Top Dog’s pool is open… So, is pool water safe for my dog?

The arrival of April is highly anticipated at Top Dog Country Club. The dogs are screaming with excitement . . . why? . . . because the pool opens for the season. The pool is heated, so typically we open the first week of April, and close it down mid-late November. That gives us a nice, long season of fun for all our water lovers.

I am sometimes asked about the safety of pool water for dogs. At Top Dog Country Club, the addition of the swimming pool in 2003 was carefully planned to not only be fun but to be safe for our canine guests.

Top Dog’s pool is fiberglass with a really smooth surface, and unlike concrete pools, has no porous texture for bacteria to collect; allowing us to use a very low level of chlorine. Chlorine is necessary to keep the water clear and safe from algae. In my research I considered a salt water pool but then I learned that a salt water pool is not better than a chlorine pool BECAUSE IT IS a chlorine pool. Saltwater pools electrically convert pool salt into chlorine. Additionally, the salt is corrosive to surfaces.

Dogs tolerate the very dilute levels of chlorine just fine, and most are already exposed to it in drinking water. We have an automated chlorine delivery system that maintains the appropriate level, keeping the water crystal clear. When it comes to ingesting water, dogs are more likely to become ill drinking from a standing puddle or swimming in a lake or pond that has unknown organisms than they are from a properly maintained and chlorinated swimming pool.

Some dogs that swim regularly may experience more frequent ear infections and while you may think it is related to the chlorine, it is more likely just that their ears are damp. A quick ear dry after swimming usually avoids the issue.

PH is another consideration. Top Dog’s pool is properly balanced for dogs, as their PH is different than ours. Dogs are quite neutral and are the most alkaline of all mammal species with a PH level of 7.0 to 7.52 (note the PH level of pure water is 7.0). Managing proper levels prevents skin issues and keeps dogs comfortable.