pool question

[dreamtwister302]

Hey guys, first post here.

I want to get a pool. I am renting, and I cant make any permanent changes to the property. I am wondering if this kind of pool would work for a Newfoundland dog. This particular one is 18 ft x 9 ft x 48 in. would the dog ruin it, and would I be able to get the dog up and down 4 feet safely. (making a custom ramp would not be very hard for me to do though). Any advice or comments are appreciated!

Heres the style of pool im looking at.

http://www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/rectangular-frame-pool-set-18-ft-x-9-ft-x-48-in-0813342p.html

 

[CathyC.]

Well, my little pup was apprehensive about the pool for quite a while though he loved the beach and lake. It took a long time for him to figure out how to get down the stairs and they were wide, staircase stairs not ladder ones. He still hasn't figured out how to jump into the pool from the side either. Anyway, our shallowest area is three feet or so and obi can swipe the bottom with his feet if he isn't careful. Also, sometimes he swipes the side walls if he is trying to grab a toy so we have to look out for that. The liner on our pool is pretty thick but if yours isn't it could mean a lot of repairs. The salt water is great for the fur and skin. Makes the fur really silky and shiney and easy to brush. Fresh water on the other hand makes him smell bad and matts his fur so he needs a bath and lots of grooming after beach visits.

 

[Jeannie]

I'd be leery of the polyester sides and bottom. Toe nails could puncture it. Also they need to be able to get out easily or at least a place to get to rest. A 4 ft deep pool with no place to rest or easily get out is risky. A former member had a 4 ft above ground pool. She make a walk up ramp from the outside and a table for them to be able to get in and out. The ramp went into the water so the dogs could get out. She also had a large resting spot in the center of the pool so the dogs could rest.

Here is a link http://www.newf.net/Forums/showthread.php?t=59599&highlight=pool

 

[Senea]

I have an above ground pool that is 4' deep. I got steps for entry and exit rather than ladders specifically for dog safety. Taver likes to rest on the steps. I also got the thickest vinyl I could find and haven't had any issues with claws ans the pool sides, but mileage may vary. Taver doesn't paw at the sides unless he's trying to grab a toy or something.

 

[Brandie&Maggie]

Welcome!

Unless you have a way for the dog to easily get in and out on his own (i.e. some sort of ramp on but sides) I would not do it. You could probably lift a puppy in and out but after a few months that will be impossible.

Just for reference, my neighbors have an above ground pool with a deck around it. Their lab jumped in and could not get out on her own. The owners were able to lift her out easily back onto the deck, but it would have been a big problem without the deck.

I'd also worry about the dogs nails damaging the sides. Those swimming legs are super powerful. The worse bruises and scrapes I ever had were from swimming with my dog the first time.

 

[Ksullivan]

Mine has been leary of the pool also, but not the lake. Someone told me that the pool looks like a bottomless pit to them, where the lake isn't like that.

 

[NinaA]

I have had Newfs in my in-ground vinyl lined pool for 25 years. There had never been a problem at all. I would not let a dog in a pool that only has a ladder and no stairway. They can't get out. We require all our dogs to know how to swim and know where the stairs are. Moonlight, current Newf, has never liked the pool, which is not unusual. It's too alien. She loves creeks, lakes, etc, but not a pool. My Labs, however, get in every chance they get. I line the skimmer baskets with either stockings or liners from the pool supply store. This keeps the dog hair out of the pump.

 

[dreamtwister302]

Thanks for the replies guys! I am definitely handy enough to make a staircase or ramp, and maybe a doggy rest area for the pool would be a great idea.