Updated August 10, 2024
As the warm weather approaches, we begin to spend more time outdoors and our dogs like to enjoy the nice weather too. Dog pools provide a way for our pups to cool off and prevent them from overheating when outside in the hot weather.
This post will look at dog pools to keep your pup cool, types of dog pools, how to find the right sized pool for your dog, the best way to maintain your dog pool, and some examples of dog pools available.
Table of Contents:
| What Is A Dog Pool? |
| What Type Of Pool Is Best For Dogs? |
| What Size Pool Should I Get For My Dog? |
| Maintenance Tips For Your Dog Pool |
| Best Dog Pools To Keep Your Pup Cool |
Related: Best Dog Sprinkler For Backyard Fun, Best Splash Pad For Dogs To Beat The Heat, Best Dog Cooling Mat To Beat The Heat, Best Dog Cooling Vests For Hot Days
What Is A Dog Pool?
A dog pool is basically a kiddie pool made of a strong, scratch resistant material that your dog can splash or lounge in (depending on your dog) without the risk of your dog puncturing a hole through it.
What Type Of Pool Is Best For Dogs?
The type of pool that is best for dogs really depends on your dog. Does your dog like to splash and have fun? Are they chewers? Do they like to take it easy and lounge in the water? Will they be jumping in and out?
These are questions to ask when choosing the right pool for your dog.
The main types of pools for dogs are foldable, inflatable, and plastic.
Foldable Dog Pools
Foldable dog pools are probably the most popular type of dog pool. These have a PVC non-slip bottom and fiberboard sides. They are easy to set up: just unfold and fill with water. There is a drainage valve on the side to release the water. When it is empty, let it dry and fold it back up.
Foldable pools are good for large breed dogs. Generally, they are about a foot high, making it easy for large dogs to get in and out of. They come in various sizes, up to 5 feet in diameter, to accommodate larger dogs.
Pros:
- Easy to set up: just open it up, fill with water and you are good to go.
- Take down is easy.
- Easy to store when not in use.
- Takes up a small amount of space when storing it.
Cons:
- Drainage valve is off the ground, so you may have to lift it up towards the end of draining to fully empty the pool.
- It can be hard to fold it back up.
- Tends to get holes in the seams.
- Even though they are made with durable material, dogs may still be able to put holes in them.
- If your dog is a chewer, the fiberboard sides may be too much of a temptation for them.
Inflatable Dog Pools
Inflatable dog pools need to be blown up. It may be all at once, or it may be separated into sections that need air. On the plus side, you can use a pump to put the air in if you have one instead of blowing it up yourself.
These dog pools are lightweight and easy to move around. They are good for small to medium sized dogs who do not have long nails and are not chewers, as they will definitely put a hole into this type of pool. Inflatable pools are also not good for rambunctious dogs. Rough play may also result in holes or punctures.
Inflatable dog pools also have a drainage valve on the bottom of the pool to rid it of water, making it easy to empty.
Pros:
- Easy to use: blow it up and fill it with water.
- Lightweight and easy to move around.
- Emptying the pool is as simple as opening the drainage valve on the bottom of the pool.
- Can be deflated for storage.
Cons:
- Not for chewers or rambunctious dogs.
- Can get holes or punctures easily.
- Needs to be blown up.
- Can be hard to store if you keep it inflated for the season or longer.
Plastic Dog Pools
Plastic dog pools are pools made of molded plastic. They come already set up. Just place it where you want it and fill it up with water.
Plastic dog pools are good for small to medium sized dogs, since most are of a smaller size. Plastic pools are a good choice if your dog happens to be a chewer or “digger”. Their nails won’t put a hole into it and if they chew it, it shouldn’t interfere with the integrity of the pool and water can still be held in it.
To empty this pool, you will need to turn it over and dump out the water. Be careful how much water you put into this type of pool. It may be difficult to turn it over to empty.
Pros:
- Easy to use.
- No set up required: place it where you want and fill it with water.
- Good for chewers and “diggers”.
- Low to the ground.
Cons:
- May be hard to empty if you have a lot of water in it.
- Can develop sharp edges if your dog chews on the sides.
- Hard to store. Since it does not fold up or deflate, you need to find a space large enough to fit the pool.
- The bottom of the plastic pool may be slippery for some dogs.
