Good paddling pool - anyone recommend?

[Cha]

We'd like to get our dd a paddling pool for the summer and hopefully for the summers after... I'd rather pay a little more and have it last longer than one that's cheap but gets a hole in it the first time you use it! We don't have grass in our garden (either brick / slate paving or decking) so it needs to be fairly sturdy underneath. Anyone got any ideas?

Cha, I bought a paddling pool from argos last year. It was about £15-£20 but well worth it. It was the shape of a boat and quite big. It came with squirtie fish which kids enjoyed. I dont know whether they still sell them there.

They always puncture - get a cheapo one

We too have no grass, i got one from the early learning centre, it hasn' got a puncture yet, and this is year two. It was about £20.

ELC do really cheap but good paddling pools with an air pump - £10. Perhaps you could buy a tarp/groundsheet to put under it - usually cheap from car part stores like Halfords?

I agree with codswallop - all paddling pools are liable to puncture - however carefully you try & look after them; get a cheap one each year.

I've been advised by all my mates who have kids to get a new one each year. They puncture and never deflate/store properly after. ELC do good ones and they're really cheap.

what about the rigid ones by TP - anyone have any opinions on those?

We get the cheapest possible and throw it away after the summer.

I think you've more or less convinced me - yet again! Oh the power of mumsnet. I'll get a cheapo one from Argos I think - it's the nearest store to us that sells such things. ELC is miles away and don't fancy lugging it back on train with buggy and toddler! Thanks everyone.

Did you know that ELC will deliver? My mum had a paddling pool sent to our DS for his birthday this year (it's punctured already !!!!!!)

I got a really cheap one from Woolworth's last year & it's fabulous. No punctures yet...

I noticed today that the Stationery Box in Putney was selling one for £2.99! Don't know if this is a chain but must be worth a try at that price

Got a rigid with inflatable top ring for £10.9 (Chad Valley - Woolies), had the same one 3 years ago from ELC and was very sturdy (and was then about £15)