The definitive Guide with features and advice; let’s choose the Inflatable Paddling Pool for Children together.
Who has ever seen something sweeter than a child’s smile in front of a puddle, a beach, a swimming pool? Well, thanks to our Guide you will no longer need to wait for such a great show. Let’s see how to repeat the experience every day, at home.
Let’s face it, not even those tender wrinkled little fingers give us the courage to take the babies out of the water; not just because we don’t want to interrupt smiles and fun. The close relationship between children and water, between childhood and swimming, is natural and inexplicable. A very strong bond, which many parents choose to strengthen with the right means; for example, by purchasing a beautiful inflatable paddling pool for children.
The reasons that lead to the choice of inflatable pools are several. Not only because it is not always possible to move, to go to the beach, to reach the public swimming pool. Very often, some parents prefer to keep a quick and practical solution at home to give their children a refreshing afternoon; interrupting the scorching summer heat can be both a relief and a fun. Playing with water therefore refreshes, relaxes, gives smiles.
For years, ProduceShop has been relying on an important brand like Intex for its choice of inflatable pools. The historic brand, in fact, is not only a leader in the field in terms of quality and convenience; the large catalogue that we have selected from the American giant of the inflatables, in fact, allows us to offer many colourful solutions for the youngest (and not only).
Without any delay, and without letting the water heat up too much, let’s see together the features to take into consideration to choose the right inflatable paddling pool for children. And then, everybody in the water!
First of all we choose WHERE to put it
The choice of the inflatable children’s pool, in fact, depends first on the space that will accommodate it. Normally, you choose to build it in the garden, which is the best solution; not only for the pleasant surface of the lawn, but also for a matter of thermal diffusion. Putting it on top of courtyard concrete can increase the risk of it overheating and getting damaged.
Furthermore, the surface must be as flat as possible. This is especially important for free-standing pools (we will see later what it means), and to ensure that the water does not flow out of a lopsided pool. Make sure that the bottom of the pool does not hit stones, pipes, various irregularities that could scratch or tear it. An excellent solution can be the purchase of a cloth to put under it before filling it, in order to avoid any kind of “unwanted” contact.
Last clarification, sometimes the choice of a larger or smaller space (we always recommend an area of at least 160×210 cm) can determine not only the shape of the inflatable pool, but also the presence of one or more options and accessories.
Size
Once you have chosen the space that will host the pool, you have to choose the size. This factor is also fundamental, because various characteristics such as cost, type and duration depend on it.
The main discriminant is always and in any case the age of the child or children. Certainly, an 18-month-old won’t be very comfortable in an Olympic-style pool to swim up to 9 m (if so, take an advantage of this luck!). Therefore, the best solution is to remain small: for a round inflatable pool we are talking about 120/170 cm in diameter; for a square or rectangular pool, more or less 90×120 cm per side.
Fundamental for safety, the depth should never exceed 20/40 cm for younger children (1 to 2 years), no more than knee height for older children (2-4 years).
What types of inflatable pools for children are there?
Here the choice can be both personal and driven by the factors described above. In fact, there are different types of swimming pools for children, fully inflatable or hybrid with other types. Let’s see which are the fundamental ones:
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One-block Inflatable Pools
Very common in smaller models, these are pools in which the walls form a single block to be inflated. Often, the bottom is also inflatable, to give children a more comfortable surface to sit on. Additional elements are not uncommon to decorate or personalize them.
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Inflatable Ring Pools
In these models, the perimeter walls, whether round or rectangular (but more commonly round), are made up of several independently inflatable rings, which guarantee better support and greater water flow.
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Self-standing Swimming Pools
These are pools in which the inflatable part is only the edge, which serves to ensure comfort and stability; the body of the pool, on the other hand, is made of another material, normally PVC, which is supported by the filling of the water itself. Most common for adult models.
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Frame Swimming Pool
Although they do not have inflatable elements, they are often produced in small sizes for children: Intex is at the top in the creation of these models. These are structures of steel or other metal pipes, which create a frame for the edges in PVC or plastic material, which will contain the water.
Games and Options
Even if the simple swimming pool alone represents an inexhaustible source of fun, we can often choose from many options and accessories. These are inflatable elements most of the time, but not only. The most common (and children’s favorites) are:
- Slides, always inflatable, for jumping into the water with splashes and smiles
- Umbrellas and covers, useful under the sun, especially for the little ones
- Volleyball nets or baskets, for those who prefer a more sporty afternoon
- Water Cannons, perhaps disguised as animals or plants, give that extra imaginative touch
- Cushions and glass holders, for complete relaxation and to keep an eye on your drink
Materials
Materials are a fundamental parameter to consider when choosing the paddling pool; since these are objects will stay many hours under the sun, and are subject to displacements and bumps, we must opt for well-reasoned and valid choices over time.
All our paddling pools are made of vinyl or triple-layer PVC, solid and safe materials, highly resistant. Furthermore, these are absolutely non-toxic and hypoallergenic plastics, a detail of no small importance when it comes to children. As for the frame swimming pools, the frames are usually made of steel, a resistant and safe material, which will guarantee durability and more safety for the little ones.
We highly recommend investing in better quality products, not only for safety and short term performance, but also for long term endurance. On the other hand, you pay for a good product once, a poor quality product you will pay for many times (and too much).
Accessories
With the inflatable pool, most of the time, we provide a whole host of accessories. We recommend instead to get others, because they are useful for maintenance (still simple) or for cleaning.
Inflating pumps, which can be electric or manual, are very useful especially for swimming pools of generous dimensions, or with many elements to be inflated; moreover, let’s say that they are indispensable, since we would not want too clumsy (and strongly discouraged) attempts at inflating breathlessly on our conscience.
A small kit is usually provided for cleaning the pool: if self-standing with a filter pump, otherwise with a small skimmer, or a chlorinator, or leaf nets. In any case, since these are easily disassembling products, cleaning is just as simple and fast.
Finally, in case of tears or small cuts, we provide a repair kit with patches and glues, so that you can fix the pool yourself. But don’t forget the ProduceShop customer service always at the forefront, ready to help you in case of problems!
Budget
Last but not least to consider.
Always think according to your needs: a small space cannot accommodate a paddling pool that is too large; furthermore, a very young child will certainly not be able to enjoy a swimming pool with a basket or a net. Various options and additional features always affect costs, which is why we advise you to carefully evaluate how the pool will be used. Also think about age: some inflatable pools are perfect for different age groups while others, perhaps too small or too large, will be specific for limited periods; this also affects the cost.
ProduceShop also this time helps you, giving you not only a wide choice, but products with a quality / price ratio that is unmatched on the market. Because we can’t resist too the sound of laughter of a child splashing around in the pool, we have to admit it.
Our conclusion about choosing paddling pool
Whatever the Inflatable Paddling Pool you have chosen, the important thing is that you have thought about your needs. So take 10 minutes to read our guide, perhaps while the children are still having a snack, and order immediately one of the wonderful pools in the ProduceShop catalogue!