How to Clean a Dog Paddling Pool and Outdoor Water Bowls

A dog paddling pool is one of the best ways to keep a water-loving dog happy on a hot day. It also gets dirty fast. Grass, mud, hair and drool end up in the water within minutes, the sides turn slippery, and water left standing goes green and draws mosquitoes. Outdoor water bowls have the same problem on a smaller scale. This guide covers emptying and cleaning a dog pool, drying and storing it, and keeping outdoor water bowls fresh.

It follows the care instructions in the instruction manual for a dog pool sold by Chewy and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s advice on standing water. Always check the manual for your own pool first, as materials and care vary.

Empty it after every use

The Chewy dog pool manual says to empty the pool after every use, and to change the water as required to keep it hygienic. It also says to only allow your dog in the pool if the water is clean, and that warmer weather may require more frequent water changes.

Water left in a pool is also a mosquito nursery. The EPA advises emptying and changing the water in bird baths, fountains, wading pools and similar containers at least once a week to remove places where mosquitoes can breed. For a dog pool, emptying it after each use solves both problems.

How to drain a dog pool

Use the drain outlet. The Chewy manual says to open the drainage outlet and let the water drain out, rather than tipping the pool. Only tip it at the end to pour out the last of the water.
Drain it where the water can soak away, such as on the lawn, not toward the house.
Close the outlet again once it is empty.

How to clean a dog pool

Rinse out loose dirt with a hose: grass, leaves, hair and mud.
Wash it with soapy water. The Chewy manual says the best cleaner is soapy water. A soft brush or sponge and a little dish soap in warm water works well.
Scrub the slippery film on the sides and floor, where slime builds up first, and the seams and corners where hair collects.
Rinse thoroughly with clean water so no soap is left for your dog to drink.

What not to use

The Chewy manual says not to use bleach or harsh cleaning agents on its pool. Skip stiff wire brushes and scouring pads too, as they can scratch or puncture the liner. Do not add pool chemicals to the water of a small dog pool; drain and refill it instead.

Drying and storage

Dry it completely before you fold it. The Chewy manual says to let the pool dry completely before folding it up to store it. A pool folded damp is likely to grow mold or mildew.
Dry it in the sun on a clean surface, then flip it so the underside dries too.
Store it away from damp and sharp things. The Chewy manual says to store the pool away from moisture and at room temperature, away from sharp objects, and with the drainage outlet closed.

Setting up so it stays cleaner

Pick the right spot. The Chewy manual says to set its pool on a level, grassy area free of stones and sticks, not on concrete, asphalt or other hard surfaces. Check the manual for your own pool.
Rinse your dog’s paws or give a quick hose-down before a session if they have been digging.
Do not let your dog chew the pool. The Chewy manual warns against it, and chewed edges trap dirt and leak.
Stay with your dog. The Chewy manual says not to leave your dog unattended in the pool, to keep children away from it, and never to leave it unattended where children can get to it.

Outdoor water bowls

An outdoor water bowl sits in sun and rain, collects leaves and insects, and grows a green film far faster than one indoors.

Empty and refill it every day, and more often on hot days or if it has bugs or debris in it.
Wash it with hot, soapy water and scrub off the slimy film, then rinse well. See how to clean pet food and water bowls for the full method.
Keep it in the shade, which keeps the water cooler and slows the green growth.
Do not leave spare buckets and bowls standing full. The EPA says to get rid of standing water in buckets, toys and other containers where mosquitoes can breed.
Outdoor fountains need regular cleaning of the pump and filter too. See how to clean a pet water fountain.

A simple routine

After every swim: drain the pool and rinse it out.
Every few uses: wash it with soapy water and scrub off the film.
Every day: empty, wash and refill outdoor water bowls.
End of summer: wash, dry completely and store the pool away from damp and sharp objects.

After the swim

A wet dog brings water, mud and grass straight back into the house. Towel off by the door, and for the mess that gets past you, see how to clean muddy paw prints and how to get rid of dog smell in the house.

Bathing your dog indoors instead? See how to clean the bathtub after bathing your dog.

Keep cleanup supplies ready

Our Pet Cleanup Kit has gloves, an enzyme odor product, an absorbent powder and a UV black light in one pouch, for wet dog smells and accidents on carpets and fabrics indoors. For the pool itself, use plain soapy water as above.

Frequently asked questions

How often should I change the water in a dog pool?

Empty it after every use. The Chewy dog pool manual says to empty the pool after every use and that warmer weather may require more frequent water changes.

Can I put chlorine or bleach in a dog paddling pool?

No. The Chewy manual says not to use bleach or harsh cleaning agents on its pool. Drain it after each use and wash it with soapy water instead.

How do I stop a dog pool going green?

Do not leave water standing in it. Drain it after each swim, scrub off the slimy film with soapy water, and let it dry in the sun.

How do I store a dog pool for winter?

Wash it, let it dry completely, then fold it and store it away from moisture and sharp objects with the drain closed, as the Chewy manual advises.

Sources

Chewy: Dog pool instruction manual (PDF)
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency: Success in mosquito control: an integrated approach

This guide is general cleaning information, not veterinary advice. Ask your veterinarian before letting your dog swim, especially if your dog is unwell or has an open wound, as the Chewy pool manual also advises.