Pool: Can My Turtle Swim in It?
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Copyright by Valerie Haecky. This document may be freely 
distributed for non-profit use, provided this notice is
included.

Q: "Can I let my turtle swim in the swimming pool?"

A: The biggest problem with the pool is not the chlorine but the fact
that the pool is deep. Now, I have seen large cooters in Florida in
waters as deep as ten feet, but usually, smaller turtles stay in
shallower waters. Also, these turtles are fit.

In a deep pool, a turtle who is either too small or not fit enough
can drown trying to get to the top.

So, I would let the turtle into the pool, but I would supervise him,
at least in the beginning, to make sure he can handle it. Leave him
in for short times at first. Sliders swim well (you can't leave a mud
turtle in the pool, they can't handle that much swimming).

Since the level of chlorine in your pool, if maintained properly,
is not much more than in regular drinking water--yep; I was shocked to
find out about that when I tested the drinking water for the aquarium--it
is most likely harmless for the turtle, especially for intermittent
fun frolicking. I don't know of any studies done on this, I am just
extrapolating from common sense. 

Now, if you have small children
using the same pool, I would not let the turtle in there, unless I
shocked the pool afterwards. The turtle will defecate most likely and
leave goodies in the water. Now, this is probably more paranoia and
personal feelings about turtle "gifts" in the pool, but I thought I'd
mention it.

Personally, I would not want to share the pool with a turtle for the
same reason as I would not allow my children and turtles in the same 
pool.