Summer inflatable and frame pools for summer cottages

As you know, the sun, air and water are better friends of children. If there are practically no problems with the sun and air, then organizing a child's stay on the water can be difficult. Not all suburban cottages are close to ponds, but even if there is a pond, there may be problems with swimming. Most often, either the purity of the water leaves much to be desired, or there is no normally equipped beach on the pond where you could come with a child, or the child is afraid of "big water". From all these troubles there is one salvation - your own pool, in which the baby can splash around his health. By the way, the pool is not only an opportunity to introduce the baby to the water, but also a great vacation option for teens and even adults. So, if there is a vacation ahead in the country, and swimming is not where - we study how to choose a pool for different purposes and ages.

Inflatable pool

Due to affordability, inflatable pools have become the most popular type of pool for a summer residence. Depending on the size and shape, an inflatable pool can be convenient for crumbs up to a year, and for an adult audience. In order to rest in the pool pleased its owners, when choosing, you need to consider all the nuances.

pros

• It can be installed anywhere: at least on the site, at least indoors. (Of course, if the pool is small) No special requirements for the terrain and surface of the inflatable pool: in hot weather it can stand on the street and be filled with water, but in a cool while the pool can be brought into the room and filled with plastic balls;
• It is mobile in an inflatable pool: it can be easily moved both around the site (including when inflated and filled with water) (again, if it is a very small pool), and beyond (you can take it to the beach or bring it home) ;
• To bring the pool to working condition, you do not need anything supernatural: you can inflate it with a special pump, which are often included, or use a car pump. A small pool can even be inflated by mouth. The pool is blown off too elementary;
• The inflatable pool does not need any maintenance: you can clean the water and wash the pool yourself;
• Almost completely safe for the child: if you choose the right pool in accordance with the age of the crumbs, nothing will threaten him there, and it is impossible to get hurt on the soft sides;
• In large pools, children can be taught to swim;
• The range of inflatable pools is so great that you can choose a pool for every taste and budget, any shape, color and volume. Prices for inflatable pools are very affordable.

Minuses

• An inflatable pool can easily fail: it can be broken by a sharp pebble, a branch, or it can accidentally catch a pet on its claw. Even if there were no mechanical damages, after several seasons the pool can stick out at the seam - these are operating costs that cannot be circumvented;
• Since no water purification systems are planned for inflatable pools, water will have to be changed often, almost every 2-3 days. If no water is supplied to the site, this will be problematic. (but there are special circulation pumps with filters);
• Due to the lack of a heating system, water must be poured into the pool in advance so that it has time to warm up before swimming.
• If you do not change the water in a timely manner in the pool, algae can multiply and tina appear, forming a coating on the walls and bottom.

What are inflatable pools

There are so many inflatable pools that it is simply impossible to make the right choice without understanding how they differ among themselves. What is the difference between inflatable pools?

Size and depth

• Small pools have a diameter of about 1 meter and a height of about 25 cm. They are convenient for children up to 3 years, especially if you plan not to install a pool on the site, but take it to the beach with you.

The most popular manufacturers of small inflatable pools are INTEX and Mondo. The price range for them is from 425 to 1360 rubles, depending on the brand and design.

• An average inflatable pool with a diameter of about 1.5 meters and a height of 35-42 cm. This pool is also convenient for movement and ideal for several kids over 2 years old.

You can choose a middle pool from Smoby, Mondo, INTEX or Bestway. The issue price is from 864 to 2600 rubles.

• The large pool is suitable for children over 6 years old, its size is from 2 meters in diameter and from 50 cm deep. INTEX and Bestway are popular manufacturers of large inflatable pools, there are such pools from 1200 to 3500 rubles.

The form

• The round pool is a "classic of the genre." It can be of any size and depth. Depending on the brand and dimensions, such a pool will cost from 350 to 3500 rubles;
• A rectangular pool - as a rule, this is a variant of the family pool, so it is large in size and has a decent depth. Basically, these pools are produced by INTEX and they cost about 4000 rubles;
• The pool in the form of a toy or an animal is intended for the smallest. Such pools have a minimum depth and cost 1,500-2,000 rubles. The same INTEX company pleases us with such pools;
• The pool in the form of a game center with slides and inflatable toys is suitable for school children. Depending on the equipment and size of the game complex, it can cost from 2500 rubles (INTEX), up to 34000 rubles (Little Tikes).

