Do you ever wonder why your furry friend loves to take a dip in the pool during the scorching summer months? Well, unlike humans, dogs don’t have the luxury of taking off their clothes to cool down. With significantly fewer sweat glands, mostly located in their paws, dogs can’t rely on sweat to beat the heat. Instead, they release heat through their nose and tongue, which is why excessive panting is a sign of distress and overheating. So, it’s no surprise that your dog finds the pool extremely appealing when the sun is at its hottest.
However, while it may be a refreshing retreat for your four-legged companion, it can also become a nightmare for you. Dog hair in the pool can form clumps and cause damage to your filtration system. It’s not a pleasant experience to swim around and unexpectedly grab a clump of hair. But don’t worry, there are ways to prevent this hairy situation from happening.
Why Dog Hair and Pools Don’t Mix
If you don’t own a dog or your dog doesn’t shed much, you may not realize how problematic dog hair in the pool can be. Not all the hair moves to the outlet or gets collected in the skimmer basket. A surprising amount of hair simply sinks to the bottom of the pool, especially if you have a hairy breed like a Golden Retriever or Labrador. Additionally, hair can also find its way into the pool through the wind or from your poolside or deck. Combining dog hair with other debris only exacerbates the problem.
Eventually, enough dog hair will clog up your pool filter, causing inconvenience and frustration. But fear not, there are steps you can take to minimize the amount of dog hair in your pool and decrease the frequency of filter cleanings.
How to Keep Dog Hair from Clogging Your Pool Filter
De-shed Your Dog Before Pool Time
De-shedding your dog is not only beneficial for keeping dog hair out of the pool but also for preventing fur from spreading all over your house. It’s a simple yet effective process that can make a huge difference. With the help of a deshedding tool, such as the one recommended here, you can remove loose fur that would otherwise end up in your pool filter, carpets, furniture, or car. It’s like magic! Your furry friend may look smaller after the process, but they’ll appreciate the relief from all that heat-trapping fur.
Hand-Skim the Water
Believe it or not, sometimes the simplest solutions are the most effective. Just skim the surface of the pool with your hand, and you can easily remove clumps of hair left behind. It may not be the most pleasant task, so consider wearing gloves if you’re squeamish. This easy and cost-free method might just solve your problem. But if it doesn’t, let’s move on to the next step.
Use a Pool Sweep
A pool sweep is a handy device placed at the bottom of the pool or wherever water is sucked through the filtration system. It ensures that dog hair and other unwanted debris are kept under control. Remember to clean the pool sweep occasionally to maintain its efficiency.
Use a Hand Vacuum
Regular vacuuming is essential for keeping your pool clean, especially if your dog swims in it often. A pool vacuum will help you remove clumps of dog fur that have settled at the bottom of the pool and are not caught in any filters. Look for a vacuum with its own interior filter to make the process even easier. By vacuuming the pool, your filtration system will thank you.
Use a Pool Robot
Not a fan of manual labor? No worries! If you’re willing to splurge, you can invest in an automatic pool cleaner to take care of the mess for you. Keep in mind that this luxury comes with a hefty price tag, so it might not be the most budget-friendly option for everyone.
Install a Strong Pool Filtration System
Although you’ll still have to deal with dog hair and other debris, installing a robust filtration system can make a significant difference. It ensures that your pool remains clean and functional even in the presence of unwanted elements. While we’re on the topic, make sure to regularly maintain your filtration system for optimal performance.
Add an Extra Layer Filter over the Skimmer Basket
You can use a variety of household items, such as a hairnet, pantyhose, or knee-high stockings, that have fine mesh material. Skimmer socks are also a great option. Placing this additional filter over the skimmer basket prevents both dog hair and human hair from clogging up the filtration system. The beauty of this solution is that it’s easy to put on and take off. So, even if you don’t have a dog yourself, you can use it when a furry visitor stops by and easily clean the pool afterwards.
Keep Your Dog out of the Pool
As a last resort, if your dog seems to shed an infinite amount of fur or if you feel that the pool poses a danger to your pet, keeping them out of the pool is the safest option. I understand that this decision may be controversial, with opinions split among dog owners. However, if excessive shedding is becoming a burden and cleaning the pool filters is becoming too much, keeping your dog away from the pool is the only foolproof way to solve the problem.
So, don’t let dog hair ruin your pool experience. Follow these tips to keep your pool clean and free from furry intruders. With a little effort and the right tools, you can ensure a hair-free swim for both you and your beloved canine companion.