Question: We have an outdated build of SQL Server 2008 R2(SP1) and therefore we are in need of patching(SP3).

Does this have any impact on SharePoint? 

What measures should I take, besides backing everything up and testing before doing in production?

Answer: 
SharePoint 2010 is supported on SQL 20018 R2 SP3, so no, there shouldn't be any issue installing the service pack onto your SQL Server.

I'd test (if at all possible) on a test system first, simply to ensure that any other solution installed within the SharePoint farm also continues to function as expected once the service pack is installed.

Obviously you should also take a set of backups of all of the databases on the SQL Server before you proceed (and test the backups!) in case you have any issues and need to be able to roll back. A SQL alias (as mentioned by Benny) is your friend here as you can run up a new server quickly, change the SQL alias(es) to point to the new server and you're good to go.

During the installation of the service pack there will be downtime to the farm as the database services will be unavailable for a period of time during the patching process. If at all possible, shut down the SharePoint server before starting the work.
I would install a new SQL Server to the level that you require, such as SQL Server 2008 **R2**. Tehn I would backup from source SQL and restore to destination SQL, with the same permissions and settings as the source SQL.

Then I would run [`cliconfg`](https://sqlandme.com/2011/05/05/create-sql-server-alias-cliconfg-exe/) on my SharePoint Server(s) and create an alias from the source SQL to the destination SQL and restart services and IIS.

That way you can test the SQL Server without loosing the option to quickly switch back is something bad happens (by removing the SQL Alias).