Many people want to enjoy the benefits of a pool but don’t have the money or space for a large above ground pool, much less digging up their yard for an in-ground pool. While there is certainly no shortage of options in the wading pool category, they can be a challenge to keep clean through the summer months.
The average wading, or splasher, pool available for private residential use is approximately 24 inches deep and somewhere around 8 feet across. This is usually sufficient for a family with small children, or adults who simply want to beat the heat in the summer.
The vast majority of these pools do not come with a pump filtration system, or if they do, owners tend to find them lacking, which leaves cleaning the pool manually as the only option. Failing to do so can quickly leave a green, smelly, oversized birdbath sitting in the back yard.
Keeping Dirt Out of a Pool
One of the easiest first steps in keeping a pool clean is to prevent it from getting too dirty in the first place. Ensure that the pool is covered overnight to keep birds and insects out while it’s not being used, as well as preventing leaves and dirt from getting into the water.
Some pools have custom fitted covers that can be purchased for them, but one can just as easily use a large tarp, provided there is enough support for it to avoid the sides of the pool buckling under the weight of water that may accumulate if it rains (a problem with soft-sided pools).
Another choice is to set the pool up inside a screened-in enclosure. This is a nice alternative since it keeps the area dirt- and pest-free while using the pool.
Just like in public pools it is a good idea to shower before hopping into a pool at home to avoid getting sunscreen or hair- and skin-care products in the water.
Skimming a Pool
Pools get dirty with use. Either bugs will land in the water, or leaves and dirt will blow in or get stuck to people’s feet. An old pasta strainer works well for skimming the pool of large solid debris.
If children of diaper-wearing age are going in the pool, cloth diapers are preferable since disposables can disintegrate in the water. If a child does have an accident in the pool, remember that urine is sterile, so while it may be unsavory, it’s not a major health problem and the pool will be fine with a regular cleaning.
Solid waste, on the other hand is a completely different issue. Fecal matter is full of bacteria. Empty the pool immediately, clean it with bleach and let it dry in the sun, to be refilled later.
Cleaning Inside a Pool
No matter what preventive measures are taken to avoid getting dirt into a pool, any standing body of water runs the risk of stagnation.
A good habit to get into is giving the sides and bottom of the pool a quick brushing with some Borax at the end of each day. This will help avoid the build up of algae, which can make the pool itself feel “slimy”.
A standard brush used for washing floors should do the job in a matter of minutes. For a small pool, 1/8-1/4 cup of Borax should do the trick. Add one cup of baking soda after washing, cover the pool for the night, and it will be bright and sparkling in the morning.
Chlorine and Algaecide for Wading Pools
It is also a good idea to purchase standard pool cleaning chemicals, especially chlorine and an algaecide. Many stores offer a kit containing both, plus testing strips, for around $50. This is well worth it, since the kit will probably last several summers, considering how little a splasher pool requires.
Add the required amount before closing up the pool and let it sit over night, being sure to test the water in the morning. Having the pool sit in the sun will help dissipate chlorine levels if too much has been added and the pH is too high.
Remembering the old adage that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, and a splasher pool can last many summers.
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