Could I suggest you go for an intex easy set filter. You might find a real cheap one on ebay.
The pump/filter sits up to 8 feet away from the pool and comes with a GFCI.
You could crimp the pipes a little to reduce the flow as needed.
Alternatively
If you bought the entire 8 foot intex pool/cover/filter/piping combo, it could cost as little as $50.
I used an 8 footer when my son was a year and a half. I half filled it to about a foot and he had a blast (usually with me sitting in it for safety). It got a bit warm at time so I would top it up with cold as needed.
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