Savvy mum shares ‘summer hack you never knew you needed' – it'll stop bugs invading paddling pools & costs about a QUID

The Sun

11-07-2025

A SAVVY mum has shared a super simple hack that will ensure your paddling pool stays clean this summer.
So if you're fed up with waking up every morning to see dead bugs and leaves in your child's paddling pool, then you've come to the right place and will need to take notes.
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A content creator who posts online under the username 'Team Brookes', revealed the cheap homeware buy that will stop unwanted pests and debris falling into your pool.
You will most likely already have it at home, but if you don't, those strapped for cash can breathe a sigh of relief - as it'll cost you as little as £1.40.
Posting on social media, the mother who is from Dudley, revealed why a fitted sheet will be the answer to your paddling pool prayers this summer.
Rather than spending ages fishing out branches and flies from her paddling pool, this mum covers her garden buy with a fitted sheet, which stops the pests from entering.
Demonstrating her quick and effective trick, which takes a matter of seconds, she said: 'The summer hack you never knew you needed - if your pool doesn't have a pool cover, you can actually use a fitted bed sheet to cover the pool.
'It will stop all the debris and all the bugs getting into your water.'
With this idea, all you'll need to do is cover the top of your paddling pool with a large fitted sheet at the end of the day.
Then, when you next go to get into the paddling pool, debris and bugs will simply be collected on top of the sheet, making it much easier and faster for kids to get stuck into the summer fun.
If you haven't got a spare fitted sheet at home, you're sure to be pleased to know that you can find plenty of different options from a variety of high street shops, but there's loads to choose from on Shein for as little as £1.40.
Thrilled with her purse-friendly trick, she then added: 'Much needed to keep the pool fresh this summer, especially with all the flying ants at the moment.'
I don't have a garden so made a 10p paddling pool on my balcony - it was brilliant but my downstairs neighbours will never forgive me
Parents beam
The TikTok clip, which was posted under the username @ teambrookes, has clearly impressed many, as it has quickly racked up 385,500 views, 1,925 likes and 58 comments.
Parents were thankful for the simple hack and many eagerly flocked to the comments to express this.
One person said: 'Great idea.'
Another added: 'Good idea, the insects are such a pain.'
How to survive six weeks of school summer holidays
IF you are struggling with the six week summer holidays, you've come to the right place...
BATTLING BOREDOM: Despite hours of activities and playdates, if your kids are already complaining there's nothing to do, parenting expert Liat Hughes Joshi says: 'Don't feel you have to organise every second of the holidays. Kids benefit from boredom and learn to make their own fun.
'Boredom can trigger creative and imaginative play but you need to encourage kids to get used to not being told how to spend their time.
'Ride out the pleas of boredom. Counter it with comments such as, 'What do you think you could do?' and maybe have a list of 'I'm bored' activity ideas on the fridge.'
SCREEN OVERLOAD: It's tempting during the holidays to rely on a digital babysitter but don't let them gawp their whole summer away in front of a screen.
Liat says: 'It's unfair to expect older kids to power down but it's important to set some ground rules.
'Set family tech rules together. If you're often distracted by your phone, follow the rules too. Maybe tell the kids they aren't allowed any screen time until they've done set chores, some exercise, or a board game.
'Are there times when you'd like to ban screens completely? Perhaps during dinner or when they have friends over to visit.
'Tech is a battleground for parents, but you have to set boundaries. Stand firm and be prepared to be unpopular.'
TOO MUCH TOGETHERNESS: You love your kids, but being with them 24/7 can be exhausting. Do not feel guilty if you need a bit of downtime.
Liat says: 'If you're juggling work and household tasks as well as occupying the kids, it's normal to start feeling overwhelmed or jaded and in need of some peace.
'If you can't afford or don't want to send your kids to all-day camps, look for free kids' workshops so you can get on with jobs or have a break for a couple of hours.
'Seeking a spell of quiet every now and then doesn't make you a bad parent — in fact it will probably make you more positive and enthusiastic when you are with the kids.'
SCHEDULING CONFLICT: Schedules can go out the window during holidays, but late nights and early mornings can mean tired and unhappy children.
Dr Tamara Bugembe, paediatrician and founder of Helperbees.co.uk says: 'Children get grumpy, test boundaries and become challenging when routines are broken.
'Sticking to some kind of routine during the holidays is a good idea.
'We release hormones at different times of the day and when regular meal times and bed times are broken, it causes dips and peaks in mood.
'Holidays are about having fun but an early night once or twice a week will make everyone happier.'
EXCESS ENERGY: Make sure kids get out in the fresh air to tire them out — and make them healthier and happier.
Dr Bugembe says: 'Sunshine also tops up vital vitamin D levels which helps improve bone strength and energy levels in children. Our levels run low in winter so let the kids stock up in warmer weather.
'Letting them run around in shorts and a T-shirt is the best way to top up. Make sure they're wearing sun cream, get outside and have fun.
'Encourage them to try healthy habits such as cycling and walking. They'll hopefully get hooked and want to carry them on when the weather gets colder.'
A third described the hack as 'brilliant,' whilst another parent chimed in and commented: 'Great idea, thanks I will be doing this.'
Meanwhile, someone else advised: 'Use a dark coloured sheet and the water warms up a little.'
To this, the mother replied and wrote: 'Love love love! Will try this!'