With summer 2022 fully bearing down, everyone wants to get in on the pool action — including your dog. Summer can be an uncomfortable season for dogs with thicker coats, so a haircut and some pool time are in order to keep them happy and healthy. Excessive heat is also dangerous for your dog, so be sure to supply them with plenty of water and shade while you’re all playing outside. Dogs also love to play in the water, and splashing around in dog pools can be fun for you and your pooch.
Kiddie pools are popular among pet owners and parents (not to mention college students), but many inflatable kiddie pools aren’t durable enough to support pets. The best dog pools will keep your pets busy and active on a hot day, making everyone happier by curbing potentially destructive behavior from being kept inside. Keep your pooch cool this summer with their own dog pool, keeping their temperature down and making them comfortable as the heat rises. There are plenty of fun shapes and sizes to choose from but be sure to check out the pool size before purchasing, depending on the size and weight of your dog. Worried about their nails puncturing the pool? Most dog pools are made with a puncture-resistant fabric, so your pup’s nails won’t ruin the fun.
Let your dog soak up the sun with you with their own puppy pool, and don’t forget their favorite dog toys to toss around. Below, you’ll find the best dog pools for the summer season, plus some tips on warm-weather safety, courtesy of the Humane Society.
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Best Dog Pools for 2022
Remember, the best dog pools have the following features:
- Puncture-resistant material
- Appropriately sized for your dog(s)
- Easy to assemble and store during the offseason
Below, we’ve gathered the top products that offer all of these features and more.
1. Jasonwell Dog Pool
BEST OVERALL
This extra-large portable pool is great for families with dogs and kids so that everyone can enjoy the fun. Jasonwell makes some of our favorite pool floats, and this doggie pool is an excellent choice for larger dogs or a dog pool party. Keep your pup cool with a pool all summer long but be sure to trim their nails before entering, as there is no reinforced durable material to match the strength of your dog’s nails. This pool is easy to fold and store and travels easily. Set it up quickly with a hose and drain just as fast at the end of the day. There are five sizes to choose from: a Small is 32′ while an extra-extra-large is 63″, so there’s room for a dog of every size in the Jasonwell dog pool.
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2. K&H Pet Products Dog Pool & Pet Bath
RUNNER UP
This option from K&H features a collapsible metal frame that makes it easy to put together and take apart. The pool is made from a sturdy vinyl material specifically designed to withstand a pup’s paws. There’s a drain plug to quickly empty it when playtime is over and a patch kit for making repairs. Available sizes include medium, large and extra large. You can add a canopy to keep your pets safe from the sun, although this is sold separately.
3. Minnidip Pup Dip
BEST PATTERN
This pool from Minnidip comes in a teal color with a banana leaf print, making it a surprisingly stylish option for your backyard. The bottom of the pool is made from thick, sturdy vinyl to withstand a dog’s claws. Like most of the options on this list, this pool isn’t inflatable, helping to avoid mishaps. It’s foldable, too, so you can easily put it away.
4. Wading Kiddie Pool Blue
BEST VALUE
A dog pool can be surprisingly expensive, so if you don’t want to spend too much, this kiddie pool is an excellent option for your pets. It’s made from plastic and is non-inflatable, so it’ll be better suited to pets, but it’ll also work great for playtime for adults and kids. In fact, you could get one for each family member because this inexpensive pool is also stackable.
5. Pecute Dog Pools
CONTENDER
Another excellent pool for dogs is by the brand Pecute. It comes in various sizes for all types of dogs and is made from a reliable PVC material to prevent your dog’s thick nails from penetrating the surface. Made with a non-slip design with bumps integrated along the bottom to keep anyone from slipping, this is a safe and secure pool for small dogs. Keep your dog cool this summer by giving them their very own puppy pool.
6. Peteast Sprinkler Pad
BEST SPRINKLER
Who doesn’t love a good run through the sprinklers? With Peteast, your dog can enjoy a sturdy mat that spouts water from the hose line in a good four-foot arc of water, soaking them to the bone and keeping them cool during the summer. This sprinkler pad is an attractive option for pet owners who aren’t sure about a pool or just looking for a similar way to cool off their pets. The sprinkler pad is easy to use; it folds and stores quickly after being laid out to dry. Suitable for dogs of all sizes, the Peteast sprinkler pad will spark joy in any pet’s eye all summer.
