Investing in one of the best swimming pools for dogs is well worth it if you're looking for a way to keep your canine companion cool and comfortable during those sticky summer months. And if you have children, it can be a great way to help them strengthen their bond with their furry friend. Just add in a few of the best dog toys and you've got yourself the ultimate pup pool party!
When it comes to how to avoid dog heatstroke and keeping your dog cool, purchasing a pool can be a great start. Most of our canine companions have heavy and thick coats and because they can't sweat through their skin, they often need help to cool down when the weather is particularly hot. Prevention is always better than cure and a dip in the pool can help prevent some of the common signs of heat exhaustion, including panting, excessive drooling, increased thirst and an elevated body temperature.
You'll find that most dog pools come in a range of sizes, so regardless of the size of your hound and your family, you'll easily find one that can accommodate you all. And if you're looking for ways to keep your pup cool when they're out of the pool, be sure to check out our guide to the best cooling mats for dogs. For now though, let's take a look at roundup of the best pools for dogs...
The best swimming pools for dogs 2024
Best overall dog swimming pool
This foldable pool from Jasonwell is perfect for setting up in your garden or yard on warm, sunny days. It’s available in a variety of size options, from the small version (32 inches) all the way to XXL (63 inches), so there's a pool to suit every dog, even gentle giants like Saint Bernards.
Foldable and easy to store, this is a great portable pool and it's slip-resistant and durable, so you can ensure everyone stays safe while splashing about. It’s made from thick and durable hard plastic that should hold up well against any furry visitors, but beware if your dog has nails on the long side: the bottom of the pool can be torn open.
The manufacturers suggest trimming nails as a way to prevent this, although we recommend having some repair patches on hand so that you can quickly sort any accidental damage that does occur.
Reasons to buy: Foldable and portable, slip resistant, multiple size options
Reasons to avoid: Not ideal for dogs who like to dig
Best budget dog swimming pool
Dog swimming pools aren’t overly expensive, but even within the field this All For Paws foldable pool is a real bargain. It comes in two size options – 47 x 12 inches and 63 x 12 inches – and offers everything you and your water-loving canine could need.
Like most of the pools on this list, it’s made from a combination of durable PVC plastic and MDF board, and has an anti-slip bottom to stop it sliding around when in use. The edges are wrapped to help protect against punctures, and it has a low drain outlet to make it easier to empty when playtime is over. Then when it’s drained and dried, it can be simply folded away for simple storage.
As with some of the other pools we looked at, it’s not overly deep — the sides are only 12-inches high, but beyond that, we can’t find anything we don’t like about this doggy paddling pool.
Reasons to buy: Affordable, durable, convenient
Reasons to avoid: Shallow sides.
Best large dog swimming pool
While it comes in a variety of sizes, what impressed us the most about this Nibuya dog swimming pool is how big it can get. The largest model is a 5XL behemoth measuring in at 97” in width. If you have a very big dog, or multiple large dogs, then this is the pool for them.
Beyond the mammoth scale, it ticks all the other boxes too. It’s collapsible and portable, so you can set it up and take it down as needed when the sun comes out. The durable PVC material means that it should be able to withstand the playful antics of large, boisterous dogs, and the non-slip underside means it won’t move around.
It’s simple to assemble and super easy to clean thanks to the instructions on the store page, also surprisingly affordable, especially for the largest models.
Reasons to buy: Collapsible and portable design, durable PVC material, easy to set up and clean, very affordable.
Reasons to avoid: Some quality control issues (users received pools with punctures/holes).
Best fun dog swimming pool
While most dog swimming pools are just a solid color, this Jeasong pool comes with a funky San Francisco-inspired design on the outside. Will your dog appreciate the lovely drawings of the Golden Gate Bridge? Probably not, but that doesn’t have to stop you from enjoying it.
Beyond the cool design, this puppy pool has all the features you’d expect. It’s plenty durable thanks to the polyester mesh core and double layers of laminated PVC, and the anti-slip surface on the underside should keep it fixed in place.
It's easy to set up, and easy to clean too. Our only real complaint is that it’s a little shallow at only 12-inches tall, so if you’re looking for a pool that will keep larger dogs contained, this isn’t the one.
Reasons to buy: Stylish design, durable materials, easy to set up.
Reasons to avoid: Quite shallow with low sides.
Best sprinkler pool for dogs
Whether your dog is a little shy when it comes to deeper water or you simply love the fun factor on offer here, opting for a sprinkler pad is a great choice. At 67-inches in diameter, there's plenty of room for kids and dogs to enjoy their time in the sun.
