The trio decked out their living room with plastic sheeting before filling it with gallons of water.

The sweltering pals then posed for pictures as they cooled down in the DIY pool.

However, perhaps wisely considering their parents' probable reaction, the names of the young men have not been disclosed.

The images of the bathing friends, from the Oryol region in western Russia - where summer temperatures regularly exceed 30C - have gone wild on internet sites in their native country.

Social media users have warned them they could be in for an ear-bashing, should their parents find out about their stunt.

One commenter on the images advised: "Dry this up before your mother gets home!"

Another added: "I hope the electric plugs are way above the water level!"

Others wondered how they would remove the water, asking: "Do they have a pump?"

And one panicked about the home-made pools becoming a new trend, pleading: "Please - no-one else try this at home."

Russia has been hit by a series of freak weather events this summer, which some experts have blamed on climate change.

A heatwave this month has caused Russia's football season to be delayed, while a ceremonial changing of the presidential guard was cancelled due to the sweltering temperatures.