The Best Dog Swimming Pools in 2024
Dogs are pretty intelligent animals, so it’s not surprising that they can get bored easily. That boredom can quickly turn into destruction and mayhem unless you provide him with something fun to do.
Forget the toy aisle: Let your dog swim around in an outdoor pool and watch him paddle around pleased! Many breeds love to swim, like Labrador and Golden Retrievers. Plus, you’ll have somewhere to accommodate bathing your large canine if he doesn’t fit well in the tub.
Why get a special dog pool when kiddie pools are cheaper? It’s because they’re not made to withstand the paces your dogs’ claws and rambunctious behavior will put them through. With that in mind, we’ve put together a list of the top 6 choices on the market this year!
Our Top 6 List
Last update on 2024-11-24 at 10:53 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
1. FrontPet Foldable Pool
Setting up the FrontPet swimming pool is definitely easy. Instead of using inflation like with most outdoor pools, you use segmented panels to set up the device. The panels are made with strong PVC, and it’s lightweight enough to be portable while withstanding your dogs’ claws.
After it’s set up and filled, the FrontPet pool measures over 4 feet across and 12 inches deep. It’s not the biggest pool on this list, but a medium dog can swim around comfortably and a large dog can easily bathe in here.
When you’re ready to put away the pool, simply unplug the drain to release the water. Then the pool folds down for easy storage.
Takeaways
- Made with strong, durable PVC that can handle scratches
- No inflation or tools required
- Large dogs can bathe in it
- Wrapped edges prevent exposure to sharp corners
2. Zacro Bathing Pool
Using a large dog swimming pool is simply the superior option to using the indoor tub — no questions asked.
Zacro also relies on PVC construction to build the structure of its dog pool, meaning it’s just as scratch-resistant as the FrontPet. It’s a durable pool that can fold down for tiny storage. That means you don’t have to worry about letting a dog back in the car while he’s still muddy.
Overall, the Zacro pool is quite comparable to the similarly-designed FrontPet. The panels are slightly more challenging to piece together, but they don’t falter once it’s constructed.
Takeaways
- No inflation required thanks to PVC panel construction
- Once constructed, the pool only requires a garden hose to run water
- When ready to empty, the pool’s side drains can be opened to release the water
- Contains a sturdy bottom
- Great multi-function product
3. Jasonwell Collapsible Pool
Like the FrontPet and the Zacro, the Jasonwell Collapsible Pool relies on the use of PVC to get the job done. In this case, Jasonwell uses heavy-duty materials that increase the weight of the product but also make it more durable. High-density fiberboards further protect against claw damage.
The floor also has thicker material than the other pools we tried out. Even if your dog tries to dig a hole in the floor, the fiberboards will hold up strong. It would take hand tools to pierce that material!
The Jasonwell Pool measures 63 inches across and a little under 1 foot in depth. There’s plenty of room for your largest dog to keep cool and splash around all summer. The larger size does make it slightly less portable, but this isn’t a problem if you don’t travel frequently.
Takeaways
- Uses extra-thick fiberboards and heavy-duty PVC
- Edges are wrapped to prevent accidents
- Two drain spouts empty the pool fast
4. Alcott Inflatable Pool for Dogs
The Alcott is the deepest pool on the list, measuring 16 inches deep. However, you won’t really be able to fill it completely; the edges come with a wavy design, so they dip every few inches. The wavy design allows your dog to get in and out of the pool without your help!
Some pet parents complain that the Alcott swimming pool isn’t very durable. Dogs who put a lot of weight on the edges can accidentally burst the seams even after just one use. Plus, you’ll have to get your own air pump to accommodate the one they don’t give you.
Regardless, the inflatable pool is one of the most portable ones on the list.
Takeaways
- Measures 16 inches deep and 48 inches across
- The mechanism for inflation is easy to use
- Non-inflatable parts are made using durable PVC
- A plug quickly drains the water
5. Fuloon PVC Portable Pet Pool”/]
Another option worth looking into is the PVC Pet Swimming Pool by Fuloon. As the name suggests, the pool uses durable PVC material to form the basic structure. The construction can withstand the daily abuse of claws without falling apart, even if your dog runs around in the empty pool.
The bottom is pretty thick as well, and it’s slip-resistant. Don’t worry if your pooch tries gnawing at the floor!
Like the other pools on this list, the Fuloon pool comes with a well-designed drainage system to easily empty the product. Remove the plastic valve whenever it’s time to go back inside, and then fold it up once the pool is empty.
Takeaways
- Measures nearly 1 foot deep and nearly 4 feet across, making it good for medium and small breeds
- Well-designed drainage system allows for fast cleanup
- The housing is lightweight
- No inflation required
6. Kopeks Outdoor Pool Bathing Tub
If your dog is a digger, then the Kopeks pool is hard to beat. It’s built with industrial-strength PVC in collaboration with Khomo Gear, who is known for their durable, heavy-duty outdoor furniture covers. Together, the two companies produce a swimming pool that boasts both functionality and style.
