Pet-Friendly Pools: How To Make Your Pool Safe For Dogs & Cats
Australians love their pets, and they love their pools too. So, it makes perfect sense that more and more homeowners are thinking about how to make their backyard pools safe and fun for their furry companions. Whether you’ve got a water-loving Labrador or a curious cat that enjoys sunbathing poolside, creating a pet-friendly pool environment is all about balancing enjoyment with safety. Here’s how you can make sure your swimming pool is a pet-safe paradise for your four-legged family members.
Why Pets Need Pool Safety Considerations
Just like kids, pets can be at risk around pools if proper precautions aren’t taken. Even strong swimmers can get into trouble, especially if they can’t find a way out of the water. In Australia, pet drownings are unfortunately not uncommon, particularly in the warmer months when pool usage spikes. Making a few smart changes can go a long way in keeping your pets safe, happy, and cool.
Pool Entry and Exit: Make It Easy for Pets
One of the most important safety features of any pet-friendly pool is a safe way in and out. Dogs, in particular, may love to jump in, but they can struggle to find an exit point. Unlike humans, they don’t instinctively look for stairs or ladders.
To address this, consider installing a ramp or a set of wide, non-slip steps that your pet can easily use. Ramps specifically designed for pet use are available on the market, or you can have a custom solution built that suits your pool’s design. This small investment can be life-saving.
Make sure to teach your pet how to find the exit. Repetition and positive reinforcement can go a long way. Walk your dog through using the ramp or steps a few times with treats and praise, so they’re familiar with how to get out safely.
Keep the Water Clean and Chemical Levels Pet-Safe
Pets can be more sensitive to pool chemicals than humans. While chlorine is necessary to keep pool water clean and free of algae and bacteria, high levels can irritate your pet’s skin, eyes, and paws. Dogs may also ingest water as they play, which could lead to stomach upsets or worse if the chemical balance is too harsh.
To protect your pets, maintain a consistent chemical balance using pet-safe levels. Saltwater pools can be a gentler alternative for animals with sensitive skin. It’s also a good idea to rinse your pet off with fresh water after they’ve been in the pool to remove any chemical residue.
Regularly test your pool water and consider consulting a professional pool technician for advice on the best water maintenance practices for pet owners.
Watch Out for Pool Covers and Drains
Some pool covers, particularly floating ones, can pose a serious hazard. Pets may mistake a cover for a solid surface, walk on it, and fall in, becoming trapped. If you use a cover, opt for a rigid safety cover that locks into place and can hold weight safely.
Drains and suction outlets are another danger. Curious paws or fur can get caught in them, leading to injury or panic. Modern pool designs often include anti-entrapment covers, but if your pool is older, it may be worth upgrading to safer, pet-friendly drain options.
Fence It Off: Safety Fencing for All Family Members
Pool fencing is required by law in most parts of Australia to protect children, but it’s just as important for pets. A secure, pet-proof fence helps prevent accidental falls or unsupervised swims. Choose a fence with no large gaps where smaller animals like cats or small dogs could squeeze through.
You might also consider self-closing and self-latching gates, or even a pool alarm system that alerts you when someone — or something — enters the pool area.
Pet Behaviour & Supervision
Even the most well-trained pet can be unpredictable around water. Always supervise your pets while they’re in or near the pool, especially if they’re new to swimming or get overly excited.
If you’re introducing your pet to the pool for the first time, take it slow. Some dogs are natural swimmers, while others may need encouragement or may not enjoy the experience at all. Never force your pet into the water.
Cats are typically less enthusiastic about swimming, but they still enjoy being near the water and may accidentally fall in. Providing shaded areas and non-slip surfaces around the pool can help them feel secure and reduce the risk of accidents.
Pet-Friendly Pool Materials
If you’re building or renovating your pool, consider the materials you use. Pebblecrete, for instance, might be rough on sensitive paws. Smooth surfaces like tiles or fibreglass can be more comfortable and safer for pets to walk on.
Non-slip surfaces around the pool deck are also a great idea to prevent slips and injuries, especially during those high-energy zoomie moments.
Toys and Enrichment for Pets in the Pool
Swimming can be a great form of exercise for pets, but it should also be fun. Invest in floating toys designed for dogs to chase and retrieve. Always use toys made of non-toxic materials that are safe for chewing and don’t pose a choking hazard.
Avoid using pool toys that resemble their regular chew toys—this helps your pet learn that only specific toys are for water play.
Emergency Preparedness
Even with all the right safety measures in place, accidents can still happen. Make sure you’re prepared by keeping a pet first aid kit nearby. Learn basic pet CPR and always have your vet’s contact information on hand.
If your dog or cat does have a close call, monitor them for any signs of distress afterwards, such as coughing, lethargy, or vomiting, and contact your vet immediately if anything seems off.
Create a Backyard Paradise for Everyone
Turning your pool into a pet-friendly haven doesn’t mean sacrificing style or function. In fact, thoughtful design choices can enhance the entire backyard experience for every member of the family — paws included.
From integrated ramps to shade sails, pet-safe surfaces to chemical balance, there are countless ways to make your pool a safe and enjoyable place for your dogs and cats to beat the Aussie heat.
Ready to Make a Splash? Get a Free Quote Today
If you’re thinking about upgrading your pool to make it more pet-friendly, or building a new one from scratch, Ocean Reef Pools can help. With years of experience designing beautiful, safe, and functional pools across Australia, we know what it takes to keep your pets happy and your backyard stunning.
Contact Ocean Reef Pools today for a free, no-obligation quote. Let’s create a backyard retreat your entire family — including the furry ones — will love!
