Including your loyal companion in your summer activities can turn into quite the blast, but it’s not always easy figuring out what type of in-ground pool is best for German Shepherds.
Ideally, a fenced fiberglass or concrete pool with a wide tanning ledge will work best for dogs with different swimming skills. For regular shallow ends, attaching ramps might be necessary to replace steep ladders.
Don’t let these requirements overwhelm you; this article covers all the factors you need to consider before allowing your buddy to join the splash in an in-ground pool.
Let’s dive in!
Why Are In-Ground Pools Challenging for Pet Parents?
Most German Shepherds won’t mind getting their fur wet and playing around in the water. It might even help them escape the sizzling summer heat and cool down for a while.
However, figuring out the logistics with an in-ground setup isn’t always easy.
Sure, it’s usually larger than above-ground pools with more room for fun activities. It’s also sturdier and could handle your dog’s claws better than an inflatable option.
Yet, in-ground pools can be more of a hassle since they’re much deeper and harder to exit, especially for younger pups.
That doesn’t mean that you can’t make it work, though.
With a bit of planning ahead, you can install the perfect in-ground pool for your German Shepherd.
What Factors Make a Pool Suitable for German Shepherds?
Whether you’re looking to install a new in-ground pool or trying to renovate an existing one to fit your furry friends, there are a few factors to keep in mind.
So, let’s take a look at how things like depth, exit ramps, and finishing material can make all the difference in your pool setup.
Shallow Depth
If you have a fully grown German Shepherd, odds are, he stands around two feet tall. Meanwhile, your average domestic in-ground pool could go up to five feet in the deep end and over three feet near the stairs.
That’s why a pool with a regular shallow end might not be the best way to go here. Instead, a setup with a tanning ledge would be perfect.
These ledges are basically just wide platforms where the water depth ranges around 12 inches, making them ideal for a German Shepherd to stand comfortably.
If you don’t have ledges and your dog isn’t a good swimmer, you might want to consider adding floaties to your in-ground pool.
Easy Exit
Suppose your dog aced his swimming classes and is ready to make without ledges or floaties. In that case, you’ll still need to figure out how he’ll get in and out safely and on his own.
Almost all residential pool setups have a ladder or two. However, these can be either a hit or a miss with German Shepherds.
That’s because the steps are often too narrow and steep for dogs to use. So, you’ll have to put in some effort to train your dog to use the ladders.
Alternatively, you get a portable exit ramp and set it in the shallow area.
Dog-Safe Liner
Vinyl liners are common in swimming pools nowadays, but unfortunately, your German Shepherd might accidentally ruin the finish. That’s because the material is often thin enough for his claws to puncture a hole right through it.
On the other hand, fiberglass and cement will hold up nicely. Of course, some people might prefer the fiberglass’s smooth and scratch-resistant surface, but both could work.
If you already have a vinyl liner, removing and installing fiberglass just for the little pup won’t be practical. Instead, you can make sure to trim his nails regularly, keep him from scratching the sides, and hope for the best!
It’s also not the end of the world if you end up with a couple of tears on your vinyl liner since it’s fixable with a patch.
3 Tips to Make Your In-Ground Pool Fit for a German Shepherd
With in-ground pools, there’s always a risk of drowning or chlorine irritation, especially if you don’t leave the exit ramp all the time.
Here are a few tips to help you out:
1. Install a Pool Fence
Leaving residential pools unfenced can be dangerous not only for your German Shepherd but also for children under five years old.
Sadly, pool covers don’t always work on their own since pets and kids can still mistake them for solid surfaces and attempt to walk over them.
In fact, a fence with a latched gate could significantly reduce swimming pool accidents. However, it’s better to get a four-sided one that’s at least five feet tall to keep your dog out. Remember that German Shepherds are good jumpers!
2. Get a Pool Alarm
Even with proper fencing, it’s better to double on safety measures. Since German Shepherds can be quite sneaky when they want to, alarm systems come in handy.
Some people opt for pet collars that detect water, but sub-surface alarms usually offer more protection.
Sub-surface alarms are mounted on the walls to sense the sudden motions and water waves. Then, the device alerts you that someone just fell or jumped into the pool.
3. Make Sure There’s a Nearby Water Bowl
Swallowing a bit of chlorinated pool water is okay, but drinking a whole lot of it can get irritating very quickly.
While you can’t ditch the chlorine treatments for your in-ground pool, you can do your best to make sure that your pup doesn’t gulp up water.
So, make sure to keep a water bowl nearby and let your dog know it’s there. This way, he won’t keep attempting to drink from the pool water.
Final Thoughts
While not everyone has the luxury of customizing their backyard pools, there are a few factors that can make all the difference in accommodating furry friends.
So, what type of in-ground pool is best for German Shepherds?
Well, you’ll probably want to steer clear of pools with vinyl liners and opt for fiberglass or concrete instead. Then, you can choose designs with shallow platforms and get ramps to make the exit process easier for your pups.