Beads

• Usual inflatable sides have almost all pools. Their minus is that they easily bend under pressure, so “hanging” on them or sitting with their elbows will not work;
• Flanges with “stiffeners” are more stable, but they are much less common. The INTEX version has a pool with reinforced sides. This is an average pool worth 1,544 rubles.

Bottom

• The inflatable bottom is especially important for young children, so that pebbles and bumps are not felt through it. Famous inflatable bottom pools are INTEX pools. Depending on the size and shape, such a pool can cost from 500 to 2600 rubles;
• Most pools have a flat bottom. This option is more convenient for older children, because it is more convenient to run on it.

Awning

• Most swimming pools are open for toddlers and adults. Their minus is that being in the water for a long time under the scorching sun, you can imperceptibly get sunburns, so for such a pool in case of extreme heat you need to come up with a canopy;
• A pool with a roof is ideal for kids.Such pools can be small and medium in size, and the roof can be both just protection from the sun, and an important element of the game structure and design. Well-known swimming pools with awning are produced by INTEX, their cost is from 1000 to 2700 rubles.

Drain

• Small pools are available without a drain. Even without this option, draining water from them is not difficult with a bucket;
• Pools with a drain valve are pools for grown up children and adults, having a large volume. For example, an INTEX pool with a depth of 76 cm and a diameter of 366 cm will cost 9390 rubles.

Accessories

Buying a pool with accessories in the kit is much more convenient, because it eliminates the need to look for and buy them additionally. Pool accessories:

• repair kit in case of damage;
• pump (preferably with a filter for water purification);
• a cover with which you can cover the pool while no one is swimming (it will help keep the water clean and change it less often);
• stairs (if the pool has high sides, and the child cannot overcome them himself);
• water heater (needed so that you do not have to wait until the water warms up by itself, or specifically heat the water before filling the pool);
• rubber mat for the pool for flat-bottomed pools (to soften the bottom).

As we have already said, the most popular manufacturers of inflatable pools are:

• INTEX;
• Bestway
• Mondo;
• Smoby

Of course, there are much more manufacturers of inflatable pools on the market, but only well-known and trusted companies guarantee the quality and safety of their products.

Photo of inflatable pools (clickable):

How to choose an inflatable pool

1. The size of the pool must be appropriate for the age of the child. This applies mainly to the height of the sides: up to 1.5 years - sides 15-17 cm, from 1.5 to 3 years - sides up to 50 cm, from 3 to 7 years - sides 50-70 cm
2. The sides of the inflatable pool should be wide. This applies to pools of any volume, because wide sides keep their shape better and are safer for the child.
3. When choosing a pool, take into account factors such as the availability of space for it and the availability of water: if it can be dragged into buckets in a small pool, it will be problematic to fill a large pool in this way, so it is important that there is a water hose in the access.
4. Kids are more interested in splashing around in the pool in the form of an animal or a game complex, so if the child is not 3 years old - pay attention to such models. In addition, it is better to choose a pool for the smallest with a roof so that the kids do not get sunburned.
5. The inflatable bottom of the pool is much softer and more comfortable, therefore, pools with an inflatable bottom "win" in comparison with other models.
6. Do not forget about the accessories for the pool: all of them are needed and may be needed at the most unexpected moment, therefore it is better to immediately purchase the whole set of "utilities".
7. If you choose a large "family" pool, choose a model with a "paddling pool" - a special department for kids.

How to use and store the inflatable pool

Inflatable pools are made of very short-lived materials (PVC, vinyl, artificial leather, rubber), so you need to protect them from mechanical damage (sharp objects, claws of pets). In addition, these materials "do not like" cold, direct sunlight - this is also best avoided.

When it comes time to clean the pool - you need to drain the water, wash the pool and dry it thoroughly in an inflated form. Then the pool can be blown off (by pump or by hand), folded and cleaned until next summer. It is better to store the pool in a special bag, in a dark and dry place. If you notice that the pool needs repair, you need to carry it out before cleaning for storage.

