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How to Build a Small Wading Pool

A small wading pool can keep kids occupied for countless hours during the hot summer months. These pools are cheap to buy, but maybe you have some extra plastic sheeting and you'd like to construct your own. There are many ways to build a small wading pool, and the planning and building process can be fun for the whole family. Your kids will appreciate the pool even more if they helped build it, having pride and ownership in the finished project.

Things You'll Need

4 pieces of 2-by-8-inch lumber, 8 feet long
Hammer
3½-inch 16d nails
10-by-10-foot thick plastic sheeting
Staple gun
Staples

Instructions

- 1
  Clear all sticks, stones, and sharp debris from the area you're placing your wading pool.
- 2
  Lay out the pieces of lumber in a square, with the 2-inch edges flat on the ground. Hammer three nails in each corner to fasten the ends of the wood together.
- 3
  Lay the plastic sheeting over the square wooden frame, with the edges of the plastic draped over the wood. Fold the plastic neatly around the edge of the wooden frame. Staple the plastic to the outside of the wood with a staple gun. Repeat with a second piece of plastic if desired for added strength.
- 4
  Fill the pool about 2/3 with water.

Backyard Toys