11 tips for choosing and buying an inflatable pool for the cottage + photo

The vast majority of summer residents dream of installing a pool on their site, which would become a summer vacation center for children or for the whole family. Unfortunately, stationary designs are far from affordable for everyone, but this does not mean that you need to give up the dream, because there are inflatable pools on sale in a large assortment. They are perfect for those who want to save money and time. On sale you can find both models for the smallest and 6-meter designs designed for the rest of a large company, but size is not the only thing that is important to consider when buying. How to choose an inflatable pool for a summer residence, properly install it and take care of it so that it lasts for several seasons? Which manufacturers can be trusted? Discover the secrets of a perfect inflatable pool.

No. 1. Inflatable Pool Design

Modern inflatable pools are made of three-layer polyvinyl chloride filmwhose strength is enough to withstand the load of water and swimming people. The thicker the film, the better. Large pools further strengthen mesh polyester - such reinforcement increases the strength and reliability of the product. Another option is to strengthen the structure thin-walled aluminum frame. Usually inflatable pools are round or oval, much less often - rectangular. They can be of different sizes, accommodate from 25 l of water to 45 t, be in length from 1 to 6 m, be equipped slides, fountains, whole game complexes or the ability to massage with air bubbles, to be monochrome or stylized to some theme (pirates, cartoon characters), matte or transparent.

As a rule, only one ring is inflated with air, encircling the pool in diameter. If the pool is small, there may be several such rings, but for small children it is better to choose a design where the bottom is also pumped with air to avoid possible injuries on a hard surface under the pool.

No. 2. Advantages and disadvantages of inflatable pools

Inflatable structures are most common among all pools, at least in the domestic space. The reasons for the popularity are worth looking for in a host of advantages:

• affordable price;
• a large assortment;
• easy installation. Installing an inflatable pool in the country is a matter of 10-45 minutes (depending on size), no special preparation is needed, and the manufacturer must include instructions for each model;
• mobility. The inflatable pool can be installed anywhere, and if you want to move. In a deflated state, it takes up a minimum of space, weighs a little, which simplifies transportation and storage;
• easy storage. The owner is forced to look after the stationary pool all year round, and it is enough to blow off the inflatable pool in August-September, wash it well, dry it and put it down until the next season;
• inflatable pool - ideal for children, since the water in them heats up quickly, the sides are soft, and the variety of design and configuration will allow you to find the most suitable option for a child of any age.

But even in the sun there are spots, and with the simplicity of installation and the relative cheapness of the inflatable pools will have to put up with some of their disadvantages:

• low durability. On average, a PVC pool is enough for 2-3 seasons. Do not forget that the material is easily damaged by sharp objects, is not very resistant to ultraviolet and is not suitable for bathing cats and dogs;
• necessity periodic air pumping;
• water in an inflatable pool is difficult to clean.

No. 3. Choose the height of the side and the size of the inflatable pool

One of the defining characteristics when choosing is the height of the side of the pool. It directly depends on who can swim in the pond, and how much such a bath will be comfortable and safe.

Depending on the height of the board, all pools can be divided into:

• mini-reservoirs with a side height of up to 17 cm are suitable for bathing children up to 1.5 years old;
• pools with a side height of up to 50 cm are called "paddling pools", they are designed for children under 3 years old;
• pools up to 70 cm high can be used for bathing children up to 7 years old;

  

  

  

  
  
• board height up to 107 cm - a good option for children under 12 years old;
• pools above 107 cm can be used for bathing teenagers and adults, but must be additionally equipped with a ladder.

When buying a pool for children, you can be guided by a simple rule, according to which at least 1 m should be for one child² spaces, for adults - 1.5-2 m². The larger the pool, the more it will be functional and similar to ordinary stationary models, but before choosing it doesn’t interfere with analyzing what place is allocated in the summer cottage for its installation.

As for the form, then give preference to round and oval models. Not only are there many more such pools, they are also more practical in operation, because they allow you to distribute the load more evenly.

