Believe it or not, summer is just around the corner and what better way to enjoy it than by setting up a pool in your own garden? After a year of being unable to go on holiday or even head to the local leisure centre, many households have had to turn their own gardens into a fun-filled resort. Whether you’re looking for a small inflatable pool for little ones to splash around in, or you want a pool that’s big enough to be enjoyed by the whole family, we’ve got you covered this summer.
Let’s take a look at how you can get the most out of your pool this year!
- Stay safe
Once the pool is set up, your little ones will no doubt be clambering to dive in. It’s vital that children are always supervised when using a pool, regardless of their age. We all know how quickly toddlers can go from one side of the room to the other, so extra caution needs to be used when you add water into the mix! Let your kids know that unless a grown-up is around, they can’t be in the pool. This is also a great way to make sure that you’re also getting involved in the fun – best fetch the towels!
- Keep on top of cleaning
Whether you’ve bought a brand new pool or you’re digging out the one from the back of the garage, you should always clean it before use. Often it just needs a quick rinse to get rid of any dust or debris, however, if your swimming pool has stains or marks these can easily be removed with some soap and water.
- Avoid slip hazards!
The area around a swimming pool is guaranteed to become a splash zone, so you need to ensure it’s safe for you and your little ones to step on to. Either create a safe space using towels or bath mats or invest in a rubber mat to place underneath the pool before you fill it up.
- Know your levels
If you’ve ever bathed a baby or toddler, you will know that it’s important not to fill the bath too deep. For toddlers and under fives, a swimming pool is purely there for splashing around so it doesn’t need to be any more than 10cm deep. For a bigger family pool, you should use your youngest child as a guide for how deep the pool can be. Their chest and arms should always be above the waterline if they are sitting down, this helps reduce risk while also allowing you all to relax in the water.
- Refill the pool every day
Yes, every day! Although your swimming pool might not look dirty at the end of the day, you need to consider the amount of residue that will be in there after a day of fun in the sun. From natural oils from the body, to sun cream and dirt brought in on feet, your paddling pool will become a host to all sorts of bacteria. Plus, let’s face it – there’s a high chance younger children may have tried to get away with not visiting the toilet during their playtime! By emptying and refilling your pool you can enjoy fresh water and peace of mind each time you step into the water.
Safe playtime is fun playtime so why not make the most of the summer months and bring some paddling pool fun into your garden? At Outside Play we have a wide range of paddling pools to suit all ages. From inflatable baby paddling pools to XL above ground pools for the whole family, get ready to make a splash this year.