How Can I Keep My Dog Off The Pool Cover?

A pool can pose a risk to a dog even when you close it for the season and install a cover. Dogs are quite curious, and they don’t understand that what lies beneath the cover is dangerous. So, how can I keep my dog off the pool cover?

Install a fence around your pool to protect your dog and keep it off the cover. Makeshift barriers like sandbags, buckets, and flags can also steer your dog away from the pool cover. However, your best bet is to keep your dog on a leash and train them to avoid the pool if you don’t want to install a fence. 

It isn’t worth the risk of letting your dog roam the yard near your pool unattended. That’s why many people install fences to keep their dogs out of the pool when it’s opened and closed. Follow along as we explore how to keep your dog safe near your pool cover. 

Is It Safe For A Dog To Walk On A Pool Cover?

It is unsafe for a dog to walk on a pool cover, as they aren’t designed to accommodate dogs. Of course, the biggest risk is that your dog may fall through the cover. This is quite unsafe, as the water beneath a pool cover is often quite shallow, so they can get stuck far below.

Conversely, some pools become quite full of water when covered due to rain and snow. That means that any dog or person who falls into the pool must tread deep water. This is especially unsafe if you don’t supervise your dog when you let them outside.  

Upon retrieving your dog, you must replace the damaged pool cover, which can cost nearly $1,800, on average. Never let your dog outside without supervision if they seem to be curious about the pool cover. It isn’t worth the risk of your dog getting injured or worse. 

How To Keep My Dog Off The Pool Cover

1. Use A Leash

While it may be inconvenient, you can ensure your dog is safe around your pool cover if you keep it on a leash. That way, you don’t have to take any risk it may get on the cover and fall through. This is also a great way to train your dog, as they can eventually understand that the pool cover is a bad spot. 

Give your dog plenty of slack with the leash until they get close to the pool cover. Once they do, you can firmly pull on the leash to draw them away from the cover. Keep in mind, you don’t need to tug hard on the leash, as that can hurt your dog. 

Say a word like “no” or “stop” when you pull the leash, so they associate the word with the pool cover being off-limits. Continue this pattern until your dog no longer approaches the pool cover when you take them outside. 

2. Install A Fence

A fence is the best way to keep your dog off the pool cover, as it’s blocks access to the pool and the cover. This is also a popular method for parents who must toddler-proof their pools. Pool fences come in handy whether you have an in-ground or above-ground pool. 

You can expect to spend between $1,000 and $6,500 to install a fence around your pool. However, you can’t let the high cost stop you from installing a fence. After all, it’s a matter of safety if you have pets and small children who could fall in. 

The cost ultimately depends on the size of your pool and the materials you choose. Aluminum fences are popular because of how affordable and durable they are. Just make sure the fence is tall enough that your dog can’t jump over it. 

3. Train Them

You don’t necessarily need a leash to train your dog to stay away from the pool cover. Instead, you can use some tried and true training techniques. Keep in mind that how well a dog responds to training depends on many factors, such as their age and your training style. 

It’s a great idea to use treats at first to incentivize your dog to stay in safe areas. For example, you can put a few treats in your pocket and pull them out to draw your dog away from the pool. Say words like “come”, “here”, or even your dog's name to get their attention.

Hold out a treat when they acknowledge you and give it to them when they reach a safe spot. Repeat this process for days and weeks and gradually draw them further away from the pool cover. Eventually, if you stay consistent, you won’t need to use treats to keep your dog off the pool cover. 

4. Create A Boundary

You don’t necessarily have to install an expensive fence to keep your dog off the pool cover. Instead, you can use cheap methods like installing flags and setting up buckets. Such obstacles can make your pool cover much less enticing for your dog. 

For example, staggering a bunch of buckets and flags around the pool will make the pool less visible. Place the objects close enough together that your dog can’t sneak through them. At first, you will likely still need to use training methods, like command words, to make your dog understand the purpose of the barriers.

The only downside of this method is that it isn’t necessarily visually appealing. However, that doesn’t matter as much if your pool is closed for the season as nobody will use it. 

5. Don’t Risk It

Unfortunately, there’s no way to guarantee your dog won’t approach the pool cover when you leave them alone. They may behave when you’re with them, but there’s no telling what they will do when you aren’t there. Some dogs respond better to training than others, so it’s hard to depend on them being safe without supervision. 

How Much Weight Can A Pool Cover Hold?

Pool covers are required to be able to hold at least 485 pounds. This makes some people assume their dogs can safely walk on a pool cover. However, this is still unsafe, as pool covers experience a lot of wear and tear throughout their lifespans. 

Everything from rain, snow, and ice to sun exposure and extreme temperature fluctuations can weaken a pool cover. You must also account for debris, like sticks and branches that can slowly damage a pool cover. The pool cover can hold at least 485 pounds, but only in perfect condition.

That doesn’t mean you should trust your dog on your pool cover if the cover is new. Manufacturing defects can leave a pool cover unsafe. Replace your pool cover every 5 to 10 years to ensure it’s in the best possible shape. 

Summing It Up

The best way to keep your dog off the pool cover is to build a fence around your pool. You can also use barriers like flags, buckets, and stacked sandbags to keep your dog away from the pool cover. Otherwise, it’s best to supervise your dog, keep them on a leash, and train them to avoid the pool. 

Related Guides:

• Why Does My Pool Keep Losing Water?
• How To Keep Frogs Out Of A Pool