Draining & Refilling an Inflatable Pool
If you don't have a drain plug in your kiddie pool, but you have a nearby hillside, you could use a garden hose to siphon most of the water out, to a point where you can flip it over to empty fully.
Small inflatable or plastic kiddie pools and water slides don't have the same protection against germs that a swimming pool, hot tub, or water playground do. That's because it is unsafe to add germ-killing disinfectants, such as chlorine or bromine, to the water in kiddie pools and water slides.
Dirty stagnant water can be a breeding ground for mosquitos, harmful algae, molds, etc. It is very important to drain the kiddie pool completely after every use. Allow it to fully dry under the heat to get rid of any moisture left. For cleaning, you can use bleach or vinegar (diluted in water) to disinfect it.
Baking soda will raise the total alkalinity of the water. The alkalinity keeps the pH stable which then allows the bleach to remove more bacteria and contaminates. About a 1/2 of a teaspoon of baking soda will treat 26 gallons of water.
It's most common for inflatable pool owners to use a saltwater sanitizing system, or to empty and refill the pool if it's small enough. Emptying and refilling a small inflatable pool or a kiddie pool is the cheapest and easiest way to ensure the water is clean enough to swim in.
In fact, bleach is often recommended for emergency water disinfection, so reasoning suggests it can work well in a kiddie pool. However, not much bleach is required to properly sanitize a given amount of water.
I think the answer to your question is about 3-6 days. The problem is that the chlorine that you need to keep the bacteria in check is used up more quickly as the temperature rises, the activity increases, and as sweat and other body stuff is put into the pool.
To keep the pool clean without a filter, it is necessary to use chlorine with a flocculant or to use a flocculant chemical. This product groups the impurities that float in the water, causing them to fall to the bottom of the pool so that they can be removed later with a cleaner.
Not ideal. More importantly, however, Tim points out that 'there is little evidence or scientific proof to show that Epsom Salts acts as a disinfectant, which could leave harmful bacteria lurking in the paddling pool, even after cleaning has taken place.
You can reuse pool water for up to 3 days! With an adult, at the end of the day skim the top of the pool to remove any bugs and bits and then top up with some fresh water. Use an old bed sheet to cover the pool overnight to keep the water cleaner, this will help to warm it up in the early morning sun too!
You can use either a chlorinated product or a non-chlorine shock oxidizer to break down combined chlorine in the water. Shocking the pool can also remove excess bather waste and visible algae. Shocking should be done when combined chlorine levels exceed 0.5 ppm.
If possible, store inflatables in their original packaging; otherwise place them in individual boxes, plastic containers or zip-up storage bags. Choose storage bins or mesh bags for small toys, goggles, snorkels and water guns and noodle caddies for pool noodles.
For the greatest protection against algae, bacteria, and cloudy water, Intex pools should maintain a chlorine level of 2.0-4.0 ppm at all times. If you opted for the Intex Salt Chlorinator, you can make your own chlorine by adding the correct amount of Pool Salt to the water.
It doesn't matter if you use your kiddie pool for a minute or for three hours -- it is of the utmost importance to always drain your kiddie pool after each and every use.
Skimmer Net
With excessive debris in the water like leaves, pine needles, and dirt, the pool walls will get slimy and grow mildew faster.
Use 1 part bleach to 20 parts water. Soak your rag in the solution and wipe the pool clean. Avoid using paper towels when using a bleach solution to clean the pool. They won't hold up very well and will just create a bigger mess for you to clean up.
Not ideal. More importantly, however, Tim points out that 'there is little evidence or scientific proof to show that Epsom Salts acts as a disinfectant, which could leave harmful bacteria lurking in the paddling pool, even after cleaning has taken place.
Concoct a White Vinegar Solution
Make a white vinegar solution by adding 1 quart of white vinegar to 1 quart of water in a bucket. Soak a soft sponge in the solution and then use it to scrub the interior of the pool. Make sure to get in all the cracks and crevices of the pool to ensure you are cleaning it thoroughly.
Do not use Epsom salt in an ordinary, chlorinated pool. Epsom salt will quickly corrode traditional filters and can cause other pool problems that will require the intervention of a professional.
How To Clean Without Chemicals: For the pool, you see in the picture (this one here) I simply added one cup of distilled white vinegar to it each day. Then I would mix it around with my hand and that is it. The kids would hop in right after not having to worry about chemical burns.
Beware of adding baking soda on a windy day, as the powder can go airborne. Wait at least six hours. Let the baking soda dissolve into the water. Turn on your pool's circulation system to help it disperse.