WHAT better way to cool off in the hot weather than with your own garden pool?
Kids can have hours of fun splashing around while adults can enjoy a dip too.
Here’s how to keep your pool in budget and make it last the distance over the summer . . .
BAG A BARGAIN: For something fairly large, you can get an 8ft pool at Home Bargains for £24.99.
Or the Bestway rectangular family pool is more than 8ft and down from £39.99 to £19.99 at very.co.uk.
For smaller children, try the Summer Waves 4.2ft pool, £10, from Argos.
GIVE IT A BASE: Putting something underneath your pool can help prevent punctures.
Find a piece of old carpet or an old blanket or flatten some cardboard boxes for the base.
FILL IN HOLES: Patch up a pool that gets a puncture, instead of chucking it.
The Suds Online repair kit, £9.95 from The Range, can fix small holes in your pool as it can be used under water.
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WARM IT UP: Taking the chill off your pool can make it more usable.
Special solar covers warm up the water and typically cost from around £30, depending on the size.
However, you can fashion your own accessory to heat the water using a roll of bubble wrap bought for a couple of quid.
Just cut and stick to the shape of your pool. Black bin liners weighted at the bottom of the pool can also help warm the water as they absorb the heat.
Just remember to remove them before children play in the water.
KEEP IT CLEAN: Another benefit of using a cover is that it helps keep the water free of debris. A cleaner pool means you don’t have to empty and refill it as regularly.
Another way to stop grass and dirt quickly building up is to set up a washing-up bowl with water by the pool.
Then ask users to step in the foot wash before getting in, to clean their feet.
- All prices on page correct at time of going to press. Deals and offers subject to availability.
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