Article Is it Safe for my Dog to Drink from the Pool? By Probuilt Staff April 12, 2023
Swimming pools are a great source of entertainment and fun for humans and their pets. However, when it comes to enjoying the water with our furry friends, it is important to take into consideration their safety and health while they play in and around the pool. One question that is frequently at top of mind for pool owners with pets is if it is safe for their dogs to drink swimming pool water from a fiberglass pool.
While you were probably hoping for a simple answer, it is not that cut and dried. Yes, it can be generally safe for your dog to drink water from your inground backyard fiberglass swimming pool...in very small and limited quantities. However, be advised there are a few factors that can potentially make the pool water quite harmful to your dog’s health.
Factors to Consider When Wondering if Your Dog Can Safely Drink Swimming Pool Water
- The type of swimming pool. With fiberglass swimming pools, the material used to build the pool is non-porous. Translation? The pool is resistant to water absorption. As such, the water in the pool is less likely to contain harmful chemicals or contaminants that could be absorbed into the pool’s material. Nevertheless, even with a fiberglass swimming pool, the water within can hold chemicals like chlorine or other sanitizers that are used to maintain the pool and keep it clean and safe for human use. These chemicals are generally safe in very small quantities. However, if your dog ingests a great deal of them, it can lead to gastrointestinal upset, vomiting, and diarrhea.
- The cleanliness of the pool. If your pool is not well-cleaned or maintained, harmful bacteria, parasites and all sorts of pathogens can gather. These can be harmful to your dog if he/she ingests them. Therefore, you should routinely test the pool water and maintain the proper pH and chlorine levels to ensure the water is safe for you and your pets.
What to Do if Your Dog Ingests Pool Water
If your dog consumes pool water, there are a few signs to look out for that may indicate he/she is experiencing gastrointestinal upset:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Loss of appetite
- Lethargy
- Dehydration
If your dog displays any of these symptoms, you should contact your veterinarian immediately to obtain further advice and treatment options.
So, while it is generally safe for your dog to consume a bit of water from your fiberglass pool, it is so important to keep it clean and to consider any chemicals or contaminants that may be present in the water.
Pet owners should also keep a close watch on their dogs for any signs of intestinal upset and seek appropriate veterinary advice if necessary. As long as you give your pool – and your dog – proper care and attention, the water therein should be a fun and inviting space to play and have fun together.
As the Midwest’s largest inground fiberglass pool installer, Probuilt Pool & Patio proudly serves homeowners in Kansas City, St, Louis, Omaha, Columbia, and Des Moines. We can also help you keep your pool water clean and healthy! Call 816.786.3893 to learn more about our fiberglass swimming pools and how we can help you create the backyard paradise of your dreams for you and your pets!