Ah, blow up pools. One of the most pleasant memories of youth is, without a doubt, enjoying these awesome contraptions in summertime, back in the days when we were too young to swim in even the shallows of the pool and feared the deep end with everything in us capable of being afraid. Now, when it’s time to buy a blow up pool for the kids, the niece, or, really, for whatever reason, although we as adults can still join in the fun — our job as parents is now to ensure the kids at play can play safely. Let’s talk about some things to keep in mind when chaperoning.
Children and Things Children Do: Gotta Keep an Eye Peeled
At least one eye, though it’s best, of course, to keep both on the action. Children have a tendency to roughhouse with one another, which is, of course, all in good fun, but can obviously be less than pleasant for the smaller child — if there’s a big size difference between them — and is sometimes a little rougher than is called for. In these cases, kids will try to make sure they only misbehave when your back is turned, and usually children on the receiving end aren’t going to rush up to you as soon as they’re safe to whine about their playmate.
As such, it’s critical that you keep your eye on the kids at all times, so they don’t get involved in any nasty antics that you aren’t seeing.
Entry, Exit, and Access Issues
Oftentimes, the biggest problems with inflatable pools aren’t with the water, but injuries suffered when people try to get in or out of them. The most basic problem is slipping — obviously, pools and the areas around them are typically wet places, so it’s easy to lose your balance. A lot of the time, this means slipping into the pool, which, fortunately, isn’t so big a deal, unless you slip and fall into someone. If, however, you slip on the way out, the leg still in the water might get caught on the wall of the pool, and you’ll be in for a nasty fall that could leave you with a bump on the head or scratched-up arms. So, it’s best to make sure that the area around the pool is as dry as possible (not so easy to focus on), and that people only enter and exit the pool deliberately (much easier to ensure). For more safety on any pool that is of height it is quite important that you acquire pool ladders or steps that allow for better access in and out of the pool. Although like stated above these attachments can and will get wet at times so safety of these attachments is also important.
Now, it sort of goes without saying, but it’s also important that no one dives into the pool; cannonball; or otherwise jump in. This is a sure fire way to slam your head or butt into the ground, which, while covered in water, is probably not going to treat you so well when you hit with full force. So only step into inflatable pools, and only step out. No jumping.
Stability & Installation
Stability and installation are very closely related concepts with respect to blow up pools. You have to be 100% sure you’re setting up your pool on flat, solid ground. Setting up on a grade is a good way to keep the water sloshing to one side, which puts stress on the pool itself. Over time, this can result in weakening of the material on the stressed side, or even sliding of the pool! As long as you install it on dry, flat ground, however, you won’t have a problem with stability. One way to increase stability as well as keeping the pool bottom more clean and damage free is to put some sort of cover down.
Storage
Ah, storage. This isn’t so hard. Every time the pool is not in use — and we mean every time; no leaving it out overnight unless you keep the cleaning and maintenance of the pool up to scratch, and ensure no children will manage to access the pool! – you should empty it (duh), deflate it, fold it carefully, and store it somewhere away from heat or sharp objects to ensure the integrity of the material.
Water Wings!
Water wings are great for younger children playing in the pool. We recommend them for all young kids and toddlers, as, even though inflatable pools are never very deep, one can still be submerged and suffer from water in the lungs or even drowning in severe cases, and water wings are an easy way to prevent that, and at a low price, to boot.
Remember safety comes first and you can never be too safe! Even when you have water wings, floats and the right sized pool for your kids there is always a risk of your child getting hurt. Supervision of toddlers and kids is always essential with any blow up pool no matter how safe they offer to be!