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In our recent review of the best kiddie pool covers, we briefly touched on DIY pool covers. Today, we’re showing you how to make your very own DIY kiddie pool cover! So if you’ve just bought a kiddie pool for your kids and don’t want to have to purchase a cover, this is perfect for you!
Why spend extra money on something that can be easily done at home, and do the same thing? Before we get into the step-by-step instructions, why is a pool cover important, even for a kiddie pool?
It may seem obvious, but every backyard pool should have a cover to not only keep dirt and bugs out, but anything else that could be potentially harmful, like sharp rocks, metal, and more. Especially with younger kids, it’s always better to be safe than sorry.
How to Make a DIY Kiddie Pool Cover in 3 Steps
Before making your kiddie pool cover, start by gathering the right materials for the job. Here is a list of the materials and tools you will need:
- Roughly 15 feet of fabric (depending on the size of the pool.)
- 12 feet of elastic band (based on 15 feet of fabric)
- Measuring tape
- scissors*
- A marker for measurement
*A box cutter might be easier when cutting the fabric.
Related Post: How to Keep a Kiddie Pool Clean
Step-by-step How to Make a DIY Kiddie Pool Cover
Now that you have your materials gathered, let’s get to the first step to make your own kiddie pool cover. Outlining the shape of your cover will depend on the shape of your pool (circular or rectangular.)
Step 1.
For the first step, you’re going to want to combine two halves of a large rectangular piece of fabric by cutting the fabric you are using in half. Once you have cut the fabric in half, keep the right sides together, and you will sew a seam of roughly one inch, leaving you with one large piece of fabric.
Step 2.
This is the most important step, so take it slowly. Place the pool upside down on top of your fabric and trace the shape using your marker. Leave between 5-8 inches between the pool and the edge of the fabric. Use a ruler for extra precision.
This step works the same whether you have a circle or rectangular-shaped pool. After tracing, cut around the fabric.
Step 3.
Sew a 1-inch seam at the edge of the fabric all the way around. Make sure to leave a small opening, enough room to thread the elastic through. Inserting your elastic band and pull the entire length through the fabric.
Pro tip: By attaching a safety pin to one end of the elastic, it will be easier to move it throughout the fabric seam.
To secure the elastic, sew the two ends together once you have brought it all the way around inside the one-inch seam, as well as sewing the opening closed.
Final Thoughts on Making a DIY Pool Cover
And there you have it, your very own DIY kiddie pool cover! While there is some work involved in making a small pool cover, it beats spending money on an item you can easily make yourself. I hope the steps were clear, and that you tried this out!
Thank you for reading, make sure to share with your family and friends, and if you’re interested in either a kiddie pool or just buying a cover and saving yourself time, check out our other articles on kiddie pools!
Related Post: 7 Best Kiddie Pool Covers
