Dog pools are a natural, healthy and fresh way to keep your pup cool in the hot summer months. The best dog pools are relatively small, shallow enough to play in but not so deep as to risk an accident. And they have incredibly durable walls. They are easy for your pup to climb in and out of, as well as being simple to keep clean. Today I’ll share my top choices, and help you to pick the right style for your panting puppy!
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Kiddie pools are meant to retain wear and tear from children, and not your 100 pound Labrador. Also, if you have children, then hygiene is another concern. Not only can you expect some drool and some floating balls of hair, but you can bet that a large amount of bacteria will enter the ool with your pup. A dog swimming pool just for his use is a perfect solution.
What About A Giant Dog Swimming Pool?
If your dog is quite the swimmer and desires as much space as you do to enjoy a lazy afternoon afloat, then a Cool Pup splash about dog pool* is just what you need.
This PVC pool is made to sit on both patios and lawns for versatile use. It comes in small, medium, and large sizes. For adult Labs, the 63 inch pool is the best choice and can soothe even the hottest dog with a full 119 gallons of water. The splash about pool has a simple foldable design for easy storage and a snap open drain plug for emptying. So, it can be filled and emptied with ease.
Best Dog Pools
If your dog is more of a soaker than a swimmer, then he may enjoy a dog wading pool instead of a full sized puppy swimming pool. Paddling pools are smaller versions of traditional dog pools and they provide just enough space for your pup to lie down and lap in the luxury.
Zootlis Dog Pool
The Zootlis dog pool* is a great foldable dog pool. This pool is 63” across when fully assembled! The material is not only bite and scratch resistant, but it remains strong against the UV rays of the sun.
Inflatable Dog Pools?
If your budget is a bit smaller and you do not have hundreds of dollars to spend on a pool, then an inflatable one just might do the trick.
Collapsible Dog Pool
Inflatable dog pool? Are we crazy? Well, inflatable dog pools do exist, like the Alcott mariner inflatable pool*. It is made from the same strong and durable PVC that most of the foldable and portable dog pools are made of.
This means that while the pool is filled with air, even the sharpest nails are unlikely to penetrate the sides. The mariner pool is fitted with dip sides for easy access and a four foot width for plenty of space. When your pup is done swimming, the featured plug allows for quick draining.
This inflatable pool even has rounded edges and no exposed seams so your Lab will not injure himself when happily bounding in and out of the pool. You should know that inflatable pools are not indestructible, but they can be repaired quite easily. Make sure to purchase a PVC patch kit for repairs if you do spring a leak!
Small Dog Pool
This dog pool by Intex is great for those looking for something cheaper for puppy pool playtime! Designed to be filled to just 6.5 inches deep, it’s a safe option to cool your dog off in the summer.
Plastic Dog Pool
You might be looking for something more solid than the inflatable options. In which case, you might like to check out some puncture proof dog pools.
LIFEFAIR Plastic Foldable Dog Pool
This plastic dog pool could be a great choice for your dog. With a fun duck graphic on the outside this is great for some more lighthearted doggy pool time. It’s fully foldable so can be packed away during the colder months.
Booster Bath Large Bathing Station
If you are looking for something a bit more simple, then go with the Booster Bath large pet bathing station.* It will allow you to spray down your pup quickly so he can cool off in a hurry.
The product features a large and spacious tub that is elevated on firm legs. Simply help your dog into the empty bathing area and use a hose to spray down your Lab.
The tub is lightweight, portable, easy to assemble, and comes with a shampoo caddy. A fan nozzle is included with the bath too so you can soothe your dog with the wide and relaxing spray. You can of course pick up a spa style sprayer of your own to attach to your garden hose. Look for foaming varieties that let you suds up your pup as you cool him down. There are of course some great massaging sprayers as well.
The Ultimate Way To Cool Off
What could be more ultimate and luxurious for your dog, and your yard, than a dog pool that does not even contain water. What exactly is this sort of product? Well, it is not really a pool.
Cooling Gel Pet Bed
It’s a high-tech item that allows your dog to remain cool and comfortable in the hottest temperatures, and he does not even need to get wet. If you want to give your dog the soothing coolness he desires without having to endure that wet dog smell, then try out the Sealy cooling gel pet bed*.
This bed is perfect for outdoor use, and if you want ultimate cooling power, then stick the removable gel packs into your freezer for 15 minutes. Set the bed outdoors and let your Lab lounge in cooling comfort. This bed is perfect for indoor and outdoor use, so your canine companion can experience the benefits of a cooling pool while lounging indoors if he desires.
Large Dog Pool
Does happiness to your dog means splashing and paddling around in the biggest pool possible? Then you may want to overlook a lot of the dog specific pools. Hop right to the human ones. Since the vast majority of dog pools are made from PVC, then you know a product like the PVC Intex easy set pool set* will stand up to the pawing and panting of your active Lab.
