Pet-Friendly Pools: How to Include Your Furry Friends
A pool day is a great way to unwind, but why not make it fun for your pets too? At Fibreglass Pools Melbourne, we know that pets are family, and many of them love a good splash just as much as we do! Designing a pet-friendly pool area allows you to safely share poolside fun with your furry companions. Here’s how to create a pool experience that’s safe, enjoyable, and perfect for pets.
1. Prioritise Pool Safety for Pets
Ensuring your pet’s safety around the pool is key to a worry-free experience. Here are some practical ways to keep your pool pet-friendly and secure:
- Pet-Friendly Pool Steps or Ramps: Not all pets are natural swimmers, so install pool steps or a ramp that they can use to easily enter and exit the water. Fibreglass Pools Melbourne offers pool options with wide steps, making it easier for pets to safely navigate in and out.
- Supervision is Key: Always keep an eye on your pets while they’re near or in the pool. This way, you can react quickly if they appear to be struggling or need assistance.
- Add Pool Fencing: If your pets spend time outdoors, adding a pool fence can prevent unsupervised access. This is especially helpful for smaller pets or those that are less comfortable around water.
2. Create a Comfortable Poolside Zone for Pets
A comfortable area around the pool gives pets a place to rest after swimming and lets you keep your eye on them as they enjoy the outdoors.
- Designate a Shaded Rest Area: Australian summers can be intense, so be sure to create a shaded spot with a canopy, umbrella, or a shaded cabana for your pets. Keep fresh water in bowls nearby to keep them hydrated.
- Pool-Friendly Pet Beds: Look for water-resistant pet beds or mats that can withstand splashes. Your pets will appreciate a cosy, cool spot to relax after playing in the pool.
- Toys and Treats: Provide floating toys specifically designed for pets to enhance their pool experience. Floating balls, rubber rings, or even treat-dispensing toys can make pool time extra exciting for your pets.
3. Choose Pet-Friendly Pool Features and Materials
Certain materials and features can make a pool more comfortable and safer for pets. Fibreglass pools are particularly beneficial for pet-friendly areas, as they’re durable and have smooth surfaces that minimise scratches and slips.
- Opt for a Fibreglass Pool Surface: Fibreglass pools are pet-friendly, as they have smooth edges and non-abrasive surfaces. This makes it less likely for pets’ paws to get scratched or injured while swimming or playing.
- Saltwater Pools: Saltwater pools are gentler on pets’ skin and fur compared to traditional chlorinated pools. While small amounts of chlorine won’t harm pets, saltwater pools provide a more natural and comfortable experience.
- Secure Pool Covers: Pool covers keep your pool clean and prevent accidental falls when the pool is not in use. Just make sure to use a sturdy cover that won’t sag or break if your pet steps onto it.
4. Practise Proper Pet Hygiene in the Pool
Keeping both your pool and your pets clean ensures a safe and enjoyable experience. Here’s how to maintain a healthy balance:
- Rinse Before and After Swimming: Rinse your pet before they swim to remove any loose fur or dirt that could enter the pool. After swimming, rinse them again to wash off any residual pool water, especially if you have a chlorinated pool.
- Monitor Pool Filters: Pets can shed fur, which may end up in the pool. Regularly check and clean the pool filter to keep it free from pet hair and debris.
- Pet-Friendly Pool Cleaners: Some cleaning products may contain chemicals that can irritate pets. Opt for pet-safe pool cleaning solutions and consult with professionals to keep your pool sparkling and safe.
5. Teach Your Pet Pool Etiquette
If your pet is new to the pool, ease them in slowly and make sure they feel comfortable.
- Introduce the Pool Gradually: Let your pet explore the pool area and dip their paws in the water before they jump in fully. Offer treats and positive reinforcement to help them feel more at ease.
- Teach Basic Commands: Teaching commands like “stay” and “come” around the pool area can be helpful if you need to quickly get your pet out of the water. It can also prevent them from getting too close to the pool edge when unsupervised.
- Train Them on Exiting the Pool: Show your pet where the steps or ramp are so they know how to exit safely. Practising this a few times can help them feel more confident in the water.
6. Poolside First Aid and Essentials for Pets
Accidents can happen, so it’s wise to have some basic first-aid supplies ready for your pets by the pool:
- Pet First Aid Kit: Have a pet-specific first aid kit on hand with essentials like bandages, antiseptic, and tick removers. It’s always better to be prepared, especially if your pets are active.
- Towels and Drying Supplies: Keep towels nearby to dry your pet off after a swim. This is especially useful if they’ll be heading indoors or onto poolside furniture afterward.
- Protect Against Sun Exposure: Pets can get sunburned, particularly those with light-coloured fur or exposed skin. Consider using pet-safe sunscreen on sensitive areas like the nose and ears if they’re out in the sun for extended periods.
Your pool can be a place for the whole family, pets included! By adding pet-friendly features and ensuring safety, you’ll create a space where everyone can cool off and enjoy some quality outdoor time together.