What Size Pool Should I Get For My Dog?
To determine the correct size pool to purchase, measure your dog from the base of their neck to the end of their tail and add a few inches. This should give your dog ample room to lay down in the pool should they choose to do so. If you are using your pool for multiple dogs, increase the size accordingly.
Maintenance Tips For Your Dog Pool
To help your dog pool last a bit longer, here are a few tips:
- Keep your dog’s nails trimmed short to avoid puncturing the pool.
- Place your dog pool on the grass or on deck tiles. This can help avoid holes.
- Keeping the pool on the grass may cause the grass to die in that spot, so keep moving it around to different spots to avoid this.
- Clean your pool regularly and let it completely dry, especially before storing it. This will help prevent mold from developing.
- Avoid putting your pool in direct sunlight. This will not only prevent the pool surface from being too hot for your dog’s paws, but will help keep the integrity of the pool intact.
- Inspect your pool regularly. Finding holes when they are small will give you a better chance of being able to repair it.
Best Dog Pools To Keep Your Pup Cool
These are the top rated dog pools, according to users. All of these pools are easy to set up, use, and put away. They are sturdy, durable, and hold up to most dog use. All of the product information comes from the manufacturer.
Best Overall Dog Pool
Jasonwell Foldable Dog Pet Bath Pool
This pool is available in 5 sizes, which makes it easy to find one that can fit your dog.
- Available in 2 colors: Blue and Gray.
- Comes in 5 sizes; Small: 32 x 8”, Medium: 39.5 x 12”, Large: 48 x 12”, X-Large: 55.1 x 12”, and XX-Large: 63 x 12”.
- 2 drainage caps: a regular cap and one with a hose connector.
- Thick, high density fiberboard.
- Made of PVC.
- Slip resistant, heavy duty bottom.
- Wrapped edges.
Best Pool For Large Dogs
Bilibara Dog Pool For Large Dogs
- Available in Large: 71 x 12” and X-Large: 87 x 12”, XX-Large: 97 x 12″.
- Includes sprinklers around the sides.
- Has plywood sides wrapped in PVC material.
- Puncture resistant.
- Anti-slip bottom.
- Double drainage ports.
- High drainage port to prevent to pool from overflowing.
- Foldable when not in use.
Best Foldable Dog Pool
Jecoo Dog Pool
- Available in Small: 32 x 8″, X-Large: 47.2 x 12″, and XX-Large: 63 x 12″.
- Made of PVC.
- Drainage valve.
- Non-slip bottom.
- BPA free.
- High density fiberboard.
- Scratch resistant.
- Reinforced edges.
Best Dog Pool For Chewers
Polygroup Wading Dog Pool
- Available in 35 x 6″.
- Comes in Blue and Pink.
- Made of polyethylene with round edges.
Best Inflatable Dog Pool
Evajoy Inflatable Swimming Pool
- Available in different sizes and designs.
- Made of PVC material.
- Non-toxic.
- Drain at the bottom of the pool.
- Has individual air chambers
Best Alternative “Dog Pool”
Arfbear Splash Pad
A splash pad is a good “starter pool” for a dog that may be too nervous to get into a pool, but still likes the water.
- Available in 2 sizes: 60″ and 68″ in diameter.
- Made of PVC.
- BPA free.
- Phthalate free.
If you prefer to have a foldable dog pool, here are a few more suggestions:
Pawchie Foldable Dog Swimming Pool
- Available in 2 sizes: Large: 47.2 x 12” and X-Large: 63 x 12”.
- Non-slip PVC bottom.
- Made of polyester.
- Drainage valve.
- Sides are made of PP Board.
UMARDOO Foldable Dog Pet Bath Pool
- Available in Red.
- Comes in 5 sizes: Small: 31 x 12″, Medium: 39.5 x 12″, Large: 47 x 12”, X-Large: 55 x 12″, and XX-Large: 63 x 12″.
- Made of PVC.
- Non-slip bottom.
- Sides are made of high density fiberboard.
- Drainage valve.
The warmer months can be lots of fun with a dog pool. A dog pool can provide your dog with a respite from the heat and also give them another way to have fun in the summertime by splashing around in their own space.
Please check out our other posts on Health, Indoor, Outdoor, and Travel accessories for your dog, as well as Reviews of various products and travel destinations.