Ethan Clarke
Plastic kiddie pools are a source of fun for children and adults alike. However, once the summer is over, or when kids outgrow them, they can be repurposed in many creative ways. From filling them with water balloons for water fights to using them as ball pits, bird nests, or bubble containers, the options for decoration are endless. For those with a green thumb, kiddie pools can be transformed into garden planters, providing the perfect space for herbs, vegetables, and flowers. With a little DIY magic, an old plastic kiddie pool can be upcycled into something super fabulous!
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Repurpose as a garden planter | Drill holes in the sides of the pool for drainage, elevate on bricks or wood, cover the bottom with fiberglass window screening or porous landscape fabric, fill with potting soil or a combination of potting soil and garden soil, and add plants with shallow roots |
| Use as a ball pit | Fill with plastic balls |
| Use as a duck pond | Add a few young ducks and let them swim |
| Use as a bird's nest | Fill with shredded cardboard and giant plastic eggs |
| Use as a sensory play area | Fill with bubble bath and plastic balls |
| Use as a drink cooler for parties | Fill with ice and add drinks |
| Use as a foot pool | Place a plastic chair over the edge of the pool |
| Use as a water fight arena | Fill with water balloons |
| Use as a bubble container | Use a hula hoop to make large bubbles |
| Use as a sandbox | Fill with sand and add beach-themed decorations |
| Use as a fishing game | Fill with water and add pool noodle "fish" |
| Use as a guinea pig or rabbit cage | Add a small pet fence or DIY a fence with chicken wire |
| Use as a tiered fountain | Combine with a flower urn, water pump, black Flex Seal paint, cinder blocks, pea gravel, and a rubber fountain hose |
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What You'll Learn
Turn it into a ball pit
If you're looking to decorate a plastic kiddie pool, why not turn it into a ball pit? This can be a fun activity for kids and grownups alike and can be easily set up at home. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you get started:
Cleaning the Kiddie Pool:
First things first, you'll want to give the kiddie pool a good cleaning, especially if it has been stored away for a while. You can use mild soap, a sponge, and some elbow grease to scrub the entire pool. Afterward, wipe it down with a clean towel, making sure to get into all the nooks and crannies. Let the pool dry completely in the sun for about four hours. The sun's rays will help sanitise the pool, ensuring a safe play environment.
Choosing the Right Balls:
When it comes to choosing balls for your ball pit, look for options that are safe and non-toxic. You can find ball pit balls in various colours and sizes. It is recommended to use balls that are the perfect size for kids to play with and made with a clean and safe formula that exceeds children's product safety standards. Ensure the balls are BPA-free, lead-free, and free from harmful phthalates. You can purchase balls that come in packs of 100 for a reasonable price. The number of packs you need will depend on the size of your kiddie pool. A good rule of thumb is to have around 240-480 balls for a standard-sized kiddie pool.
Filling the Ball Pit:
Once your pool is clean and dry, it's time to start filling it with balls! You can purchase balls in bulk or order a few packs to test out the volume. It is recommended to have enough balls to fill about a third of the pool, allowing room for kids to move around and bury themselves in the balls. You can also add some fun extras, such as pool floats or beach balls, to enhance the experience.
Additional Considerations:
To make your ball pit even more enjoyable, consider the following:
- Colour Theme: You can choose balls in a specific colour palette to match a party theme or create a rainbow-coloured ball pit.
- Size and Sturdiness: Opt for a kiddie pool with firm and sturdy sides, ensuring it can withstand simultaneous play from multiple toddlers.
- Storage and Clean-up: Look for ball pit balls that come in a reusable zip-top mesh bag, making storage and clean-up easier.
By following these steps, you'll be well on your way to creating a fun and safe ball pit using a plastic kiddie pool. Enjoy hours of playtime and watch the kids (and maybe even some grownups) have a blast!
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Make a garden planter
A plastic kiddie pool can be easily transformed into an inexpensive and informal garden planter. This is a great way to repurpose a family splash pool that is no longer being used. You can plant anything with shallow roots, including herbs, vegetables, and annual flowers.
First, you need to prepare the kiddie pool by drilling holes in the bottom for drainage. Drainage is key to healthy plants. You can use a drill with a 1-inch spade bit or a sharp utility knife to cut the holes. Aim for around 40-50 holes, spaced evenly about 12 inches apart. You can also drill additional holes about half an inch up from the bottom along the perimeter to serve as backup in case the bottom holes get plugged.
Next, cover the bottom of the pool with a porous landscape fabric or fiberglass window screening, cutting it to size with scissors. Overlap the screen partway up the sides, ensuring it covers the drainage holes. This will prevent the soil from escaping while allowing water to drain.
Now it's time to add the soil. You can use general-purpose potting soil, or a combination of potting soil and garden soil. If you want to make your own potting soil, blend equal amounts of peat moss, garden soil, and perlite or vermiculite. Mix in a slow-release fertilizer according to the label directions. Fill the pool with soil until it is about 10 inches deep, patting it down gently to create a flat surface.
