Inflatable Pools: Worth The Money?
Fun! Even for adults!
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A lot of families do not have the space for an underground pool or a big above ground pool, let alone the money for one! There is an affordable option, and although it's not as grand as an underground pool, it can still be fun for the kids!
Inflatable pools can be found in several shapes and sizes, and for many age groups! For the purpose of this article, inflatable pool means the pools in which the entire side is inflatable, not the inflatable ring pools that rise as you fill them. There are Inflatable pools small enough (and shallow enough) for infants to play in all the way up to pools big enough (and deep enough) for an adult to lay down! Inflatable pools can hold up to 461 gallons of water! For those of you can't picture that...a pool that could hold that amount of water, for example, would be a 10' wide, 25" high, octagon shaped pool. This size pool is wide enough for an adult to lay down and for kids around the age of 10 to play in. Now take in mind that these pools are inflatable, the average 10 year old cannot jump on the sides of this pool without the side collapsing and water draining out. The good news is, if this happens, you can just refill it! Most inflatable pools also come with a patch, for which you can use to patch a hole. Some inflatable pools also come with "shade covers". This you will mostly see on infant pools. Other inflatable pools are more of a play area than a pool, with little slides, spraying water, etc.
Setting up and taking care of an inflatable pool is relatively easy! Use a hand held electric pump to inflate, then fill to the fill line. Once your pool is filled, it will need to warm up a bit before anyone will want to swim in it. Usually, a day in the sun will do the trick! Using a pool skimmer will help to get leafs and bugs out of the pool. Once people start using the pool, you will need to pay attention to the water. If the water starts to look a little murky, you will need to drain the water, wash the inside of the pool out (using a stiff spray on your hose usually works), and refill. Every couple of times you change the water, you may need to clean the inside of the pool with a cleaner to remove algae build-up (you won't see this algae but the bottom of the pool will feel slimy). Some inflatable pools come with a drain plug in the bottom of the pool, some do not. If your pool does not have a drain plug, use a small piece of hose to siphon the water out. This will empty the pool down to about 2" of water. This you will have to empty by lifting the pool from one end until the water drains out the other side. It is not recommended to cover a pool of this size. A cover will hold the heat in which will cause algae to form quicker.
Remember before you start filling your pool with water, you need to have it placed exactly where you want the pool to sit. If you are putting the pool on a deck, it is important to know that most decks are only equip to hold a pool with ~360 gallons of water. If you are putting your pool in the grass, a ground cloth is recommended. This will double the protection of the bottom of your pool. Setting your pool in the grass will kill the grass! When the summer is over, make sure your pool is COMPLETELY dry before storing it! If there is any moisture left in the pool when it is stored, mildew will form.
Inflatable pools can be found for $25 and up. A 10' square inflatable pool which hold ~360 gallons of water will run you about $35. Inflatable play centers can run you up to ~$400. Take in mind the play centers may not be durable enough for big kids!
For a regular inflatable pool, suitable for play up to the age of ~10, $35 is well worth it! A+
For an inflatable play center, suitable for play up to the age of ~4, $400 is a little steep, but worth the fun that will be had, as long as no big kids or adults try to use it! A+
Comments and questions are always welcome!! The_La@comcast.net
Also, check out my artwork at www.artbyla.com
Andrew M. Geeza
Inflatable pools, Kiddie Pools, Inflatable Pool Toys &
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