How to repair a pool

If there is no special repair kit for this pool model, you can buy a repair kit for car tires. The damaged area must be wiped with sandpaper and degreased.We cut off the patch of the right size, remove the protective film from it, press it to the place of damage and clamp it with a clamp for at least an hour.

Frame pool

Photo frame pools

Such pools have a wooden or metal frame - the basis of the pool, and a bath of polymers.

The advantages of frame pools

• It has no requirements for the terrain and the site, the site does not need to be prepared for installation, so you do not have to spoil the landscape, the main thing is to find a flat area.
• As a rule, frame pools are sold complete with all necessary accessories for use and maintenance (pump, filter, bedding, etc.).
• Easy to assemble and disassemble.
• Frame pools are more “solid”: they have a longer service life, are not afraid of mechanical damage, more stable compared to inflatable ones, all elements have a reliable mount.
• In large pools, children can learn to swim.
• The pool is universal: in bad weather you can make a sandbox out of it.

Cons of frame pools

• Rigid pool bottom that requires a flat surface for installation.
• If there is no tent in the kit with the pool, it will have to be bought and installed separately.
• Design options are limited: in fact, frame pools differ only in the coloring of the sides and the drawings on them.
• Higher price compared to inflatable.

Types of frame pools

The form

• Round pools are the most common variety of frame pools.
• Square pools are also popular, but more traumatic for children due to the presence of corners.

Dimensions and Depth

• A small pool has a diameter of up to 1.5 m and a depth of 25-30 cm. This pool is suitable for children under 3 years. Well-known manufacturers - Bestway and INTEX, the price range from 900 to 2700 rubles.
• The middle pool has a depth of about 40 cm and a diameter of just over 1.5 m. An option for such a pool is the Bestway pool, which costs 3157 rubles.
• A large pool can be up to 4.5 m in diameter and about 1 m deep. Such pools cost from 12,000 to 38,000 rubles.

Things to consider when buying a frame pool

Accessories are definitely necessary for him:

• pump for large pools to pump and pump water;
• Awning for creating shade and closing the pool from dust and debris, while no one bathes in it;
• repair kit;
• special vacuum cleaner to clean the bottom of the pool;
• a rug to the bottom to soften it;
• stairs if the poolside has high sides.

General guidelines for choosing a pool

1. The pool, like any children's goods, must be of high quality and safe. This applies to its parts, fixtures, seams, materials and paints used for decoration.
2. The pool should not exude a sharp unpleasant odor. Of course, the inflatable pool will smell of rubber, but it should be quite tolerant.
3. The pool should not have injuring parts and elements.
4. In the pool, the child has not just to sit, but to play and dabble, so make sure that it will be comfortable (soft bottom, the presence of handles, seats).
5. Not only water attracts, but also the look of the pool: it should be interesting for the child, so pay attention to the design and the presence of various entertaining “lotions”.
6. Approach the choice of the pool thoroughly, do not be lazy to read reviews and compare different models so as not to throw money away, but to buy a really worthwhile thing.

Dry pool - an alternative to water and health benefits

If it’s not the season for swimming, or the weather isn’t available, you can turn the inflatable swimming pool into a ball pool by filling it with small plastic balls. Such entertainment is no less useful than games in the water:

• the child receives a light massage of the whole body, improving its metabolism, the functioning of the nervous system, heart, blood vessels and respiratory system
• musculoskeletal system develops and strengthens, posture improves
• the child relaxes well
• games in the dry pool develop fine and large motor skills

The dry pool can be easily moved around the apartment and beyond, the most important thing is to have patience to collect plastic balls scattering in all directions.

Games in the water bring great benefits to the health of the child and a bunch of positive emotions. True, in order for a vacation in the pool to be really useful and enjoyable, you need to remember that a child can be there only under the supervision of adults. It will not be superfluous to monitor the temperature of the water and the time spent in the pool, otherwise the child may become cold and become ill. If you choose the right pool and follow all the rules, such a vacation will be a joy for both kids and adults.

See also:

• TOP 11 best trampolines for home and street
• Children's game lodges for a summer residence and at home (plastic, wooden, inflatable)

Video: How to choose inflatable pools for children

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