Canine Arthritis And joint ©
(updated 5-2022)


I will first off say, I am not good with pools and the complexity of maintaining pools, but I DO want to let you know what I have done, what I have learned and what's the easiest way to set up, use and care for an above ground pool for your dog. When my big girl Sydney went lame in 2015, I took her to a facility that offered Hydrotherapy using an underwater treadmill. In 6 weeks she was back walking good. I was very very happy with the results. We also added in laser therapy to that. We did this twice a week for 6 weeks. Once stable, I decided on putting up a pool for her just to do this at home.

Having a dog that needs some help walking isn't always an easy task nor cheap. You are caring for a special needs pet that totally depends on you to keep them healthy and happy. Not easy but if you love your dog as much as I love mine, going to the moon and back for them is nothing. We would move mountains to help them and keep them safe and pain free. So much goes into this besides AFTER your dog goes lame. So much you can do BEFORE it ever happens. The odds of a dog having some sort of arthritis or joint issues is extremely high. So why not work on prevention before it happens? But if you are like me, I rescued my dogs all from shelters. Not knowing their backgrounds, it was a crap shoot. I knew when Sydney came to me, that we were destined for joint issues. I could tell by the way she sat and the way she would limp on occasion. At that time I was less educated in joint issues and none of my dogs were on joint supplements. So being I have two dogs that are special needs dogs now with joint issues, I have made it my mission to learn everything possible to help them get back to normal as much as possible without any pain at all. And I have seemed to have been able to accomplish that. The secret to a dog with joint issues is continued physical therapy. That means lots of continued water therapy, short walks, good supplements and diet and just overall keeping them moving without overdoing it. You must find that happy medium for NOT overdoing it for your dog.

When you begin swimming in a pool, start out with a 5 minute swim. Take breaks, float around...just enjoy your swim. Once you have been swimming a week or so in therapy, you can hold the dog's paws up and walk with the dog if the rear limbs are what's ailing your baby, like you are dancing. They have the water to help them with gravity but yet are getting to use their legs. Make sure they are not in any pain, hasn't had recent surgery with stitches still in or have a new soft tissue injury. Injuries need a couple of weeks to rest so all activity should be avoided. Soft tissue injuries need to heal slowly. Like a sprain, that injury needs rest. After 2-4 weeks of rest at most, you may start pool therapy slowly. If joint related and no stitches, you can start as soon as possible. 

Now, let's get to the pool part. I ordered this pool above in header for a little over $100 on Amazon (2015). You can find some really good deals on the above ground pools especially before summer actually hits. Why I chose this pool is for several reasons. One, I liked the fact it had a frame. The ones without frames don't seem as solid or sturdy to me. Also the size I picked which is a 12 ft round and 30 inch deep and comes with a 530 GPH water filter pump. I bought the 1000 GPH pump due to reviews on it that it seems to keep it cleaner. I bought this size because my backyard isn't that big. I didn't want to buy to small of a pool and regret or hamper my results. I went outside and measured on how big of a pool I could fit to swim in. Also I went with 30 inch deep because she is approximately 26 inches tall. 

​I also bought the liner that goes under the pool similar to this one, a small thermometer, a solar blanket, a pool heater, a skimmer, a pool vac and a cover (if needed). Also some pool chemicals. I will cover that later. Don't forget a life vest especially for dogs with joint issues and if the water is deeper than they can stand (or sit) with head above water. They can't move too well so they need help to keep them afloat. I purchased some rubber matting and lumber and we built this pool deck. I also used some left over artificial turf to use under the deck and later under the pool heater. I decided shortly after, to enclose the pool deck because I had planned on not taking it down in the winter..but as time went by I changed my mind and decided to take the pool down for the winter. In fact the manufacture recommends it being taken down in winter. 
I will do that every year now. So depending on the size you get, as to what you want to do. Under deck I laid artificial turf and the pump sits under the deck on the turf. I can crawl under there anytime. I don't have to worry about mowing etc so it makes my workload less. 

