How To Keep Backyard Pool Clean

Last Updated on October 21, 2021

We have identified 6 secrets to keeping a kiddie pool clean and here they are. Keep reading to learn how each tip can help ensure your kiddos have a clean splash pool all summer long! Here they are:

Use Chlorine to keep the water clear
Keep the kiddie pool covered
Remove floating debris with a net
Keep the kids feet clean
Use a small vac to clean the bottom
Eliminate sunscreen buildup

Also be sure to see our Frequently Asked Questions and a BONUS Tip for the longevity of your kiddie pool.

See the quick reference table below for a glance at what we recommend and where you can get the products you need.

How To Keep A Kiddie Pool Clean

No time to read the article? Here is our product picks.

Read our best kiddie pools roundup here. Heck, you might even be using your kiddie pool for the adults this summer!

How to keep kiddie pool water clean? Use chlorine

You may be surprised to know that you can use chlorine for kiddie pools! In small quantities of course, chlorine tablets are great to fight bacteria and algae in your baby pool.

Chlorine is a natural chemical element. It is one of the most potent elements we have to destroy and deactivate infections, viruses, and other illness-causing bacteria, according to the American Chemistry Council. We've been using it for over 150 years, and it's one of the only things that can be used to fight things like E. Coli and Salmonella.

How to keep a kiddie pool clean, use these chlorine tablets — These small chlorine tablets can be used to help
keep your kiddie pool clean.

You can use small chlorine tabs that are meant for a spa tub or small pools. They are 1″ in size and you can use these chlorine tablets for kiddie pools. These should only be used in pools that hold 100 or more gallons of water.

You should use one tablet per week for a kiddie pool of 200 gallons or less, and two tablets weekly for kiddie pools of over 200 gallons.

An additional benefit of using chlorine in the kiddie pool is to prevent mosquitoes from laying eggs in the pool.

The correct way to use these chlorine tabs in your kiddie pool is to use a chlorine float dispenser. The dispenser below will hold one or two tablets and you simply let it float in the pool when the kids are not using it. Do NOT just throw the tablets directly into the pool.

Here are some chlorine and dispenser options for kiddie pools

Keep the kiddie pool covered

There is no better way to keep your kiddie pool clean than by covering it to protect it from airborne debris.

There are a few different ways to accomplish this. One way is to use a special kiddie pool cover or tarp to protect the pool when it is not in use. Another way is to set up your kiddie pool under a shelter to protect it from debris.

If you have a small plastic pool, then you can use a camping-style tarp to cover the pool when it is not in use. Don't forget to use some bricks or pavers to weigh the tarp down so that it does not blow away. Just like a full-sized pool, a cover can really help in keeping leaves, bugs, bees, and other debris out of your kiddie pool.

Here is one of our favorite kiddie pools that has its own fitted cover that makes putting in on super easy. Also, a tarp for any other kiddie pool that needs covering.

Another great kiddie pool parent hack is to set the kiddie pool up within a protected area that is covered. Using a screen canopy can both help to keep the pool clean and also provide much-needed shade for the children to play for extended hours. This is hands-down the best way to keep your kiddie pool clean and free of debris. Be sure to get the appropriate size for your kiddie pool to fit within.

Keep the kiddie pool free from floating debris

One easy way to ensure the kiddie pool water stays clean is to remove the floating debris like bugs, leaves, and other dirt. Simply use a handheld net each day to remove the debris. Remember, there is no pool skimmer like a bigger pool, so this must be done by hand.

Keep the kids feet clean before entering

How many times do the kids get in and out of the kiddie pool? Lots! And each time they exit and enter the pool they bring new debris on their feet. Simply set this feet cleaner outside the pool and have the kids step thru it before getting into the pool! Make it a pool party game!

Regularly clean debris from the bottom of the kiddie pool

We took care of the floating debris with the net above, but eventually, there will be debris accumulated on the bottom of the kiddie pool. You can try using the net to clean the bottom, but it is likely that it will not completely suffice.

We found this really awesome mini pool vacuum that works great. We suggest using this weekly (if using the pool cover) or more often (if you are not using a pool cover).

On Sale Now!

Intex 28620EP Handheld Rechargeable Spa Pool Vacuum, Grey

Suitable for use with all pure spas and above ground pools up to 18' Diameter
Includes two interchangeable brush heads, USB cable for recharging, 94" Lightweight telescoping Aluminum shaft, & SHAFT adapter to fit longer/wider telescoping aluminum shaf
Automatic shutoff feature when vacuum is not submerged in water, IPX8 waterproof switch for added protection against water submersion
Keep pool water clean by vacuuming out dirt and debris

Keep sunscreen build up off the sides

What do you do right before the kids head outside to splash? Cover them in sunscreen of course!

The damage caused to our skin from the sun and summer heat is well documented, so using the best sunscreen is important. No matter what sunscreen you use, you will surely see an oily film on the top of the water surface soon after the kids enter the pool.

There is nothing inherently bad about this, but over time you will see a build-up of sunscreen oils on the sides of the pool.

There are two ways to combat this build-up. You can either scrub it off when you are draining the pool, or prevent the build-up in the first place. To prevent the build-up, we recommend the "Scum Ball" which is a special sponge-like ball that absorbs the oil before it can build up on the sides!

Make sure the kids are clean before entering the pool

Another way how to keep a kiddie pool clean is to first make sure the kids are clean!

The CDC says that one of the most beneficial ways to reduce the spread of viruses and bacteria is to wash your kids off BEFORE they swim.

Years ago, summer camps and public pools would have a shower room you had to walk through to get to the pool. These rooms rinsed you off before you got in, which helped reduced the spread of many germs.

Now, showering before entering is almost always optional, but it's a great idea if you're swimming with other families to hose kids down with a light body wash before they hop in the pool.

