The Plastic Pool

Childhood just isn't complete without a plastic pool on the patio or in the yard to splash around in. The great thing is that the parent on duty can lounge in a chair supervising and reading or listening to music while the children splash around and wear themselves out in the water, meaning that afternoon nap time will be peaceful in the house.

Perhaps the most common plastic pool is the small, 6-foot or so diameter pool made of heavy plastic with a ridged floor to help prevent slip-ups. It is amazing how much fun little children have with this inexpensive thing that's not much bigger than their bathtub. Something about splashing around outside with the warm sun through the leaves making dappled light patterns is incredibly appealing to kids and grownups alike.
Plastic pools don't have to be plain round basins. Some of them come with small slides molded right into the side. It takes a long time for kids to grow tired of sliding into a pool of cool water.

Not all plastic pools are made of molded plastic. Some of them are inflatable. If you get one, go ahead and splurge on the electric air pump. Otherwise you'll never get the thing inflated. But one advantage to inflatable pools is that the sides are softer than those of rigid plastic pools. One big disadvantage, however, shows up when the family cat naps on one of the edges and punches tiny holes in it with her claws.

There are even plastic pools that are especially made for babies, with activity gyms built right in. Inflatable spray pools incorporate small canopies to which you attach a hose, creating a sprinkler right in the pool. Plastic pools with full canopies are a great choice for those super hot climates and places where shade is at a premium.

The world of plastic pools is bigger and more diverse than ever, bringing another generation the joys of splashing outside on a summer day.