PARENTS of a small town have been left furious after the local leisure centre revealed it is letting dogs swim in the outdoor pool.
Hemel Hempstead Leisure Centre named the initiative Doggy Splash, whereby dogs are allowed to swim freely in the town’s only public outdoor swimming pool.
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Hemel Hempstead Leisure Centre has received backlash for letting dogs use its outdoor pool Credit: Hemel Hempstead Leisure Centre 3
It is the second year the centre has run the event, named Doggy Splash Credit: Hemel Hempstead Leisure Centre
It is the second year the centre, managed by Everyone Active, has run the event following a successful pilot last year.
Fuming parents have called the initiative “disgusting”, claiming the water will be made “unhygienic” from pet hair and urine.
“I’m not taking my kids there ever again,” a mum-of-three, who asked to remain anonymous, said.
“I even have a dog and wouldn’t dream of taking him there. The thought of all the hair malting and dogs peeing in the pool is grim.
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“Surely the chemicals in the pool can’t be good for the dogs either.”
A Facebook post about the Doggy Splash sessions, due to take place across a weekend at the end of September in the Hertfordshire town, attracted backlash.
“It’ll be great fun for the people who use the pool after a load of dogs have p*****d in it and hair everywhere,” one critic said. “Terrible idea for a quick buck.
“I understand there are dog owners who would love the thought, but go to the stream or something - not a swimming pool.
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“How unhygienic.”
“Dog p**s everywhere, lovely,” another penned.
Others were shocked by the high profile event when they often struggle to book in for a human swim session, including one mum who is rarely able to take her one-year-old swimming in the local pool.
“It’s hard enough trying to find a time that the pool is open as a human paying member,” someone else added.
“What a joke.”
Despite the backlash, over 500 dog owners have expressed interest in the event’s Facebook page.
Organisers said that phones have been “extremely busy” since they announced the pool will be open to pooches on September 23 and 24.
A “doggy swim” waiver created by Hemel Hempstead Leisure Centre states that owners are responsible for cleaning up toilet trips and putting waste in the “bins provided”.
Signing the waiver means owners “agree to remain within sight and hearing of their pet(s) at all times and understand that their pet(s) must be under control at all times”.
“I understand that if my dog becomes out of control, shows any signs of aggression toward dogs or people, or is otherwise causing concern, or if I fail to pick up my dog’s waste, I will be asked to put my pet(s) on a lead and leave the event, and that no refund will be made,” the waiver reads.
Everyone Active told The Sun that there is no hygiene risk to human swimmers as the outdoor pool will be closed for winter following the Doggy Splash sessions.
“We’re excited to see the return of our very popular Doggy Splash sessions, following its huge success last year and the fantastic feedback we received," area contract manager Steve Cox said.
"The chemical levels in the outdoor pool are safe for dogs and swimming in a pool is safer for dogs than canals and rivers, so local dog owners love the opportunity to enjoy a splash about with their furry friends.
“The sessions run later in the season, when all public swimming sessions are finished, and the outdoor pool is closed for the winter period.
"At the end of the Doggy Splash sessions, a strict cleaning procedure is followed. This includes filtering and cleaning the pool and ensuring all areas surrounding the poolside are thoroughly disinfected.
"This process follows health and safety guidelines, and the outdoor pool area is then decommissioned for the season.
Dr Ian Cater, whose dog was a test subject for the first event last year, gave Doggy Splash a glowing review on behalf of his black Labrador, Oakley.
"Oakley was one of the first dogs to trial the sessions last year and he absolutely loved it," he said.
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"It’s a trend that’s starting to pop up all over the UK and I thoroughly agree with it.
"It’s a great way to safely have fun with your dog in the water and brings a lot of joy to both the owner and dog.”
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Hemel Hempstead Leisure Centre's outdoor pool will be closed for winter following the Doggy Splash sessions Credit: Visit Herts