How to clean a paddling pool

Paddling pools can become a habour for all sorts of horrible nasties, which make verrucas sound almost pleasant. “Bacteria such as E. coli, salmonella, and Shigella, are among the common contaminants, as well as other pathogens like Cryptosporidium (a parasite that causes gastrointestinal problems),” says Valeria Velikoa, domestic cleaner at Fantastic Services.

“Dirty water, faeces, and unclean surfaces can all introduce microorganisms into a pool. Therefore, keeping proper hygiene and sanitation practices is essential to minimising the possibility of spreading such germs,” she adds.

A paddling pool can be cleaned in two ways – either with the water still in or with it completely empty. Our instructions detail how to clean the pool by emptying it, but we also include tips on keeping the pool clean when it’s full. After all, “no one wants to spend sunny days refilling their pool continuously,” says Bearman. “There are plenty of cleaning tips that will help to keep your pool in good condition without having to empty it and start from scratch every time.”

Algae will build up around the edges of your paddling pool, so before you empty out the water, give it a good scrub down with a stiff brush. If you’re worried about damaging the material, use a softer version. Any build-up of algae will then end up in the water.

Empty your pool of the dirty water. Your plants will love you if you give them a sprinkle with the leftover water. Then, check your pool for any remaining spots of algae and give them another scrub.

Next, using a hose on its jet setting, give the pool a good spray, targeting any remaining spots of algae that have refused to shift. Then give it another good rinse.

If there’s a hosepipe ban in your area, we suggest using water collected in a water butt to rinse the pool, or water collected from a bath or shower. Find out how to get free water-saving devices to help with this.

“Paddling pools can be cleaned with homemade solutions, but you should ensure the ingredients are safe and effective,” says Velikova. She recommends the following options:

Spray the pool with your cleaning solution of choice – either an off-the-shelf solution or your homemade product – then give it a good scrub and wipe over it with a dry cloth. There are plenty of products suitable for cleaning paddling pools, both in tablet and liquid form, but always check that the quantity of cleaning solution you use is correct for the amount of water in your pool.

Taking another dry towel, wipe off any excess water and leave your pool to dry. This will prevent any mould or mildew from forming.

“If you have a larger pool that you don’t want to empty every time you can use a paddling pool sanitiser to keep the water clean,” says Henry Paterson, cleaning expert at Housekeep. “Remove any toys and use a net to fish out any leaves, twigs or other debris. Then apply the paddling pool cleaning product.”

But he warns: “Make sure that any product is designed to be used in paddling pools to ensure the instructions are relevant. And do double-check that the product you’re using is safe for children and pets, if they’ll be using the pool.”

Bearman adds that sterilising the pool shouldn’t be seen as a long-term solution: “It’s still necessary to change the water in the pool after a few days.”

If your paddling pool is on the larger size and it’s not practical to refill it daily, you might consider investing in a pool vacuum. “There are many smaller vacuums that are available on the market for small pools and hot tubs,” says Bearman. “These vacs are perfect for keeping the floor of your inflatable pool clean and free of dirt.”

How often you change the water in your paddling pool will depend upon how dirty it is – although some experts, including Velikova, recommend changing it after each use “to maintain good hygiene”.

“To reduce the risk of contamination, start each time with fresh water to prevent standing water from becoming a breeding ground for bacteria and other microorganisms,” she adds. “Furthermore, if the water appears dirty or cloudy, it should be replaced immediately.”

While the sun is shining, we’d all prefer to enjoy spending time outside relaxing and having fun, rather than doing chores. So, to cut back on the number of times you’ll need to clean your paddling pool, we’ve come up with a few preventative measures to make your life easier.

“A filter system may be worthwhile if you plan on using your paddling pool frequently or have a large pool,” says Velikova, “However, regular water changes and proper maintenance are still necessary, even with a filter.”

So what exactly does a filter do? “It will help to keep the water clear and reduce contaminants,” explains Velikova. “The purpose of a filter is to circulate and filter the water, removing debris and particulate matter. As a result, the water will remain cleaner for a longer period of time.”

Bearman adds that although inflatable pools don’t typically come with a filter, you should consider adding one if you use it regularly.

“To ensure that it can be draped safely into your pool, buy a filter that is smaller and made for the amount of water your pool holds,” he advises.

Whatever you do, don’t discard the water from your paddling pool without considering the best way to make use of it. There are plenty of ways to save water in the garden to take advantage of this precious resource.

Put simply, tipping the water out onto the grass will cause a mucky mess – if the ground is dry and hard it won’t seep away and will create its own pool. Instead, use the water to refresh your plants or move it to another container, such as water butt to save for watering your plants later. You can even use it to wash your car or clean your decking or patio.