To think a 30 inch deep pool needs a fence?

[Eggybreadleg]

We are considering one of these best ways 12 foot inflatable pools for the kids. The sides are about 3 feet tall and the water is 30 inches deep. We have a 3.5 year old and I think that's too deep for a pool that will just be plonked in the middle of the garden with no safety cover or fence. DH thinks it's fine because he can stand.

[Waveysnail]

I wouldn't allow him in the garden unaccompanied.

[Pipandmum]

A kid can drown in an inch of water. Get a secure cover.

[gonewiththerain]

I don’t allow mine out unaccompanied when his water tray is 2 inches full of water.
Definitely needs a fence and one that can’t be climbed over.

[Idododoidadada]

If you have a pool that deep they shouldn’t be in the garden unsupervised - ever.
Fences could be climbed, a gate left open..... either re think the pool or don’t ever let 3.5 year old in the garden without you.

[Allmyeye]

My child very nearly drowned in a garden pond when he was a toddler. Just a moment of inattention nearly ended in tragedy. Twenty years later and I still feel sick when I am think of it. Don’t take any chances OP.

[FFSFFSFFS]

I feel so strongly about this that I've crowbarred myself off the coach to get my laptop so i can post (as on my phone reading).

A child in Australia drowned in a bucket that had some water in it that was sitting next to a back door.

You should NEVER EVER EVER EVER leave your child unsupervised with water. If its inflatable - you only put water in it when you are using it and never leave him outside. Otherwise yes you definitely need a full and proper fence.

Trust me on this - even the most carefree and chilled Australians would never ever leave a pool unsecured - because there have been so many awful cases of children drowning

Just remembered another one - twin toddlers who drowned in an uncovered water tank when they were being looked after by their grandparents.

Seriously - its such a massive risk but British people aren't as aware of it as there aren't as many pools.

Ask your husband if he would let the kids go in the car without a seat belt? There's actually a higher risk with drowning.

[NerrSnerr]

My children are not allowed outside unaccompanied when the paddling pool is out, however shallow it is.

[Eggybreadleg]

It can't have a secure cover because it's inflatable so there's nothing to latch it to if that makes sense? It takes a huge amount of water and has a pump/filter so not one you'd empty every time. The house has multiple doors that lead to the garden and there are 3 older kids who come and go all the time and those doors are largely left open in the summer. DH thinks the older kids would love it and I'm sure they would but I'm terrified of the little one finding his way out there. DH thinks I'm over reacting for wanting a fence on "such a small pool".

[QuestionableMouse]

It needs either covering or fencing round to protect him but also wildlife.

[isthismylifenow]

If you cannot secure it, do not get the pool.

[mum11970]

If it’s the round Bestway inflatable pools they do covers for them. Pretty sure you can get covers for the rectangular ones too.

[poozel]

Needs covered.

What about lazy spa type pool with lid.

[SomeHalfHumanCreatureThing]

I wouldn't have one of these with a small child. It's not worth it.

[NoIDontWatchLoveIsland]

Don't do it with a fence.

My sister visited a friend's house once who had a pool in the garden. It took a split second for her 4 year old to fall in. It was luck that my sister reacted quickly enough to get him out fast enough.

Another friends son almost drowned in 4 inches of water in a bath. Drowning can happen incredibly fast and is silent.

[mum11970]

A cover or fence is of no help if your older kids are going to be using it and can’t be relied upon to shut doors or gates behind them. Only needs to be forgotten once. Sounds like you have too many ways for your 3 year old to get out alone for it to be safe to have any kind of pool.

[SomeHalfHumanCreatureThing]

My neighbours kid (3yo) went under the water in the lazy spa this week. They weren't in there with him, they were a few steps away. I was on the other side of the fence and couldn't do anything but he was under for about 20 seconds by the time they got to him.
That's with them standing just a couple of meters away.. It's a similar depth to the one you're describing.

[OoohTheStatsDontLie]

OP children die in foot deep ponds every year www.rospa.com/leisure-safety/water/advice/pond-garden-water/

[OlaEliza]

I had that cover and it just popped off all the time. It was useless.

[minemineminemine]

Wait a few years.
It would be so easy to get complacent keeping an eye on the little one. You can't watch them all the time.
I just wouldn't risk it.

[happyhappyhour]

I read a news story about a toddler who drowned in his garden pond (the mum only left him and older siblings unattended for a few minutes) the pond had a four foot fence around it as well which he managed to climb over.

Shocked your DH doesn’t think it’s an issue I’d guess MOST childhood drownings at houses are in water shallower than that. Show him stories.

In my opinion it just wouldn’t be worth the risk.

[KKSlider]

Even a fence is no guarantee that a child won't find a way to get in there.

I wouldn't have a pool that deep with such a young child.

[Thisseatisnotavailable]

Just no.

[Homebirdafterall]

Dont get the pool at all. Even with a fence. Too many possible circumstances where you think someone else is watching the 3 year old, or someone leaves the gate or a door open. It's just not worth the risk of tragedy.

[FeelingTheBurn]

In your case I wouldn't get it- because your DH is already being quite lax about it and I would worry about that.

[Squidwitch]

Please please don't get the pool, just get a smaller one, or even two that you empty every night. This post has chilled my blood tbh, and please show your husband this. It's got nothing to do with how sensible your kids are, or how physically competent. They are head top heavy, they lean over, they are curious.