Keep the Pool Happy: Why Pet Hair Doesn’t Belong in Your Skimmers and Filter Pump
At Nova Pool Care, LLC, we love pets as much as we love pristine pools. Whether it’s a Labrador leaping joyfully into the deep end or a curious cat pawing at the water’s edge, we’ve seen firsthand how our furry friends can bring life, laughter, and love to the backyard oasis. We get it — your pet is part of the family. But just like we wouldn’t let a family member toss a blanket into the skimmer, we have to talk about the sneaky troublemaker in your pool system: pet hair.
We know it sounds harmless. What damage could a little fluff really do? But here's the truth: pet hair, especially from heavy shedders like golden retrievers or huskies, can wreak havoc on your pool’s delicate balance and mechanical systems.
A Hairy Problem You Can’t Ignore
When your pet takes a dip, it’s not just a splash that they leave behind. Pet hair naturally begins to float and circulate through the pool. Some of it will get trapped in the skimmer baskets, which is exactly what those baskets are for — to catch debris before it gets sucked into the pump. But pet hair clumps quickly, and it’s notorious for overwhelming these systems faster than leaves or bugs.
Once those skimmers are clogged, the flow of water through the filtration system is restricted. And when the pump isn’t getting the water it needs to move efficiently, it’s forced to work harder. That puts unnecessary stress on the motor, which leads to higher energy bills, reduced pump lifespan, and — in worst-case scenarios — a complete burnout of the equipment.
We’ve seen pumps die prematurely just because of what started as a little fluff in the basket.
From Skimmer to Filter — A Chain Reaction
When the pet hair doesn’t get stopped by the skimmers (or when the baskets are neglected), it continues down the line to the filter. Here, it binds with other organic materials and forms dense mats that choke the filter media. Over time, this reduces the filter’s efficiency and forces you to backwash or clean it far more frequently than normal. That’s more maintenance, more cost, and more time away from simply enjoying your pool.
If the filter becomes too congested, you might even find yourself dealing with cloudy water, poor circulation, and even algae blooms. All because of pet hair. It seems small — until it isn’t.
Nova Pool Care: Pool Experts Who Love Pets
At Nova Pool Care, we’re not just experts — we’re animal lovers. We’ve designed our pool care services with both the people and the pets in mind. We understand how special those summer splashes with your dog can be. They’re moments of joy, bonding, and pure fun. But we also believe in protecting your pool investment with the same level of care and love.
We use our years of experience (and a whole lot of hands-on poolside time) to ensure that your equipment runs smoothly, efficiently, and safely. That’s why we strongly encourage all pet owners to check and clean their skimmer baskets more frequently if your pets are swimming. It’s a simple act that can save you hundreds in repairs.
So, What Can You Do?
Brush your pet before swim time. A quick grooming session can reduce the amount of loose hair that ends up in the water.
Use a pool-specific hair trap in the skimmer or a pet hair sock to catch debris before it clogs your system.
Inspect your skimmer baskets daily if your pet swims often.
Schedule regular maintenance with a professional (that’s us!) to keep filters and pumps in peak condition.
We’ll always support your pets enjoying the pool — we just want to make sure your pool enjoys it too.
Let’s keep both your pup and your pump happy. Contact Nova Pool Care today, and let us help you protect your pool from pet hair headaches — with the care, compassion, and professionalism you deserve.
