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Summer heat can be tough on humans, but it’s harder for our four-legged companions who are forced to wear a fur coat all year long. A pool is one way for the family dog to enjoy a summer day without having to endure punishing heat.
While any small pool might seem like a good idea, a dog’s long nails would quickly puncture an inflatable kiddie pool. However, there are pools built specifically for dogs. These pools feature durable vinyl plastic walls that won’t puncture or tear. These pools also have a foldable design, allowing the dog owner to break them down into a compact size for easy storage when the day’s swimming is over.
Dog pools also come in various sizes and designs to suit different breeds. This guide details important features to consider when shopping for a dog pool. Plus, there are reviews of some of the top options in a variety of categories on the market.
- BEST OVERALL: Jasonwell Foldable Dog Pool
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: TantivyBo Plastic Foldable Dog Pool
- BEST FOR SMALL DOGS: TRIXIE Portable Dog Splash Pool
- BEST FOR LARGE DOGS: KOPEKS Outdoor Swimming Pool
- BEST PORTABLE: Petmaker Pet Pool and Bathing Tub
- BEST EASY SETUP: Alvantor Pet Swimming Pool
- BEST HEAVY-DUTY: Yaheetech Foldable Hard Plastic Dog Pool
- BEST RECTANGULAR: KOPEKS Outdoor Rectangular Swimming Pool
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Dog Pool
Choosing the right size and material is crucial when selecting a dog pool. Ahead, learn more about these and other important criteria to consider when shopping for the best dog pool for that furry friend.
Dimensions and Breed Size
Most dog pools are round and come in diameters ranging from 33 inches to 63 inches. A large dog poolusually has a 12-inch depth, while smaller models are 8 inches deep.
It’s vital that the pool fits the size of the dog. A pool that’s too small and shallow for dogs won’t allow them to comfortably fit inside the pool or submerge their body in the water. A pool that’s too large can present a drowning hazard.
Another consideration is the dog’s comfort level in water as well as their ability to swim. A Labrador retriever that’s at home in the water may enjoy a larger pool, while a pug, whose flat face makes it difficult to keep its head above water, requires a shallower pool.
Material
While inflatable pools may be ideal for kids, they’re a poor choice for a dog pool. Dogs have nails that can penetrate weaker materials such as vinyl. Most pools made specifically for dogs are constructed of a series of fiberboard panels wrapped in PVC-coated vinyl, which gives the pool a rigid shape that resists punctures and tears. The panels are connected by flexible seams that allow the user to fold the pool into a compact shape for easy storage.
Another style of dog pool is the pop-up pool, which consists of a spring metal frame covered in heavy Oxford fabric treated with a PVC coating. The pool folds flat and is held together with an elastic strap when not in use.
Setup and Ease of Use
Unlike inflatable kiddie pools that require a pump or a lot of lung power, dog pools do not need to be inflated, so setup is easy. Simply unfold the pool and fill it with water. Pop-up dog pools are even easier to set up. Once a pop-up dog pool’s strap is removed, it opens up to its full size on its own.
Dog pools also have large valves near the bottom for draining the pool when playtime is over. Some even include hose adapters that allow the user to attach a garden hose to direct the pool water to a drainage area.
Dog pools are designed to be easy to store or transport. While a hard plastic kiddie pool may work just fine as a dog pool, finding a place to store an object that’s 4 feet in diameter and a foot thick can be a challenge when the cooler months arrive. Fortunately, dog pools fold into a compact size, making them much easier to store or transport than a bulky plastic pool. Plus, a portable dog pool offers more opportunity for use.
Safety
Pools are inherently dangerous because they present a drowning hazard, so a dog pool is really more like a dog wading pool. Do not purchase a dog pool in which the dog cannot comfortably stand with its head out of the water. Pools for small breeds have walls that are 8 inches high, while those for larger breeds have 12-inch walls.
It’s also critical that the pool has low enough sides to allow the dog to easily enter or exit the pool. Slippery surfaces can make a dog feel unsafe or even cause injuries, so many dog pools include nonslip floors for safety.
Our Top Picks
The list below includes some of the best dog pools for breeds both large and small. They feature durable construction that resists puncturing and designs that make them easy to set up and store.
Best Overall
Jasonwell Foldable Dog Pool
This pool’s foldable design and multiple size options make it suitable for a wide range of dog breeds. It comes in 32-, 39.5-, 48-, 55-, and 63-inch diameters, making it compact enough for smaller breeds or large enough to suit big dogs. While most have 12-inch walls, the smallest size has an 8-inch wall that is ideal for smaller breeds.
With its slip-resistant floor, dogs can feel confident entering and exiting the pool without the need to dig their claws into the floor. If they do, the thicker PVC construction prevents them from puncturing the pool and creating leaks. When it’s time to store, a drain on the bottom makes emptying the pool easy, and it breaks down into a compact size for easy storage.
