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Staying Safe This Summer in Your Garden Pool

Summer means it's time to get outside and play in the garden. If you're lucky enough to have an outside pool, this will most likely be the star attraction!

However, it is important to remember that a paddling pool can be dangerous if you're not paying attention to water safety.

Kids Swimming Pools at Trampolines Ireland

garden pool safety tips

Here are some quick and simple tips to staying safe this summer in your garden pool from the experts.

Kids Swimming Pools at Trampolines Ireland


1. Starting Safe - Preparation

Paddling pool safety actually starts even before your kids have gotten into the water. To start with, it is essential to make sure that your paddling pool is clean enough.

If it has been left uncovered in the garden, you will need to rinse it properly first before play begins. Luckily, you can now purchase plenty of specifically made paddling pool cleaners, so you can feel confident your pool is safe for your children to enjoy.

Remember to always store your pool away from the elements and completely covered if possible to make sure it isn't damaged during the months it is not in use.

Always make sure that the paddling pool is on an even surface and that there are no slip or trip hazards close by. If your paddling pool is on a patio, try putting down towels to create better friction for little feet jumping in and out.

2. Pool Temperature

Most of us will fill our paddling pools up with water straight out of the garden hose or tap. Whilst this is likely to be the most convenient option, it can also result in icy cold water!

To ensure a more ambient temperature for your little ones, try filling up the paddling pool early in the day. This will give the water time to be warmed up by the sun, helping to make sure the temperature isn't too cold.

3. Pool Depth

Although it can be tempting to fill your paddling pool right to the brim, this is not a very good idea. Not only will it waste a lot of water with splashing and moving around, it can also pose a water safety issue too. Very small children can drown even in shallow water, so you should never fill your paddling pool above 10cm.

If your whole family wants to enjoy the paddling pool at the same time, always make sure your smallest child can still sit down with their head above the water.

Keeping an eye on water depth is a good way to prevent any safety issues.

Kids Swimming Pools at Trampolines Ireland

4. Supervision Around the Paddling Pool

Of course, it should go without saying that whatever their age, all children must be supervised by an adult when using the paddling pool. However, when the sun is shining and everyone is outside playing, it can sometimes be easy to take your eye away from the pool.

For this reason, it is a good idea to only use the paddling pool when there are plenty of adults around to supervise. Alternatively, just keep play to inside the paddling pool and not around the whole garden.

This will make it easier to ensure you are able to keep your focus on all children just in the one area.

5. Don't Re-Use Pool Water

It might seem like a good idea to only fill up the paddling pool once and then use this same water day after day. After all, wouldn't this be a good way to save water? Unfortunately not. Paddling pool water can get dirty surprisingly quickly.

Whether it's from grassy feet or messy play, you do not want your children to be playing in mucky water. For this reason, it is much better to safely tip the water out at the end of play and refill each day.

This will prevent bacteria and other nasties from being able to grow and spread in the stagnant water.

6. Poolside Sun Protection

Even on cloudy days, harmful UV rays can still shine through and cause permanent damage to skin. Always make sure to use sun protection on all the family when playing in the paddling pool.

Some swimsuits for younger children now come with UV protection as part of the fabric, but they will still need to be slathered in sun cream too! Sun hats and sunglasses are good for added protection, especially as the sun hitting the water can be very dazzling.

Don't forget to add on some insect repellent too. Many flying insects are attracted to the water, so it's a good idea to have some bug spray at the ready just in case.

Kids Swimming Pools at Trampolines Ireland

Also make sure that there are no objects - toys, shoes, etc. - lying close to the side of the paddling pool as these can cause a trip hazard when it's time to finally come out.

Paddling pools provide great fun during the summer months and are a perfect way to keep cool. However, they can also be dangerous if not used correctly so here are some tips on how you can make sure your child is safe while playing in their paddling pool this summer:

Summary - Our Top Kids Paddling Pool Safety Tips:


1. Never leave children unattended near a paddling pool, even if you are just going inside for a few minutes. If someone falls asleep, it only takes a few seconds for them to drown.

2. Make sure the water is clean and not too deep – toddlers can drown in very shallow water.

3. If there are any sharp objects or toys in the pool, make sure they are out of reach of children.

4. Ensure that the area around the pool is safe and free from hazards such as steps or cliffs which could cause a fall.

5. Make sure the paddling pool is properly secured to the ground so it can’t be easily tipped over.

6. Always keep an eye on your children while they are playing in the pool.

With these tips in mind, you can help ensure that your child has a safe and enjoyable time playing in their paddling pool this summer!

Remember: safety first! :)