Dogs Affect on Pools and Spas
Dogs are great companions for humans, but do dogs affect pools and spas? Do dogs have an affect on the water in a swimming pool and spa? If you have a dog and a pool or spa, you may wonder how they affect each other. How do dogs impact the water quality and maintenance of your pool or spa? Can dogs swim safely in pool or spa water? We will answer these questions and more.
How Dogs Affect the Water Quality
Dogs can have a significant impact on the water quality and maintenance of your pool or spa. According to some pool experts, one dog in a swimming pool will have the same effect on the pool water as three humans. This means that the amount of debris your dog brings into the pool or spa is a lot more than what humans bring.
Dogs have a lot more hair than people, which can shed into the pool or spa water and clog your filter system. Dogs also carry dirt, pollen, bacteria, and even fecal matter on their coat and feet, which can contaminate the pool or spa water and affect the chemical balance. Dogs may also drink the pool or spa water, which can reduce the water level and introduce saliva into the water.
To minimize the effects dogs have on your pool or spa water quality, you should follow these tips:
- Brush your dog before swimming: This will help remove any loose or dead hair from your dog’s coat, as well as any dirt or debris that may be stuck to it.
- Rinse your dog after swimming: This will help wash off any chlorine, saltwater, or other chemicals from your dog’s coat and skin, as well as any algae or bacteria that may be in the water.
- Keep your dog away from the pool or spa when not swimming: This will prevent your dog from accidentally falling into the water or drinking it when you are not around.
- Clean your filter system regularly: This will help remove any hair, dirt, debris, bacteria, or other contaminants that may be trapped in your filter system.
- Test your pool or spa water regularly: This will help you monitor and adjust the chlorine level, pH level, salt level, and other parameters of your pool or spa water to keep it safe and clean.
- Shock your pool or spa periodically: This will help kill any algae or bacteria that may be growing in your pool or spa water due to your dog’s presence.
- Phosphate Remover: When used periodically, this can significantly reduce the food that algae feeds on and help keep the pool water clean and clear.
Can Dogs Swim Safely in Pool or Spa Water?
The answer is yes, but with some precautions. Pool or spa water that is properly maintained is generally safe for dogs to swim in. However, there are some potential risks that you should be aware of.
Chlorine: Chlorine is the main sanitizer that kills algae and bacteria in pool or spa water. It can also irritate your dog’s skin, eyes, nose and mouth if it’s too high or if your dog swims frequently. You should keep your chlorine level between 2 and 4 parts per million (ppm) for pools and between 3 and 5 ppm for spas. You should also rinse your dog’s coat after swimming and check the skin regularly for redness, flaking or other issues. Contact your veterinarian if the skin appears abnormal.
Saltwater: Saltwater pools and spas use salt to generate chlorine through a salt chlorine generator. Saltwater is softer on your dog’s fur and eyes than traditional chlorine, but it can still cause dryness and irritation if your dog swims often. You should rinse your dog’s coat after swimming and check the skin regularly for redness, flaking or other issues. Contact your veterinarian if the skin appears abnormal.
pH: pH is a measure of how acidic or basic your pool or spa water is. You should keep your pH level between 7.4 and 7.6 for pools and between 7.2 and 7.8 for spas, which is the ideal range for chlorine to work and for your dog’s comfort. If your pH level is too high or too low, it can affect the effectiveness of chlorine and cause irritation to your dog’s skin, eyes, nose and mouth. You can adjust your pH level by adding acid or base to your pool or spa water, such as muriatic acid or sodium carbonate.
Temperature: Temperature is an important factor for both your dog’s comfort and safety when swimming in pool or spa water. The ideal temperature range for pools is between 78 and 82 degrees Fahrenheit, while the ideal temperature range for spas is between 100 and 104 degrees Fahrenheit. You should never let your dog swim in water that is too hot or too cold, as it can cause heatstroke or hypothermia. You should also limit your dog’s swim time to avoid overexertion and dehydration.
Conclusion
Dogs can enjoy swimming in pools and spas as long as they are supervised and protected from potential risks. Pool or spa water that is properly maintained is generally safe for dogs to swim in, but it can also cause irritation to their skin, eyes, nose and mouth if they swim frequently or if the chemical levels are off. Dogs can also affect the water quality and maintenance of pools and spas by bringing hair, dirt, debris, bacteria, and other contaminants into the water.
We hope this has helped you understand the effects dogs have on swimming pools and spas and how to deal with them. If you have any questions or need professional help with your pool or spa maintenance, feel free to contact a local pool pro in your area. If you would like to reach out to us, please contact us we are happy to answer any questions you have concerning your pool needs.
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