Once the soil is in place, you can start planting. Form furrows into the soil if needed for seeds. If you're using transplants, plant them at the same depth they were in their containers, following the spacing recommendations for each plant type. After planting, give your garden a deep watering, preferably using a gentle spray to avoid disturbing the seeds.
You can add some short wire fencing around the perimeter of the pool if you need to keep rabbits, squirrels, or other animals out of your garden. Additionally, be sure to place your planter in a suitable location, avoiding wooden decking as the moisture can damage the wood. A sunny spot is ideal, as most flowers, herbs, and vegetables require at least six full hours of sun each day.
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Create a water fountain
A plastic kiddie pool can be decorated and repurposed in a variety of ways, one of which is to create a water fountain. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to create a water fountain using a plastic kiddie pool:
Prepare the Kiddie Pool
Start by placing the hard plastic kiddie pool on the ground in the desired location. If you wish to paint the pool, lightly sand the entire surface to be painted to ensure the paint adheres well. You can use black Flex Seal paint to paint the inside and outside walls of the pool.
Create the Fountain Mechanism
The next step is to create the fountain mechanism. For this, you will need a flower urn or a large vase, a fountain pump, and a flexible rubber fountain hose. Drill a hole through the urn or vase, ensuring it is large enough for the hose to fit tightly. Feed the hose through the hole so that it comes out of the bottom of the urn. Attach the fountain pump to the bottom end of the urn and the hose.
Assemble the Fountain
Now, place the pool in its final location. You can elevate the pool by placing it on bricks or cinder blocks to create a sturdy base. This will also help with water drainage. Pour pea gravel or small decorative rocks around the bottom of the pool to enhance its appearance. Place the urn or vase with the attached hose and pump in the centre of the pool.
Finalize the Setup
Connect the fountain pump to a water source, ensuring it is located near the pool to avoid the need for long hoses. Adjust the flow of water to create the desired fountain effect. You can add further decorations around the pool, such as plants or stones, to enhance the overall appearance of your water fountain.
Creating a water fountain using a plastic kiddie pool is a creative way to decorate your outdoor space and add the soothing sound of flowing water to your garden.
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Use it as a bird's nest
If you're looking to repurpose a plastic kiddie pool, one creative idea is to turn it into a bird's nest. Here's how you can achieve this unique decoration in a few simple steps:
Firstly, decide on the location for your bird's nest. Choose an area in your yard or garden that is relatively level and clear of any obstructions. Consider the amount of sunlight and shade the area receives throughout the day, as this will impact the comfort of your feathered friends.
Next, gather your materials. You'll need items like Spanish moss, twigs, boxwood stems, and adhesive spray. You can find these supplies at craft stores or even collect some of them from nature, depending on what's available in your local area.
Now, it's time to start assembling the nest. Begin by spraying the adhesive onto the kiddie pool to make it malleable and shapeable. Add in the moss, twigs, and other natural elements, spraying them as well to ensure they adhere to the nest. Be sure to keep the arrangement random and asymmetrical, mimicking the natural appearance of bird's nests.
Once you're happy with the placement of the twigs and moss, you can add any finishing touches, such as faux bird eggs or other decorative elements. Finally, give the entire structure a coat of acrylic sealer to preserve its shape and protect it from the elements.
With these steps, you've transformed a simple plastic kiddie pool into a charming bird's nest decoration for your outdoor space. This DIY project not only adds a whimsical touch to your garden but also provides a potential haven for birds seeking a place to rest and nestle.
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Transform it into a duck pond
Transforming a plastic kiddie pool into a duck pond is a fun DIY project that will surely be enjoyed by your ducks. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you get started:
Step 1: Choose a Location
Select an area in your yard or outdoor space where you want the duck pond to be located. Consider the amount of space you have and whether there is easy access to water for filling and refilling the pond. Keep in mind that the location should be easily accessible for your ducks, with enough space for them to comfortably enter and exit the pond.
Step 2: Prepare the Ground
Using a shovel, dig out the ground within the marked area. The depth of the hole should be at least 18 inches to allow your ducks ample space to swim and dive. Remember to leave a ledge or an incline of about 8 inches wide around the pond, as this will make it easier for the ducks to get in and out. Take your time with this step and ensure the hole is carefully dug to your desired specifications.
Step 3: Install a Liner
Line the hole with a hard plastic pond liner. You can purchase this from a gardening or home improvement store. A 30-gallon liner should be sufficient for a small duck pond, but you can always opt for a larger size if needed. Press the liner firmly into the hole and trim it around the edges.
Step 4: Secure the Liner
To secure the liner in place, you can use rocks, bricks, or gravel. Place these materials around the edges of the pond, holding the liner in place. This will also create a natural and aesthetically pleasing border for your duck pond.
Step 5: Add Water and Accessories
Fill the pond with water and consider adding some accessories to enhance the experience for your ducks. You can include a small waterfall feature, floating duck toys, or even some water plants if you wish. Just be aware that ducks may nibble on the plants, so choose plant types that are safe for them and place them out of their reach if needed.
By following these steps, you can create a delightful duck pond that will provide hours of enjoyment for both you and your feathered friends.
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