is that it can be used for other purposes, such as bathing. Again, not all puppies love getting smothered and then lathered with a puppy shampoo. This is especially true if you’re going to put them in a bathtub where they will feel trapped. Bathing them in a dog pool should help dispel any apprehensions they may have.
A dog pool is a great tool for your pup to have fun in the backyard. Sure, it may run around your yard together with its littermates and playing with their toys. But, if you can add another element to their playtime, then it will be all worth it. Don’t mind them getting all wet and dirty. It’s all part of play time. Just make sure to give them a bath right after, though. Plus, in the scorching heat of the summer, having a puppy pool should keep your young hound cool.
Things to Consider When Buying a Dog Pool
If you’re looking for the right dog pool to bring home to your pet dog there are several things you might want to consider before settling on a particular pool.
Purpose
You have to decide whether the pool you are looking for is basically for swimming only or do you want to be more like a wading pool. The thing is that if you want it to be for swimming, then it should be large and deep enough to allow your dog to really swim. If it is only for wading or cooling purposes, then a pool with lower sides or a relatively shallow pool should suffice.
Dog’s Activity Level
This relates to the material of the dog pool that you will be buying. If you have a pet that is known for being hyperactive with the tendency to scratch and chew on things, then you’ve got to choose a pool that’s made of virtually indestructible material like metal or perhaps heavy-duty polyurethane or some similar durable polymer. If you’ve got a hound that’s not really known for scratching things, then a dog pool made of heavy-duty PVC should suffice.
Amount of Supervision
Any activity that your dog is engaged in requires your supervision. If you get a doggie swimming pool, then it’s a must that you supervise it the entire time your dog is in the pool. If you cannot commit to full-time supervision, then a wading pool or a shallow pool should be in the offing.
Ease of Entry
If you do get a large and deep dog pool for your pet, you’d also have to consider getting a dog ramp built specifically for dog pools. Smaller or shallower pools usually don’t require any dog ramps. However, the height of their sides should be low enough to make it easy for your pet to jump right in and out of the pool.
Different Dog Pool Designs
One of the things you’ll have to consider when buying a dog pool for your canine is its design. Here are a few of the more common dog pools:
Swimming Pool
These are large and deep pools intended primarily for swimming. They’re made of sturdier materials since they will be holding larger volumes of water. Additionally, they will need plenty of space in your backyard as well as ease of access for your dog to get in and out of the pool. This can be in the form of a dog ramp or dog stairs.
Wading Pool
They call these pools paddling or wading pools because the water will be too shallow. It’s perfect for dogs that prefer simply lying down and lapping at the cool water enveloping its body. It can come in various designs such as paw- or bone-shaped pools.
Inflatable Dog Pool
As the name suggests, these pools need to be inflated for them to be filled with water. If it is large enough it can actually function as a dog swimming pool. If it is small and shallow, then it functions more as a wading pool. The problem with this design of dog pool is that it gets easily punctured.
Dog Pool Care Tips
Most dogs love a good swim in the summer heat and having a doggy pool can be the perfect way to help them cool off on a hot day. But unlike humans, they carry a lot more dirt and have a tendency to drop a significant amount more hair than us. So knowing how to take care of their pool once they’re done having a paddle is the best way to ensure you can keep using it year after year. Not only will it save you time, but money on repairs as well. You don’t want your puppy’s fur gumming up the works!
Clean The Dog Pool After Every Use
It sounds like a lot of hassle, but manually cleaning the pool once your dog is done can make all the difference. Now when we say clean the pool, it’s not once a week, it’s every single time they’re done with it. Leaving the dirt and hair to sit and dry out won’t do anything but make cleaning it later more difficult for you.
A single dog in the pool is supposedly the equivalent of roughly 50 humans. So a good clean-out is an absolute must. Using a gentle detergent and thoroughly washing out the pool once you are done cleaning it will help to avoid debris getting into the filtration system. This can be done with a telescope pole, a robotic cleaner, or old-fashioned elbow grease.
Be Careful Of The Chlorine Levels
Chlorine is safe for dogs, so long as you keep it within the recommended limits. Keeping chlorine levels low helps to avoid any adverse reactions, seeing as dogs’ noses, ears, and eyes are all significantly more sensitive than ours. Generally speaking, salt chlorine generators are preferred by pet owners owing to the low chlorine output. But if you’re ever worried, don’t be afraid to wash your pet down once they’re out of the pool to be on the safe side.