Product Specs
- Sizes: 32 by 8 inches to 63 by 12 inches
- Material: PVC
- Foldable: Yes
Pros
- Multiple size options suit a broad range of breeds
- Tough PVC construction won’t puncture
- Foldable design makes it easy to store
Cons
- Wall height on larger sizes can be challenging for smaller dogs
Best Bang for the Buck
TantivyBo Plastic Foldable Dog Pool
With its low price and large size—it is 63 inches in diameter—this dog pool from TantivyBo is a great option for those on the hunt for a budget pick. Similar to other dog pools, it has a foldable design that makes it easy to set up and break down. A 4.5-millimeter-thick fiberboard frame makes for sturdy walls, while a PVC coating resists abrasions and punctures.
This model also includes an adapter that allows the user to attach a hose to the drain that directs the water to a drainage area when it’s time to empty the pool. An anti-skid floor makes the pool safer for dogs or kids. This pool, which is also available in smaller sizes, comes with a scrub brush for bathing.
Product Specs
- Size: 63 by 12 inches
- Material: PVC
- Foldable: Yes
Pros
- Bargain price for a large pool
- Large 63-inch diameter is ideal for large pets
- Anti-slip bottom
- Foldable design
Cons
- Heavier than other dog pools
Best for Small Dogs
TRIXIE Portable Dog Splash Pool
Large pools create a hazard for small dogs that aren’t able to jump over their high walls. This pool from TRIXIE is a great option for smaller breeds thanks to its lower 8-inch wall. Its 32-inch diameter provides enough space for Fluffy to splash around in the water and bathe without being so large that it’s overwhelming or unsafe.
It consists of durable polyvinyl plastic that holds up to sharp claws while providing a nonslip surface. The pool water empties through a wide drain valve and folds up into a compact size for storage. In addition to this small size, the TRIXIE portable dog splash pool is also available in medium and large sizes for bigger dogs.
Product Specs
- Size: 32 by 8 inches
- Material: PVC
- Foldable: Yes
Pros
- Shallow depth is ideal for small dogs
- Durable polyvinyl construction resists scratches
- Nonslip bottom
- Folds up into compact size for storage
Cons
- Only one color option
Best for Large Dogs
KOPEKS Outdoor Swimming Pool
At more than 5 feet in diameter, this pool is an ideal choice for larger dogs or households with multiple dogs. In addition to its broad 63-inch-diameter size, it’s also 12 inches deep, allowing medium to large dogs to cool off while still keeping their head above water. Its large size also makes it a good option for households with multiple dogs or kids who want to wade with the family pet.
The pool is made of dense fiberboard covered in PVC and features an extra-thick bottom to prevent punctures and tears. Setting it up is easy: Simply unfold the pool and fill it with water. A large drain in the bottom makes it easy to empty when pool time is over, at which time it folds up for compact storage
Product Specs
- Size: 63 by 8 inches
- Material: PVC
- Foldable: Yes
Pros
- Large size
- Drain makes it easy to empty the pool
- Folds up for easy storage
- Durable PVC construction
Cons
- Expensive
Best Portable
Petmaker Pet Pool and Bathing Tub
A collapsible design and compact size make this pool an ideal option for camping, RVing, or enjoying other remote locations where the family dog might need a place to cool off. The pool breaks down into a small size and fits inside a convenient carrying bag for easy transport.
With two sizes offered, 47 inches and 30.5 inches, this pool is ideal for breeds both large and small that are able to climb over its 12-inch wall. Similar to other dog pools, it consists of durable PVC and fiberboard construction with a nonslip floor for added traction. A wide-mouth drain at the bottom of the pool makes emptying the pool easy.
Product Specs
- Size: 32 by 8 inches to 63 by 12 inches
- Material: PVC
- Foldable: Yes
Pros
- Folds up into a carrying bag
- Durable PVC construction resists punctures
- Nonslip floor
- Large drain at the base of the pool
Cons
- Only two size options
- High sides may make this pool unsuitable for smaller breeds.
Best Easy Setup
Alvantor Pet Swimming Pool
With its steel spring frame, this dog pool automatically opens to its full 42-inch or 63-inch size when its elastic strap is removed, making it easier to set up than foldable models. The pool consists of ripstop oxford fabric with PVC backing, making it tough enough to resist punctures from nails or teeth.
When done with the pool, simply push in the wall on the drain edge side of the pool to empty it, then fold it flat and secure it with the attached elastic band. It breaks down into a flat 15-by-13-inch size, making it easier to store. At less than 4 pounds, it’s also a great portable dog pool.
