When the weather heats up, you want your kids to cool down. Wading pools present a safe and fun way for young children to beat the heat. However, you need to take care to treat the wading pool with the same seriousness of a regular pool. Dangers lurk in the wading pool as well.

Types of Wading Pools

Many children’s wading pools are inflatable, but there are some with a hard plastic shape. There are very small ones for the youngest children and larger ones that adults can sit in as well. Public wading pools are large enough to hold several children, but they may charge a fee to enter. If you don’t have a shaded area in your home, consider a wading pool that has a canopy to protect your children from the sun’s harsh rays.

Prevent Drowing

A child can drown in just a few inches of water, so you have to practice water safety. An adult should be present at all times when children are playing in the wading pool — it’s not enough to just look out the window occasionally while your kids play in the backyard. When not in use, consider covering the pool or placing a gate around it to prevent accidents.

Clean Water

Most wading pools have no filter, which means that water can easily become contaminated. A wading pool can be a breeding ground for mosquitoes. Additionally, swim diapers don’t always keep urine and stool inside the diaper. The safest way to ensure clean water is to refill the pool each day.

Public Wading Pools

The large size of a public wading pool — and the presence of other kids — can make it a fun option for your child. Before you let her play, though, take note of the quality of the water. There should not be a strong chlorine smell, and there should be no foam in the water. Public wading pools are not required to have a lifeguard on duty, so always keep an eye on your child.

Local Regulations

Home pool regulations vary by community, so check with local authorities before you purchase a pool. For example, some communities require all pools — including wading pools — to be enclosed by a fence to prevent drowning accidents.