Now that we got the supply list down, I will cover them in a little more detail. As for the framed pool, I love it. I had help setting it up the first time. I am glad I did. The pool itself is kind of tight when fitting it onto the frame for the first time. It's a bit tricky. I first leveled the ground with dirt and sand since my yard isn't level. Then I laid the ground liner down. The liner I purchased was HORRIBLE. I DO NOT recommend the one above that's blue. A better one is this one. Also this one appears really good. I myself decided on purchasing a very expensive liner custom ordered from a tarp supply. I wanted something thick enough that a weed-eater wouldn't tear it up. And I was also able to stake it down instead of laying those large rocks around the blue one that kept flapping in the wind. I tore it up a lot with the weed-eater and shredded it so I decided on a much better one that looked neater for my next summer. ​As shown below in black. It has grommets built in every 2 feet and I bought metal yard stakes and staked it down. Very clean and neat looking and the dogs and me won't trip over a rock.

I have since purchased artificial turf (12ft x 12ft) for permanent placement in the corner of my yard for setting up pool when needed each summer. 

​ Once I had the pool set up and ready, I turned on the water hose and let her fill. It took about 4-5 hours. (2,000 gallons)
12 ft round 30 inch deep
In the meantime, we worked on building the deck. In the above pics, you will see how we built it and the ramp has a 2 section part. It's for folding it up and getting it out of the way for mowing and so that no dogs will want to think about jumping in on their own without me. (Not that they would since none of them like water). You can see in the pic above that I have it folded and sitting on the deck. On top of the ramp and deck I ordered some rubber matting (3ft x 5 ft). Not cheap either (around $50) but it is made with grips and it would be much easier for the dog to walk up and down without slipping. I pre-measured my ramp and the rubber matting before ordering it. First I needed to find the cheapest possibly pre-cut matting (2.5ft x 3ft for ramp-$30 each) for ordering so then I built the ramp length from those dimensions. It worked out perfectly. I also ordered the matting for the deck area and built the ramp to fit it. ​
rubber matting
On the deck, I had to add a board (2x6) for it to come over the side/lip of the pool frame. I was trying to keep any weight off the frame and also protect the liner so the dogs toe nails didn't cut into it. After a few times of using the pool, I decided to figure out an easier way to get dogs in and out so I added a ramp into the water. As shown below. While this may not be ideal, it works better than without anything. I still have to help them out but they have something to grip and try to pull up with their front legs while I push from the back. (If you have a dog that loves water and you feel they could possibly get in without your knowledge, keep the ramp in the water so they can exit if alone.) 


​Here are some other ideas on ramps as well that I found on the internet and Where I got my idea from. 

Now let's talk about the heater, solar blanket and cover. Being this is my second summer, things seem slightly different. This past week (here in Texas) we have had over 100 degree temps so I have had to make some changes. But to start in early summer, I fill the pool and put the solar blanket on when it is not in use. It helps to keep the water from evaporating and keep the water warmer. It helps about 5-10 degrees. Same for the solar pool heater. It is hooked up as you see in pics above and when the pump comes on..it pumps water through it. The water sitting in the solar heater is heated from the sun and the pump filters it out into the pool water. While this works most of the time, as I said the temps have been over 100 degrees (F) so I have unhooked the solar heater and removed the solar blanket as well. Make sure get at least a 12 mil thick solar blanket..anything less is like bubble wrap. Now I have been putting on the cover. While it is still pretty warm water, I find this is the best way to keep junk out of the pool and hold the water in so it doesn't evaporate. The water is still pretty warm though and I am hoping the temps drop about 5 degrees in the next few days. I recommend water temps at anywhere around 86-96 degrees to be ideal. Right now I am at about 96 and it's pretty warm. You can't stay in long (5 minutes) although I am sure it feels good on those joints. To drop temps, turn your pump on and let it run for about 30 minutes or so. This will help cool the water down by circulating it. 
heater
solar blanket (floats on top of water)
​cover

