Impact of Dog on Pool Chemistry

[wjmano]

I've been able to keep my pool quite stable recently, but I've suddenly noticed an increase in chlorine demand. It could be the heavy rains recently but I've also had a dog in the pool. The only obvious impact is the hair on the surface of the water. How does a dog typically impact a pool's chemistry? My old pool service claimed a dog is equivalent to having 25 people in the pool, so curious if there's any true to this.

Thanks
Bill

 

[zea3]

The only way you can really know how much your dog impacts your pool is to test the water before the dog goes in and right after they come out, and then compare that to the same amount of time with just people in the pool with the same weather conditions. Yes your dog will increase chlorine demand, but by how much depends on how clean he is going in. Hair traps dirt, dirt increases chlorine demand. As for keeping the pool clean lots of people with dogs who swim use skimmer socks to capture the hair before it gets to the filter. Nylon food service hair covers work well, are cheap, and disposable. Something like this: Amazon.com : Disposable Caps Hair Nets, Salon Spa Food Service 100 Pack 21" White : Beauty

 

[Desert Dog]

I have a dog who swims almost daily, I use a SWG and don't notice any fluctuations in CL use. Hairnets work wonders in the skimmer.

 

[wjmano]

The only way you can really know how much your dog impacts your pool is to test the water before the dog goes in and right after they come out, and then compare that to the same amount of time with just people in the pool with the same weather conditions. Yes your dog will increase chlorine demand, but by how much depends on how clean he is going in. Hair traps dirt, dirt increases chlorine demand. As for keeping the pool clean lots of people with dogs who swim use skimmer socks to capture the hair before it gets to the filter. Nylon food service hair covers work well, are cheap, and disposable. Something like this: Amazon.com : Disposable Caps Hair Nets, Salon Spa Food Service 100 Pack 21" White : Beauty

The dog was in need of a bath and sheds quite a bit. I ran my pool cleaner for 3 hours today and I'll try the hair net idea and maybe discourage the dog next time. Not sure what I can do about it being dirty -- not my dog. Thanks for the advice.

 

[revitup]

I would guess dogs pee in pools too or maybe you just allow those that are really well trained.

 

[Tcadwall0]

My 2 dogs swim as much (or more) than the humans. The hair would be an issue if you don't have a way to catch it (as mentioned) I also run a leaf catcher with a skimmer sock when vacuuming. I would imagine the aeration they supply would contribute to some pH rise (comes in handy if you are trying to lower TA ).

But the real issue that they cause me is because they are working dogs - so they are in and out. They have to be fetching. all. the. time. I can count on a few inches of water loss per week when they swim every day. This means a little more salt, a little more CYA, and of course water a little more water.

With Fiberglass I don't need to worry about the wear and tear that they would put on a liner, nor the hair that would likely get stuck on the walls and floors.

They do put on quite an enjoyable show though. My boykin will dive to the bottom for retrieves, and they both occasionally try to steal the toy from each other by dunking the other.

 

[Newdude]

I would guess dogs pee in pools too or maybe you just allow those that are really well trained

Mine always specifically got out to pee. It probably had alot to do with if he stopped to pee, he'd sink, but he always got out first.

@wjmano, I had a BIG guy with a double coat and I never noticed anything but the hair. I don't even mind how 'dirty' your dog was. I've been just as dirty doing yard work 100 times and cleaned off in the pool. If it's fresh dirt, or fresh anything else on the dog, it may be organic but not in the way that FC attacks it. To burn through FC it needs to be rotting/decaying and your dog was certainly not.