All you need to do is grab a fitted sheet from your bed linen box and pop it over the pool while its not in use. Parent blogger Deborah Hitchins shared the trick on the Facebook page 'Family Days. Tried and Tested' and the post has proved incredibly popular.
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! Instead of adding hot water - weigh down some bin bags in the bottom of the pool, leave them in the sun and your pool will heat itself!
Get a cover to keep a paddling pool clean
A paddling pool cover will keep debris and insects out of the pool overnight. It could also help keep the water warm, which the kids might appreciate if the pool's a large and deep version.
“It's important to change the paddling pool water every day – drain it and let it dry at the end of the day and use an anti-bacterial spray to kill any germs so it is safe to use the next day.”
Replace the washing machine hose with a garden hose. Put the end of the hot water hose into the pool. Hook another hose to your outside spigot and put the other end in the pool. Turn on the water for both hoses and fill the pool with hot and cold water at the same time to make it the perfect warm temperature.
The water of your paddling pool can also be maintained using Milton Sterilising Fluid.
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.
For most inflatable pools or plastic kiddie pools following the guidelines listed above, the water should be changed every two weeks at a minimum. If you are not adding chlorine to kill bacteria, drain the pool every other day. Stagnant water without chlorine can become unhealthy water in as little as 24-48 hours.
Adding chlorine to your pool will keep it clean, but, unless you also have a filter, all of the gunk, algae and general debris will all still be there in the water. But, if you're happy to use chlorine then this is a good way to maintain freshness for a few extra days.
Storing a paddling pool for the winter
I used to line dry the small paddling pool, but our current one is too large for that. Turn larger pools upside down to dry, so no dirt or leaves settle inside it. If it is inflatable, deflate it. Fold the pool in half, keeping the sides parallel.
Advertisement. Leave it to dry in the sun afterwards. You could put it upside down to avoid any leaves or dirt falling into it. If you're using it again the next day, once it's dry use an antibacterial spray like Cif Power & Shine Antibacterial Multi-Purpose Spray to kill off any remaining germs.
Salt is often presented as a healthier alternative to adding chlorine to a kiddie pool, since saltwater is gentler on the skin.
Although inflatable pools don't need to use chlorine, it's one of the most common ways to keep pool water sanitary and safe to swim in. The chlorine is used to efficiently kill bacteria in the water that may be harmful to swimmers. Larger inflatable pools will benefit the most from the use of chlorine.
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.
Bleach is the same as the “chlorine” that is added to swimming pools, and will have some anti-microbial effect on the water. Dettol will too, but they will both irritate your skin to some extent, and your eyes more so.
For daily maintenance, Mix 10L of water with 1ml of Milton Fluid (just a drop!) and disperse over the surface of pool, then mix uniformly. Wait for 1 hour before getting in the pool. Use a kit to test the pH level (7.2–7.4 should be appropriate) and available chlorine residual (approx. 2 ppm).
The cheap way is just add a hot line right beside the existing cold line. Use exactly the same pipe and fittings, buy a red handle instead of a blue one. Get a washing machine Y-hose to mix hot and cold.