How To Keep A Kid Pool Clean Naturally
Without Chemicals
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Do you have a kiddie pool for your kids to cool off this summer with? Don’t you hate how fast they turn green? I am going to show you a tip on how to keep a kid pool clean naturally without chemicals.
While this tip will work with small kids pools such as the one in the pictures (this one here) it may not work well for large pools. That is mainly because of the amount of water in the larger pools.
I got a pool for the kids to stay cool with. I mean we see a lot of days in the mid 90’s and they need a way they can play outside and cool off.
But after about two-three days in 90+ degree heat and the sun, it will turn super green like the picture below.
And no, we did not allow them to swim in the green pool.
Nasty, right!?
We first started by emptying it out every few days and taking a sponge and vinegar and washing it down before filling it up again. We did use the water for the plants and other things so it would not be wasted, but it was still such a pain to do EVERY few days.
However, I did not want to add chemicals such as chlorine to the pool. So that is when I got to thinking, how would it be if I just put vinegar in the water??
I was very happy with the results after giving it a try!! I mean, no it will not stop you from ever having to empty the pool but it buys you a LOT more time and uses from the water.
How To Clean Without Chemicals:
For the pool, you see in the picture (this one here) I simply added one cup of distilled white vinegar to it each day. Then I would mix it around with my hand and that is it. The kids would hop in right after not having to worry about chemical burns.
By adding the vinegar each day, I went from having to change the pool every 2-3 days to changing it weekly or even a little longer!
The two pictures in this post, both the green and the clean are from the same amount of days gone by in the same heat and sun. Crazy different right!!?
Now the amount of vinegar to use can depend on the size pool you have. So if yours is smaller you may be able to use say half a cup. If larger try 1 and a half cups and play around with the amount to see what works for you.
There is one thing to note about this tip for keeping the pool clean naturally. You will not be able to use the water on the plants when it is time to empty the pool.
You will also want to be sure to place the pool somewhere in the yard that you do not mind if the grass is killed. This is because vinegar is also a natural weed and plant killer and will kill off the plants that it is dumped on.
Don’t worry though, it only lasts a short time and you will be able to grow back in that spot again. I just wanted to note that so you don’t try watering your garden or something with it.
Skimming:
Oh, one other tip for keeping the pool clean. Be sure to use a skimmer on it each day to get any bugs and grass out of the pool. That will also help the water to last longer.
Let’s face it, kids are great at getting grass and stuff in the pool! You can either buy one like this one here, or you can make one with a pair of stockings on a hanger.
Other Ideas For Keeping Kids Pool Clean Naturally:
I have been hearing great things about using salt in the pools to help keep them clean. However, it is not something I have personally tried so can not say how well it works.
If you have used salt or another natural option to keep your kid’s pool clean, please share in the comments below. I am sure others, as well as myself, would love to learn about them.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Can I add essential oils to pool water?
A: Yes you can you just need to be careful as to what oils you add. Keep in mind that citrus oils do degrade plastics so they may not be the best idea to add.
Q: While clothing and skin smell like vinegar?
A: While there is a slight vinegar smell to the water, it is hardly noticeable.
Q: If you add essential oils to the water will it burn your skin?
A: as long as you are not adding huge amounts you should be fine. Remember that essential oils are strong and just a little goes a long way.
Q: Can I use vinegar in animal water tanks to keep from turning green?
A: Small amounts of vinegar should not harm animals as long as it is NOT used in a galvanized tank as it can make the water toxic. However, keep an eye on the animals if you do this as they may not like the taste and may try to avoid. You don’t want them to get dehydrated.
Q: Is vinegar water safe to get in the eyes?
A: If you used a strong mixture it may get a little more irritated. Much like when you are in a strong chlorine pool. But when used in small amounts we have had no issues.
Q: Will the water kill grass and plants if pour over them when emptying the pool?
A: It can. It will not kill them totally off as they will regrow. However, if you dump the vinegar treated pool water right on to grass and plants, it will turn them yellow.
If you want to be able to reuse your water in this way, I would give it at least two days of not adding any vinegar before using the water on my plants and grass.
If you found this post helpful, here are some other ones to check out.
- Fun Summer Water Activities for Kids
- Remove Ink Marks Without Chemicals
- Natural Glue Remover
- Natural Weed Killer
- Strawberry Wash – Also Great For Other Produce
Elaine says
Great tip thank you! It also never hurts to add a few essential oils to help with the bugs. Lavender and lemongrass will not hurt the kiddos and it helps repel buggies. It also makes the kids smell good when they get out !
