In-Ground Kiddie Pool (Pics)

[kwolfe]

First I would like to thank everyone for there help. Especially Kubotasteve for finding the "too be" pool I used. I started this project becasue I wanted to rigind sided pool for the kids (18months and 3 1/2). I had done blow up pools in the past only to find that they kept deflating, and cleaning them was a pain.
I sugggested to my wife that we put in a pond for the kids to play in. This way it would be easier to clean, and might be nicer to look at (her desire). What I wound up using was a cattle tank from TSC. It retails for $220, but as luck would have it, I found one used for $50 (also used for a pool for one season).
The pool measures 8' across by 2' deep. The little tractor did most of the work, however I did snap the head off my pick trying to breaking up a few sheets of iron stone I ran into.
Since these pictures, I built a round top out of plywood that is hinged for easy removal. I have it chlorinated and am using an above ground pool pump/filter to keep the water clean. so far the kids love it. Now for pictures.

 

[KubotaSteve]

Looks good, glad that worked out for you. I had been thinking about doing something like that because the bigger above ground pool we have is a little too big for the smaller kids. Someone gave me a small plastic kids pool and it works ok for the 4 year old, but now he just gets in the big pool with a life jacket on. The 9 month old isn't real fond of the pool yet.

How are you doing chlorine (floater or liquid)? One of the best things about the smaller pools are how quick they heat up which is good for kids.

Just make sure to watch those kids like a hawk around water, because just like a tractor, things can happen fast and too often can't be reversed. I was glad to hear you put a lid on it, just make sure it's heavy enough kids can't move it.

 

[kwolfe]

Hey Steve. Iwas hoping you would see this. I am using cholrine crystal. I bought a 1lb bag which from the instruction should last all season (about $4). I took two sheets of 1/2 plywood and laid 3 2x4s acroos. Then I cut the whole thing round. I used three galvanize hinges. I made the hard top so that either kid would not be able to fall through. It will support their weight no problem. It is also way to heavy for them to push off.

Those tubs from TSC are really heavy duty. It would have been fine above ground as well (thick poly tub). The wife wanted it below ground for appearance. I figure after the kids are done with it, it could make a great seaonal fish pond.