By Andrew Nuttall
With scorching weather sweeping across most of the UK, people are seeking any way to manage the soaring 30C temperatures. A heat health warning has been issued for almost every part of the country, and many are searching for ways to stay cool.
Those eager to beat the sweltering rise in temperature and make the most of their gardens might consider purchasing a paddling pool. If you have the space, shoppers say it is an excellent way to keep cool and can also provide endless hours of summer entertainment for kids, and adults.
Amazon is one of the few retailers offering a wide selection that can be delivered to your door quickly if your local shops are already out of stock. A popular option is the Bestway Family Inflatable Swimming Pool (priced at 拢30.95).
However, several other alternatives are worth considering, such as the Bestway 8ft Paddling Pool (Argos, 拢40) or the Intex Swim Centre Square Family Inflatable Lounge Pool (拢34, Smyths Toys). But Amazon’s pool isn’t just for children; adults claim they’ve enjoyed it just as much.
The built-in seats and ‘convenient’ cup holders make supervising playtime in this pool a bit more comfortable, according to Amazon, reports the Mirror. On the Amazon website, it states that customers who order today (July 1) could have the pool delivered as early as tomorrow (July 2).
Amazon is offering a pool at an even lower price than Bestway itself, which has it listed for 拢54.99 on its website. Customers who’ve snapped up the pool often opt to add a cover to their basket too, with this 拢10 Bestway Swimming Pool Cover recommended – it keeps the pool free from “dirt and debris accumulating”.
If the summer sun becomes too hot to handle, the pool could easily be set up in a shaded area. Some people even mentioned in the Amazon reviews about ditching the water altogether and using this as a ball pit instead.
There’s been a wave of positive feedback in the reviews section. One customer said: “We bought this as a good compromise between a tiny kiddies paddling pool and a big sturdy pool. Happily fits a couple of adults and a few kids. Husband loves the cup holder. I think he may have spent more time in the pool than the kids!”
Another added: “Best paddling pool we’ve had, love the little seats and headrests and cup holders.” A third wrote: “Love this pool. It’s great for cooling off in the summer heat.”
However, not all comments were glowing. One claimed that the pool “goes down after an hour” whilst another gave a heads-up about it being “prone to punctures”. Further criticism came from a reviewer who suggested: “Easy to set up, started to fill it up and the top section had deflated in 10 mins, so couldn’t be used. It is a good size and design, just a shame didn’t get to use it.”
But, with all the praise, another buyer said: “Didn’t take long to inflate using a foot pump. It’s been up six days now and is still fully inflated. Great pool, would fit four easily, although there are only two seats/cushions. But it’s perfect for me. Lovely to cool off in with a glass of red on a hot sunny day.”
And, a fifth pleased customer joked: “This should not be shared with children! I used this all summer in my tiny garden – so comfortable- perfect for sunbathing with a cocktail.”