Expert: Manish J.Joshi - 7/1/2009

Question
I have just finished putting in a cement pool for my dogs.  I know spoiled or what?  We have 2 newfs a great Pyrenees, golden and 3 Brittany's.  We live in SE Kansas.  The pool is small and fed by rain water.  I have a sand filter.  

I have 2 questions:
1.  To keep the pool clean I will need to use chemicals, however I need some guidance on what levels of what do i use and will i thurt the dogs.

2.  What is the proper maintenance for the winter shutdown.  Water in or out cover or not  etc.

Thank You very much for your time

Frank

Answer
Well chlorine can affect the dog if drinks swimming pool water and can also affect the eyes. So keep minimum levels
If it is exclusively for dogs eliminate chlorine and go alternate disinfectant viz. U.V or Ozone
First balance the pH, Calcium hardness, alkainity
Lower the water level by 18" (Eighteen inches) drain the skimmer, filter
and shock the pools with chlorine then add algaecides
Cover it up