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AIBU?

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Original poster

To think paddling pools should last longer?

37 replies

BraOffPjsOn · 23/06/2026 13:11

So with this heatwave, I’ve just bought a paddling pool for the kids. They’re not toddlers anymore and love bouncing around in there. We’ve had a few where we’ve put the slide in and they’ve loved that but they’re probably deflating because of then sliding into the slides.

are there any more sturdy ones which can handle this kind of use?
Any tips?

OP posts:
mommybear1 · 23/06/2026 17:12

Yet another vote for a steel frame one I got sick of needing a new one everytime the kids wanted to play. We invested in a steel frame one last year as pp said initial set up was more costly but it’s been worth it.

perimenopoppet · 23/06/2026 16:59

Get an old fashioned style one that isn’t blown up. With the semi rigid sides that the water holds up? Ours has survived a decade so far and it was about £7 from Tesco.

Tableforjoan · 23/06/2026 16:55

BraOffPjsOn · 23/06/2026 16:44

Thanks all - thought I might get ripped apart for saying this!

Maybe I’ll get a dog one if big enough and then maybe get the metal structured one when we move - are they just freezing all the time though?

Our unheated pool is currently 29c

Chritrup · 23/06/2026 16:46

Like everything, you get what you pay for.

Original poster
BraOffPjsOn · 23/06/2026 16:44

Thanks all - thought I might get ripped apart for saying this!

Maybe I’ll get a dog one if big enough and then maybe get the metal structured one when we move - are they just freezing all the time though?

OP posts:
Burningbud1981 · 23/06/2026 13:52

You’re not being unreasonable. I stopped buying inflatable pools and got a 10ft steel frame. Yes the upfront costs were a lot but long term I’ve probably saved more money as I don’t have to keep buying inflatable/ paddling pools

Bossbear · 23/06/2026 13:45

Dog bath! These are much sturdier as build to withstand claws

Tableforjoan · 23/06/2026 13:16

You need a rectangular frame pool and make sure you have a mat under the base of the slide.

Jimmyneutronsforehead · 23/06/2026 13:16

Like this one that's on a prime day deal at the mo.

To think paddling pools should last longer?
Jimmyneutronsforehead · 23/06/2026 13:14

Nothing will ever beat a metal frame paddling pool in my eyes.

You can get small ones for toddlers that don't require steps or you can just go all out and get a bigger one.

We had a small metal framed one that came with a framed sun canopy and it lasted us years, as long as we took proper care to make sure it was dry and had put baby powder in all the eyelets before packing away.

We do the same with our much bigger pool now.

Adding slides and extras that aren't part of the original kit will always compromise your pool though so it depends if you want to take that risk.

Original poster
BraOffPjsOn · 23/06/2026 13:12

I do realise this is a thin bit of plastic so I’m probably unreasonable 😂 but any tips or types to buy would be handy!

OP posts: