The best dog pools
Jackie Brown
- A dog pool is a great way for your dog to keep cool and play during hot summer months.
- When choosing a dog swimming pool, it's important to consider your dog's size, the pool's durability, and ease of setup.
- Our top pick for the best dog pool is the Jasonwell Foldable Dog Pool, which is available in five different sizes.
- Due to unusually high demand and supply shortage, many dog pools are out of stock at major retailers. We continue to monitor inventory and update this list accordingly.
When summer temperatures soar, a dog pool is a great way to beat the heat and have fun in your own backyard.
"The best use for a pool, and why so many people purchase one for their dogs, is to cool the dog off," said Megan Stanley, a certified professional dog trainer who is the owner of Dogma Training & Pet Services in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. "A pool also provides an outlet for play and some exercise, while ensuring they stay safe and cool during the warmer weather."
Dog swimming pools come in several different styles and sizes. Those designed for dogs should be durable enough to withstand a dog's nails scratching the bottom, but a dog pool is not meant to endure a determined dog's teeth. If you have a chewer on your hands, don't leave the pool out all the time where your dog might decide to use it as a giant chew toy.
Remember, not all dogs may be comfortable with a pool. "If your dog is unsure, do not force them into the pool, but instead use food lures to encourage them to go in and to pair the pool with a positive association," said Stanley, who also serves on the board of directors for the Canadian Association of Professional Dog Trainers. "We want them to enjoy their pool time, so a proper positive introduction is important."
When using a pool for your dog, safety always comes first. Stay with your dog while they're playing in the water and drain the pool when you're not home to supervise. Don't forget to watch curious children who might be drawn to the pool, even if it's not intended for them.
You'll find many dog pools on the market. We consulted with Stanley and evaluated many dog pools, basing our picks on each pool's design, key characteristics, price, and intended use.
Here are the best dog pools you can buy:- Best dog pool overall: Jasonwell Foldable Dog Pool
- Best pool for big dogs: FrontPet Foldable Dog Pool
- Best pool for small dogs: Kopeks Outdoor Portable Dog Swimming Pool
- Best hard plastic dog pool: Polygroup Wading Pet Pool
The best overall
A great dog pool should be well-made, easy to set up, and fun for the dog. "The biggest factor to consider in a dog pool, particularly for large or active dogs, is the durability of the pool," Stanley said. "Many dogs jump and bite at the pool, so it is important that you purchase a pool that can withstand your dog, along with general wear and tear and weather."
Covered in extra-tough, thick PVC for durability, the Jasonwell Foldable Dog Pool has wrapped edges to protect against wear and punctures, as well as a slip-resistant, durable bottom. Simple and fast to set up, the pool is foldable for portability and comes in five sizes ranging from small (32 inches diameter) to XXL (63 inches diameter). A large drain placed on the lower side of the pool makes it easy to empty and refresh the water.
The best for big dogs
Big dogs need big pools — the sturdier the better! The FrontPet Foldable Dog Pool is covered in a tough PVC material to prevent tearing and the bottom is non-skid so dogs don't slip. A drain plug placed on the lower side of the pool lets you empty the water quickly. The pool folds down for compact storage or travel.
The FrontPet Foldable Dog Pool comes in three sizes. At a generous 60 inches in diameter, the extra-large size is perfect for large dogs. It's also a good choice for smaller dogs that enjoy swimming, but be extra careful with supervision when using a big pool for a little dog. Stanley points out that just like with people, accidents can happen. For instance, a dog can physically tire itself out and drown.
The best for small dogs
Small dogs might feel overwhelmed by a pool that's too big. For these dogs, we recommend the Kopeks Outdoor Portable Dog Swimming Pool. This 32-inch medium-size pool is simple to set up — just unfold it and fill with water. When playtime is over, it folds down for compact storage or easy traveling.
Although this pool is made from heavy-duty PVC for durability, even small dogs can have sharp nails, which can damage any pool. Stanley said that trimming or grinding your dog's nails before they take a swim is a great way to increase the life of the pool.
The best hard plastic pool
A simple and inexpensive pool is sometimes best, especially if you're not sure if your dog will enjoy water play. The 36-inch Polygroup Wading Pet Pool is as basic as it gets. No set up is required — simply fill with water and let your dog enjoy. Although this pool cannot be shipped to your home, you may purchase it online at Petsmart and pick up in the store.
Proper pool storage is critical for your dog's safety, especially with rigid pools. "After you empty the pool, lay it flat and avoid placing it against a wall or in a way that could allow the pool to fall and trap the dog," Stanley said. "Dogs have suffered serious injury, and even death, after becoming trapped under a pool in hot weather."
The best budget pool
Some dog pools are a bit pricey. If you're looking for an affordable option, we recommend the Petmaker Collapsible Pet Pool. This pool comes in two sizes (medium, 30 inches diameter, and large, 47 inches diameter). It collapses down for easy storage or travel, and even comes with its own carrying case.
Made from industrial-grade PVC material, the Petmaker Collapsible Pet Pool is durable and easy to clean using a soft cloth and mild soap. The wide-mouth drain placed on the lower side of the pool allows you to drain water quickly and easily, a great feature since Stanley points out that some dog pools are difficult to drain. "Keeping the pool clean is important as hair and other debris will collect in the water," she said. "Ensure that the pool allows for quick drainage."
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