Can You Put a Paddling Pool on a Patio?

If you’ve got little ones you’ll be wanting to get a paddling pool at some point to keep them happy during the warmer weather but where are you going to put it in your garden. One question you may be asking yourself is Can you put a Paddling Pool on a Patio?

A patio is a great place to put a paddling pool and is one of the most common locations for people to use as they are generally level and stable.

There are however a number of advantages and disadvantages to consider if you are planning to put a paddling pool on a patio.

Advantages of a Paddling Pool on a Patio?

There are three main advantages why you might want to put your paddling pool on your patio.

• 1) A patio is usually flat
• 2) A patio is usually level
• 3) A patio is a stable surface
• 4) Paddling pools can stay on a patio for a long time

1) A Patio is Usually Flat

This may not be the case but if your patio has been built correctly it should be reasonably flat. There may be occasions where a patio is slightly uneven but on the whole, most patios will be the perfect surface for a paddling pool.

2) A Patio is Usually Level

Although most patios are constructed with a slight run-off to prevent rainwater from settling, they are for the most part level. Paddling pools require a level surface to be safe and help them last longer but fast set pools will quite often fail to work properly unless they’re on a level surface.

3) A Patio is a Stable Surface

One of the main things that make patios so popular is the fact they are so stable. Unlike decking and some other surfaces, a well-built patio will not move even with a large volume of water inside the paddling pool.

4) Paddling Pool Time

A paddling pool can remain filled on a patio for as long as you want. Unlike grass, you will not damage the patio by leaving the pool inflated and filled.

Disadvantages of a Paddling Pool on a Patio?

Although patios are level and stable there are a number of things that you MUST consider if you are planning to put your paddling pool on it.

• 1) Not all patios are built the same
• 2) Debris can damage your pool
• 3) Damage to your patio
• 4) Damage to your home
• 5) Danger to children

1) Not all Patios are Built the Same

Not all patios are made from the same materials. Riven patio slabs are textured and often have an uneven finish to them. Although this will may not adversely affect the level of the pool it may over time cause damage to your inflatable pool and so it’s always best to put something underneath your paddling pool such as pool mats.

2) Debris can Damage your Pool

Debris can get stuck on the textured surface and this along with the uneven surface can be abrasive to the bottom of your paddling pool which over time can cause tears, rips, and holes to appear.

3) Damage to your Patio

Your patio may also be susceptible to damage. This is not a direct result of the paddling pool itself but because of the effects of the water held within.

Patio joints can easily deal with rainwater. They are designed to cope with small amounts of water being poured upon them however, the volume of water in a paddling pool can cause a lot of damage to your patio.

This can be as a result of water being splashed constantly from the pool but it will mainly be as a result of the pool being drained directly onto the patio so take a look at our how to empty a paddling pool article for some tips.

4) Damage to your Home

Another main point to think about is your home. Patios are generally next to your home and draining large amounts of water from your pool next to your home could cause issues. Although you won’t be planning to empty your pool throughout the year, large amounts of water pouring onto your foundations can cause damage over time.

5) Danger to Children

Finally, and more important than any other reason, you need to think about the safety and health of your children.

Although patios are level and stable, they are also hard! Young children playing in a paddling pool may fall over easily and if they land on such a hard surface with no protection, it could cause injuries. Patios can also become slippery when wet if not cleaned properly which again must be a safety consideration.

Interlocking protector mats are made from foam and connect together to create a soft base for your paddling pool. If you make sure they are big enough you can also create a walkway that will not only create a slip-free zone but also protect your little ones’ feet.

Where Else Can I Put a Paddling Pool?

If you decide not to use your patio you may be wondering where else you could put a paddling pool in your garden.

There are many options that you can consider including your deck, lawn, artificial grass and even a concrete base, but before you chose take a look at the following articles.

Can You Put a Paddling Pool on Artificial Grass?, Can You Put a Paddling Pool on the Grass? and Can You Put a Paddling Pool on Decking?.