Have you ever tried to blow up an inflatable pool? Well, then you know how tiring the manual blowing goes. One thing is sure you will never try doing it again. One of the easiest ways to achieve this is using an electric air pump. But there are other simple solutions you can try, as we will discuss right here. So save your breath and try using these methods instead.
Table of Contents
1. The Simplest Way To Get That Inflatable Pool Up
Using an electric air pump works well on inflatable mattresses but is effective for blowing up a pool. What makes this air pumps so effective is that they are small and portable to take anywhere. A great option is the Coleman Quick Pump you can check out here. Yet, any old electric model will work. You can find them with multiple attachments to use with any nozzle. You can even find a nozzle that works with your splash pool. Here are some steps you can follow:
- Take the plug and plug it into a standard (120V) home outlet.
- If needed, use your extension cord.
- Take the right accessory, hook it up to the air pump, and use it on the inlet valve of the pool.
- Turn it on and fill all the chambers with air if you do have multiple ones available.
- Cap off the air inlets, and you’re done.
Check the air of the pool occasionally to see if it needs refilling.
2. Methods For Blowing Up The Splash Pool Without a Pump
These methods might need other devices such as a shop vac, air compressor, large bag method, blow dryer, or manual. Let’s work through each technique you can use.
3. Inflate A Pool With An Air Compressor
To do this, you need the proper nozzle to fit the air inlet of your inflatable. Sometimes you receive different attachments with your compressor but need one opening the air inlet valve to fill with air. If you own one, using an attachment like an air blow gun helps.
- Start by locating the air inlet valve on the pool and open it.
- Take the compressor hose and connect it to the inlet valve with the right accessory.
- Make sure the air filler valve seal does not block the nozzle. You may have one with a plastic piece preventing the air from escaping, so check out for it.
- Switch on the unit and start filling up your inflatable with air.
- When filled, please switch off the machine and disconnect it.
- Try not to over-inflate and turn off your unit once it feels tight.
- Cap the inlet valve to prevent air from escaping.
4. Inflating with a Shop-Vac (Shop Vacuum)
All you need to do is to set the device on blow. Then, push the vac hose over the air inlet valve. You can try using a plastic squeeze bottle filled with water to create a nozzle. Hold that hose firmly to work. When you create a good seal, it fills up with air fast. Check out this video on how to use this method successfully.
5. Hair Dryer and Water Bottle Method
Now for a fun trick using your hairdryer is another excellent way to blow up an inflatable pool. Take the top part of a plastic bottle and cut it off. Then, fit it into your blowdryer. You can use duct tape but make sure the nozzle size is of small size. What it does is funnel the air through the part you drink from into the inflatable.
Remember to set your hairdryer on cold and not the heat mode, or it might damage the vinyl. Once fitted, press it up against the inlet valve and turn it on. It works effectively and will surprise you how well it fills up the pool with air. Here’s another quick video to help with the process.
6. Use Your Leaf Blower
Yip, even your leaf blower can help you out to blow up that inflatable hot tub if you received no pump with it. The method used is the same as using the shop-vac. Hold it up against the air inlet valve and turn it on. Here is a fantastic video showing you how it works.
7. The Trusty Old Bicycle Pump, Foot Pump, or Hand Pump
These manual pumps can help get your inflatable pool up without wasting your breath. We recommend looking at the Double Quick Hand Pump, but it also works if you have a bicycle pump. When you get the hand pump, you receive different nozzles that work on most air inlet valves. For your bicycle pump, you may need to find a nozzle that works, or you can invest in a bike tire valve attachment kit.
8. Using a Large Bag
The last method is to use a large plastic trash bag. The bigger, the better:
- Open the air inlet valve and take your bag and fill it up with air.
- Now close the hole of the bag and open it up as small as the inlet valve.
- Press it over the pool inlet valve opening and push all the air out of the bag.
- When filled, cap off the air fill valve on the pool.
Do not believe us. Check out this video.
These are all the different ways you can get that splash pool up and ready to enjoy some fun in the sun. No matter what method you choose, it is better than blowing it up manually.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The best technique is to use an electric air pump, bicycle pump, or hand pump. You can even use your leaf blower or a shop-vac to help.
When storing your splash pool, do it properly to prevent it from getting punctured or damaging the air inlet valve.
It all depends on the method you use to blow it up. Further, the size of the pool also counts. To speed up the process, an air compressor is a handy machine to have.
Yes, you can, and it is a perfect way to blow it up if you do not have an electric air pump. Check out our section above on how to use the blowdryer method.