Maybe you have a chlorine pool, or just curious about Iguanas swimming capabilities. Either way, I am going to cure your curiosity and explain if the back garden pool is a viable option for your Iguana.<\/p>\n
Now that you know that they can swim in the pool. Let me also explain, exactly what chlorine is, and how it was used negatively in the past. Precautions you should take before even thinking about letting them in the pool. How Iguanas swim so well, and much more. Keep reading.<\/p>\n
Precautions for swimming in chlorine pools<\/h2>\n
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As discussed, many keepers have had success with their Iguanas in their swimming pools. For example, according to a member of this forum<\/a>, he has been allowing his Iguana to swim in these pools for 13 years, without issues.<\/p>\n As a precaution, it is recommended to make sure that the chlorine has not been recently added. This will help to reduce the exposure to your lizard. Instead, let the chlorine settle. Are you with me?<\/p>\n With all this talk about this chemical in pools, forgive me, let me clarify exactly what Chlorine actually is.<\/p>\n According to Wikipedia<\/a>, it is a chemical element. It has a chemical symbol of CI and an atomic number of 17. Also, it has a yellowish\/green color at room temperature<\/a>.<\/p>\n You may not know this, but it is actually used as an ingredient in manufacturing many different products. I say this because most of us assume that it is only used in swimming pools<\/a>, right?<\/p>\n One interesting fact about chlorine, it was actually used in world war I for chemical warfare. This is because used at high concentrations it is known to be very dangerous. And this is especially true around animals and other living things.<\/p>\n If you are curious about Iguanas swimming. You may have heard, or wondered about the Marine Iguana. This makes sense because it is an excellent swimmer.<\/p>\n The Marine Iguana is a resident of the Galapagos Islands. They are so good in the water they are regarded as marine animals. At a glimpse, they look roughly the same size as a Green Iguana (What Can I Use for Iguana Bedding? Click here<\/a>) but they are slightly smaller. To be precise, they typically grow up to about four feet.<\/p>\n As discussed, they are excellent swimmers (could they drown? click here)<\/a>. It’s quite deceiving because at a quick glance they do not look like natural swimmers. Why? Because they look like they have the incorrect build for it, know what I mean? Never the less, they are great swimmers and divers.<\/p>\n When I say good divers, its a bit of an understatement, to be honest. Why? Because these “bad boys” can stay underwater for up to one hour. But, this is not their average though, it’s more of an extreme. They typically spend 5-10 minute stints under the water.<\/p>\n Earlier I mentioned that at first glance, they do not look like natural swimmers, right? Remember? Well, I am guessing you may be wondering how they physically swim based on this remark. Good question, let me explain…<\/p>\n Firstly, they have strong tails that are great for propelling them through the water. Ideal for swimming. Their feet are also impressive, for swimming I mean. They are big and have webs that use to push and glide through the water.<\/p>\n They love Algae, so they are known to dive down to up to 32 feet deep. However, on a day-to-day basis, they are not consistently swimming, this would be tiring. Some of this time is spent floating, to give their limbs a break.<\/p>\n Also, worth noting they also very comfortable walking on land as well. Meaning they have the best of both worlds, which is an ideal quality to have.<\/p>\n In this section, I am going to answer some questions related to Iguanas and swimming. If you feel that you have some extra questions, that have not been answered, then feel free to drop me a comment below.<\/p>\n According to this site<\/a>, you should be doing this once a week, at least. However, you may be thinking “Why do I even need to do this?”. Good question, let me explain…<\/p>\n Firstly, this is no reflection on their general hygiene or smell for that matter. Iguanas are not actually smelly. The main issue is with lizard keepers that neglect to keep them clean.<\/p>\n The reason for this bathing is for a few reasons:<\/p>\n Keeping them clean and maintained is obvious, but maybe shedding isn’t. The reason for this is, the water will help to make the shedding process easier and fewer chances of problems for your lizard, are you with me?<\/p>\n Also, exercise is another unexpected benefit maybe. Well, this water can help to keep them exercised as they play or swim in the water.<\/p>\n One word of warning though. there is a chance that your Iguana might defecate in the water. Why? Well, to be honest, its relaxing for them. If they have been holding one in for a while, the water will naturally ease it out f them.<\/p>\n Do not be alarmed, this is natural and you can easily clean this up and replace the water. Just a warning.<\/p>\nWhat is Chlorine?<\/h2>\n
Interesting Fact.<\/h4>\n
Are Marine iguanas good swimmers?<\/h2>\n
What is a Marine Iguana?<\/h3>\n
Swimming Ability<\/h3>\n
How do these Iguana’s actually Swim (Physically)?<\/h2>\n
Big Boy Tails!<\/h3>\n
Related Questions:<\/h2>\n
Q: How often should you bathe your iguana?<\/h3>\n
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Water “Accidents”<\/h4>\n
Q: Do iguanas breathe underwater?<\/h3>\n