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Here are eight tips to keep your kiddie pool clean, both while it’s in use and when it’s in storage, so your kids can safely enjoy water fun all summer long.
A kiddie pool in the backyard provides endless summer fun for little ones, but keeping it clean is a crucial part of pool ownership that’s often overlooked.
As someone who has managed multiple inflatable pools and splash pads over the years, I’ve learned firsthand just how important regular maintenance is for these backyard favorites.
A lot of factors impact how maintenance-heavy a kiddie pool is going to be, for example:
- Size of the pool
- How often is it going to be used
- How many kids are going to use it
- Surroundings of the pool (i.e. trees)
- How the pool will be stored
Below are eight tips that have worked well for me to keep a kiddie pool clean. Don’t feel like you have to try them all, as every pool is different!
1. Empty the Pool Regularly
Unlike larger pools, kiddie pools are small enough to empty between uses. I recommend draining them regularly, and you can put that water to good use on your garden plants.
Heat and sunlight make pools a magnet for dirt and germs, so emptying the pool is your simplest defense against grime.
2. Wash and Scrub After Use
Each time you drain the pool, take a few minutes to give it a thorough cleaning before you store or refill it.
A simple kitchen brush and mild soap will do the job perfectly; no need for fancy pool equipment.
3. Cover the Pool
Between play sessions, when the kiddie pool is filled with water, protect it with a simple cover to keep debris out.
While some pools come with their own covers, you can easily create one using a tarp or sturdy plastic sheet.
Just secure the edges with a few bricks or stones to guard against wind, and you’re all set.
4. Use a Canopy Tent
Consider setting up your kiddie pool under a pop-up canopy tent; a trick I’ve found invaluable.
This simple setup keeps leaves and debris at bay while providing crucial shade for your little swimmers.
Plus, canopy tents are affordable and take just minutes to assemble.
5. Use Chlorine
Using chlorine, or any other chemical substance such as bleach, to help keep a kiddie pool clean is a bit of a controversial debate.
Before I explain why I do use chlorine, let me emphasize that the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) actually advises against it.
The CDC is of the opinion that kiddie pools are too small (hold a relatively small amount of water compared to standard pools) to use bleach or disinfectants. Because a kiddie pool is so small (with portions of water being splashed out), you may be adding too much disinfectant.
The other reason is that because kiddie pools don’t have filters to remove debris and dirt, the disinfectants are partly used up by that same debris and dirt rather than getting rid of germs.
But the reality is that kiddie pools are breeding grounds for germs, and these germs spread like wildfire. As such, I do use disinfectants in very small amounts, in addition to all the other measures on this list to help keep the kiddie pool clean during and after use.
What do I use?
For the kiddie pools in my backyard, I use chlorine tablets with a dispenser. When preparing the kiddie pool, I put a tablet in the dispenser and simply let it float rather than placing the tablet itself in the water. I’m certainly not saying this will keep the pool clean and free from germs, but it does help.
- The above pool dispenser is designed for use with 1" Bromine or Chlorine Tablets
- Automatically releases chlorine into your pool
- The multiple mini dispenser can be used depending on the size of the pool or spa...
Also note that I often use a water testing kit to test the quality of the water during the day. This will tell me the chlorine level and pH level.
What should those levels be?
The chlorine level should be at least 3 ppm (parts per million), and the pH level should be between 7.2 and 7.8. That water testing kit will tell you those numbers, and you can take action based on the test results.
6. Use a Skimmer Net
A simple pool skimmer net can save you lots of cleaning hassle by catching debris before it sinks to the bottom.
- Scoops out leaves, debris, pollen from pool, spa, fountain, pond, hot tub
- Convenient and Easy: Can be used with a standard 1-1/4" pole (not included) or...
- Sturdy Yet Light-weight: Durable, fine mesh netting and high quality plastic...
While it might seem fancy for a kiddie pool, this inexpensive tool makes quick work of leaves, sand, pollen, and pesky insects.
Best of all, most children love helping with the skimming; turn it into a game, and you’ll have eager cleaning assistants!
7. Use a Small Pool Vacuum
If your backyard kiddie pool is larger than average, it might be worth investing in a pool vacuum.
A pool vacuum, as you’d expect, helps remove debris from the bottom of the pool that you may have missed with a skimmer net.
Some vacuums are designed specifically for smaller pools, but if your pool is on the smaller side, a vacuum might be more than you really need.
8. Eliminate Scum
Regardless of size, pools tend to accumulate unpleasant scum from body oils, lotions, sweat, sunscreen, and more.
Fortunately, there’s a solution. To prevent scum buildup in your kiddie pool, you can use a scum ball or bug, which helps attract and absorb these oils and residues.