Kid Pools: A Little Fun in the Sun

Very few things are as entertaining to children as a swimming pool. In the hot months of summer, kids can spend hours just splashing around. This is one of the reasons why backyard pools are a common and sought after home improvement. There are many reasons, though, to not have a swimming pool on your property; the biggest two are generally lack of space or the high cost of installation.

However, just because it's not plausible to build a swimming pool doesn't mean that your kids can't have a good splash in your yard. A kid pool is a fantastic option for families that don't want the hassles (or construction fees) of a full sized pool.

Kid Pool Options
As long as you're not looking to have a diving board, there is a kiddie pool available to meet your needs. While the old hard plastic kid pools are still around, the majority of new kiddie pools are inflatable. This makes them easier to store during the cold weather months, and cuts down on price as well.

Kid pools are available in sizes ranging from tiny to tremendous. The smallest models might not be big enough for an adult to get their ankles wet, but they're the perfect size for infants. The largest kiddie pools are big enough to hold a whole family and a few friends as well.

There are a number of different styles of kid pools; some are shallow, some are deep. Some come with "sprayers", usually shaped like an animal that will squirt water up in the air like a sprinkler. A few even come with small slides (though, once again, no diving boards).

Kid Pool Prices
One of the best features of any kiddie pool is the price. The smallest pools can be bought for under $10. The very large ones can range up to or slightly into the low $100s. No Matter which model you choose, kid pools are relatively inexpensive; especially when you compare them to the price of even the least costly backyard pool.

Kiddie Pool Precautions
While a kid pool is nearly all "fun and games", there are some things to consider before you buy one. First and foremost, you should have a reliable, clean water source available. Those who don't have an outdoor spigot may be able to find a hose that will connect to an indoor sink.

Since these pools are designed for kids, the water level is usually pretty low. Small children, however, should never be left unattended in even the most shallow pool.

Unlike an in-ground or above ground pool, kid pools don't have filtration systems. This means that, if the pool is to be kept filled for moderate lengths of time, the water will need to be replaced or cleaned. There are chemicals available for kiddie pools, much like those for larger pools, which will kill bacteria and algae. Another thing to be aware of is that a pool without a pump left unattended for too long becomes a perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes, which is not a perfect breeding ground for summer fun!