When to drain the kiddie pool and scrub it down?

Remember, your kiddie pool is a stagnant pool of standing water. Eventually, no matter how well you use these tips to keep it clean, you will need to occasionally drain the pool, scrub it down, and refill it. There is nothing wrong with this, it is simply a side effect of the fact that there is no pump or filter to circulate the water. It is just a fact of life!

This makes it especially important to choose a kiddie pool with a built-in drain plug. Without a drain, you need to find a way to dump the water, or even worse, bucket it out! Grab your sponge and soap and make it a fun family activity.

BONUS: How to make your kiddie pool last longer

Your kids LOVE that splash pool, right? They would stay out there all day long if you let them. We also know that these cheap pools can sometimes "spring a leak" or otherwise end up failing before the summer season is over.

Most kiddie pool leaks are from punctures on the bottom of the pool. Stones, pebbles, and anything else that is trapped under the pool, can puncture the bottom.

One way to avoid this is to put something smooth under the pool to protect it. We suggest using interlocking foam tiles for this.

If you have an Intex kiddie pool, then you should check out our guide on what to put under your Intex pool.

Here are some that will work great. You will likely need about 40-60 square feet depending on how big the kiddie pool is.

On Sale Now!

We Sell Mats 48 Sq. Ft. Charcoal Gray 2' x 2' x 3/8' Interlocking Foam Floor Mats

We Sell Mats 48 Sq. Ft. Charcoal Gray 2' x 2' x 3/8" Interlocking Foam Floor Mats

DURABLE MULTIPURPOSE FOAM FLOOR TILES: High density, foam tiles available in 24" x 24" tiles in 3/8" thickness for firm cushion to lessen the impact of exercising and playing.
EASY INSTALLATION & CLEAN-UP: Assembles in minutes over any hardwood floor or flat indoor surface for extra padding needed throughout the home. Wipe clean with soap and water and air dry to finish.
KIDS PUZZLE MAT FOR PLAYROOM SAFETY: Designed for peace of mind when kids play on the floor. Use in playrooms, daycares or classrooms, for extra thick padding that makes playtime safe.
VERSATILE USAGE: For all lifestyle and activity needs, our Multipurpose flooring provides safe cushioning for light fitness exercises, yoga, playroom flooring, Cosplay costumes and support while...

Frequently Asked Questions About Cleaning Kiddie Pools

Why Do Kiddie Pools Need Cleaning?

How to keep a kiddie pool clean

Since backyard kiddie pools do not have a pump and filter or a skimmer like larger pools do, the water tends to get dirty and cloudy more often. Standing water is always going to get dirty, especially in the hot summer months, unless it is treated correctly. Tree debris, sunscreen buildup, and bugs in the water are just a few of the reasons that you need to clean kiddie pools often. Hopefully, with the tips you have learned in this article, you will have a cleaner kiddie pool this summer.

Can I use bleach in a kiddie pool?

The short answer is YES, you can use bleach to help keep your kiddie pool clean. We recommend using very basic bleach. Be careful when using the Clorox brand, as many now contain additives such as scents. Use generic bleach or Clorox Regular Bleach. Use 1/8 cup for every 100 gallons in your kiddie pool.

How do I get rid of Algae in a kiddie pool?

There are a few ways to try to rid your kiddie pool of algae using chemicals. However, we recommend simply draining and cleaning the pool which can be easier than fooling with the chemicals. Drain the pool, then create a cleaning mixture of 5 parts water and 1 part bleach to scrub the pool. Allow the pool to dry completely before re-filling.

How do I keep a kiddie pool clean without chemicals?

If you simply do not want to use chemicals to keep your kiddie pool clean, there is an alternative. Rather than chlorine, use Distilled White Vinegar. Add 1/2 Cup for every 100 gallons of water in your pool. If you choose to use this method to keep your pool clean, then it is important to note that Vinegar is a known weed killer. If you drain your pool in your grass, expect your grass to yellow severely. Alternatively, drain the pool in the driveway.

How long can you keep water in a kiddie pool?

If you use the advice given in our guide, using a chlorine dispenser float and keeping the pool covered from debris then we recommend changing the water every 3-6 weeks. If you do not use this advice, then you will likely need to change the pool water every few days.

How can I test the water in my kiddie pool?

You can use simple pool water test kits, the same types that are used for larger pools. These are inexpensive and can be a great way to have peace of mind that your little ones are spending the summer in a safe and clean kiddie pool. Check out our article on the best pool test kits for more information.

Do you need expensive pool chemicals for a kiddie pool?

Generally, NO. Kiddie pools have significantly less water volume than a full-size swimming pool. Therefore, you can drain and refill the pool if needed rather than mess with pool chemicals for weeks trying to fix the problem.

Additional Information

OK, So What is The Scoop on Poop (in the Pool)

1 out of 4 adults say that they'd go swimming even if they have diarrhea, according to this survey . It's pretty certain that if those adults have kids, they'd go swimming if sick, too.

If you or your child have any diarrhea, the answer to that question needs to be no.

Swim diapers are made to keep solid waste in while not soaking up all the water in the pool. However, they do not keep bacteria from poop from getting into the water, whether the poop is of the normal variety or filled with a virus or bad bacteria. The only thing that works well for containing that mess is covering a swim diaper with tight-fitting plastic underwear.

In the case of an "accident" in the kiddie pool, the only solution is to drain and clean the pool.

Have a great summer in your splash pool

We sure hope that this guide was helpful in making your summer with kids a little less stressful this year. Splash pools are a great way to allow the kids to cool off in the intense summer heat and now you can keep it clean with these helpful hints and hacks.

Photo by larrywkoester how to keep a kiddie pool clean