5+ Dog Swimming Spots in Salt Lake City, UT [Pools & More]

Thinking of taking your dog swimming? Around Salt Lake City, pet parents have a mix of options, from indoor dog pools to off-leash parks with creek access and nearby reservoirs. The swimming spots in SLC can help your pup get some fun exercise or cool down during warmer months. Some indoor pools are even heated for year-round use.

This Sploot Vets guide dives into the best dog-friendly swimming spots in and around Salt Lake City.

A. Dog Swimming Pools in Salt Lake City, UT

Indoor dog pools are typically the safest swimming spots for dogs. These pools are controlled environments where your dog can learn or practice swimming. Additionally, most establishments in Salt Lake City (or nearby) also offer staff assistance or supervision, adding a layer of safety to your dog’s swimming session. This is the best option for beginners or dogs that aren’t strong swimmers.

1. DogMode

• Location: 4030 South Howick St, Salt Lake City, Utah
• Highlights: temperature-controlled; indoor saltwater dog pool in Salt Lake City; dock diving facilities; also offers dog boarding and daycare

Established in 1999, DogMode is a dog boarding and dog daycare facility in Milcreek, known for their top-rated services and spacious indoor saltwater dog pool. Their aquatic fitness center for dogs features a temperature-controlled indoor pool for your pup’s comfort and has a 40-foot dock for diving practice. Dock diving training is also available upon request.*

If you’d like to bring your dog to DogMode, make sure that they are current on required vaccines. In addition, all dogs need to complete a swim orientation before participating in other dog pool services.

^{*Inclusions to dog swimming services and facilities may change; make sure to contact the establishment before your visit.}

2. Unleashed Dog Hotel

• Location: 5241 Commerce Dr, Murray, UT
• Highlights: indoor dog pool; access to the pool is under daycare or boarding services; also offers grooming services

Unleashed Dog Hotel offers boarding, daycare, and grooming services in Murray, Utah, just 10 to 20 minutes away from Salt Lake City. Along with other awesome play facilities, they have a bone-shaped indoor dog pool where dogs can splash around and have fun. Even dogs that aren’t experienced swimmers can cool off in the dog pool’s shallow, belly-level water.*

Whether you sign your dog up for daycare or a luxurious dog boarding overnight stay, you can include private pool sessions as an additional service.* As with other dog boarding services in Salt Lake City, it’s always best to confirm the needed dog vaccines, plus other requirements for new clients.’

^{*Inclusions to dog swimming services and facilities may change; make sure to contact the establishment before your visit.}

3. Sea Dogz

• Location: 840 W 24th St, Ogden, UT
• Highlights: indoor dog pool near Salt Lake City; dock diving facilities; also offers training, daycare, and boarding

Located north of Salt Lake City, Sea Dogz is widely known for their aquatic facilities for dogs, along with training, daycare, and boarding services. While this establishment is half an hour’s drive from Salt Lake City, it may still be worth checking out, especially for SLC pet parents visiting the city of Ogden with their pup.

Sea Dogs offers both pool reservations and staff-assisted dog swimming packages, including private swims, puppy swim lessons, and dock diving lessons.* If you’re thinking of visiting Sea Dogz with your pup, check the requirements or contact them in advance for more information.

^{*Inclusions to dog swimming services and facilities may change; make sure to contact the establishment before your visit.}

→ Pro-tip: most of the above establishments require a set of dog vaccinations. Get your dog’s vaccines updated, along with a wellness exam and personalized swimming safety tips at Sploot today! Book your appointment here or check out our full–service, Fear Free Salt Lake City vet clinic.

B. Other Dog Swimming Spots in Salt Lake City, UT

While there are multiple indoor dog pools in Salt Lake City, there are also swimming spots in outdoor areas. These are particularly appealing to pet parents during the warmer months. However, pet parents need to be aware of extra safety measures needed for outdoor swimming.

4. Parley’s Creek via Parley’s Historic Nature Park / Tanner Park

• Location: 2672 Heritage Way, Salt Lake City, UT
• Highlights: dog off-leash area, creek access, has seasonal risks

Parley’s Historic Nature Park is a well-known destination for hiking, jogging, picnicking, and spending quality time with your pup. Along with a dog-friendly SLC trail that features stunning mountain views and greenery, the park also has off-leash areas where dogs can run, play, and wade in the creek. The natural creek that runs through the park is shallow and great for cooling off during warmer months. Parley’s Historic Nature Park has two water access points.*

Along with looking up the most recent advisories about the creek, here are some safety notes about Parley’s Creek to remember:

1. If the creek is moving too fast, this can be due to runoff from melting snow or heavy rain. These conditions are not safe for dogs (or even people). 
2. If the water is flowing very slowly and is subjected to high ambient heat (such as in late summer), it may harbor more bacteria or algal blooms. These may not be the best conditions for your dog to swim.
3. In any season, going to Parley’s Creek’s tunnel or “the tube” with a dog is NOT recommended. This area also poses risks for people.

^{*Water access is subject to seasonal changes, park policy changes, and closure advisories. Make sure to check with the dog park in advance or look at recent reviews from visitors.}

5. Willow Creek Dog Park Pond (in Willow Creek Park)

• Location: 4460 Split Rail Ln, Park City, UT
• Highlights: dog off-leash area, dog pond, has a floating dock, has seasonal risks

Situated around 30 minutes from Salt Lake City, Willow Creek Dog Park (in Willow Creek Park) is a fenced area with over 24,000 square feet of grass where dogs can run and play. The scenic 30-minute drive to this park’s dog park leads you and your pup to a natural oasis farther away from the city, with great mountain views and an agility course.

