When the weather is warm, you need a way to cool off with your family while staying home. The best way to do that when you lack a backyard pool is to get an inflatable one.
With that said, just how long can you leave water inside an inflatable pool? Is it healthy to leave it longer than a day? We did some research into the issue to help your family enjoy the pool and stay safe.
In this article
The Health Risks of Stagnant Water
For those of you who have never heard of this before, water stagnation occurs once the water stops running. It’s a common issue when it comes to pools, whether they’re above ground, in-ground, or inflatable.
A plethora of health risks can be associated with such a complication. The water might become a breeding ground for insects like mosquitoes.
Besides that, there’s a chance that smaller inflatable pools like the common kiddie pools can get contaminated with various germs and bacteria.
These are important considerations to keep in mind if you decide to have an inflatable pool this summer for the kids, and you allow others who don’t live in your household to come over and use the pool.
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How Often Should I Change the Pool Water?
Let’s figure out just how often the water needs to be changed out. If you aren’t using any chemicals in the water, then it’s best to drain the water out daily and clean the pool afterward.
You’re more than likely using tap water to fill the pool up. There is a high risk of something getting into the pool water as it just sits there in your backyard.
Even if your home has a water treatment in place, it may not be enough to successfully ward off the outside germs that can get into the stagnant water.
Once it’s all cleaned out, consider leaving it in the sun to dry off for a few hours. This way, you can be sure that any lingering bacteria goes away under heat exposure.
Treated Pool Water
Now, if you are using a proper treatment for the water like you would any other large-sized pool, then you won’t have to change the water out as often.
You may even leave the same water for weeks at a time. This is because a successful treatment plan can fight off those pesky germs like if you had an in-ground pool.
How to Treat the Water in an Inflatable Pool
Perhaps you don’t want to go through draining, cleaning, and refilling your inflatable pool day after day. Especially so if you have a family-sized inflatable pool.
- Safe & durable: Sable inflatable pool is made with Phthalate and lead free, which is 60% thicker than most in the market, reducing the risk of punctures and ensuring a long service life.
- Long waiting be gone: The pool can be inflated in 3-4 minute by electric pump (not included), 2 water valves double the drainage speed
- Strong and stable structure: 3 individual air chambers of the pool can withstand extra weight while preventing air leakage so the pool is always ready for fun
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We can’t blame you as that is an extensive process and can wind up wasting quite a bit of water at the end of the day. If so, then you should consider a treatment plan.
Don’t worry if you’ve never done it before as it’s more straightforward than it sounds.
Keep Debris Out
Many inflatable pools come with covers, so you can use those to your advantage to keep debris and animals out of the pool. This saves you time from having to rake out the likes of leaves regularly.
Add a Filter
Next, you may want to try out a pool filter. These aren’t standard for inflatable pools, so you’ll have to buy one separately. Depending on the brand of pool you’re using, they may even sell one separately.
Just remember to run the filter when no one is using the pool for it to work without complications.
Sanitize the Water
Using a filter and a sanitizer is vital if you want to leave water in your pool for extended periods. As the filter works out contaminants, sanitizing your pool afterward ensures that the water is disinfected.
Consider using chlorine tablets to provide your pool water with consistent chlorine levels. Chlorine is well-known to kill germs, particularly the ones that cause RWI (recreational water illness).
- Kills bacteria and prevents algae
- Protected against sunlight to last longer
- For pools up to 5, 000 gallons
- *NOTE: Packaging may vary*
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However, the chlorine has to be at the right level to do so. This means you must keep an eye on the water’s pH levels if you want your treatment plan to work.
The best way to do this is to buy a test kit or some test strips and check the water. They aren’t expensive, and they can readily tell you if the pH levels are too high because that is a sure indicator that the chlorine isn’t as effective as it should be.
- Accurately reads Free Chlorine, Bromine, pH, and Total Alkalinity on test strips.Reads strips in only 15 seconds
- Test strip reader will only work with the TruTest Digital Test Strips (NP208) and appropriate timing for placing the strip on the read tray must be followed
- Requires 2 AA batteries (not included).
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Once you have a good balance, there should be a minimal risk of bacteria or germs damaging your pool water so you can leave that water sitting for days before you ever have to change it out.
Final Thoughts
Inflatable pools are a joy when the weather’s hot, and you can’t leave the house. They are far cheaper than having an above ground pool set up or an in-ground pool installed. Even so, there’s a high risk of these pools becoming a breeding ground for bacteria, germs, and insects.
It can benefit your family’s health the most if you toss the water out daily or almost every day and replace it with a fresh batch the next time you all are going to use it.
Although wasteful, it is perhaps the safest method. Of course, you can always opt for treating your water through filters and sanitizing agents like chlorine.
Always remember to keep an eye on the water no matter what. If an animal has gotten into it or someone has had an accident in the pool, your best bet is to dump it, clean it, and start over.
