How Long Can Water Stay in a Kiddie Pool?

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Kiddie pools vary in size but are generally no deeper than 3 feet. They also are no larger than 15 feet across. Kiddie pools are made out of plastic and are set up at home by the adults of the house. The water is added with a garden hose, and then the children are allowed to play in it. The problem is, parents aren't sure how often the water needs to be changed.

Without Chemicals

If a parent chooses not to use chemicals in the kiddie pool, the water must be drained after the children are done using it. This should occur within 24 hours. That means the parents must go through the hassle of filling the pool with fresh water each day. This is not a good use of water. The reason the water must be drained daily is that algae and bacteria are quick to grow in stagnant water. This poses a health risk to your child.

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With Chemicals

If you utilize some chemicals you can keep your kiddie pool water for much longer. If your children use the pool on a daily basis, empty the water every month. If your children use the pool infrequently, wait a month and a half to two months before changing the water. To keep your kiddie pool safe you must add three quarters of a cup of borax to the water. This is a one-time process. On a daily basis thereafter add two tbsp. of dichlor powder. Also twice per week you need to add two and a half tsp. of a poly algaecide. Do this even on the days your children are not swimming in the kiddie pool.

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When Accidents Happen

If your child has an accident in the pool, such as a bowel movement, drain the water. This will need to be done right away. Feces have the ability to cause many diseases. After you have drained the water, pour 3 cups of bleach in the pool. Use a scrub brush to scrub all surfaces of the plastic pool before rinsing and refilling it. Once you do refill it, resume using chemicals.

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