Asked on May 31, 2012

vinyl pool and dog

Michelle I
by Michelle I
I am having an vinyl inground pool installed, my contractor is a newbie and doesn't know the answer. I have a dog that will enjoy going into the pool, (the pool is enclosed, so she will only go in with me) I am concerned about her nails scratch the liner on the stairs, is there anything that I can put on the stair to protect them from being torn. thank you for all comments
  11 answers
  • KMS Woodworks KMS Woodworks on May 31, 2012
    indoor outdoor carpet...or astro turf?
  • Michelle I Michelle I on May 31, 2012
    would I glue these items to the vinyl and if so what kind of glue? thanks
  • KMS Woodworks KMS Woodworks on May 31, 2012
    The glue might conflict with the liners warranty etc. I was thinking about possible use of rare earth magnets under the liner secured to the steps them selves with epoxy. Then the carpet could also have magnets stitched into them at strategic locations This would provide for removal options without risk of damage to the liner itself.
  • Patsey R Patsey R on May 31, 2012
    You can go to PetsMart and purchase nail covers for your dog. They're plastic and slide over the nails, and they're reuseable!
  • Designs by BSB Designs by BSB on May 31, 2012
    not a good combination! also... understand that dog hair will also equate to a serious toll on the filtration system.
    • Debbee Winegar Debbee Winegar on Jun 01, 2015
      @Designs by BSB No more so than human hair. Especially a dog that doesn't shed, stop being a nay sayer. This is what she wants for her dog. A lot of dogs love being in water and I am sure part of the reason she is getting the pool is for the dog.
  • Michelle I Michelle I on May 31, 2012
    I think after some thought and research I will try to go the simple route of bathtub mats that have suction on them and I will try also Patsey's idea of nail covers. I like the magnet idea but the contractor wasn't up for it and the earth magnets are really expensive. So paws crossed it'll all work out. Thanks everyone
  • I would keep the dogs out of the pool. The chemical filled water can cause all sorts of skin conditions on the dog if they go in a lot. Dog hair is also a big concern as it will plug the filter fast. Be sure to have a pre-filter installed to handle that. As far as dog nails. Keep them cut short. And I would not worry to much about them damaging the stairs. Where they will do damage is when they swim to the edges and try to grab onto the coping to get out. This is the spot that they will be curling their nails in an effort to get a grip. Its at that point they will cut into the vinyl.
    • Marie Cole Marie Cole on Feb 25, 2015
      Hundreds of thousands of people swim with their dogs in their pools and only a fraction of those have a problem due to sensitivity to the chemicals and as long as you rinse the dog off each time using plain water or adding White vinegar and/or use a good shampoo/conditioner weekly in this case, there shouldn't be a problem. Never allow your dog in the pool with any open wounds, scratches or rashes. Check ears often for yeast build up. Yes, one does need to have a good filter on the pool. Another way is to brush and comb the dog throughly prior to allowing it in the pool to get rid of excess dead hair. Prior to placing stairs in pool , wrap with pool allowed textured fabric, seal with pool glue, let dry completely. I would also build a floating bed just for the dog from pool noodles, again using pool glue to keep them together. Several for the middle, depending on dog size, then make a frame (:with noodles) to surround that. Your dog can rest here if needed and still be in the pool.
  • KMS Woodworks KMS Woodworks on Jun 01, 2012
    do they make dog sized swim fins?
  • We build a lot of vinyl pools, we have never had to fix or patch a hole or cut due to a dog. Your dog can use the pool!
  • Michelle I Michelle I on Sep 03, 2012
    Thank you all, my dog has been taught not to go to the sides of the pool, she only goes up the stairs. I never did put anything on the stairs. Yes I do see my dogs hair in the water, a little extra work on my part, but she really enjoys cooling off, now that there is a fence around the pool she doesn't go in there unless I am. As far as chemicals, I have a salt chlorinator, and am hoping that once I get the balance right there wont be too many other chemicals. I think she will be ok.
    • Debbee Winegar Debbee Winegar on Jun 01, 2015
      @Michelle I don't listen to the people who clearly don't want your dog in the pool, I am sure part of the reason you got it is so you can enjoy it with your dog. Get a FURminator or some sort of dog brush that eliminates loose hair, we have something I think that is what it is, got it for the Persian cat but mine was for our dogs too, pulls all that out without hurting them. Another thing is for the nails is to buff them round if they will sit still for it. But like the guy above or somewhere in the comments said he never had to fix a pool due to pets. Dogs swim in the lakes, ponds and ocean and always have, there is more harm now in = those filthy waters than a swimming pool. We always took the yorkies in our pool, not once did we have a problem, ours was above ground vinyl. And they climbed up on our very thin floating mattresses with their tinny tiny claws.
  • Kristy B Kristy B on May 31, 2013
    I have dogs in my pool and have trained then to only use the steps to exit the pool. You can also purchase a ramp to place on the side of the pool. http://www.amazon.com/Super-Skamper-Ramp-Safety-Pool/dp/B000A7JJ14/ref=sr_1_14?ie=UTF8&qid=1370037636&sr=8-14&keywords=pool+ramp+for+dogs