Author Topic: Durable backyard kiddie pool?  (Read 1944 times)

getsorted

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Durable backyard kiddie pool?
« on: May 11, 2022, 08:47:02 AM »
My kid lives for a kiddie pool, but I can't get any of the inflatable ones to last more than two seasons, even carefully protected with tarps and lovingly cleaned and put away. This year, we also have a dog, who I suspect will also love a kiddie pool.

Any recommendations? Anyone got a cheap setup they like?

LaineyAZ

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Re: Durable backyard kiddie pool?
« Reply #1 on: May 11, 2022, 09:03:09 AM »
You could skip inflatable and use the rigid plastic, unless storage is an issue.

Also have you seen Splash Pads?  Inexpensive, easy storage, and kids really love them.  And I got an Octopus Water Sprinkler that just needs a hose hooked up to it - a big hit with the pre-school crowd.

getsorted

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Re: Durable backyard kiddie pool?
« Reply #2 on: May 11, 2022, 09:50:11 AM »
You could skip inflatable and use the rigid plastic, unless storage is an issue.

Also have you seen Splash Pads?  Inexpensive, easy storage, and kids really love them.  And I got an Octopus Water Sprinkler that just needs a hose hooked up to it - a big hit with the pre-school crowd.

Yeah, I think I need something rigid to withstand dog claws.

sonofsven

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Re: Durable backyard kiddie pool?
« Reply #3 on: May 11, 2022, 10:05:29 AM »
I bought two of the small rigid pools years ago, by accident. They are so thin I didn't realize I had two til I got home!
They weren't a big hit with the kids or the dog, too small.

Sugaree

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Re: Durable backyard kiddie pool?
« Reply #4 on: May 11, 2022, 10:13:06 AM »
You could skip inflatable and use the rigid plastic, unless storage is an issue.

Also have you seen Splash Pads?  Inexpensive, easy storage, and kids really love them.  And I got an Octopus Water Sprinkler that just needs a hose hooked up to it - a big hit with the pre-school crowd.

Yeah, I think I need something rigid to withstand dog claws.

I've been looking at splash pads on Amazon that are marketed as being for dogs.  One would think that those might be more durable for that reason?

PMG

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Re: Durable backyard kiddie pool?
« Reply #5 on: May 11, 2022, 01:18:54 PM »
Would a livestock tank be acceptable in your neighborhood? 

getsorted

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Re: Durable backyard kiddie pool?
« Reply #6 on: May 11, 2022, 01:52:14 PM »
Would a livestock tank be acceptable in your neighborhood?

Oh definitely. Hahaha. I'm in the part of the Midwest where no neighborhood is too good for a livestock tank pool. I've seen some crazy fancy ones in the better parts of town!

PMG

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Re: Durable backyard kiddie pool?
« Reply #7 on: May 11, 2022, 01:57:31 PM »
Well there you go. This article makes it sound easy and like more than ye old kiddie pool with a filter and care involved. https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/blog/diy-stock-tank-pool/amp/

YttriumNitrate

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Re: Durable backyard kiddie pool?
« Reply #8 on: May 11, 2022, 02:16:04 PM »
We picked up this one a few years ago, and so far it has lasted reasonably well for $15. We live by the beach, so it gets regular use (i.e., the kids de-sand a bit by playing in the kiddie pool), but is usually not used for hours upon hours at a go. It has developed a small leak in one area that is currently being sealed with duck tape.

https://www.menards.com/main/outdoors/pools-accessories/summer-waves-reg-59-x-6-childrens-pool-assorted-colors/p60000780/p-1469416557083-c-10137.htm?tid=-3886999406774911777&ipos=1
« Last Edit: May 11, 2022, 02:18:27 PM by YttriumNitrate »

evme

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Re: Durable backyard kiddie pool?
« Reply #9 on: May 13, 2022, 12:42:06 AM »
Those 8 or 10 foot circular stock tanks are not too expensive (~$600 for the 8') and are very strong and durable. Someone actually made a pretty nice pool out of one with a custom wooden bench encircling it:

https://www.heywandererblog.com/2017/06/diy-stock-tank-pool-everything-you-need.html

GreenSheep

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Re: Durable backyard kiddie pool?
« Reply #10 on: May 15, 2022, 08:26:02 AM »
Yep, stock tank FTW. They come in lots of different sizes, and you can make them as fancy or as rustic as you want. Three dogs and several of their friends haven't made ours look any different from the day we bought them. We even set up a fancy solar-powered waterfall situation between our two stock tanks. Our neighbor has one with a whole filtration/chlorination system set up in it, so it looks as pristine as a swimming pool, but we just allow ours to be more pond-like. We do have a filter to keep it from being totally gross, but we don't add chlorine, etc. like a pool.

 

Wow, a phone plan for fifteen bucks!