Reuse Grow Enjoy says
What a great idea Elaine! I so love my oils too, not sure why I never even thought to add some to the water.
Ron says
I have the same pool and i have had the water in for 2 months got a chlorine float and a pond fountain and stays clean I have had the pool for 3 years
Wendy M says
Can you tell me exactly what kind of chlorine float to purchase?? Thank you!!
Thank you!!
Anonymous says
Chlorine is a chemical, that kills the whole point of being chemical free.
Carol A. says
I have same pool and bought foot basin. Also bought small jacuzzi thing I put small table in it keeps water sannitizered and put large piece tarp underneath and piec on top of it . Keeps it clean a little longer? Hope these suggestions help?
C says
Will the essential oil eat the plastic of the pool? How drops do you add?
Reuse Grow Enjoy says
You should be pretty safe as long as you stay away from the citrus oils. Citrus oils are the ones that can deteriorate plastics. As for how many drops, it will depend on the size pool you use. They do go a long way so you should only need a few drops if you wanted to use them.
Natalie says
Lemongrass oil also besides citrus oils majorly eat plastic. Just a heads up! ?
Bonnie M. says
Do the oils irritate the kids eyes. Are they harmful if swallowed. Kids always seem to swallow some of the water
Reuse Grow Enjoy says
Hi Bonnie, in my post I talk about using vinegar in the pool. Some do add oils to their pools. How safe they are depends on the oils used as well as the grade of oil. I would only use oils that are safe to ingest as kids do sometimes swallow some water.
Maggie says
You may want to be careful with essential oils in water. They will settle on top of the water and can burn the skin.
Deb S. says
As an aromatherapist I have to say do not add it to the water. Oil floats! It will get onto skin and many are sun sensitizers meaning skin can be burned badly
Nicole says
How much oil do you add?
Concerned Natural Momma Bear says
Parents please BEWARE of adding essential oils ESPECIALLY LAVENDER to your kids pool also be sure to not use skin care products on children that contain essential oils. If you research you will find info say they are safe to use for children but this simply NOT TRUE. ESSENTIAL OILS CAN CAUSE HORMONE DISTRUPTION WITHIN THE BODY!! PLEASE DO MORE RESEARCH ON THIS!!
Tabitha P. says
I used rosemary oil in my sons bath and burned him! Be careful. I know not all oil burns but I would hate to see what getting lavender oil in my eye feels like! Few drops of dawn dish soap on the surface of the water and bugs especially mosquitos won’t mess with it!
Anonymous says
Oils is a great idea, but remember they deteriorate plastics.
Reuse Grow Enjoy says
That is true that some oils will deteriorate plastic. You should be pretty safe as long as you stay away from the citrus oils.
Just me says
You can use the vinegar water from the pool to kill weeds in the cracks of driveway, clean windows, etc. or pour down the sink drain with a bit of baking soda to freshen. There are so many uses for vinegar, water, baking soda.
Reuse Grow Enjoy says
Great point! It is the only weed killer we use around our house. And yes vinegar water works great for cleaning around the house and windows too.
Julene E. says
I was wondering if this would hurt livestock? We have a kiddie pool for our sheep and goats and it is green all the time. Thanks.
Reuse Grow Enjoy says
Hi Julene, I do not think this would harm livestock as long as it was in a plastic water tank/pool. Just do not add vinegar to a galvanized tank as it can make the water toxic. The livestock may not like the water to much with the vinegar taste though.
Vanessa says
Wow! I would not have thought about this as a solution! That makes a big difference. Thanks for sharing!
Suzanne says
Thanks for sharing this solution! Such a good idea! Do the kids notice a difference in the taste of the water after a few days?
Reuse Grow Enjoy says
They have not said anything, but then again they don’t normally taste the water lol.
teresa says
Is this safe if the kids get it in their eyes
Reuse Grow Enjoy says
Hi Teresa, we have never had any issues with it. If you used a strong mixture it may get a little more irritated. Much like when you are in a strong chlorine pool.
Barbara says
What CD an you use in a galvanized pool
Reuse Grow Enjoy says
Not sure what you mean by CD? As for the galvanized pool, I would not use it in that as it may make it start to rust.
