If your pup spends a lot of time outdoors in the summer, a dog pool can help them cool off and spend more time in nature in a happy, healthy way. While dogs can swim in a regular people pool (if you’re comfortable with your four-legged friend sharing your space), a dog pool is smaller and intended for wading and lounging.
Though they look like kiddie pools, dog pools are coated in tough PVC that can better stand up to their nails than regular plastic. Lastly, though the pools aren’t deep, you still need to keep a close eye on your furry friend anytime they are in our near water to prevent accidents.
We found the best dog pools to help your pet have a fun summer, even on the hottest days.
Dog owners love this foldable dog pool. Why? It’s made of a durable, PVC material that meets stringent third-party safety standards. The pool is thicker on the bottom than it is on the sides (even still, you should make sure your pup’s nails are trimmed before they go in). It’s foldable and portable, and has a low side plug so it’s as as easy to drain as it is to fill up.
Best Overall
Jasonwell Foldable Pet Pool
Easy to set up
Durable and sturdy
May collapse if not fully filled with water
It comes with a hose connector so you can attach your hose directly to it, which saves you the trouble of standing around waiting for it to fill. Its low-profile design makes it easy for dogs to get in and out of the pool and the slip-resistant texture on the bottom prevents accidents.
Dimensions: 48 inches (circumference) x 12 inches high | Breed size: Medium | Material: PVC and fiberboard | Set up: Foldable
Your St. Bernard or other large breed dog will splash away happily in this doggie pool. The foldable pool is made of MDF board covered with PVC that can stand up to even the most rambunctious pup. It folds down and up easily, but should you leave it outside, it won’t get damaged as it’s frost and UV resistant. The pool comes with a hose adaptor so you can attach your hose directly to the pool, a dog brush for bath time, and four repair patches should it ever tear. For the best experience, be careful not to fill it past the fill line.
Best for Large Dogs
YAHEETECH Foldable Pet Swimming Pool
- Easy to set up and fill
- Comes with repair patches
Dimensions: 63 inches (circumference) x 11.8 inches high | Breed size: Large | Material: PVC and MDF board | Set up: Foldable
Made of scratch-resistant polyvinyl plastic, this pool is a good choice for miniature border collies and other small dog breeds. It has a scratch-resistant construction, no-slip bottom and stable sides that are just right for dogs who tend to jump in and out a lot. Bonus: The sides stay up even when it’s not fully filled with water. The portable pool folds up so you can take it with you anywhere. When pool time is over, open up the wide-mouth drain cap for quick emptying.
Best for Small Dogs
Trixie Portable Dog Splash Pool
Easy to set up
Foldable
Wide-mouth drain
Hard to fill
Dimensions: 31.5 (circumference) x 7.9 inches high | Breed size: Small | Material: Plastic | Set up: Foldable |
This pool folds down easily and even comes with its own carrying case for easy packing, but the glossy blue and red pool is so attractive, you might not mind if it’s left out in your yard in between uses. It has a wide mouth drain with an easy-twist cap so you can empty it quickly. When it gets dirty, give it a quick washing with soap and water. The large size is recommended for use by dogs up to 80 pounds.
Best Portable
Petmaker Foldable Pet Pool
Easy to set up
Carrying case included
The bottom isn’t non-slip
Dimensions: 47 inches (diameter) x 12 inches high | Breed size: Large | Material: PVC | Set up: Foldable
It’s OK for dogs to swim in the family pool (always be sure to watch them when they do) and a ramp is an easy way to help them get in and out easily. This foldable ramp offers a non-slip rubberized walking surface with ridges to help your pup get a foothold, even when wet. It can support dogs of all sizes and weights. We like that it has cut out handles, especially given the fact that it weighs 18 pounds. You can use the ramp to help your pup get in and out of the car, too. If it gets dirty, wash it down with soap and water.
Best Pool Ramp
PetStep Original Folding Pet Ramp
Multi-use
Strong
Heavy
Dimensions: 70 L x 17 W x 2.5 H inches | Breed size: All | Material: Plastic and fiberglass | Set up: Foldable
If your yard doesn’t have the width for a round pool, this rectangular pool may be the solution. The collapsible pool is made of tough, high-grade, industrial strength PVC that can stand up to the wear and tear your pooch throws at it. (In the event it does tear, it comes with repair patches.) The sides stay up on their own, even when the pool is empty. Different sizes are available, so pick the one that’s best suited for your dog.
Best Rectangular
Kopeks Outdoor Portable Rectangular Dog Swimming Pool
Lightweight
Easy to set up
Corner joints may be less durable
The pool comes with a carrying case—just remember to always set it up on a flat surface and make sure the area is clear of rocks and tree branches before unfolding it.
Dimensions: 43 inches x 27 inches x 12 inches (large size) | Breed size: Different sizes available | Material: Plastic | Set up: Foldable
Our tester found this pool held up well to a summer full of soak sessions for both her golden retriever and herself. It’s available in three sizes and three color combinations, including dark blue and green, dark gray and blue, and light gray and aqua. The sides are made from a heavy fiberboard that’s covered in waterproof PVC. The whole thing folds down for storage, so you many want to hang onto the box to store it when the summer swim season comes to an end.
Best Foldable
Lunaoo Foldable Dog Pool
- Durable
- Folds for easy storage
Dimensions: 47 x 12 inches (large size) | Breed size: All | Material: PVC and fiberboard |Set up: Foldable |
What to Look for in a Dog Pool
When it comes to selecting a dog pool, keep these factors in mind.
If you prefer a petite pool for a small breed, consider the Trixie Portable Dog Splash Pool (view on Chewy).
Dimensions
Not only will you want to select a pool that’s the right size for your pup, you’ll want to make sure that it also fits in your outdoor space.
Breed Size
While in general, the smaller your dog is, the smaller size pool you should buy, you should also take into consideration your dog’s level of activity and comfort in the water. Active dogs and dog breeds that are natural swimmers will be happier with a larger pool.
Material
You may be tempted to buy a kiddie pool and save a few dollars, however that’s a mistake. It’s worth it to spend the money on a pool made for dogs because most are coated in a super-strong PVC material that your dog’s nails won’t puncture (or at least puncture as easily).
Set Up
Most dog pools are foldable and easy to set up. Because they fold down, they’re easy to store in the off-season. However, some pools require you to hold the hose as the pool fills.
Why Trust The Spruce Pets?
This piece was written by Anne Fritz, who has been researching pet products for The Spruce for more than two years. Before writing this article, she gathered information from customer reviews, third-party articles, and brand websites’ details. The Spruce Pets team also tests top products at home with our own pets.
In addition to considering your dog’s like (or dislike) of water and the size of your outdoor space, you should select a pool that is the right size for your dog. Measure your pup’s length from nose to hind flank and their height to select the proper size pool.
Some breeds naturally take to water, while other dogs may need some convincing. You can tempt some dogs with treats or toys, but be aware that some breeds just don’t like water and may never hop in.
Dog pools that are specifically made for dogs are low profile, so your dog will be able to walk in and out of their own accord. If you are hoping your dog will swim in your inground pool, a ramp can help them get in and out. A few dog water toys that float can encourage a hesitant pup to get in the water or spend more time in it.