Adjacent to the dog park is the Willow Creek Park Pond, which is open seasonally to allow dogs to have a refreshing dip. The pond also has a floating dock, which dogs can use to jump in the water.*

As always, we recommend looking up the most recent advisories before going. Additionally, here are a few notes about Willow Creek Park Pond:

1. The pond is for dogs, and people are generally NOT allowed to swim.
2. The pond is shallow at its entry point, allowing dogs to wade in belly-deep water; however, the pond is deeper in the center. If your dog is not a confident swimmer, you can start them off with swimming lessons at an indoor dog pool.
3. The pond’s depth may vary and is not a controlled environment like an indoor pool. For added safety, if your dog will use the dock, use it for moderate jumps only. AVOID encouraging your dog to do high, vertical, or competitive-style jumps.
4. Ponds are generally more prone to algal blooms because the water is slower-moving than in creeks or rivers. Therefore, always check for recent advisories, especially about algal blooms, as these can be toxic to pets.

^{*Water access is subject to seasonal changes, park policy changes, and closure advisories. Make sure to check with the dog park in advance or look at recent reviews from visitors.}

Note: This same pond can freeze over during winter, and it is turned into an ice skating rink loved by locals and visitors alike. However, dogs are NOT allowed on the ice.

6. Jordanelle Reservoir in Jordanelle State Park

• Location: 515 UT-319, Heber City, UT
• Highlights: dog-friendly reservoir near Salt Lake City; open water; has seasonal risks

Located in Wasatch County, around 40 minutes from Salt Lake City, Jordanelle State Park is a popular destination for picnicking, camping, fishing, swimming, boating, kayaking, and more. Plus, you can bring your dog along in some of the park’s locations, including some of the cabins and Jordanelle Reservoir.*

Both people and dogs are allowed to swim in the reservoir, which is fed by the Provo River. And while dogs need to be leashed on the beach, they are allowed to swim off-leash in the reservoir.*

If you’re looking to take your dog for a swim at Jordanelle Reservoir, we recommend checking out the latest advisories from the official Jordanelle State Park website. Plus, here are some additional safety notes to remember:

1. For safety, swim near the shoreline and in wakeless areas. Plus, in open water, both people and dogs are generally safer wearing life jackets (including dogs that are strong swimmers).
2. Only let your dog off-leash if they have reliable recall. The reservoir’s surface is over 3000 square feet, not counting the beach. It may NOT be safe for dogs that are prone to wandering. 
3. It is important to consider your dog’s overall health, swimming ability, and comfort in the water, even if they will wear a life jacket. The reservoir has a depth ranging from 1 to 5 feet near the shore to 290+ feet at its deepest parts. 
4. Reservoirs can be prone to algal blooms too, especially during warm weather. Therefore, always check for recent algal bloom advisories for safety.

^{*Water access is subject to seasonal changes, park policy changes, and closure advisories. Make sure to check with the dog park in advance or look at recent reviews from visitors.}

→ Looking to explore dog-friendly swimming spots in dog parks and state parks? Make sure that your dog is protected with updated core canine vaccines (including Leptospirosis), plus updated vet-recommended preventatives for heartworm, ticks, and fleas! Book an appointment at Sploot’s SLC dog vet clinic today!

C. Dog Swimming Checklist for Salt Lake City Pet Parents

Ready to take your dog swimming in Salt Lake City? We provided some helpful, location-specific reminders in the above sections. Here is a full checklist for a fun and safe swimming trip with your dog:

Before Your Dog’s Swimming Trip

1. Make sure your dog is up to date on needed dog vaccines for Salt Lake City, heartworm prevention, and flea/tick prevention.
2. Schedule a vet visit before your trip to confirm your dog is healthy enough to swim and get personalized safety tips.
3. Help your dog get comfortable in the water beforehand by enrolling them in swimming lessons. Note: Some breeds, including flat-faced dogs, may struggle to swim due to their body structure.
4. Check for algal bloom advisories before your trip, as some blooms can be highly toxic to dogs.
5. Use only designated dog swimming areas, and confirm where they are before driving out.
6. Don’t let your dog swim if they have cuts, wounds, or irritated skin.

During & After Swimming:

1. Always supervise your dog while they swim, and offer fresh water breaks every 15 to 20 minutes. Don’t let them drink from pools, creeks, ponds, or reservoirs.
2. To help reduce the risk of bloating in dogs, wait at least 1 hour after your dog eats before letting them swim.
3. Rinse or bathe your dog after swimming, and clean their ears with a vet-approved dog ear cleaner to help prevent swimmer’s ear and dog ear infections.

Sploot Vets: Your Full-Service Vet Clinic in Salt Lake City

Before going for a swim, schedule a quick wellness exam to make sure that your dog is in great shape for swimming. If you’re looking for next-level, all-in-one veterinary care that addresses more than 95 percent of your dog’s needs, Sploot could be the best vet clinic in Salt Lake City for you.

We offer full-service veterinary care, with primary care, urgent care, and emergency vet services all under one woof™! Plus, our Salt Lake City vet clinic offers a Fear Free experience that your dog will love.

Our doors are open 365 days a year! Easily book your vet visit online or through our Sploot Vets app.

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