As for the chemicals and cleaning process. I buy the Flippin Frogs and I highly recommend these. SIMPLE to use. I love it. I attach it to the frame with the provided rope and let it go. Depending on how hot it is outside and how much the pool is used...depends on how often you replace the blue chlorine cartridge. On hot days like we have had, I may have to change it every 2 weeks. It's set to last for 3-4 weeks but everything just depends on what's going on with the weather etc. The green top of it will last all summer for me. It's set to last 6 months. The pool is only up for about 4 months. You can get test strips to test the water as well. I recommend buying the Flippin' Frog (whole piece) then buying the blue cartridges for refills. For whatever size of pool you get, you can figure out which frog you need. They have one that is Flippin Frog XL for over 5,000 gallon soft sided pools. For much more in depth information on chemicals for the pool..Go to King Technology. There are all types. The frog kits have a lower amount of chlorine in them so it makes the water safer to swim in. 
FYI, if you have a dog with long hair, you would do best to skim the hair out right after getting out of the pool.
skimmer

As for the filter inside the pump, you can buy a bunch of filters orrr....do like I do, take it out, clean it off real good with water hose and put it back in. You can do this every couple of weeks. Learning to use these tools have been a bit tricky for me but now I have it down on how to use these. Being this was my first pool, I am learning as I go. If in doubt, go to Youtube for videos. Cleaning isn't hard, just time consuming..which I don't want to do so I am looking for better options. And as I find them, I will post them here for you. If you have better options and know pools well, PLEASE shoot me an email and let me know how I can make this better and easier for all. The fittings for my pool and pump are 1-1/4 inch hoses. That is important as is the size of the pump.
​

 I found this little battery operated vacuum unit called Pool Blaster that I like. 
​
​I accidently ran across this vacuum and it looks so easy. Click image to go to it and also see a video on how it works. 

Update: I purchased this and I love it. It works really well. You DO NOT get a long handle extension and its about 3 ft maybe deep. So get an extra handle/rod for deeper pools. (Funny..the pole that comes with the above vacuum, worked with the bottom left vac.) This has a custom sized handle. Any pole handle will not work. 

Click images below to go to the product on Amazon......
Robotic Pool Vacuum

I have not tried this but, seems like it would be so much easier keeping the pool clean. This is one of many now out there you can purchase.


And here we are...in the pool. We TRY to get in 3 times a week..or every other day is best. During the winter time or when we don't have the pool up, we take short walks around the neighborhood. We walk in the pool, we hold on and float around together, and I get her to swim in basically one spot so she will kick her back legs..which she does not want to do. So I have to stick my finger between her paw pads to get her to push away or push against her foot giving her the feeling of pushing off. She's a stubborn girl so once she figures out what I am doing, I have to change it up. LOL Smart dogs!

I want to say, I purchased the 30 inch deep pool. You can do fine with one that is just deep enough for it to touch the top of the legs. The dog then can walk around the pool working their limbs. This will help the limbs, hips, and back. So this is very good and a safe exercise for your dog. I recommend water therapy every time.
I had a light bulb moment this week (4-2021). I wished I had of thought of this sooner. I had my 12 ft round pool (30 inches deep) set up and Sydney wouldn't kick her back feet when swimming. If I had of thought, I could have removed some of the water down to a level that it came to the top of her legs (or just above the outflow holes) so she could walk on her own but still in the water so then she would be forced to use her legs. Why I didn't think of this years ago is beyond me but I think it would work really well since she isn't a swimmer. So I recommend a bigger pool (for space to move around in) with less water and you can adjust it accordingly especially for larger dogs. Getting the dog out is up to you on the easiest way. I myself lifted her entire body up over rail of pool and onto a table or deck that was almost level with pool frame, then I crawled out to then moved her off of the table/deck from there. The only down side with lowering the water is..the pool filter can't work unless you keep the water JUST ABOVE the holes that suck the water into the filter pump. It has to be filled to at least above the outflow holes of the tubing for the filter. So that is something to take into consideration. May be a little work or..release water down to preferred level.