Like the other pools on the list, the Kopeks pool takes just a few minutes to set up and fill with a garden hose. Measuring 12 inches deep and over 5 feet across, your largest pooches will have no problem playing with lots of room to spare.
You’ll also get a plastic carry case to put your folded-down product, but you can also keep it constructed without the worry of collapse.
Takeaways
- Very strong and durable, so it will withstand chewing
- No leakage
- It can hold its shape even when empty
- Resists heat from sunlight
- No tools required
Verdict & Review
FrontPet Foldable Dog Pet Pool
Pros
- Strong & durable PVC
- Can handle scratches
- No inflation tools needed
- Large dogs can bathe in it
- No sharp corners
Cons
- We haven't encountered any cons.
With so many well-constructed pools on the list, it’s almost difficult to choose one among the rest to be the best.
In this case, however, we can easily recommend the FrontPet pool as number one. It has such a simple but innovative design that doesn’t rely on an air pump, and it’s easy to put away and take with you on vacation.
Overall, FrontPet has made a pool that makes bathing time fun. Plus, your dogs can enjoy paddling around in the warm summers. There’s no better choice to cool off your dog in the summers than to get a swimming pool. Allow them to get themselves drenched and swim around as we do!
Buying Guide
We’ve told you our favorites, but if your dog’s needs won’t be met by them, it’s important to know how to shop for your own.
Price, Brand, and Materials
Dog pools come in a wide range of prices; if you go all-in with your wallet, you could end up paying several hundred dollars! So the first thing you’ll need to do is figure out your budget’s ceiling.
A smaller budget narrows down the field of choices which gets you to a decision faster. However, if you have a particularly large dog like a Great Dane, then you may need to increase your budget when searching for pools.
Like in any other industry, the cost of the dog pool will depend on the brand, the quality of the pool, its size, and the features offered. Some of our favorite brands are FrontPet, Zacro, Fuloon, KOPEKS, and Jasonwell.
Type of Pool
When we talk about the type of pool, we mean its construction: Does the pool use a single PVC piece, or is it collapsible? Or does it actually need inflation?
If you have a small dog or one who doesn’t want to use the pool all the time, inflatable pools are an economical choice. They don’t hold up as well to claw damage compared to PVC pools, and even the tiniest hole can render them useless. Inflatable pools also include additional setup time, but they shrink down greatly for storage.
Foldable dog pools hold up to rambunctious puppy behavior better than an inflatable one will. They are designed to last for years. Be sure to shop for strong PVC material as flimsy ones are just as likely to collapse as inflatable pools.
One-piece dog pools aren’t easy to put away since they don’t fold down, but the hard plastic makes them the strongest of the lot. Regardless of your choice, be sure to buy a pool that uses reliable materials and doesn’t skimp on durability.
Pool Size
You wouldn’t want a pool where all you could do was sit in place. Your dog will feel the same! First, you must figure out what size your dog is. Don’t try to eyeball it; break out the measuring tape and feed Fido some treats for the effort.
Then, figure out how long you want to use the pool. If you have a puppy who will grow, you can wait to invest until he’s an adult. Start with something affordable and reasonably-sized.
If you want your dog to have room to splash around, be sure to add a foot or so to your measurements. The dog pool you want to buy should be able to fit your dog and provide enough space to turn around and move. If your dog is more the type to just sit around, then feel free to get a smaller product.
Materials
Most dog pools are made of plastic PVC. It’s the most reliable material you’ll find for an inflatable or foldable pool. If you are looking for a one-piece dog pool, on the other hand, the best materials would be truck bedliner materials. These are sturdy and designed to last for years.
If you have a rambunctious dog who likes to run around and gnaw, be sure to invest in quality materials. Some dogs may go through a cheaper pool in just a week when other dogs could make them last for a whole season. In other words, be sure to make a smart investment; don’t get the cheapest product you can find. The best product rarely is the cheapest.
Style
Your dog may not mind the appearance of his pool, but wouldn’t it be nice if it didn’t clash with the rest of your property? This is especially true if you like to have guests come over and enjoy your backyard. For those who want a stylish dog pool, you can get various shapes.
No matter what dog pool you choose, remember to keep it very clean. In warm weather, bacteria build-up can lead to illness. Make sure to change the water frequently, especially if your dog uses it every day.
We are the Pet Dog Pals, a group of avid pet owners, bloggers, product testers, and writers for all your canine needs! We own a collective 16 dogs and 21 cats to help us test and review pet products. Our top lists and tips come from experience to help you be the best dog owner you can be!