Green Living: Five Ways to Reuse A Plastic “Kiddie” Pool

Now that summer’s over, you may be wondering what to do with that hard plastic “kiddie” pool you bought for your toddler to splash around in on hot days. Because plastic “kiddie” pools don’t deflate, storing them can be a bit of a problem. You might be tempted to just toss it in the trash. Before you do that, though, consider giving your child’s plastic pool a second life by turning it into something that’s both fun and useful. Here are five things you can do with a plastic “kiddie” pool once summers over.
Five Ways to Upcycle A Plastic “Kiddie” Pool

A Sandbox

A plastic pool makes a great sandbox for your toddler once summer is over. All you need are a couple of bags of sand from your local hardware store, a plastic tarp and some sand toys. First, drag the pool over to the area you want your child’s sandbox in. Next, fill the pool with sand and add some sand toys. When your little one is done playing make sure to cover the pool with the plastic tarp otherwise the neighborhood cats might think they’ve discovered an extra large litter box.

A Quiet Reading Center

After summers over you can reuse your child’s “kiddie” pool by bringing it indoors and turning it into a quiet reading center. All you need are some soft pillows and blankets to put in the pool and a few good children’s books. What a great way to make reading fun!

A Container Garden

A plastic swimming pool makes a great container garden. To start, drill or cut several drainage holes in the bottom and sides of your pool. Next cover the bottom with small rocks or newspaper which will allow the water to drain out but keep the dirt in. After completely covering the bottom of the pool, drag it wherever you want your container garden and fill with a mixture of garden and potting soil. Finish by planting several seedlings or sowing with a selection of seeds.

A Sensory Pit

You can create a great indoor sensory pit for your toddler using an old plastic pool. Simply place the pool in a corner of your child’s room or the playroom and fill with sensory items such as small plastic balls, packing peanuts, soft foam pieces, crinkly paper or small stuffed animals. Young children will love diving into a pool full of fun sensory experiences, especially on a cold winter day when they have to stay inside. A sensory pool is a great way for kids to have fun and burn some energy.

A Halloween Decoration

There’s no need to buy expensive Halloween decorations when you can turn a plastic “kiddie” pool into the biggest Jack-o-lantern on the block with just a little orange and black paint. Simply paint the entire pool orange. Once dry, use the black paint to add a nose, eyes and a big scary grin to the underside of the pool. For a Jack-o-lantern that glows, use a sharp knife or saw to cut out facial features and then tape clear Christmas lights to the inside of the pool.