Dogs in pools?

[froggie71]

We own a house that we rent out to a family that owns a dog. Our house has a pool. We have a property manager that takes care of the rent and hold the contract etc., but my dad who lives nearby (they do not know he is related to us) takes care of cutting the grass and pool maintainance. He just brought to my attention that he has had to clean the pool filter much more than necessary as it is clogged with hair. He believes they are letting the dog swim in the pool. I have never had a pool before and my dogs would not swim in one. My understanding is that the dog hair will burn the pool filter out. Anyone let their dog swim in their pool? Any suggestions? What would you do if you found out your tenants were allowing their dog in the pool?

 

[SourRoses]

Well... hmmm....

I've had a dog in the past that LOVED to swim, and frankly was quite hard to keep him out of water... (he thought just the hose was an amazing miracle and would do the JRT broing broing broing at the water biting it), it would have been harder than keeping the other JRT away from her tennis balls, LOL.

It's probably a lot of fun for them if they have kids.

I'm thinking... maybe some pre-screening material would help? Like window screen or some wire mesh or something?

With an issue that was never expressly forbid... I would try to find an amicable way to deal with it. Maybe simply ask them to check the filter themselves when the dog has been in the pool?

As I doubt it was in the lease, "no dogs in pool", and probably not in the pool sign-age (?), I don't think you have any immediate legal recourse... however, if it actually does do damage (despite your normally scheduled cleanings being documented), when the renters move out you could deduct the replacement or repair from the deposit?


I'd be a little careful of the issue with your dad and them. I'm sure if he is doing what he was contracted to do, all will be fine.... but if you ever end up in court for some reason, and it comes out that your father was acting as your agent and crossed the boundary lines of the tenant/landlord relationship (like entering a house without due notice) you could get in trouble.

Not saying that's happening.... but it just came to mind, as we were in a position once, as tenants with a landlord whos boyfriend would not stop using her key to enter our home illegally. As long as the tenants are in residence, they have rights to privacy.

 

[kstaven]

My last house had an in-ground pool and the dogs swam laps with me daily for years. Two bouviers and they have a very heavy coat. The only reason you would burn out anything is if the filter isn't backwashed on a regular schedule the way it should be. Tanning lotions and body lotions are much harder on the systems than anything. It builds up and gums the sand.

There is supposed to be a filter basket in the skimmer also. Make sure it is there and in good condition.

 

[froggie71]

Quote:
No my dad would never enter the residence. There is a separate shed on the property that is for the use of "the maintainence guy" and is off limits to the tenets. He only does what he is supposed to do, but he reports to me (actually to my mother) if he sees any problems. That being said, I'll have to have him check on the schedule of the filter backwash, but he personally added a filter basket to skimmer. He just had to put algaecide in the pool as it was turning green and he checks the pool weekly. Looks like we will have to do more research and have a chat with the property manager as well. Thanks for the input so far.

 

[dainerra]

If it wasn't in the rules, then it's not against the rules

Of course, you can bring it to the attention of the property manager and ask them to talk to the tenets, but like someone else said, dogs swim in pools all the time. I'd be more worried that too much chlorine is bad for their coat than that it would wreck the pool. Lotions are other "people refuse" are harder on the filter. Plus, dog hair can get in there even if the dog never touches the water. If they groom the dog in the back yard, then the hair can blow into the pool. If the dog's favorite place to lay down is in the area, then the hair is going to get in the pool. If the owners are wet and pet the dog, hair is going to stick to the people. etc etc etc

Honestly, there are bigger dog hair worries in a rental house than hair in the pool. I would just be sure to keep up maintenance and keep the pre-filter cleaned.

 

[froggie71]

Quote:
Good points! Thanks for pointing all of that out. Like I said, I've never had a pool and really don't know what to expect. I also know my dogs won't swim in a pool as they are sissys.

 

[Hens & Hounds]

Doesn;t the skimmer basket catch the hair? Dogs have been swimming in pools since pools were invented don't see why there would be a problem, but since it's a rental prop that makes it a total diff story. If its no dogs allowed then that's a regulation that should be abided by. Maybe I missed something, is this in NJ? Aren't most pools covered by now?? It's cold out there!

 

[froggie71]

Hens & Hounds :

Doesn;t the skimmer basket catch the hair? Dogs have been swimming in pools since pools were invented don't see why there would be a problem, but since it's a rental prop that makes it a total diff story. If its no dogs allowed then that's a regulation that should be abided by. Maybe I missed something, is this in NJ? Aren't most pools covered by now?? It's cold out there!

Well if the pool was in NJ then the pool would be covered, but this is in FL.

I don't believe the agreement says no dogs in pool ( I didn't write it up, my hubby did with the property manager) I know if there are damages, they have to pay. Since my parents are not animal people this probably bothers them more because of it and if it is becoming too much work for my dad then perhaps we will have to look into having someone else take care of the property.​

 

[Hens & Hounds]

Quote:
Well if the pool was in NJ then the pool would be covered, but this is in FL.

I don't believe the agreement says no dogs in pool ( I didn't write it up, my hubby did with the property manager) I know if there are damages, they have to pay. Since my parents are not animal people this probably bothers them more because of it and if it is becoming too much work for my dad then perhaps we will have to look into having someone else take care of the property.

Ahh I see! So maybe some kind of amendment can be added to the agreement & also a sign made by the pool entrance?
I guess we all have to remember that everyone is not a dog lover & as much as hair in pool would not bother me it is unfair to others who either have allergies or just do not like dogs for whatever reason....I think this is why there are so many bylaws w/ places that have a HOA (home owners association) to make sure everyone abides by rules to make it a more pleasant place for everyone to live, huh?
By the way, I sure wish I was in FL w/ my 2 sisters right now....it's cold here & windy *sigh* I hate winter........

 

[dewey]

Quote:
Our family has several residential rental properties, and properties with pools typically have a pool clause as part of the lease contract, with no pets allowed in the pools being fairly standard. Even if the dogs don't swim, hair still ends up in the pool if the dogs are outside a lot. The filter socks will catch a lot of the hair but those need cleaned each day or they'll cause issues faster than hair will. Their use is not really feasible for rentals unless the tenants clean them each day...which could be one of their requirements in the pool clause, along with daily skimming, etc., but it's a huge chance to take. Some tenants are really responsible and respectful while others would not be so careful. It's why so many property owners skip the pet issues altogether by having a no-pets policy.

The family's private pools allow dogs on occasion.

But with restricted access (fencing) and cleaning thoroughly immediately after use, along with daily upkeep.

Hoping your lease contract outlines everything so you can know what steps might be an option at this point.