Summer’s here, and with it comes the scorching heat. If you’re not lucky enough to have a pool, fear not! Creating a refreshing haven for your kids (and yourself!) is easier and more affordable than you might think. We recently embarked on a budget-friendly project that turned out to be a total hit – a makeshift pool made from readily available items.
Here’s the recipe for our backyard oasis:
- Instant Shelter: We repurposed a camping canopy we already owned. It provides shade for the pool and keeps the little ones (and grown-ups, let’s be honest!) cool even during the peak of the day.
- Portable Plunge Pool: A kid-sized pool from Target became the centerpiece of our creation. Voila! Instant cool-down zone for the kids. Don’t worry, adults can definitely enjoy a dip too! We witnessed firsthand the pure joy it brought our children: diving in, jumping for splashes, and even turning it into a mini waterpark with inflatable toys.
Setting it all up was a breeze. We invested in a sturdy tarp to place under the pool, protecting the pool itself. Unfortunately, sacrificing a small patch of grass turned out to be a minor downside as the grass underneath is not growing:(. However, the joy of seeing our children cool down and have endless fun far outweighed that. The entire project cost us around $100, a fantastic price tag for the hours of entertainment it provided.
But the fun doesn’t stop there! When our little ones are finished with their aquatic adventures, we put the water to good use. Instead of simply draining it, we fill watering cans and water the plants with the pool water. It’s a win-win situation: the kids get their fun, and the garden gets a much-needed drink. Finally, we give the pool a quick rinse with a hose and let it dry completely before folding it up for next time.
This DIY project may be simple, but it’s a testament to the power of resourcefulness. With a little creativity and readily available items, you too can create a backyard haven for your family to beat the summer heat!

