Easy Set Inflatable Swimming Pool for Your Family

When I was young, one of our neighbors had a huge field behind their house where they set up a large, above-ground pool every summer and I was often invited to join the brother and sister who frolicked in the pool almost every day. It never once occurred to me that there was any upkeep to the pool other than filling it with water. Summer, to the three of us was pure bliss.

Now that I have children of my own, I have started thinking about installing something more than the 6-inch deep wading pool of previous years in our back yard. While doing a bit of research on backyard pools, I found that there is more to owning one than just filling it with water; quite a bit more. Check out the link provided with this article to read reviews written by people who have purchased the pool we are considering. Then ask yourself the following questions before you head out to buy one for yourself.

1. What kind of pool best fits the needs of my particular family?

We are considering an Easy Set inflatable pool measuring 15 foot across by 36 inch deep. It is big enough for our two younger girls to actually swim in and for the two teens to play around and cool off in on hot summer days. (That cooling off bit goes for Mom and Dad as well.) This particular pool was recommended to us by an acquaintance who has one and is really pleased with it. There are many pools you can choose from, so look around a bit before making your decision.

2. What safety features, if any, does the pool have?

A ladder for easy access and exit, a cover to protect the pool when not in use, and the instant deflating safety feature are included with the Easy Set pool. With smaller children, the ladder and the instant deflating feature are musts. I suppose, even with a fence backyard, the cover to protect the pool at night or when we are away should also be considered a necessity.

3. How much setup knowledge and upkeep will the pool take, and who will do it?

Reason tells me that having two teens in the house should make the answer to that question a no-brainer. However, knowing how short-lived their promises of, "Please let us have a kitty-we'll take care of it. We'll empty the litter box. We'll groom it. We'll make sure it is fed. Please, please, please, lasted, I have few illusions about who will end up taking care of the pool. Luckily, the pool we are considering comes with an installation video.

I know that you have to treat the water, test it periodically, and run a filter. I'm going to have to do some studying before that pool is ready to operate on a regular basis. Hubby will set it up, and show me how, but then I suspect he, too, will lose interest in the maintenance part of owning a pool.

We also need to consider how long our new pool will last before having to be replaced. I have read some varying comments online. Some think only a year, while others say it has a lifespan of at least 2 summers. For the price, we have decided that even if it only lasts a single summer, we would get our money's worth. And, when you figure in admission prices for all of us at a public pool plus the cost of the gas to get us there, we would probably pay for the backyard pool in a few weeks.

4. How will we handle visitors to our pool?

If you don't set up some rules in the beginning, neighbors can overrun your pool. Having a one visitor at a time, or per child, or one day a week for visitors may help. The important thing is to have some rules, and to make sure everyone knows what they are ahead of time. We also plan on a time limit per visitor. After all, we aren't planning to run a 12 hour daycare center in our backyard. (Hmm. Maybe we should give that some thought.)

5. What family rules will govern our use of the pool?

Must chores and homework be done first. Is there a time limit for our own kids in the pool? Should younger children only be allowed in pool when an adult is present or are they old enough to go in with the older kids? Will food be off limits in the pool? Etc.

That's a lot of planning to be done before you actually head for the store to buy that pool, but that study will pay off in the months ahead. You will have taken time to compare the advantages and disadvantages of different pools, you will have decided what upkeep the pool will need, and who will do it, and, best of all, you will have set up some rules governing the use of the pool by friends, neighbors, and family members. These rules should ward off a lot of potential problems well ahead of time. Enjoy your summer, and enjoy your pool.