Number 4. Inflatable pools for children

For children and adolescents, manufacturers of inflatable pools have developed the most interesting models. Small structures with a volume of 45-90 l are intended for the smallest, the water in them quickly heats up. Pools with a corrugated bottom are suitable for older bathers, which reduces the risk of slipping. It’s better not to try to describe the variety of design: you can find on sale models of any colors and with any drawings.

Special attention should be paid to constructions equipped with inflatable slide, fountain, waterfall, net for games and other elements that will make fun in the pool more interesting and rich. For the smallest there are models with a small canopywhich protects from direct sunlight.

No. 5. Water Fill Method

The method of filling it with water depends on the design features of the inflatable pool. All currently existing models can be divided into two groups:

• fully inflatable pools characterized by the presence of wall-cavities filled with air, they hold water. Such pools are easier to damage, but a similar design is used, mainly in small models, sometimes supplemented with an inflatable bottom;
• filling pools have a tube cavity along the upper edge, which completely encircles the structure. Only the pipe is inflated with air, and when the tank is filled with water, the pipe gradually rises, allowing the pool walls to unfold. In some designs of such pipes there can be two or even three.

No. 6. Inflatable Pool Water Filtration

Question water filtration - the most acute for inflatable structures, especially if the pool is not protected from the environment by any canopy.

To filter water in an inflatable pool, you can use:

• special netswhich are suitable for water purification in small pools.The process consists in manually catching the largest contaminants;
• water vacuum cleaner can be used for pools of medium and large sizes. Such devices can be manual (the best choice for an inflatable pool) and semi-automatic; robot vacuum cleaners for underwater cleaning have recently appeared;
• filter pump with a replaceable cartridge, which, as a rule, comes complete with pools of more or less large sizes. Such a filter does not always fully cope with its tasks, and then you have to additionally purchase a sand filter. The latter can last about 5 years until sand is replaced;
• skimmer. For inflatable pools, hinged skimmers that use mechanical cleaning up the top layer of water from pollution, such as foliage, hair, dirt particles, etc .;
• using special chemicalswhich, ideally, should be used in parallel with water filtration. They are necessary to prevent flowering, odor, mucus on the bottom and walls. Chemicals containing chlorine are added to water with a clearly defined pH level, which, if necessary, is also regulated by the introduction of special substances. About 2 days after treatment, you can swim, and another day add a float with a tablet of the aquacomplex. Such treatment will allow changing the water once a month, it is not capable of causing harm to health, but is contraindicated for those who are allergic to chlorine-containing substances. Chemistry Alternative - Adding Perhydrol (37% hydrogen peroxide solution). Consumption - 500-700 g per 1 ton of water, the effect is approximately the same.

It is necessary to filter the water in the pool, otherwise in a week instead of crystal clear water you will get a puddle-swamp with a very unpleasant odor. If the pool is small, then it makes sense to fill it with fresh water every day - this is ideal. At night and during the absence of you in the country, the pool must be covered with an awning.

Number 7. Organization of water discharge in an inflatable pool

When choosing an inflatable pool, be sure to pay attention to the drainage system, and this applies primarily to large structures. They must have drain valvewhich can be connected to a garden hose. Otherwise, you will have to pump out water using a pump, and this is an additional cost and inconvenience.

Small pools empty by tipping over. If chemicals were not used to purify the water, then you can water the beds with it. This applies mainly to small children's pools, where the water changes every day.

Number 8. What should be included?

Responsible manufacturers who value their name, as a rule, include not only the inflatable pool itself in the kit. The quantity and composition of accessories greatly depends on the size of the bowl. Small children's pools are usually equipped with a tube of special glue and a vinyl patch to repair damage. By the way, the Moment glue cannot be used for the repair of inflatable pools - it will damage the structure even more.

Larger pools should be complemented. filter pump, dirt net and skimmer. Manufacturers also supply large inflatable pools step ladder, bedding and awning. Massive structures with high sides must be supplemented with special rubber rings located on the walls. A rope is attached to them, which on the other hand is attached to a peg driven into the ground. If this is not done, then the pool can easily tip over, even when it is completely filled with water.

