Tips for keeping wading pools clean no matter what

Because children, and sometimes a dog or two, are the main users, wading pools can become really filthy. Regular cleaning is the best way to ensure that your child’s wading pool is always clean and ready for use.

• Empty the pool and hose it out to prevent it from becoming a germ or mosquito incubator.
• Store it under cover, upside down or propped on its side against a fence.

• Clean with a sponge or cloth dipped in a solution of 50 ml (1/4 cup) of bicarbonate of soda in 4 litres (4 quarts) of warm water.
• Or, wash with a solution of 15 ml (1 tbs) of dishwashing liquid in4 litres (4 quarts)of water, then rinse clean with a hose.

immediately remove all children from the pool and encourage them to wash themselves thoroughly with soap and water. Chlorine in the water from the faucet dissipates quickly, so a wading pool can become a rich medium for the growth and spread of germs. Even small amounts of fecal matter can cause problems and make children very sick if the germs get into their mouths.

• For the wading pool, here's what to do in case of an accident:
• Pour the solid contents into a bucket and flush it down the toilet.
• Wash the pool with a solution of 1 part chlorine bleach to 99 parts water — 250 ml (1 cup) for every 22 litres (5 1/2 gallons).
• Allow to air-dry.

To minimize the risk of transmitting illness:

• Don't let children use the pool if they have diarrhoea, open sores or rashes, or if they are not toilet-trained.
• Encourage children to go to the toilet before they get in the pool.
• Insist that all children using the wading pool take frequent toilet breaks.