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Plastic dog pools can be a great way to keep your pup cool during hot weather. Here are five of the best plastic pools for dogs, along with tips for choosing the right option for your pet.
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They are also great for bathing and providing light exercise during the hot summer months. You can even add a few floating toys to provide extra mental stimulation.
Not all pools are worth the money though, so it’s important to pick the right model. The best dog pools are portable, strong, and provide enough space for your pet to have fun. I’ve listed five of my top picks below.
Jasonwell Foldable Dog Pet Bath Pool
A durable PVC pool with a foldable design
My top pick for a plastic dog pool is the Jasonwell Foldable. It’s a sturdy pool with a tough PVC exterior, dual drainage holes and slip-resistant bottom. It’s also available in a range of sizes, so it’s suitable for most breeds.
There are many advantages to owning a dog swimming pool – especially during summer heat or if you live in a warm climate.
Our canine friends struggle to keep cool in hot weather, as they can only sweat via their footpads. If panting can’t reduce their body temperature, there’s a risk of heat stroke. This can lead to symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, fainting, loss of coordination, and even death.
Even if your dog isn’t at risk of heat stroke, a thick coat can make the summer uncomfortable. While cooling mats, water fountains and other devices may help, a doggie pool is one of the fastest ways to prevent overheating and keep your pet cool.
Many dogs (but not all!) also love playing in a plastic pool. Simply splashing around can provide plenty of entertainment and mild exercise.
Of course, it’s important to keep your dog safe whenever he’s near water. Always supervise your dog and make sure the water isn’t too deep. He should always be able to stand with his head far above water.
Be particularly careful with puppies, small dogs, or those suffering with a medical condition. It’s also important to clean a pool regularly to prevent potentially dangerous bacteria or algae.
There are many plastic dog pools on the market – but most aren’t worth buying. The cheapest options are prone to tearing and inconvenient to fold.
For this reason, it’s important to know what to look for in a high-quality pet pool:
Keep in mind that dog pools aren’t designed to withstand a determined chewer or digger. It’s also a good idea to trim your dog’s nails, so there’s less chance of snagging.
Kid pools have a similar design to those for pets. The problem is that they are often made with thinner plastic, so are more likely to rip and tear. Kids don’t have sharp teeth and claws, after all!
There are also potential hygiene issues with children sharing a pool with your dog. For these reasons, it’s best to buy a separate dog pool for your pet.
Now you know what to look for in a plastic dog pool, here are my five top picks. Please read each review carefully to find the right option for your pet.
It’s made with tough PVC and a thicker bottom, so it can withstand the average dog’s claws. The Jasonwell also has a slip-resistant floor to help your pup feel more secure.
One of the great things about this pool is that it’s available in a range of sizes – including an XX-Large 63″ option. If you need a large dog pool, or enough space for several pups, it’s one of the biggest on the market.
Other features include a foldable design and two drainage plugs. It can still take a while to drain, especially if you choose the larger sizes, but the plugs make it much more convenient.
The only real drawback is that the carry case is quite small. It’s difficult (although not impossible) to fold it small enough to fit back into the case.
Other than that, the Jasonwell Foldable Pet Pool is an excellent foldable dog pool.
While the shape of a pool is a matter of personal preference, rectangular pools are probably easier to use for bathing your pup. It’s not just for washing though – the Kundo is a decent choice for cooling or play. It also has a drainage plug and is available in two sizes.
A drawback is that the largest size isn’t as big as the Jasonwell. If you have a big dog, it probably isn’t the right pool. I also don’t think it’s the most durable on this list – although for calm dogs it’s still a solid choice.
Aside from the size, the FrontPet has everything you would expect from a high-quality pet pool. It’s made with durable PVC, has a reinforced bottom to withstand claws, and a slip-resistant finish. The pool also comes with a drainage plug – although you probably won’t have much trouble tipping out shallow water.
Don’t expect it to withstand digging or chewing though. While it’s strong enough to handle everyday play from smaller dogs, it’s not designed for destructive pups.
It’s not the most convenient pool, as it has a molded plastic design and doesn’t fold. The Starplay also isn’t big enough for large breeds and doesn’t have a drainage plug.
On the plus side, it’s a relatively lightweight pool that’s less likely to get damaged than PVC alternatives. It’s also easy to clean due to the smooth surface – plus it looks great.
I also don’t think you’ll have trouble emptying it, even without a drainage plug. The curved design and relatively small size makes it easy to tip over.
It’s a portable pool with a folding design, PVC outer and slip-resistant floor. It’s also available in three sizes and has a drainage plug.
Unlike many cheap pools, the Fuloon is relatively easy to fold up and store. If you plan to deploy and re-pack the pool on a regular basis, this could save you time.
There aren’t many downsides to this pool. The largest size can’t match the 63″ Jasonwell, however, so it’s less suitable for big breeds.
A plastic dog pool is a fun way for your pet to stay cool during the summer. Many dogs also love playing in pools, so they can be an enjoyable bonding experience with your pet.
My top pick is the Jasonwell Foldable Dog Pet Bath Pool. It’s a durable pet bath with a PVC exterior, thick and slip-proof floor, and a folding design. It’s also available in a range of sizes, including an XX-Large option.
Do you have any questions about choosing a plastic pool for a dog? Please let me know in the comments section below.
Richard is a journalist who specialises in dog behavior. He's written hundreds of articles and books related to dogs, including for the Continental Kennel Club, Dog Fest (the UK's biggest dog festival) and various veterinary surgeries. When he's not spending time with Jess and Rudy (his beloved Labrador and Golden Retrievers), he enjoys reading, hiking and watching sports. You can find him on Facebook or Twitter.