No. 9. Features of installation and repair of an inflatable pool

Anyone will cope with the task of installing an inflatable pool, because everything is described in detail in the instructions. Installation consists of such key points:

• site selection and preparation. It is necessary to choose a flat place with dense soil for installation of the pool, preferably away from trees, because in the shade the water will warm up worse, and branches and leaves can attack a lot. A children's pool must be installed in a well-watched area. All stones, bumps, knots and other sharp and hard objects must be carefully removed from the installation site, and then, to guarantee bedding. If it did not go in the kit, then you can use a canvas canvas or thick PVC film;
• inflating the pool. After removing from the box, the pool is neatly laid out on the litter, in no case can it be dragged along the ground. The inflation pump must be purchased separately. It is not recommended to pump the pool, and if you inflate it strongly during the cool time of the day, then in the heat it may burst due to the property of the air to expand. The kit may include a filter pump; you cannot turn it on without water. It is connected to the corresponding valves according to the instructions. As a rule, pumps are equipped with paper cartridges, they will have to be changed approximately every 2 weeks, so take care of consumables in advance;
• water filling. Use drinking or industrial water, you can pour and river water, but it must first be carefully processed. Water is supplied until the air section stops lifting. After that, you can remove the plugs from the filter pump, and when water enters the device, it can be connected to power networks;
• the control. During operation, it is necessary not only to monitor the purity of water, but also its level, because part will evaporate, some part will splash out, so it is always necessary to add fresh water. Periodically, you will also have to check the pressure in the air chamber and pump it;
• storage. After operation and removal of water, the pool is thoroughly washed, blown away, dried in the sun and folded for storage.

It’s good when a repair kit consisting of a patch and glue was sold together with the pool: in which case the patch simply sticks tightly to the place of damage. If there was no such kit, then you can use the kit for repairing car cameras or look for special kits from the pool manufacturer for sale.

No. 10. Canopy for an inflatable pool

The canopy protects the pool not only from debris, but also from rain and the harmful effects of sunlight. If possible, it is, of course, better to equip it. There are several options:

• low canopies not more than 1 m high - The cheapest, but least convenient option, suitable for those pools that are not used too often. Such a canopy completely copes with its direct functions, but it will be difficult to get into the reservoir, and one sliding section will serve as the entrance;
• medium structures about 2 m high - the most convenient option. The door is located at one of the ends, and the pavilion itself is assembled according to the principle greenhouses. The frame is made of metal, sheathe it polycarbonate - You can cope on your own. To save, you can use filmbut it’s enough for the season, and her appearance is not the best;
• tall pavilions about 3 m high allow you to equip a full pool relaxation area, which can be used both in rain and in cool weather. Such a pavilion can be decorated with flowers and complemented with sun loungers - it will turn out a worthy competitor to the familiar pergolasTrue, a lot of space will be needed.

No. 11. The best manufacturers of inflatable pools

Although the cost of an inflatable pool does not compare with the price of equipping a stationary analogue, everyone wants to get a quality product for their money that will certainly last more than one season, so it is better to give preference to a reliable manufacturer:

• Intex - An American company that is considered a leader in the production of inflatable pools.The range of models and accessories for the pools is huge, the design is excellent, and the quality is up to par, which is confirmed by the necessary certificates;
• Wehncke - A German company, in the assortment of which there are inflatable pools of various sizes and designs. Quality meets the most stringent standards, the kit always includes many useful accessories;
• Zodiac - A French company specializing in the production of goods for leisure and sports. The range of inflatable pools is small, but they are all equipped with a set of additional equipment;
• Bestway - A large Chinese manufacturer, which includes 4 plants. Products are in great demand all over the world. The main specialization is production wireframe and inflatable pools. The latter are available in a huge variety: from small structures to huge family pools and complexes with slides. Options vary from model to model, the design is excellent;
• Polygroup - A company with factories located in China and Thailand, and representative offices - all over the world. It specializes in the production of decorative items, lighting, stationary and inflatable pools. The main advantage is low prices.

When buying, always check availability of warranty - A normal manufacturer offers a warranty period of at least 1 year. This precaution and accuracy in operation will help to keep the inflatable pool in good condition for a long time.