Bob says
After adding vinegar to the water does the water leave a vinegar scent on the skin and clothes?
Reuse Grow Enjoy says
There is a slight hint (hardly even noticeable) of vinegar smell.
Anonymous says
For the person asking about animal water tanks- or stock tanks. We simply catch a couple bullheads (or catfish) and put them in the stock tanks. They keep the algae down.
Reuse Grow Enjoy says
Good to know! Thanks for sharing.
Anonymous says
When you drained the pool, did it really kill all of your grass in that area? It seems like it is so diluted at that point that it wouldn’t do much damage. I thought to kill weeds/grass you had to use a straight vinegar.
Reuse Grow Enjoy says
It will yellow the grass slightly even with a low amount of vinegar in the pool. It will not kill it totally and will bounce back after a little time.
Anonymous says
Before emptying the pool you could try adding baking soda to help neutralize the vinegar
Julie says
I just added a cup of vinegar to my pool (same type as yours pictured) prior to seeing your comment that it could kill our grass! Has it really killed your grass? In the reading that I’ve done online it seems you would need a much higher concentration. I need to know if I now need to siphon the water to another area of my yard prior to draining. Thanks
Reuse Grow Enjoy says
Hi Julie, it will yellow the grass slightly even with a low amount of vinegar in the pool. It will not kill it totally and will bounce back as long as you don’t mind if it gets a little yellowed for a little while it should be ok. I guess this could also depend on the type of grass and soil too.
Michael W. says
For those worried about grass being killed when it comes time to drain. You can use a regular rigid garden hose (not really the flex kind) as a syphon. hold the open end of the hose upright in your hand at head level. Turn the water on and let the hose fill up- until there are no more air gaps in the water coming out of the hose. Keep that part held up high, keeping the water inside the hose, quickly detach the hose from the water faucet and hold that end up level with the other end of the hose. The idea is to keep the hose full of water. Drop enough hose into the pool so that it lays flat and submerged in the pool water. Take the other end of the hose and simply lay it down away from the pool on a downward sloped area. The water in the hose will start to drain out pulling the water in the pool with it. In a few hours your pool is drained, and there are no puddles where you didn’t want any.
Hannah J. says
How much vinager would you put in an 8ft by 26inches deep pool?
Reuse Grow Enjoy says
Hi Hannah, I have never used in one that large so you may have to do a little trial and error to see what works. I think I would start with two cups and see how that does.
Michael W. says
typivally use half a cup per 100 gallons. Yours may take a full cup.
Cs says
Hi I’m just wondering if the vinegar will help with the slimy feel on the bottom of the pool?
Reuse Grow Enjoy says
Yes, it will help with the slimy feel.
Mary says
It sounds crazy, but a magic eraser works really well
Kim says
To clean it or to keep it from turning green?
Kory says
Our pool is on our deck, will the vinegar discolor the wood?
Reuse Grow Enjoy says
I have never had it discolor mine Kory.
Shanne says
Hi, can we use regular white vinegar not distilled? Will it have the same effect?bthank you so much
Reuse Grow Enjoy says
I think it would work just fine Shanne.
josh says
Can kids go right after I put in the vinegar in the pool?
Thanks for all the tips.
Reuse Grow Enjoy says
Yes, they can hop right in.
Sherry says
You mentioned using stockings and a hanger to make a skimmer. We use a butterfly net from the “Dollar Tree” to skim ours. Works good!
Reuse Grow Enjoy says
Great idea Sherry! Low price too!
Karen says
So do I works great. I have a couple of them and the kids like doing it. I have the same pool shown. I have a big tarp and pot rope through grommets and pull tight and tie it. Works great
Anonymous says
I use a cheap plastic tablecloth to cover my pool when it is not in use. This works great to keep the pool from turning green and we skimmed the pool after every use.
Reuse Grow Enjoy says
Thanks for sharing.
Lauren says
Great idea! Do you also put some sort of cover on the pool or just let it open?
Reuse Grow Enjoy says
You could use a cover to help keep stuff out when not in use. Or just give it a fast skim before getting in.
Andrea K. says
Has anyone tried the salt idea? If so, please advise. We’re afraid to do the vinegar since it’s going on our lawn.
Reuse Grow Enjoy says
Hi Andrea, I have not tried the salt however salt will burn the lawn just as much as vinegar.
