Owning a pool is a luxury—but it also comes with a heavy dose of responsibility. As any pool owner knows, one accident is all it takes to change a family’s life forever. That’s why safety should always be the top priority—especially when it comes to what’s covering your pool during the off-season.

Many homeowners are diligent when it comes to child-proofing their pool areas, but there’s another important member of the family that often gets overlooked: the family dog.

Pools and Pets: A Growing Concern

While your kids may have grown up and moved out, your home may still be full of energy thanks to your four-legged friend. In fact, dog ownership has been steadily increasing over the last few decades. According to recent trends, it’s fair to say that a large percentage of homes with pools also have dogs living in them.

It would be safe to say that this trend is only continuing… which brings up a critical question: Is your current pool cover safe for your dog?

Not All Pool Covers Are Created Equal

During the off-season, most pools remain full of water. If they’re not covered appropriately, they can become a serious hazard—not just to people, but to pets as well.

Many pool owners may opt for a basic tarp-style cover (or a cheaper cover they found online), to keep out leaves and debris. While these are useful for keeping the pool clean, they’re not designed to support weight. If a dog runs across one of these covers, they can easily fall through and become entangled. Even strong swimmers can panic, leading to tragic consequences.

Dogs Are Spontaneous—Your Pool Cover Should Be Ready

Dogs are known for their unpredictable nature. Whether they’re chasing a squirrel or just having a burst of energy, they can unexpectedly sprint across the backyard—and directly onto your pool cover. A safety pool cover needs to be designed with this in mind.

That means:

• High-tensile strength to support their weight.
• Scratch resistance, since dogs’ claws can damage weaker materials.
• Durability at the seams, where wear and tear tends to begin.
• Precision fit, because even small gaps or misalignments can create dangerous openings where paws—or legs—can get caught.

Training Helps, But Accidents Still Happen

Of course, you can train your dog to stay off the pool cover. But let’s be honest—dogs will be dogs. Even the best-trained pet can get distracted, excited, or curious enough to forget the rules. That’s why it’s crucial to install a safety cover that doesn’t rely solely on your dog’s behavior to keep them safe.

What to Look for in a Dog-Safe Pool Cover

When replacing an old or worn-out pool cover, look for these key features:

• Thicker fibers for increased strength and durability
• Reinforced seams to prevent tears and weak spots
• Heavy-duty straps and high-quality brass anchors to ensure a secure, lasting fit
• Custom measurements to avoid gaps or loose edges that can become traps

Investing in a premium safety pool cover isn’t just about protecting your pool—it’s about protecting your family, including the furry members.

Our best safety cover for dogs is our Advanced Mesh Pool Cover!

Final Thoughts

Your pool may be closed for the season, but safety should never take a break. As a responsible pool owner—and dog owner—it’s your job to ensure that your pool is secured in a way that keeps everyone safe, all year round.

Replacing your old or inadequate pool cover with a high-quality, dog-safe safety cover is a smart move that could prevent a tragic accident.

Because when it comes to safety, “good enough” is never enough.