Here in Palm Springs, we love our swimming pools. They cool us off during our long, hot summers, bring family and friends together, and are often the centerpiece of our backyards.
When we think about pool safety, we naturally think about children and adults. We install fences, supervise swimmers, and take precautions around the water.
But how often do we stop to think about our pets?
According to my veterinarian, pool drowning is one of the leading causes of accidental death for dogs here in the desert. Whether or not you've heard that statistic before, it's a reminder that our pools can pose just as much of a danger to our four-legged family members as they do to people.
Many people assume that because dogs can swim, they'll be fine if they fall into a pool. Unfortunately, that's often not the case.
Senior dogs, especially those with arthritis, poor vision, hearing loss, or balance problems, can accidentally fall into the water. Once they're in, they frequently panic and swim along the edge of the pool, unable to find the steps or a way out. Eventually, they become exhausted, and the outcome can be tragic.
When I built my own pool, I tried to plan ahead. I designed a shallow shelf around the perimeter so that if one of my dogs ever fell in, they could swim to the side, stand on the shelf, and climb out.
But I forgot one important thing
The hot tub.
It didn't have the same safety shelf.
Sure enough, that's exactly where one of my dogs fell. Thankfully, I never let my dogs outside without me being in the yard, so I saw it happen and was able to rescue him immediately. Had I not been there, the story could have ended very differently.
Our pets aren't the only animals at risk.
Every summer, I've found squirrels, rodents, lizards, and other wildlife that apparently stopped by for a drink of water but couldn't get back out. In our desert climate, swimming pools often become an unintended water source for thirsty animals.
Fortunately, there are several easy ways to make your pool safer for both pets and wildlife.
Ways to Make Your Pool Safer
- Never leave pets outside unattended around a pool.
- Teach your dog how to find and use the pool steps.
- Install a pet or wildlife escape ramp, such as a floating "FrogLog" or similar device.
- If you're building or remodeling a pool, consider adding a Baja shelf or shallow ledge where animals can stand and exit safely.
- Consider raising the pool above the surrounding yard if you're building a new one, reducing the chance that an older dog accidentally wanders or falls into the water.
- Fence the pool separately if you have elderly or visually impaired pets.
- Keep fresh water available outdoors so wildlife is less tempted to drink from the pool.
- Periodically check your pool, especially in the morning, to make sure no wildlife has become trapped overnight.
Our pets depend on us to keep them safe. We spend a lot of time thinking about their food, veterinary care, and exercise—but pool safety often gets overlooked until it's too late.
A few simple changes can prevent a heartbreaking accident.
If you have a pool, take a fresh look at it today—not through your own eyes, but through the eyes of an aging dog or a thirsty little desert critter looking for a drink.
It might just save a life.
Whether you're buying a home with a resort-style backyard, selling a property with a beautiful pool, or looking for the perfect Palm Springs home for you and your pets, The Paul Kaplan Group is here to help. As longtime Palm Springs real estate experts, we understand the features that make desert living so special—including creating outdoor spaces that are both beautiful and safe. If you're considering buying or selling a home in Palm Springs, Palm Desert, Rancho Mirage, Cathedral City, or elsewhere in the Coachella Valley, we'd love to help you find the perfect fit.
