I’m swimming in what?

Ah, the life aquatic. Is there anything better than soaking your toes as the kiddos splash the water into an alarming shade of grey? While most of us have sunny memories of our own personal mini-pools, there has got to be a better option than that flimsy $29.99 monstrosity at the local drug store.

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“Regarding your obsession with vinyl, as pertains to summer parenting: Greenpeace’s thorough Vinyl Alternatives list indicates that no good alternatives to vinyl kiddie pools exist. Do you think it is worth it to put a huge effort into manufacturing or finding a vinyl-free backyard wading experience?”

Read on for Umbra’s answer. She recommends public swimming pools over kiddie pools and suggests a few DIY alternatives.

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This year marks the 10th anniversary of our Ask Umbra advice column, and to celebrate, we’re pulling a favorite gem of eco-advice out of the archives each week.