Are all these chemicals and supplies necessary for a kiddie pool?

Question

I just bought a Summer Escape 8' inflatable kiddie pool, and it came with a long list of supplies that are apparently required. I haven't had a pool in a long time, but I feel when I was a kid, we would just fill up the pool and play in it, and not worry about chemicals. Here's the list of what it says is required for operation: test kit, chlorine tablets, soda ash, acid, algaecides, superchlorinator, leaf net, and chlorine dispenser. It came with a filter, which for some reason I thought would come with chlorine in it.

So, is all this really necessary for a small little pool? I don't have a lot of money and that stuff is expensive. I bought the pool mainly just for my dog to cool down because it's very hot here and we only have a swamp cooler (he's a Chow with a very thick double coat, and we live in AZ). I might sit in it a bit to cool down, too, but I don't have any kids.

So, what is absolutely necessary for this pool?

Answer 1

The filter is needed to keep the water from becoming cloudy, and to keep it circulating. All you need is a cup of bleach every few days. The leaves you can pull out by hand or a spagetti strainer.

Answer 2

If you want to empty it every couple days it should be ok with no chemicals. but if your going to leave the water in it you will want the chemicals to keep it clear from algae and insect larva. (misquitos)

Answer 3

if you want to keep your pool water clean and bacteria free you need all those chemicals or drain the water after every use