The Intex pool comes in two sizes. If you do not want to break the bank, then go with the 12 foot by 30 inch variety. This pool is cheaper than many other dog pools. The pool does come with a filter and you can add disinfecting agents to the water if you want to take a dip with your dog. While most dogs do tolerant chlorine well, think about using bromine instead which can be much gentler on your dog’s skin.
Dog Pool Ramp And Dog Pool Steps
As previously mentioned, dogs do tolerate pool chemicals quite well, so you can let your pup take a dip in your own pool. Just make sure that you rinse off your dog to remove the chemicals afterwards. You also want to make sure that your dog can safely enter and exit your pool with either dog pool steps or a dedicated ramp.
Dog Pool Exit Ramp
This ramp* is a great choice, and looks pretty good too! If your dog wants to stop swimming for the day, then he can simply climb the ramp to get out.
Pool Steps for Dogs
Looking for some more sturdy with non-slip steps, like the ones commonly used for above ground pools? Then the WaterDog Adventure Gear steps* are a safe and secure option. Not only are these steps strong, they can be used by any sized dog.
Dog Pool Float
If you let your Lab use your pool, then you might as well let him lounge in style. Nothing screams style and serenity like a dog float.
Pawcy Paws Aboard Dog Float
Uniquely shaped floats are all the rage, so buy the Pawcy paws aboard doggy dog pool float lazy water raft* for your dog. This paw shaped float is not only eye catching, but it is large, puncture resistant. It’s made from a soft vinyl fabric that will not fade when exposed to the UV rays of the sun.
Milliard Dog Pool Float
This inflatable float* from Milliard is also a fun shape. It’s a lovely blue color and comes in large and extra large sizes. Perfect even for labradors on the larger side!
Dog Pool Toys
You might as well throw some dog pool toys into the mix, and there are tons of options available to you.
Dog Squeaky Toy Balls
Go with some super fun and simple Dog Squeaky Toy Balls* made with floatable, chewable, and durable rubber. You and your dog have hours of fun in a pool with these!
Kurgo Floating Skipping Stones
Or, opt for the fun and interactive Kurgo floating skipping stones*. If water features are more of your thing, then look for fountains, sprayers, and other accessories that will keep your canine active and loving his pool.
In Ground Dog Pools
Finally, if you are feeling like the dog parent of the century, then you can build an in ground pool for your Lab.
Smartpool S601P
While you may not be able to buy the inserts or the plans online, you can certainly prepare with pup pampering accessories like a Smartpool S601P sunheater solar heating system.* With a solar heating system, you can harness the sun’s energy to heat your pool for use well into the fall season. After all, a warm dip in the fall can be just as soothing as a cool one in the summer.
Affiliate link disclosure: Links in this article marked with an * are affiliate links, and we may receive a small commission if you purchase these products. However, we selected them for inclusion independently, and all of the views expressed in this article are our own.
The Labrador Site Founder
Pippa Mattinson is the best selling author of The Happy Puppy Handbook, the Labrador Handbook, Choosing The Perfect Puppy, and Total Recall.
She is also the founder of the Gundog Trust and the Dogsnet Online Training Program
Pippa's online training courses were launched in 2019 and you can find the latest course dates on the Dogsnet website
That is a great idea, our 6-month Aussie-Border Collie has nerve damage due to an accident and needs hydrotherapy, this will allow us to provide this costly rehab at home, praying he recovers fast.
Whether an in-ground pool is damaged, however, it’s more expensive to repair. An individual would believe that an in-ground pool would automatically increase the value of a house, especially in a warm climate where pools are typical.
I have a bullmastiff that absolutely adores water, I know not a lab but came across this looking for the right pool for my dog. My dog weighs 63 kilos and loves laying in a kids hard plastic paddling pool. Have tried 5 different pools this year and the hard plastic is definitely the best by far.
I need a pool with easy in and out. That is deep and and shallow. Yet affordable. Not ready for a full in ground pool. Unless price is right. I lab that’s in the water every day.
Vinyl pools for a young Lab last about 10 minutes before the puppy has chewed or clawed his/her way through the vinyl. I vote for the hard pool anyway.
What a fantastic idea! Are they expensive? Could you inform us on the price. I have been really wanting my Beautiful Female Lab to go Swimming or play with water toys. She loves the water and she is crazy over her Toys.
Thanks!
We went with a 250 gallon Stock watering tank from Rubbermaid. Available at most farm stores and Tractor Supply, it is 2.5 feet high, 6 foot round, has a drain on the side, and can be lifted to clean/drain /move. About 5 Labs fit in at once, and it is deep enough for them to hunt toys on the bottom.
oh my!!! Bless you, I’m looking for an alternative to costly hydrotherapy for my hip dysplaciaed doggo, thought I could manage during the summer with a pool but couldn’t find one deep enough!!! This is an absolutely fantastic and brilliant answer 😀