Is it safe to fill a kiddie pool from a regular garden hose?
Okay for play water, but do not let kids drink it.
What to know
A regular garden hose is made for outdoor work. It is not the same as a cup, bottle, or faucet made for drinking water.
For a small kiddie pool, you can use the hose for play water. First, let the hose run until the water is cool. Do not use water that sat in a hot hose. Keep babies and toddlers from drinking the pool water.
Drain the pool after play. Rinse it, let it dry, and store it out of the sun when you can. If the hose smells strong, looks cracked, or is not marked for drinking water, do not use it for water kids may swallow.
Why this matters
CDC says young children are more likely to get sick from unsafe drinking water. CDC also notes that children can be exposed to lead from drinking water and from some products around the home.
EPA rules for drinking water parts set lead limits for pipes, fixtures, faucets, solder, and flux used for drinking water. A regular garden hose is not always made to that drinking-water standard.
The safer habit is simple: use hose water for outdoor play only, not for drinking. Bring clean drinking water outside in a glass or stainless steel container.