Additionally, be mindful of where you store any of the chemicals used in the pool, as your poor dog’s nose would do without being blown away by the scent of chlorine.
Keep On Top Of The Filter
Speaking of filters, cleaning the filter itself is definitely the most important stage if you’re wanting to avoid an expensive repair job later down the line. So long as you keep on top of the fur getting into the system you can easily avoid any irreparable damage. Knowing your filter will help you to know how best to clean it out.
Cartridge Filters
Cartridge filters tend to need to be sprayed down more frequently. This is done by opening up the filter, removing the filter itself (be sure to check it over for any potential damage), and then hosing down the cartridge with standard water pressure – no jet wash.
Sand Filters
Sand filters tend to require a little more work to keep them clear, but it’s worth it. Always make sure to switch off the pump before starting. Once it’s off switch the filter to the “backwash” setting and then run a backwash cycle to clear it out.
Prep Your Dog Before They Swim
This is probably the best way to avoid the unnecessary need for additional cleaning. Getting your dog ready before they swim includes giving your pooch a good brush before they head into the water. Brushing your four-legged friend thoroughly before they hop into the pool helps to remove excess fur, dirt, and debris that could clog up the works.
You may also like our guide on the Best Brushes for Short Hair Dogs.
Our Top Pick
With a reliably tough and durable construction in addition to its no-fuss setup, the FrontPet Foldable Large Dog Pool Bathing Tub easily wins the plum for the best dog pool. Its individual panels allow for easier folding and storage while also giving the FrontPet the rigidity needed to sustain its shape when in use. It’s puncture-proof and rip-resistant, too. And while it is more expensive than the other products we have reviewed, it makes up for it by making sure this is the last dog pool you’ll ever buy since it will last a lifetime.
Warning: When buying online, always ensure that you are purchasing a legitimate product, as there are many companies that will sell imitation products that can be easily mistaken for the real thing.
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Frequently Asked Questions
While you can actually use your kid’s swimming pool for this purpose, it may not be able to stand up to your pet. Kiddie pools are designed to accommodate the weight of your baby, not a 100-pound hound. It is for this reason that a dog pool may be necessary especially if you have a water-loving breed like Labradors.
Now if you already have a full-sized swimming pool in your backyard and you don’t mind your pet jumping in the water with you, then you clearly don’t need a dog pool. But if you don’t like your pool to be full of pet hair afterward or you don’t want your pet to get chlorine or any other swimming pool chemical treatments on its body or into its system, then you’ve got to really buy a dog swimming pool.
Even if your dog is not a swimmer, it will still be able to benefit from its own swimming pool especially in the summer.
Some dogs do get it the first time they are presented with a pool of water. You can almost see them enthusiastically jumping right in. But if your pet is a bit skittish with the pool around, you may need to help it get accustomed to the dog pool.
Setup the dog pool in your backyard and allow your pet to inspect it. If it sees or feels that there’s water, it might even jump right in. Alternatively, encourage your pet to go near the pool. Stay beside the pool and call your dog. If it comes to you, praise it and give it its treat. Put a rubber toy into the pool and play with it. Or you can step into the pool and encourage your pet to do the same. The thing is for you to always reinforce the behavior that you want from your dog by giving praises and treats.
Repeat the process several times until your dog will jump right into the pool on its own. The trick is to make going into the pool be recognized by your dog as something very pleasurable. So don’t ever force your pet to like going into the pool. Be patient.
It all depends on the depth of the dog pool. If it is deep enough that your dog cannot really touch the bottom of the pool without submerging the rest of its body, then it could very well be a great dog pool for swimming. However, if the water is only up to the level of your dog’s chest or your dog can easily stand on its feet while inside the pool, then the purpose of the dog pool is more for wading. Shallow pools can provide dogs with a more comfortable way to cool themselves, especially during the hot summer months as they can easily lie down on the pool without having to worry about being submerged.
It depends on the size of your dog pool. If it is large and deep enough that your dog will need assistance in getting on and off the dog pool, then you may want to get a dog ramp. Otherwise, if you’re talking about an 8-inch high pool, then your dog can just as easily jump over the edges.
Read here our detailed guide on the Best Dog Boat Ramps.