7. RYNX Foldable Dog Pools
MOST DURABLE
The RYNX pool falls under our sturdiest pool category, as it’s made from a high-density fiberboard that will stay strong and sturdy even during rough play. Don’t worry about your dog’s nails with this hard-covered shell; keep your dog cool and busy in the sun. At 48″ in diameter and 12″ deep, this is an excellent size for multiple dogs or puppies to splash around and relax under the hot sun. Keep your dog comfortable this summer with the RYNX foldable dog pool.
8. Lunaoo Dog Pools
ALSO CONSIDER
The Lunaoo dog pool is an excellent way to keep your dog cool during the summer and is easy to use and store. Fill it with water and let your dog soak in the cool water. The Lunaoo pool comes in three different sizes, the largest is 63″x12″ and the smallest is 32″x8″. Made from high-grade industrial PVC, a thick, non-slip material that keeps your dog safe while paddling around the pool.
9. Lifefair Foldable Dog Pools
HONORABLE MENTION
the Lifefair dog pool is an excellent option for large dog owners or pet parents with multiple dogs because the sizes are generous, and many dogs will be able to enjoy the pool at once. Make this a summer to remember with a foldable dog pool for your favorite best friend. A sturdy pool that is easy to set up, fill, and drain, the Lifefair pool is a great tool for cooling off pets. Made from thick PVC material that won’t rip, plenty of large dogs can jump around in this pool without fear of wear or tear. A great choice for any pet parent looking to spice up their summer plans.
10. Holiday Living Round Kiddie Pool
BEST BASIC
This basic plastic pool is a great option for a wide variety of purposes; reviewers used it as a cooler for beer, a kiddie pool, a dog pool and even a tortoise habitat. Other suggested uses include a sandbox or ball pit. The basic, cheap plastic pool is still one of the best options for pets and kids. It’s lightweight and easy to clean, too.
How To Keep Pets Safe in the Heat
Summer can be a time of joy and a time of danger for pups. In especially hot areas of the country, heatstroke is a serious concern for dogs. That’s why having a summer safety plan for your pup is important. For instance, do you know where you would take them in a power outage? Do you know the signs of heatstroke in dogs? According to the Humane Society, dog owners should observe their pets closely for these symptoms: “heavy panting, glazed eyes, a rapid heartbeat, difficulty breathing, excessive thirst, lethargy, fever, dizziness, lack of coordination, profuse salivation, vomiting, a deep red or purple tongue, seizure and unconsciousness.”
To keep your pet safe, the Humane Society also recommends following these safety practices:
- Limit your dog’s exercise on sweltering days
- Remember that dogs can get overheated extra quickly in high humidity
- When your dog is outside during warm weather, make sure they have constant access to both shade and water
- Never leave your dog in a parked car — even with the engine running and AC blowing!
- If your dog gets overheated, use ice packs to cool them down
- Some breeds will benefit from summer haircuts, so consult your veterinarian in the spring
Finally, consider whipping up a batch of tasty “pupsicles” during the summer! Pecute, a pet supplies company that also makes one of the best dog pools featured above, also makes a cooling dog vest that can be great for warmer climates.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Pools
How To Have Fun in the Sun
Generally, inflatable kiddie pools are not designed for dogs, and your medium- and large-sized pups may puncture the surface with their claws. Fortunately, there are many dog pools designed specifically for pooches.
For very small dogs, you can find small dog pools about 30 to 35 inches in diameter. For medium-size dogs, look for dog pools at least 40-inches in diameter. For large dogs, look for dog pools that are at least 50-inches in diameter. If you have multiple dogs or want to give you pup plenty of room to splash around, look for 63-inch dog pools.
Remember to keep the water shallow at all times, as drowning can be a serious risk for small breeds.
Look for kiddie pools and dog pools designed with puncture-resistant materials, and avoid inflatable pools for larger breeds. To be safe, consider trimming your dog's nails before filling up your dog pool.
Extra-large dog pools usually cost between $50 and $60. However, you can find quality dog pools for as little as $30.