Set up your new kiddie pool
Kiddie pools are a fun, inexpensive way to entertain the kids in your backyard during warmer months. Generally made of plastic or vinyl and holding only a few feet of water, kiddie pools are a great way to get kids to enjoy being in the water. Kiddie pools are portable, simple to set up and can last for years with proper maintenance.
Types of kiddie pools
Hardshell plastic kiddie pools
Hardshell plastic kiddie pools are inexpensive, easy to use and perfect for young kids. On the flip side, they can be hard to store because they can’t be folded up, and they can be hard to purchase online since they’re bulky to ship. Further, if they crack, they can’t be repaired easily, if at all.
Inflatable kiddie pools
Inflatable kiddie pools are relatively easy to inflate and deflate, they fold small for storage,
they’re transportable and they come in a variety of styles. Unfortunately, they can be difficult to repair if they sustain a rip or tear, and if they aren’t dried properly prior to storing, they can become moldy.
Where to place your kiddie pool
Determine how much sun or shade your chosen spot will have. A shadier spot means your child’s risk of getting a sunburn is reduced.
Think about the type of surface you put your pool on. Placing a pool on the grass and then not moving it for some time usually results in a circle of dead grass. If you want to avoid this, try placing the pool on a cement slab or in an area where it can be moved.
Consider your water source. Kiddie pools are much easier to fill with an outdoor hose than by carrying water out from inside. Check on the length of your hose when deciding where to place your kiddie pool.
Setting up your kiddie pool
For a hardshell kiddie pool, just find a flat, open space to set the pool and fill it with water.
For an inflatable pool, start by inflating the pool. If the pool is small enough, you may be able to do it with your own breath. If it’s larger, you may want to purchase a hand pump. Then place it on an open, flat surface.
Be aware of the surface when placing an inflatable pool, as vinyl can easily rip. Be careful not to place the inflatable kiddie pool on wood chips or near branches or other objects that could potentially puncture the pool’s exterior. If you need to place your inflatable pool in a spot where it may come in contact with wood chips or branches, try putting down a tarp for a layer of protection.
Lengthen your kiddie pool’s lifespan
Taking good care of your kiddie pool means it should last you longer than one summer. To ensure your kiddie pool stays in great shape, follow these tips:
Clean the pool every few weeks with a combination of bleach and water.
Check the pool regularly for debris or bugs and clean it out.
Change out the water frequently during the summer to prevent an accumulation of bacteria or other harmful organisms.
Before you put the pool away, let it dry completely. Putting a pool away wet can lead to dangerous mold.
Best kiddie pools
Best for family fun
Madaxy Inflatable Pool: available at Amazon
This spacious pool is easy to inflate and is large enough to accommodate multiple adults and kids for family fun in your own backyard.
Best kids’ inflatable play center
Intex Dinosaur Inflatable Play Center: available at Amazon
If your children need a variety of activities to keep them engaged, this is the right buy for you. An inflatable slide, spraying palm tree and a large hippo with an open mouth give your kids lots of chances for creative play in the water.
Best Instagram-worthy kiddie pool
Funfeed Inflatable Flamingo Kiddie Pool: available at Amazon
Your animal-loving kid is sure to get a kick out of this large pink flamingo pool. Let your child splash and play in a pool worthy of lots of pictures.
Best kiddie pool for young kids
Joyin Inflatable Rainbow Kiddie Pools: available at Amazon
This purchase comes with two kiddie pools for a low price, so if something happens to one, you have a backup.
Stephanie Jarrett is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
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