Barry Bartakovits Custom Pools Yes/No

Keep Your Best Friend Safe

If you have a pool, you'll want the whole family, including the dog, to enjoy it. But a dog doesn't necessarily know how to swim instinctively. Don't assume that the dog is any more safe in the water than your children. Here are a few tips for keeping your family's loyal companion safe around the water:

1. Teach your dog to swim. When possible, train your dog to swim. If you aren't comfortable with this task, enlist the help of a dog trainer. They are more than equipped to handle your pooch's fear of water and teach him or her a few swimming basics.
2. Invest in a dog life vest. Life vests and life jackets are perfect for the dog that will never be a great swimmer. They provide extra buoyancy and a dash of bright colors so that your dog can stay afloat and remain highly visible. Just don't rely on the life vest so much that you leave your dog unattended.
3. Take care with older dogs. Senior dogs are more likely to suffer from arthritis, vision loss, seizures and a host of other health issues that may require your special attention around the pool or prohibit them from swimming altogether. Confirm with your veterinarian if your dog is healthy enough to swim in the pool.
4. Learn dog CPR. Being able to properly administer artificial respiration and CPR on a dog is vital should your dog accidentally be submersed. Some animal organizations and shelters even offer classes on the proper techniques.
5. Fence your pool. A pool fence or enclosure is a great option if you are unable to supervise a dog that spends most, if not all, his or her time in the yard. If you aren't a big fan of enclosing your pool with unseemly posts and metal bars, consider using an "invisible" fence. Invisible, or underground, fencing enables you to keep your pool looking spectacular without sacrificing your dog's safety.

At Barry Bartakovits Custom Pools, our people make the difference. Our team is comprised of eighteen experienced employees - four are PA State certified pool operators and our retail store is a licensed PA state certified chemical applicator. Our in-house team will work tirelessly to provide you with top-of-the-line service, before, during and after the sale of your new outdoor living space. Having just celebrated our 40th year in business, we are proud of the numerous prestigious awards we have received from the Northeast Spa & Pool Association (NESPA), the Association of Pool and Spa Professionals (APSP), Penn Jersey Pool & Spa Association, and the Lehigh Valley Builders Association. For more information, call us at 610) 691-7665 or visit http://www.custompoolsbybarry.com/.