Kid-Safe Spa Pool Tips for the School Holidays

Make your spa or swim spa kid-safe and holiday-ready with expert safety tips, fun accessories, and Spa World-approved solutions for stress-free family spa time.

Kids in a swim spa

At Spa World, we know the school holidays are the perfect time for family fun, and your spa or swim spa is often the heart of it all.

However, before the kids jump in, it’s essential to ensure your spa is set up for safety, comfort, and fun.

In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to prepare your spa for the school break, including must-have safety gear, kid-friendly accessories, and Spa World, recommended solutions to help your family relax with confidence.

Spa Safety Checklist for the Holidays

Keeping your spa, pool or swim spa safe is the first and most important step—especially for children. Here’s how to ensure your spa is secure, compliant, and family-ready.

1. Use a sturdy, lockable spa cover

Make sure your spa cover is in good condition and locks securely when not in use.

Why it matters: Prevents unsupervised access, meets compliance regulations, and retains heat.

Spa World recommendation: Use a spa cover lock, such as the one featured below. It has a removable pin for retro-fits, a keyed latch, and compatibility with existing cover clip keys.

Compliance Note: In NSW, all spa pools must have a lockable, child-safe barrier. Check your local state’s pool rules and regulations here.

2. Install CPR and safety signage

A CPR sign is an important safeguard when kids are using the spa. Why it matters: A visible CPR sign can save lives in an emergency and may be a legal requirement in your area.

Spa World recommendation: Spa World supplies CPR signs that are clear and easy to read outdoors while reinforcing important safety rules. These heavy-duty CPR Sigs are UV-resistant, weatherproof, and easy to mount near your spa.

Note: Water safety is a key responsibility for spa owners, and in some regions, CPR and spa safety signs are a legal requirement. Spa World recommends displaying these signs where they’re clearly visible from your spa, even if not mandated, as they can help save lives.

3. Test water quality regularly

A simple water testing kit helps you check chlorine, pH, and alkalinity levels in minutes, so you can make quick adjustments and keep the water crystal clear. Depending on results, you may also need to clean or replace the filters.

Spa World top picks:

4. Create a non-slip spa zone

Wet areas around spas can quickly become slippery, increasing the risk of slips, bumps, and falls, especially for kids running in and out, or adults stepping onto wet decking. To help reduce the risk of slips and falls, adding a non-slip surface around your spa is a smart idea.

Why it matters: Wet surfaces are a major slip hazard, especially for kids. A non-slip surface helps prevent accidents, protects joints by reducing impact, and creates a safer, more stable zone for the whole family to enjoy.

Spa World recommendation: Stay safe and comfortable around your spa with the Rubber Anti-Slip Floor Mat from Spa World. It’s built for outdoor durability, with perforated drainage holes to keep surfaces dry, cushioned rubber for joint support, and a washable design that makes upkeep simple.

5. Add safe, stable spa steps

Getting in and out of a spa isn’t always easy, especially with taller swim spas. Climbing over wet edges can increase the chance of slips or falls – particularly with excited children or people with mobility issues. Stable, non-slip steps make spa entry and exit safer and easier for everyone.

Why it matters: Sturdy, non-slip steps create a safe, stable entry and exit point, giving kids confidence, reducing strain on joints, and making spa time more accessible for everyone.

Spa World recommendations:

Pro Tip: No safety tool replaces active, adult supervision. Always have an adult watching whenever children are in or near the spa.

Kid-Friendly Spa Accessories for Ultimate Fun

School holidays are made for fun! The right spa accessories can turn your spa into a family playground, with features kids love and safety parents can trust.

1. Audio + WiFi control kits

Adjusting spa settings with wet hands can be frustrating—especially with kids splashing around.

With a WiFi and Audio system, you can manage temperature, pumps, lighting, and music straight from your phone. The kids can play freely while you relax with effortless control.

Why it’s worth it: Stream crystal-clear audio while adjusting your spa’s functions remotely. It’s convenience, safety, and fun all in one.

Spa World recommendations:

2. Inflatable Floating Spa Bar Tray

Snacks and drinks are part of the fun when kids are splashing about, but balancing them on the spa edge can be messy, unsafe, and almost always ends with spills.

A floating spa bar tray keeps everything within easy reach—without the risk of tipping drinks into the water or cluttering the spa’s edge. It’s stable, family-friendly, and makes spa time feel like a holiday treat.

Why it’s worth it: Kids can grab snacks and drinks without leaving the spa, while parents enjoy a tidier, stress-free soak with fewer spills and safer play.

Spa World pick: Inflatable Floating Spa Bar Tray – designed for stability with six colourful beverage holders, a covered centre section, and three removable snack compartments for easy cleaning.

3. Waterproof Games

Games are a great way to keep kids entertained in the spa, but not all are suited to water. The good news: many favourites have waterproof versions. Whether it’s water play with noodles and balls or simple board and card games, just choose options that can handle splashes and spa conditions.

Why it’s worth it: More game variety means kids are less likely to reach for screens and more likely to enjoy fresh-air fun with family and friends. Spa World stocks spa-friendly options like waterproof playing cards, a durable choice that keeps kids entertained without risking regular toys.

Spa World pick: Life Waterproof Playing Cards – durable PVC with a waterproof carry case.

4. More Games & Ideas (Hot Tub & Spa Games e-book)

If you’re looking for even more ways to keep the fun going, our Hot Tub & Spa Games e-book is packed with ideas. It includes 17 spa-friendly games complete with easy instructions, jokes, and even a few cheeky challenges—perfect for families and friends.

Why it’s worth it: Having a go-to list of ready-made games takes the pressure off parents and keeps kids entertained for hours. It also turns spa time into a shared activity everyone can enjoy. The e-book is a favourite with Spa World customers—we’ve sold thousands of copies and received plenty of great feedback.

Spa World pick: Hot Tub & Spa Games e-book – instant digital download direct to your inbox.

Looking for more fun spa games?

Discover our top picks for spa games in our detailed article.

5. Spa Towel Holder

When kids are jumping in and out of the spa, towels can easily end up damp, scattered on the ground, or out of reach just when they’re needed. A spa towel holder keeps them dry, organised, and close by—making spa time more convenient and less messy.

Why it’s worth it: Families enjoy a tidier spa area, drier towels, and fewer trip hazards. Parents get peace of mind, and kids love having their towels ready and waiting.

Spa World pick: Spa Towel Holder – rustproof aluminium, powder-coated with stainless hardware, and an adjustable crossbar to fit different spa sizes. Simple to install and built to last.

Family Spa Safety & Fun FAQ

Do I need a CPR sign near my home spa?

Yes. In many regions, including NSW, a CPR sign is a legal requirement near spas and pools. Even where it’s not mandatory, Spa World strongly recommends displaying one. It provides clear, lifesaving instructions in an emergency.

Get Holiday-Ready with Spa World

Make the most of the school holidays by preparing your spa for family use. Simple safety checks and a few well-chosen extras can turn your backyard into a safe and fun retreat for kids, and a relaxing space for adults, too.

Whether it’s safety gear, fun accessories, or water care products, you’ll find everything you need at Spa World.

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