When the temperature rises, so too does interest in kiddie pools, that summer staple in backyards everywhere. Kiddie pools give your little ones a great place to splash, play and stay cool on scorching hot summer days. Generally made of hard plastic or inflatable vinyl, these above-ground pools are usually less than 3 feet deep and hold several inches to several thousand gallons of water. But don't be fooled by their small size; your children need as much supervision in kiddie pools as in any other type of water. To be ultra safe, the pool should be fenced in with a locking gate and pool alarms and coverings should be installed. Also, unlike professionally maintained pools, kiddie pools are installed and cared for by their owners.
What to Look for
Think about how much care you want to give the pool. If you have minimal time and space, and if your children are very young, opt for a small, shallow, lightweight pool that you can easily tip to drain after each use. If your children are able to stand in a few feet of water, you might like a roomier and deeper inflatable pool (an electric air pump will help you inflate it in minutes). If you don't plan on emptying the pool after each use (and you'll be using hundreds if not thousands of gallons of water in larger-size pools if you do), then invest in a pump and filter that will circulate the water. (Standing water is a breeding ground for mold, algae and other organisms.) Also get a test kit that measures chlorine and Ph levels, and then the necessary chemicals needed to ensure clean water, such as chlorine and algicide. A pool cover to keep out bugs and leaves (a kid-proof one is even better) is also essential for when the pool is not in use.
Common Pitfalls
Bigger is not necessarily better. Shallow kiddie pools are perfect for cooling off an infant or toddler and have the added bonus of being portable, which means that you can move them to the shade or over to Grandma's house when you visit. Bigger pools are fine, but they require more maintenance. And don't expect the grass underneath the pool to return to normal anytime soon after your drain and dismantle the pool. Nothing like lack of sun and a few thousands pounds of water and jumping kids to kill off what lies beneath the pool.
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