I also use kiddie pools. Love the one with the slide, because they do use it. The drake likes to stand on top playing king duck. He then either slides down or jumps in. I've build decks around the pools and little stair cases going up. They love and use it. Right now they are going into the meadow, where we have a seasonal stream. They will be using that until it dries up and then it is back to kiddie pools. BTW all my pools have ball valve drains. Beats the lifting and prolongs the live of the pools. That way a pool should last at least 2 years. My pools are out all year round, with or without water. Even in winter they are out there, just flipped over so nothing can fall into them.
I also use old towels in the brooder. Works like a charm. Simply shake them out outside, and drop into the wash machine. I do not use softener or softener sheets on them. I don't think the smell is toxic, but I don't that ducks need that either. Especially when they are so tiny, and ducks do have sensitive lungs. All I do is dump vinegar into the rinse cycle. That will remove any soap residues in the fibers. Best is will remove lime deposits in your wash machine and make it life longer.
