Inflatable Pools

Choosing a depth

Very shallow pools — the type with a single ring and a soft floor — suit babies and toddlers who mostly want to sit and splash. They fill in minutes, empty just as fast, and can be tipped out and put away daily.

Multi-ring pools hold considerably more water and suit children who want to lie down and move about. They take longer to fill and are not something you empty every evening, which brings water treatment and covering into the picture.

Before you buy

Fencing requirements in Australia are set by state and local government and can apply to temporary and inflatable pools above a certain depth. Rules differ meaningfully between states. Check with your council before purchasing anything deep, because it is far easier to choose a different pool than to change one already set up.

Where to set one up

Flat ground, clear of sticks and stones, ideally on grass rather than pavers. A ground sheet under the pool protects the base and makes a real difference to how many seasons it lasts.

Think about where the water goes when you empty it — a few hundred litres onto one patch of lawn repeatedly will kill the grass.

Shade

Pools with an integrated canopy or shade arch extend how long a session lasts in an Australian summer, particularly for babies and toddlers who cannot regulate heat well.

Storage

Dry completely before folding — a pool packed away damp will come out of the shed smelling of mildew next year. Fold along the original creases and store somewhere that does not get extreme heat.