Product Specs
- Size: 42 by 12 inches to 63 by 12 inches
- Material: Ripstop oxford fabric
- Foldable: Yes
Pros
- Easy to set up
- Lightweight
- Two size options
Cons
- Can be difficult to fold up
Best Heavy-Duty
Yaheetech Foldable Hard Plastic Dog Pool
With a weight of more than 14 pounds, this pool from Yaheetech is one of the heavier options on the market, but it’s also one of the tougher pools. It consists of thick MDF boards wrapped in a durable PVC vinyl coating that give it a sturdy, rigid structure. Reinforced edges prevent tears that can lead to leaks, while its nonslip floor adds safety.
Draining a small pool often means turning the ground around it into a swamp. This pool includes a drain with a hose adapter for directing water to a drainage area. Yaheetech’s foldable pool comes in 39-inch, 48-inch, and 63-inch sizes and four color options.
Product Specs
- Size: 39, 48, and 63 inches
- Material: PVC
- Foldable: Yes
Pros
- Thick durable walls for stability
- Hose adapter included with drain
- Multiple color options
- Various size options
Cons
- Heavier than other dog pools
Best Rectangular
KOPEKS Outdoor Rectangular Swimming Pool
KOPEKS offers a variation on the standard foldable dog pool with this rectangular model that is well suited to swimming or bathing. At 43 inches long by 27 inches wide, it provides ample size for large breeds while still allowing the owner to reach the dog in the middle of the pool without having to get in themselves, a feat that’s more difficult in a pool that’s 6 feet or more in diameter. This makes it ideal not just for swimming but also for bathing your pet.
As with other foldable pools, it’s easy to set up and breaks down into a flat shape for quick storage. It consists of PVC construction, which protects the pool from sharp claws and teeth while providing a nonslip floor. A twist cap drain empties the pool when swim time is over.
Product Specs
- Size: 43 inches by 27 inches
- Material: PVC
- Foldable: Yes
Pros
- Long narrow shape makes it easier to access pets from the sides
- PVC construction resists punctures and tears
- Foldable design for storage
Cons
- High walls may make it unsuitable for smaller breeds
Our Verdict
For its numerous size options, convenient foldable design and durable PVC plastic construction, the Jasonwell Dog Pool is a great option for large and small breeds. Those looking for a good dog pool on a budget may want to consider the affordably priced TantivyBo Foldable Dog Pool.
How We Chose the Best Dog Pools
We used a variety of criteria while reviewing dozens of pet pools to choose our top models. A pet pool needs to be tough to prevent punctures and abrasions from dog nails, so we chose pools with durable PVC or oxford fabric construction that could hold up to dog claws and teeth.
Size is also crucial, so we looked for pools that offer multiple size options to suit both small and large breeds. A dog pool isn’t used year round, which means storage is a factor. We chose foldable and pop-up pools that can be stored or transported easily. A dog pool should also be easy to set up, so models that the user could set up in minutes ranked higher in our evaluations.
Benefits of Dog Pools
There are several benefits to having a pool for your dog. Many dog breeds enjoy swimming, which helps to stimulate them mentally, decreasing boredom and the anxiety that often accompanies it. During the summertime, soaring temperatures can force Fido indoors. A cool swimming pool allows the family dog to get outside without the risk of heat exhaustion.
Swimming is excellent exercise for a dog. While a small pool may not be big enough for a dog to actually swim in, it promotes play that is beneficial to a dog’s physical fitness. A dog pool also doubles as a bathtub, allowing one to bathe their dog without having to clog up the bathtub with animal hair. Some of the benefits of dog pools include:
- Decreases boredom and anxiety
- Provides a cool place to play outdoors during the heat of summer
- Promotes physical activity, which improves a dog’s health
- Serves as an alternative to an indoor bathtub to bathe the dog
FAQs
With so many options and features to consider, there are bound to be questions popping up while shopping for the best dog pool. If you’re wondering what size pool your dog needs or if you can use an inflatable pool to bath your furry friend, then read on for answers to some of the most popular questions about dog pools.
Q. Are dog pools good for dogs?
Dog pools are good for dogs as they offer a source of play that decreases boredom and anxiety. They also serve as a means for dogs to cool off in the heat of the summer.
Q. What type of pool is best for dogs?
Since dogs have nails that can potentially puncture an inflatable pool, look for a rigid pool with a durable liner that will hold up to scratches.
Q. Will a dog pop an inflatable pool?
Yes. Dog nails and teeth are capable of puncturing most inflatable pools.
Q. How deep should a dog swimming pool be?
That depends on the breed. A dog swimming pool should be deep enough that the dog can immerse itself in the water but not so deep that the dog can’t stand and keep its head out of the water.
Q. Which dog breeds enjoy water the most?
Dogs that typically enjoy water include most retriever breeds as well as German shepherd dogs and some breeds of spaniel.