Paddling pool setup in Exeter
Professional paddling pool setup services in Exeter and surrounding areas. Local, reliable handyman - no job too small.
Price Guide
£60-£85
Typical Duration
45 mins-1.5 hrs
Location
Exeter, Devon
Paddling pool inflated properly, ground levelled, and filled ready for summer fun. I'll get it set up right first time so the kids are swimming today, not watching you wrestle with it all weekend.
From Box to Splashing in One Visit
You've bought the pool. Now you need to actually get the thing set up without spending your entire Saturday cursing at a foot pump while the kids ask "is it ready yet?" every five minutes.
💡 Pro tip: The bigger the pool, the more essential proper ground prep becomes. A wonky 3-foot pool is annoying. A wonky 12-foot pool holding 300 gallons is a disaster waiting to happen.
Why Professional Setup Matters
Here's the difference between a pool that lasts the summer and one that's a punctured mess by August:
| ✅ Done Right | ❌ Done Wrong |
|---|---|
| Ground levelled and stones removed | Plonked on uneven grass |
| Properly inflated with electric pump | Partially inflated, given up |
| Protective groundsheet underneath | Sitting on whatever was there |
| Filled slowly to check for level | Filled then realised it's wonky |
What You Get
🏊 The Full Service
| Stage | What Happens |
|---|---|
| Prep | Ground checked, levelled, stones removed, groundsheet laid |
| Inflate | Electric pump, properly inflated rings, checked for leaks |
| Position | Final check it's level before filling starts |
| Fill | Hose connected, filled safely, water level monitored |
📦 You're Left With
- Pool ready to use immediately
- Happy kids (priceless)
- No sore back from manual pumping
- No regrets about positioning
Pricing Guide
| Pool Size | Estimated Time | You'll Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Small toddler pool (3-5ft) | 45 mins | £60 |
| Medium family pool (6-8ft) | 1 hr | £60 |
| Large family pool (10-12ft) | 1.5 hrs | £85 |
Based on £60 minimum (first hour) + £50/hr after. Pack-down service in autumn usually takes half the time.
Perfect For Your Summer If...
✅ Large pool - the ones that need hundreds of gallons
✅ Uneven garden - slopes, bumps, typical Exeter lawns
✅ Busy parents - rather spend Saturday with the kids than inflating things
✅ Want it done right - no leaks, no wonky water lines
Why Choose Us for Paddling pool setup in Exeter?
Properly inflated - no weak seams
Ground prepared and levelled
Filled and ready to use same day
Pack down service in autumn too
What to Expect
Step 1: Ground Prep
First thing I do is check where you want it positioned (sun? shade? visible from house?). Then I'll level the ground properly - rake it flat, remove stones and sharp objects, lay protective groundsheet. This is the crucial bit.
Step 2: Inflate & Position
Electric pump inflates the pool properly - all rings firm, no weak spots. We'll do a final level check before filling because once there's water in, you're committed. Any adjustments happen now.
Step 3: Fill & Test
Hose gets connected and we start filling slowly, watching that the water sits level as it rises. Takes time for large pools but worth doing right. Once full, I'll show you the drain valve, give you chemical advice if needed, and you're ready for summer.
🔧 DIY Tips
Want to set up your paddling pool yourself? Here's how to avoid the common disasters:
🔧 Tools you'll need
- Electric air pump (foot pumps are hell for anything over 5ft)
- Garden rake
- Spirit level (optional but helpful)
- Groundsheet or tarp larger than pool base
- Garden hose obviously
- Bucket (for checking level as you fill)
📐 Levelling the ground
- Choose your spot - sun for warmth vs shade for cool, visible from house
- Rake the area flat - bigger than the pool base
- Walk around checking for high/low spots
- Remove every stone and sharp object you can see
- Lay groundsheet - protects pool base from punctures
- Use bucket of water on the sheet to test if it's level
💨 Inflation tips
- Don't over-inflate - rings should be firm but give slightly when pressed
- Over-inflation in hot sun = seam stress and potential leaks
- Inflate all rings evenly, don't do one ring fully then move to next
- Check each valve is properly closed after inflating
💧 Filling smart
- Start filling slowly and watch the water line
- If it's sitting unevenly, STOP - you've got a levelling problem
- Don't fill to the absolute brim - leave 4-6 inches space
- Takes longer than you think - big pools need 200-400 gallons
⚠️ Common DIY mistakes
- Not checking level until pool is full (can't fix it then)
- Leaving sharp stones under the groundsheet
- Over-inflating in morning sun (expands more when hot)
- Positioning in full sun then complaining water's too hot
- Filling too fast to notice it's sitting wonky
💡 Pro trick: If your garden has a slight slope (most do), position the pool so the uphill side aligns with where the water level will be highest anyway. Work with the slope rather than fighting it. But honestly, proper levelling is better if you can manage it.
Rather leave it to a pro? No problem - that's what I'm here for. Give me a call.
Good to Know
🌊 Pool chemicals? For pools this size that you're changing weekly, you don't need much. Basic chlorine tablets if it's staying up more than a week. I can advise on the day based on your pool size.
Multiple kids toys to inflate? If you've got floats, ride-ons, or other inflatables, I can do those at the same time. Electric pump's already there, adds five minutes per item.
Pack down service? Most people call me back in September. I'll drain it properly (not just into one patch of lawn), clean and dry it weather permitting, and fold it correctly for storage. Means it'll last multiple summers rather than going mouldy in the shed.
Sloped garden? I've set up pools on some properly sloped Exeter gardens. Sometimes we need to build up one side slightly with sand, or accept a smaller pool positioned in the flattest spot. I'll advise honestly on what'll work.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size pools can you set up?
Anything from small toddler splash pools to those big family ones that are 10-12 feet across and 2-3 feet deep. The large ones are actually where I make the biggest difference - they're a proper pain to inflate and level yourself, and they hold hundreds of gallons so you want them positioned right first time.
Do I need to buy the pool first?
Yes - there's such a variety of sizes and styles that most people choose their own. I'll set up whatever you've got. If you want advice before buying, I'm happy to suggest what'll work well in your garden.
Why does levelling matter for a paddling pool?
If it's not level, the water sits unevenly and it looks wonky - kids notice and it bothers them. More importantly, uneven weight distribution can stress the seams on larger pools. A few inches difference across a 10-foot pool means one side is holding way more pressure. I'll level the ground properly first.
How long does setup take?
Small pool for toddlers? About 45 minutes. Large family pool? More like 1.5 hours because there's proper ground prep involved, more air to pump, and more water to fill. I bring a decent electric pump so inflation is quick - it's the levelling that takes time.
Do you empty and pack it away at the end of summer too?
Yes - that's actually the service most people forget about then regret in September. I'll drain it properly (not just into your lawn in one spot), clean it off, dry it if weather allows, and fold it properly for storage. Saves you a soggy mess in the shed and means it'll survive for next year.
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