Pet-Friendly Pools: How to Include Your Furry Friends
A pool day is a great way to unwind, but why not make it fun for your pets too? At Fibreglass Pools Melbourne, we know that pets are family, and many of them love a good splash just as much as we do! Designing a pet-friendly pool area allows you to safely share poolside fun with your furry companions. Here’s how to create a pool experience that’s safe, enjoyable, and perfect for pets.
1. Prioritise Pool Safety for Pets
Ensuring your pet’s safety around the pool is key to a worry-free experience. Here are some practical ways to keep your pool pet-friendly and secure:
- Pet-Friendly Pool Steps or Ramps: Not all pets are natural swimmers, so install pool steps or a ramp that they can use to easily enter and exit the water. Fibreglass Pools Melbourne offers pool options with wide steps, making it easier for pets to safely navigate in and out.
- Supervision is Key: Always keep an eye on your pets while they’re near or in the pool. This way, you can react quickly if they appear to be struggling or need assistance.
- Add Pool Fencing: If your pets spend time outdoors, adding a pool fence can prevent unsupervised access. This is especially helpful for smaller pets or those that are less comfortable around water.
2. Create a Comfortable Poolside Zone for Pets
A comfortable area around the pool gives pets a place to rest after swimming and lets you keep your eye on them as they enjoy the outdoors.
- Designate a Shaded Rest Area: Australian summers can be intense, so be sure to create a shaded spot with a canopy, umbrella, or a shaded cabana for your pets. Keep fresh water in bowls nearby to keep them hydrated.
- Pool-Friendly Pet Beds: Look for water-resistant pet beds or mats that can withstand splashes. Your pets will appreciate a cosy, cool spot to relax after playing in the pool.
- Toys and Treats: Provide floating toys specifically designed for pets to enhance their pool experience. Floating balls, rubber rings, or even treat-dispensing toys can make pool time extra exciting for your pets.
3. Choose Pet-Friendly Pool Features and Materials
Certain materials and features can make a pool more comfortable and safer for pets. Fibreglass pools are particularly beneficial for pet-friendly areas, as they’re durable and have smooth surfaces that minimise scratches and slips.
- Opt for a Fibreglass Pool Surface: Fibreglass pools are pet-friendly, as they have smooth edges and non-abrasive surfaces. This makes it less likely for pets’ paws to get scratched or injured while swimming or playing.
- Saltwater Pools: Saltwater pools are gentler on pets’ skin and fur compared to traditional chlorinated pools. While small amounts of chlorine won’t harm pets, saltwater pools provide a more natural and comfortable experience.
- Secure Pool Covers: Pool covers keep your pool clean and prevent accidental falls when the pool is not in use. Just make sure to use a sturdy cover that won’t sag or break if your pet steps onto it.
4. Practise Proper Pet Hygiene in the Pool
Keeping both your pool and your pets clean ensures a safe and enjoyable experience. Here’s how to maintain a healthy balance:
- Rinse Before and After Swimming: Rinse your pet before they swim to remove any loose fur or dirt that could enter the pool. After swimming, rinse them again to wash off any residual pool water, especially if you have a chlorinated pool.
- Monitor Pool Filters: Pets can shed fur, which may end up in the pool. Regularly check and clean the pool filter to keep it free from pet hair and debris.
- Pet-Friendly Pool Cleaners: Some cleaning products may contain chemicals that can irritate pets. Opt for pet-safe pool cleaning solutions and consult with professionals to keep your pool sparkling and safe.
5. Teach Your Pet Pool Etiquette
If your pet is new to the pool, ease them in slowly and make sure they feel comfortable.
- Introduce the Pool Gradually: Let your pet explore the pool area and dip their paws in the water before they jump in fully. Offer treats and positive reinforcement to help them feel more at ease.
- Teach Basic Commands: Teaching commands like “stay” and “come” around the pool area can be helpful if you need to quickly get your pet out of the water. It can also prevent them from getting too close to the pool edge when unsupervised.
- Train Them on Exiting the Pool: Show your pet where the steps or ramp are so they know how to exit safely. Practising this a few times can help them feel more confident in the water.
6. Poolside First Aid and Essentials for Pets
Accidents can happen, so it’s wise to have some basic first-aid supplies ready for your pets by the pool:
- Pet First Aid Kit: Have a pet-specific first aid kit on hand with essentials like bandages, antiseptic, and tick removers. It’s always better to be prepared, especially if your pets are active.
- Towels and Drying Supplies: Keep towels nearby to dry your pet off after a swim. This is especially useful if they’ll be heading indoors or onto poolside furniture afterward.
- Protect Against Sun Exposure: Pets can get sunburned, particularly those with light-coloured fur or exposed skin. Consider using pet-safe sunscreen on sensitive areas like the nose and ears if they’re out in the sun for extended periods.
Your pool can be a place for the whole family, pets included! By adding pet-friendly features and ensuring safety, you’ll create a space where everyone can cool off and enjoy some quality outdoor time together.
