How to Keep Dog Hair Out of Your Pool: 8 Expert Tips for a Clean Swim

Tired of skimming dog hair after every swim? You’re not the only one. Dogs love jumping into the pool on a hot day. It’s fun, cool, and great exercise for them. 

But there’s one big problem: dog hair in the water. That hair floats around, gets stuck in your filter, and makes the pool look cloudy and dirty.

Dog hair doesn’t just make the pool messy. It can also cause health problems for both your dog and your family. Dirty pool water is never a good idea.

But don’t worry, there are easy ways to fix this! In this post, you’ll learn eight expert tips on how to get dog hair out of a pool. These tips are simple, smart, and great for any dog owner who wants a clean, safe swim for everyone.

Why Dog Hair in Pools Is a Problem

Dog hair in the pool can cause many problems. It can upset the chemical balance of the pool, clog the filter, and give the water a hazy appearance. Dog hair and dander can also contain germs, which makes them dangerous for both people and animals. Ignoring it could result in more time spent cleaning, more chemicals used, and higher filter repair costs. Addressing the problem before it gets worse is the best course of action.

8 Expert Tips to Keep Dog Hair Out of Your Pool 

Here are some easy and helpful tips to prevent hair problems before they become a big issue. 

Brush Your Dog Regularly  

Before your dog jumps in the pool, brush their fur. This removes loose hair that would otherwise end up in the water. If your dog sheds a lot, try using a special brush like the Furminator. It pulls out extra fur that’s hiding under the top coat. Brush your dog outside so the hair doesn’t blow into the pool. Daily brushing helps more than you think!

Rinse Your Dog Before Swimming  

Then, rinse your pet before the pool; wash away loose fur, dirt, and any skin flakes. Take advantage of the garden hose or mini kiddie pool filled with warm water. Use dog shampoo only once in a while instead of soap to keep that coat of yours fresh and clean. Many hairs can be prevented from entering the pool by taking this easy step.

Use a Pool Cover  

A clean pool cover is a great way to keep your pool clean, even when your dog isn’t swimming. Hair can blow into the pool from the wind or your dog just walking nearby. A fitted or automatic pool cover is most effective. It also keeps leaves, bugs, and dirt out and helps the water stay warm longer.

Maintain Your Pool’s Skimmer and Filter  

• Your pool’s skimmer and filter are your best friends when it comes to catching dog hair.
• Make sure you check and clean your skimmer every day, especially after your dog swims.
• Use a skimmer sock - it’s a small net you place in your skimmer basket. It catches small hairs and makes cleanup much easier.
• Also, run your pool filter longer on days your dog swims, and backwash the filter often to keep it working properly.

Create a Designated Dog Swim Area  

To help them learn how to get in and out of the water, use treats or their favorite toy. It is simpler to catch the hair in a single spot when it remains there. This protects the rest of the pool and makes cleaning easier.

Choose Hair-Friendly Pool Toys  

Some pool toys collect and trap dog hair. That hair gets in the water the next time your dog plays. Choose rubber or smooth plastic toys. These don’t trap hair and are easy to rinse off.

After each swim, wash the toys and let them dry outside. This stops more hair from getting in the pool next time.

Vacuum Your Pool Regularly  

Even with all these tips, some hair might still get in. That’s why you should vacuum your pool often. Hair tends to sink and settle at the bottom, especially after lots of swimming.

Vacuum more during spring and fall, when dogs shed the most. You’ll notice a big difference in water clarity. Good news! Dreame will soon release a robotic pool skimmer that can clean dog hair off the water’s surface automatically. It’ll be perfect for dog owners who want less work and a cleaner pool.

Establish a Dog Bathing Routine  

Regular baths help reduce shedding and keep your dog’s coat clean. This also means less hair in your pool. Use a dog-safe shampoo and conditioner that won’t harm your pet’s skin.

How often should you bathe your dog? It depends on their breed. Some long-haired dogs may need a bath once a month. Short-haired dogs may need fewer baths.

Bonus Tips for a Dog-Friendly Pool 

Here are a few more quick tips to keep your pool safe and clean:

• Test Pool Water Weekly: Hair and dander can mess with chlorine. Check your pool water once a week to make sure it’s safe.
• Trim Dog Nails: Long nails can scratch and damage the pool liner.
• Extra Grooming During Shedding Season: Dogs shed more in spring and fall. Brush more and clean the pool more often during these times. 

Conclusion 

Keeping dog hair out of the pool doesn’t have to be hard. Start by brushing your dog often to remove loose fur. Rinse them before swimming to wash off extra hair and dirt. Use a pool cover when the pool is not in use to block hair from blowing in. Clean the skimmer and filter after every swim to keep them working well. If possible, train your dog to swim in just one area of the pool. Choose smooth, easy-to-clean toys that don’t trap hair. Vacuum the pool regularly to pick up any hair that sinks. And don’t forget to bathe your dog often to help reduce shedding. These simple pool maintenance steps can help keep your pool cleaner and more fun for everyone.

Also, don’t forget to consider investing in a pool vacuum to maintain better pool water quality, which will ensure the health of your dog and family.

Still battling pet hair inside the house?
Read this blog: Best Robot Vacuums for Pet Hair in 2025