I do not recommend small kiddie pools (like the one below) for med/large dogs. 

Click on images to go to products

​

​Robarb R20154 Super Blue Clarifier 1-Quart Crystal Clear Pool Water Polisher

This will clear up cloudy water within hours. 

Does not replace your pool chemicals. This is an additive to clear the cloudiness. 
95 x 56 x 22 in
More Durable & Stable: Tear-proof materials and tight seams form a strong structure, 3 individual air chambers help the kiddie pool prevent air leakage and withstand extra weight so the kids pool is always ready for fun.
Easy to Inflate and cleanup: Quick set up in 3 minutes by electric pump (not included) and fast deflate via the efficient valves, the convenient drain plug helps to fill and empty as needed quickly.
Wear-resistant &Long Lasting: Made with 0. 42mm thickness matte wear-resistant and anti-UV materials, keep it on shape and fresh under the sunlight , prolongs the life span of the blow up pool.
Safe & Soft for kids: This inflatable pool is produced by Phthalate-free and lead-free PVC, Passed CPSIA, CPC and ASTM certification, safe for children.​

Must be on level ground

INTEX 6ft round and up -- 24 and 30 inches deep
would work for med/large dogs much better


Click image above to go to INTEX website. 

Need filter and all (set), click here. Filter set is a smaller filter. You may want to purchase pool then find the filter you want. I think the 530 Gph one will work as well as the 1000 Gph. 

​10 ft round here
Amazon offers 6, 10 and 12 ft round sizes available although check Intex site for price comparison.
Sometimes Amazon is cheaper and sometimes they are much higher. 

​
Different brand found here

Note: My opinion on inflatables. This is up to each individual but I myself don't care for the inflatables. They seem like more work (constantly putting air in top ring as it slowly will allow air to escape), must be completely level, can be unstable, and hope you don't get a leak in the top part or the whole pool water is gone. I am sticking with the metal frame and just build a table to get my dog up over into the pool due to her being a larger dog. Below is our NEW slightly smaller pool. 10 ft round and 30 inches deep. It's perfect. 
10 ft round
5-12-2022
Here is our new setup (above). IT'S PERFECT. The 12 foot pool is really big for my small yard. 2 feet makes a big difference. I had a tree removed a few months ago and the new pool (10 ft round, 30 inches deep) now sits in that spot. I purchased a 12x12 ft piece of artificial turf to go under it. The ground isn't exactly level but the metal frame holds up well and the floor is soft. No worries on any punctures. I am running my 1000gpm filter pump 2-3 hours a day. I had the solar blanket on it to get it to warm up faster since I JUST filled it 2 days ago. Well we are having some hot temps and that water was hot under that solar blanket..so tonight I have left it off and will check temps tomorrow. BUT the water was over 100 degrees which is a little warm. I turned on pump after removing the solar blanket and it cooled down really fast. It cooled down to around 93 degrees which was perfect. I got Diamond (my 13, almost 14 yr old dog with an enlarged heart and both torn ACL's within 6 months of each other) so we are starting water therapy. She kicks her back legs really well so this will work out great. This is her today, our first day of swimming. I love the life vest with the handles so I can hold her up on the front end to help keep her head up and so she doesn't get away from me. She hates the water. 

I hope this helps you to know how to start setting up a pool for your dog in need of help walking..no matter hat the injury or diagnosis with joint issues. 

Canine Arthritis And joint ©

12 mil solar cover for 8 ft

or find a Huge piece of bubble wrap. IT'S the same thing but a lighter mil (most likely 8 mil).

12 mil is thicker/heavier.

click image
This is cool and easier than trying to build a ramp..if your pool is big enough.
​There are others made and on Amazon so look around at different ones.
But this may just be a great alternative for building.