Advice re paddling pool and also mosquitos

[clairebear610]

Bought a big new family paddling pool yesterday and overnight something (possibly a cat or fox) has punctured it. So frustrating! Given there is a water shortage we are reluctant to deflate it every day and then refill with more water...does anyone have any recommendations/advice for paddling pool covers to protect them as it wasn't cheap and we want it to last the summer at least?

Also, we are constantly being bitten by mosquitos in the garden and my legs are covered in marks and the kids too. Does anyone know of a good spray to get to stop this, or is there something we can do in the garden to keep them away? Many thanks!

Double fitted bed sheet over the paddling pool has worked for us.

citronella smell things in the garden repel bugs

@clairebear610 Check around the garden to see if there is any stagnant water sitting in an big old container in a corner somewhere. They can be insect larvae factories. Getting rid of it would help.

Otherwise, citronella candles as a pp suggests. Or you could try coconut-scented toiletries. Mosquitoes and other insects are repelled by the smell of coconut. Weird, but true!