To set up, simply plug it to your garden hose then adjust the water pressure to control the height of water streams. When you’re done, easily drain the water, wash the splash mat and hang it out to dry.
It's fairly sturdy too, built out of thick and durable PVC with a non-slip surface underneath, plus a 5mm widened circular edge sealing that helps to bear water pressure and prevent cracking during use. It's eco-friendly, BPA-free and pretty darn hard to scratch, although we don't recommend it for super destructive dogs that are heavy chewers.
Reasons to buy: Great alternative to traditional dog pool, easy to set up, durable build
Reasons to avoid: Not suitable for destructive dogs, requires a constant water supply.
Best sturdy dog swimming pool
This sleek and stylish looking dog pool from Peteast has a unique, octagonal design that lets it extend out into a more rectangular profile, while still retaining the rigidity of a typical circular pool. The side walls are reinforced with extra outer supports and the whole thing is built from durable composites.
When it comes time to empty the pool, it’s equipped with both a side and a bottom water outlet for quick and complete water drainage — there is even a hose connector so you can redirect the draining water. Then the whole thing folds up and packs away for easy storage.
It’s not a particularly tall pool though, measuring just 12” tall — an issue compounded by some rather deceptively photoshopped images on the store page. It’s a great pool, but trust the measurements — not your eyes — when purchasing.
Reasons to buy: Unique design, sturdy build, easy drainage.
Reasons to avoid: Smaller than it appears in images
How to choose the best swimming pool for dogs
There is no correct choice when it comes to choosing a dog swimming pool — it comes down to you and your dog’s needs, along with your budget and available space. Beyond that though, there are some key factors that you should consider which we’ll go over below:
Durability
We all know our furry friends love nothing more than chewing or digging their way through their toy collection; so durability is a must. Look for a pool that is made from hard plastic or PVC. Of course, even the hardiest of pools will struggle with a dog's nails, so where possible give them a trim.
Portability
Can the pool be easily moved then stored away again? If you're looking to take it to the beach party, you'll want a pool that can fold down with ease, then reassembled.
Many pools for dogs don't need to be inflated, but simply pop up making it easier to start the party.
Size
How big or small is your pooch? Is it just for your dog or do you want the whole family to splash around? Most pools for dogs come in multiple sizes making it easy to select one that will work for even the largest of canines.
Style
If you're looking to bring your pool out for special events rather than everyday use then you may want to go all out in the style stakes. Many pools for dogs feature simple muted colors that aren't particularly exciting for a pool party, but fortunately there are a few out there that feature jazzy patterns.
Safety
Does the pool come with an anti-slip base? What about any additional accessories that would help you repair the pool in the event of overzealous chewing?
A long-lasting, durable pool is most ideal, but where pets are concerned, it's usually best to be prepared for absolutely everything!
What type of water should you use for a dog swimming pool?
OK, so you’ve got your brand new doggy swimming pool and you’re ready to set it up. So what sort of water should you fill it up with? We spoke to expert vet Dr Rebecca MacMillan to nail down exactly how we should be filling our dog’s swimming pool. Fortunately, it seems like it’s hard to go wrong.
“Both chlorine and saltwater are perfectly safe for dogs if the chemicals are properly managed,” explains Dr MacMillan. “The concentrations that we consider to be safe for swimming should also be fine for your pet. Most well-maintained swimming pools have relatively low levels of chlorine and are unlikely to lead to any issues”.
Alongside those options, MacMillan says that “normal tap water is also fine for a one-off dip in a garden paddling pool, however, issues can arise if the water is intended for multiple uses. Untreated pool water can harbor growing levels of bacteria and algae, which could be a health hazard to both you and your pet.”
The only thing to watch out for with chlorinated or salt water is if your dog starts to drink it. Small amounts won’t cause them any harm, but you MacMIllan cautions that you should “take steps to discourage your pet from drinking too much by offering plenty of fresh drinking water and taking regular breaks from swimming”.
If your dog does drink a lot of chlorinated water, it can lead to digestive irritation leading to issues like vomiting and diarrhea. Salt water can cause the same issues, but MacMillan warns that in more serious cases it can also cause “weakness and seizures may also develop due to an imbalance in their sodium levels”. There’s no need to panic though — MacMillan assures that these complications are “uncommon under proper supervision and most dogs enjoy their dip without any problems.”
Dr. Rebecca MacMillan is a companion animal vet with over 13 years of experience treating and looking after pets. She graduated from the UK Royal Veterinary college in 2009, and has worked in several practices over the years. Rebecca is also an experienced writer, using her veterinary background to offer expert opinion and advice.