Pet-Friendly Pools: How To Make Your Pool Safe For Dogs & Cats
Australians love their pets, and they love their pools too. So, it makes perfect sense that more and more homeowners are thinking about how to make their backyard pools safe and fun for their furry companions. Whether you’ve got a water-loving Labrador or a curious cat that enjoys sunbathing poolside, creating a pet-friendly pool environment is all about balancing enjoyment with safety. Here’s how you can make sure your swimming pool is a pet-safe paradise for your four-legged family members.
Why Pets Need Pool Safety Considerations
Just like kids, pets can be at risk around pools if proper precautions aren’t taken. Even strong swimmers can get into trouble, especially if they can’t find a way out of the water. In Australia, pet drownings are unfortunately not uncommon, particularly in the warmer months when pool usage spikes. Making a few smart changes can go a long way in keeping your pets safe, happy, and cool.
Pool Entry and Exit: Make It Easy for Pets
One of the most important safety features of any pet-friendly pool is a safe way in and out. Dogs, in particular, may love to jump in, but they can struggle to find an exit point. Unlike humans, they don’t instinctively look for stairs or ladders.
To address this, consider installing a ramp or a set of wide, non-slip steps that your pet can easily use. Ramps specifically designed for pet use are available on the market, or you can have a custom solution built that suits your pool’s design. This small investment can be life-saving.
Make sure to teach your pet how to find the exit. Repetition and positive reinforcement can go a long way. Walk your dog through using the ramp or steps a few times with treats and praise, so they’re familiar with how to get out safely.
Keep the Water Clean and Chemical Levels Pet-Safe
Pets can be more sensitive to pool chemicals than humans. While chlorine is necessary to keep pool water clean and free of algae and bacteria, high levels can irritate your pet’s skin, eyes, and paws. Dogs may also ingest water as they play, which could lead to stomach upsets or worse if the chemical balance is too harsh.
To protect your pets, maintain a consistent chemical balance using pet-safe levels. Saltwater pools can be a gentler alternative for animals with sensitive skin. It’s also a good idea to rinse your pet off with fresh water after they’ve been in the pool to remove any chemical residue.
Regularly test your pool water and consider consulting a professional pool technician for advice on the best water maintenance practices for pet owners.
Watch Out for Pool Covers and Drains
Some pool covers, particularly floating ones, can pose a serious hazard. Pets may mistake a cover for a solid surface, walk on it, and fall in, becoming trapped. If you use a cover, opt for a rigid safety cover that locks into place and can hold weight safely.
Drains and suction outlets are another danger. Curious paws or fur can get caught in them, leading to injury or panic. Modern pool designs often include anti-entrapment covers, but if your pool is older, it may be worth upgrading to safer, pet-friendly drain options.
Fence It Off: Safety Fencing for All Family Members
Pool fencing is required by law in most parts of Australia to protect children, but it’s just as important for pets. A secure, pet-proof fence helps prevent accidental falls or unsupervised swims. Choose a fence with no large gaps where smaller animals like cats or small dogs could squeeze through.
You might also consider self-closing and self-latching gates, or even a pool alarm system that alerts you when someone — or something — enters the pool area.
Pet Behaviour & Supervision
Even the most well-trained pet can be unpredictable around water. Always supervise your pets while they’re in or near the pool, especially if they’re new to swimming or get overly excited.
If you’re introducing your pet to the pool for the first time, take it slow. Some dogs are natural swimmers, while others may need encouragement or may not enjoy the experience at all. Never force your pet into the water.
Cats are typically less enthusiastic about swimming, but they still enjoy being near the water and may accidentally fall in. Providing shaded areas and non-slip surfaces around the pool can help them feel secure and reduce the risk of accidents.
Pet-Friendly Pool Materials
If you’re building or renovating your pool, consider the materials you use. Pebblecrete, for instance, might be rough on sensitive paws. Smooth surfaces like tiles or fibreglass can be more comfortable and safer for pets to walk on.
Non-slip surfaces around the pool deck are also a great idea to prevent slips and injuries, especially during those high-energy zoomie moments.
Toys and Enrichment for Pets in the Pool
Swimming can be a great form of exercise for pets, but it should also be fun. Invest in floating toys designed for dogs to chase and retrieve. Always use toys made of non-toxic materials that are safe for chewing and don’t pose a choking hazard.
Avoid using pool toys that resemble their regular chew toys—this helps your pet learn that only specific toys are for water play.
Emergency Preparedness
Even with all the right safety measures in place, accidents can still happen. Make sure you’re prepared by keeping a pet first aid kit nearby. Learn basic pet CPR and always have your vet’s contact information on hand.
If your dog or cat does have a close call, monitor them for any signs of distress afterwards, such as coughing, lethargy, or vomiting, and contact your vet immediately if anything seems off.
Create a Backyard Paradise for Everyone
Turning your pool into a pet-friendly haven doesn’t mean sacrificing style or function. In fact, thoughtful design choices can enhance the entire backyard experience for every member of the family — paws included.
From integrated ramps to shade sails, pet-safe surfaces to chemical balance, there are countless ways to make your pool a safe and enjoyable place for your dogs and cats to beat the Aussie heat.
Ready to Make a Splash? Get a Free Quote Today
If you’re thinking about upgrading your pool to make it more pet-friendly, or building a new one from scratch, Ocean Reef Pools can help. With years of experience designing beautiful, safe, and functional pools across Australia, we know what it takes to keep your pets happy and your backyard stunning.
Contact Ocean Reef Pools today for a free, no-obligation quote. Let’s create a backyard retreat your entire family — including the furry ones — will love!