Anonymous says
I used a regular container of Morton’s salt in my 8’ round, 2’ deep sock tank pool once a week. Works for me!
Charlotte O. says
Hydrogen peroxide works great as well. We order 35% food grade peroxide online and dilute as needed.
When we had a farm, we also used it in the watering troughs for our animals; sheep, goats, horses, chickens, ducks, cats, and dogs. It is actually good for them. They have less intestinal parasites and higher production of milk, eggs, better meat, better wool…
Edna says
What ratio do you use when diluting the peroxide?
KT says
What percent acidity of vinegar do you use? Thanks!
Reuse Grow Enjoy says
Just a normal white vinegar like you buy in the grocery store is what I used.
Rita says
Thanks for the post. Will be putting in my grands little pool tomorrow. Along with some EOs after researching the safest ones.
People take Epsom salt and vinegar baths all the time. So I don’t see the harm in putting in a pool and I personally would choose this over bleach any day. And I do use vinegar in my rinse cycle in all my clothes. No order at all.
deborah c. says
What size is your pool? it looks the same as mine but they all look alike..ha
Reuse Grow Enjoy says
It has been a while since we had this pool, but I am pretty sure the one in the pictures is 120″ X 72″ X 22″ with a 264 gallon capacity.
Anonymous says
Thanks for the incredible information on your site. It’s very easy to understand.
Quick question. I’m wondering if I should take the cover off even when the kids are not swimming. Would the direct sunlight help kill any bateria/germs?
Thank you!
Reuse Grow Enjoy says
When dealing with water it will not matter if the cover is on or off the heat will still allow things like algae to grow.
Debra says
I tried this and was so excited but by day 3 the water wasn’t green but was cloudy. Is this normal?
Reuse Grow Enjoy says
A little cloudy is normal. This will not stop you from having to still change the water from time to time as there are no pumps/filters on these small pools. It just reduces the number of times you have to change it.
Emilee H. says
We actually use geranium essential oil to cleanse the water in our pool we have a 10 foot round 2.5 foot deep summer waves pool and I’ve had the water in it for 2.5 months never had to change it just added bout 20 drops after first fill and I add 5 to 7 drops after every swim…… its stayed clear as can be
Della says
Can you place water on plants after you use this
Summer says
Can you use Apple cider vinegar instead of white vinegar?
Reuse Grow Enjoy says
I have not tried it with apple cider vinegar. I would think it should still work, however, it would add discoloration to the pool water.
Angela says
To those who use lemongrass oil, please don’t. I put it in my bath one time and my husband who refuses to go to the ER was adamant we got to the ER when he saw my legs. I stupidly said no and thankfully was fine but not worth the risk to kids.
Also, is there a way to repel mosquitos in your pool? Since oils float and burn skin in my experience, I’d be curious for other options.
Jeanne W. says
Thank you. I have been trying to figure out how to save water and allow a pool that is used twice a week by visiting grandchildren to be kept clean and useable. I use vinegar to clean fruits and veggies never thought of it for this purpose.
Again Thank you.
Chasidy says
Has anyone ever tried epson salt in a pool like the one pictured in this post?
Ceacillea E. says
I have the question about the mosquitos as well. Does the vinegar repell them to lay eggs in the water?
Also I use the water of the kids pool for the veggie garden normally, so I am concerned about the info about the burning grass. Is there an amount of days after which the vinegar is harmless? Thanks!
Reuse Grow Enjoy says
Not 100% sure if it keeps Mosquitos away or not, but we have never had an issue with them in the water so I am thinking it must. As for using in the garden, I would say it should be ok after 2-4 days of not adding vinegar.
Chioma says
I am also curious oabut the use of Epsom salt in the same pool shown in this conversation.
Reuse Grow Enjoy says
I have never tried it so I can’t say as to how it would do.
Stephanie says
For the pool mentioned above……We cover it every night using a twin size fitted sheet!!! Thanks for the vinegar tip! We are using the vinegar and have a solar powered bird bath pump thing in our pool and this has worked great instead of changing every 2 days we now change it every 7-9 days!!
Reuse Grow Enjoy says
Oh, what a great idea with the solar pump!! Thanks for sharing.
Kim says
To keep grass and dirt out of the pool, put a tub of water beside pool and have kids step into it before stepping into the pool. I’ve also tried the fitted twin sheet for a pool cover and it works great!
Reuse Grow Enjoy says
Thanks for the tip, Kim!