Paddling pools & kids' pools compared

Inflatable paddling pools with several air rings are light, cheap and quick to pack away. Foldable kids' pools made of rigid material need no air pump and stand up better to sharp stones. Small frame pools with a steel frame are stable and suit older children. Family pools with seats or backrests offer room for parents and children together.

Children can drown in just a few centimetres of water – and it usually happens silently. So never leave young children unsupervised in or near a paddling pool, not even for a moment. After use, empty small pools or cover them securely so that children and pets can't fall in unnoticed.

Place the pool in partial shade if possible and remember sun protection. A ground mat protects the pool floor and makes the surface more comfortable for little feet.

Refill small paddling pools without a filter daily or every one to two days. Chemical water treatment usually makes little sense for small kids' pools – fresh water is the better solution. You can use the drained water for the garden, provided you haven't added any treatment products. Larger family pools that stay up for longer, on the other hand, need a filter pump and suitable water care.

Look for strong seams, thicker vinyl and a drain valve so you can empty the water easily. Separate air chambers make sure the pool doesn't collapse completely if one chamber leaks. A repair kit is part of the basic kit for inflatable models.

Even a small paddling pool needs a level spot without sharp stones or twigs. A ground mat protects the pool floor and the lawn, and in partial shade the water stays pleasant without the children sitting in blazing sun for too long.