Inflatable pools are the perfect solution for taking a refreshing dip on the hottest days of the year, even if you do not have much space. Inflatable pools require less maintenance than a fixed pool, but it is important to clean them, both the first time you use them (after months of storage) and throughout the swimming season. If you have ever owned an inflatable pool, you have probably had the experience of the pool being so dirty at the end of the swimming season that you were tempted to throw it away.
The following oneHOWTO article explains how to properly clean an inflatable pool and how to keep it clean longer so you do not have to empty the water as often.
How to clean an inflatable pool step by step
Inflatable pools require a thorough cleaning on one hand, and regular cleaning and maintenance on the other. When it's time to take out the pool for the first time this season or if you notice that it's dirty, here's how you can clean it:
- Start by draining all the water out of the pool. Ideally, you should place the pool in a place near a hose.
- After you have completely drained the pool, try to dry it completely with a dry towel or rag.
- Scrub the pool with soapy water to remove any dirt or slimy residue on the pool surface.
- Mix a little bleach in a bucket of water and use this as a cleaning solution. Any spray bottle of bathroom or kitchen cleaner will also work. We recommend something that contains bleach or a disinfectant additive.
- Get a garden hose or a bucket of water and rinse out the pool. You may need to do a few rinses. The goal is to remove all of the bleach or cleaning solution from the pool before you fill it again.
- Once the entire pool is cleaned and rinsed, you can add fresh water back in.
This may be necessary every 2-4 days depending on usage and water consumption. To reduce pool cleaning efforts, follow the recommendations in the following sections to keep your pool clean.
Tips to keep the pool as clean as possible
There are a few things you can do to not only make the pool usable and enjoyable longer, but also to prevent the buildup of debris, boulders and scum.
Remove leaves and insects
It does not take long for organic material and debris to accumulate in the pool. If a storm has passed, you probably have a lot more than just a film. If you do not remove the debris, it can stain the surface of your previously spotless pool. Regardless of the size of your pool, you should have a landing net with a handle to do this easily.
Water maintenance
Unless it's a small pool (for babies), you need to do a minimum of water maintenance, so you do not have to keep throwing the water away. In medium or large pools, it is important to control the pH of the water, which should be between 7.4 and 7.6. There are simple kits to check it and special products to raise or lower it if needed. This way you can ensure that the water stays clean and avoid possible problems for bathers such as itchy eyes or skin irritation.
Make use of disinfectant products
Inflatable (or removable) pools of a certain capacity also require treatment of the water with disinfectants such as conventional chlorine or sodium hypochlorite, which is less aggressive because it contains only 15% chlorine and is therefore ideal for medium-sized inflatable pools. Chlorine keeps a pool clean, clear, sanitized and safe. The aim of these products is to prevent the proliferation of fungi, bacteria, and algae that would quickly spoil the pool water.
As with pH meters, there are kits that allow you to check the chlorine content and add the appropriate product if necessary, always taking into account the volume of water in the pool that determines the amount required for disinfection.
You may also be interested in this other article about how to protect your hair from chlorinated water.
Buy accessories
Most medium and large inflatable pools have practical accessories that help with proper maintenance. One of the most interesting is the adjustable cover that can be used to cover the inflatable pool when it is not used for a few days. In this way, the water is protected from the sunlight (which promotes the appearance of algae) and from the penetration of dirt. For larger pools, there are also portable filters and even small purifiers that can be a great help.
How often to empty and clean it
Children's inflatable pools aren't difficult to clean, since you can easily empty them after a day of games and diving, rinse them with soapy water, and get them ready for the next time.
The question arises with medium and large pools. Generally, inflatable pools that do not have a cleaning system need to be emptied and cleaned every two to three weeks (following the steps we have provided). Of course, if you discover dirt on the bottom or walls in the form of greenish or brown spots that indicate the presence of microorganisms (slippery bottom), you must immediately empty and clean the pool.
Now that you know how to clean and keep your inflatable pool clean, you are all set for summer. You may also be interested in this other article on How long do you have to wait to swim after eating?
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