If you are like me and have a limited amount of outdoor space or live in a place where you experience all seasons, chances are you have an inflatable kiddie pool, a plastic kiddie pool, or another type of small pool. Additionally, at the end of the season you probably store this pool in your garage. Considering a pool cover isn’t really practical during the fall and winter months with this kind of pool. Let’s talk about the best way to clean these plastic kiddie pools during the warmer months.
Cleaning the Small Kiddie Pool after Storage
The first thing you are going to want to do is remove any potential debris and inspect the bottom of the pool for any damage or algae growth.
The first season clean will be a light cleaning, followed by deep clean, especially if any mold or mildew is present. And Finally, a thorough rinse and dry. We Will go through each step.
Initial Cleaning for a Clean Kiddie Pool
Start by a good rinse to remove any dirt and debris.
I recommend using a garden hose and a powerful attachment. If you do not have a hose, I recommend filling up an old jug with very hot clean water. It will not have the same amount of power as a hose and an attachment, but hot water is a good backup tool.
Click Here for the attachment that I recommend.
After the rinse you will do a superficial scrub with hot water and soap to ensure all visible dirt and mildew is removed.
Yes, you could use regular dawn dish soap. However, I recommend upgrading to In the Swim Super Stain Away (Click Here to Get it). This product is effective in removing calcium build-up, metallic elements, iron from well water, as well as the typical dirt and mildew.
Click Here to Get Swim Super Stain Away.
You will dilute the Swim Super Stain Away in a bucket with hot water according to the instructions on the bottle. You will then use a sponge to lightly scrub the entirety of the bottom of the pool.
Click Here for the best Sponge for the job.
Click Here for a Collapsible 16L Bucket with a Handle.
Lastly, you will rinse with warm water to prep for the deep clean.
How to Deep Clean a Kiddie Pool
Deep cleaning requires a bleach solution.
For this step I recommend using the Clorox Bleach Germicidal Cleaner. You can get it by clicking here. This cleaner is a 1-step disinfectant that is EPA registered to kill C. difficile, C. Auris and 50 other microorganisms in less than one minute. It is a prediluted professional germicidal disinfectant that meets both CDC and OSHA guidelines for disinfecting surfaces, even in healthcare settings. It not only cleans but deodorizes and disinfects too.
Get Clorox Bleach Germicidal Cleaner by Clicking Here.
These steps with work with a hard plastic pool, any other kid’s pool, even a full-sized swimming pool and other types of pools.
After cleaning your plastic inflatable pool with the Clorox Bleach Germicidal Cleaner for eliminating the breeding ground for e. coli and other potential disease control, you will want to thoroughly rinse the blow-up pool and allow to dry. Be sure to remove any stagnant water prior to leaving to dry under direct sunlight.
Setting Up the Kids’ Pool
When setting up a pool for young children you will want to ensure it is on a smooth flat surface. I do not recommend setting it on concrete or on top of any type of rocks are gravel. Grass is ideal. You may want to consider putting a tarp under the pool to further avoid any potential hazards.
Click here to get a Heavy Duty Tarp for under your pool.
After doing this you will begin filling your pool with water. A garden house it the easiest way to fill your pool. You could even attach your hose to the tap to fill your pool with warm water. You can also use gallons of water again. However, it will be less time consuming with a hose unless you do not plan to use much water.
Click here to get a hose that attaches to the kitchen or bathroom faucet.
Only fill your pool to a water level that is appropriate for your child’s age and physical abilities. Additionally, never leave children unattended in any water source (Bath, Pool, Lake, River, Pond, etc.)
Keeping your Pool Clean
Regular maintenance and regular cleaning is the best option to ensuring that you pool stays clean, in good shape with safe water. Yes, even with little pools or any size pool.
Here are some things you can use for good water quality.
- Swimming Pool Test Kit-
- This simple test strip will show you the water hardness, free chlorine, bromine, total chlorine, or cyanuric acid level. You will want to ensure to test the water at least weekly and aim for a PH Level of 7.2 and 7.6. Alkalinity should be between 80 and 120 ppm and Free Chlorine between 1 and 3 ppm.
- Pool Shock
- Pool Shock will kill potential bacteria and algae in the water. It also helps to keep the water crystal clear, all you have to do is pour it in the water. This is probably one of the most common pool chemicals.
- Algaecide
- Algaecide is used to remove any potential smells from your pool and prevent an algae growth. It also protects your pool from any staining without harmful chemicals.
- Do not let Dirty Feet in the Pool
- You can do this by keeping a small bucket with clean water outside the pool.
Some Things you may want for a Large Pool (Even Large inflatable pools)
- Pool Skimmer
- This is used to remove debris that fall into the pool
- Pool Pump or Pool Filter
- This will help to keep the fresh water clean.
- Chlorine Tablets
- Chloring tabs are 3-inch tables that remove bacteria, algae, and other contaminants to ensure clean water.
- Floating Chlorine Dispenser
- This is what you will put your Chlorine tablets in. I am going to give you a few different options based on your level of fun.
- Pool Vacuum
- A pool vacuum will ensure the bottom of your pool and the walls remain clean.
Getting Ready for Storing Season
After the warm summer months are over you will want to properly prepper for storage. You can do this by pulling the drain plug and draining the water from your pool and using a clean cloth and warm water to wipe it down. New you will need to allow the pool to dry. You can speed up this process by using a clean towel.
Lastly, I would finish up by following the steps in the beginning of this post.
Super Swim Stain Away (Click Here to Get it)
Rinse
Clorox Bleach Germicidal Cleaner (Click Here to Get it Now)
Rinse
Dry
And Store
I Hope you Enjoyed Your Summer or are Enjoying it!
Let me know in the comments which chlorine dispenser you purchased! I could not decide my favorite. I want them all.
Click Here to Learn How to Make the Best Fruit Snacks at Home using 3 ingredients.
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