As the summer sun beats down, there’s no better way for kids to cool off and have a blast than with their very own inflatable pool. These portable, affordable water havens turn any backyard into an instant splash zone, providing endless hours of entertainment and a perfect escape from the heat. From simple paddling pools for toddlers to elaborate play centers for the whole family, the options are as varied as they are fun.
Choosing the right pool can make all the difference for a summer filled with laughter and memories. This roundup is designed to help you find the perfect fit for your space and your children’s ages, highlighting pools that offer everything from built-in shade and comfy seats to exciting slides and ball pits. Get ready to find a pool that will be the highlight of your child’s summer.
Our Top Picks for Kids Inflatable Pools
- 3 Pack 45″ Inflatable Kiddie Pools, Watermelon & Pineapple & Cupcake
- Inflatable Pool with Seat and Pool Lights, 100″ x 63″ Family Pool
- INTEX Swim Center Inflatable Family Lounge Pool with Built-In Bench
- Intex Sun Shade 5 Foot Square Inflatable Kiddie Pool with Canopy
- Bestway 10ft x 30in Fast Set Up Inflatable Pool with Filter Pump
- Intex Inflatable Ocean Play Center Kids Pool with Slide and Balls
- Intex Sunset Glow Baby Pool (34 in x 10 in)
- Intex Jungle Adventure Play Center Spray Kiddie Pool & Ball Pit
- Intex 6ft x 20in Easy Set Swimming Pool
- Intex Dinoland Inflatable Play Center
3 Pack 45″ Inflatable Kiddie Pools, Watermelon & Pineapple & Cupcake
This set offers incredible value and variety with three distinct, brightly patterned pools. The fun watermelon, pineapple, and cupcake designs are sure to capture any child’s imagination, making them perfect for parties or themed playdates. With three separate pools, siblings or friends can each have their own space, or you can use them for different activities like water play, a ball pit, or even a sandbox.
Practicality is a key feature here. Each pool is easy to inflate and deflate thanks to three separate air valves, allowing for a quick setup and takedown. The 45-inch diameter and 10-inch height are ideal for younger children to splash and play safely. Their versatility extends beyond summer, as they can be used indoors as a ball pit or a cozy play area for small pets.
Inflatable Pool with Seat and Pool Lights, 100″ x 63″ Family Pool
Designed for the whole family, this large inflatable pool combines comfort, safety, and a special feature that stands out: built-in, battery-powered pool lights. These waterproof lights offer seven different colors, making evening swims both magical and safer. The pool’s exterior features a shimmering ocean pattern, adding to the aquatic atmosphere right in your backyard.
Comfort is prioritized with built-in cushion seats and a convenient cup holder, allowing parents to relax while supervising the kids. A clear water line indicator provides a helpful safety guide to prevent overfilling. With dimensions of 100 by 63 inches, this pool is spacious enough to accommodate two adults and three children, making it a fantastic option for family fun.
INTEX Swim Center Inflatable Family Lounge Pool with Built-In Bench
This pool is designed with both kids and parents in mind. Its key feature is a built-in bench with a comfortable backrest, providing a perfect spot for adults to sit and relax in the water while keeping a close eye on the little ones. The 90 by 86-inch size creates a generous space for splashing and playing, holding up to 156 gallons of water.
Durability is a strong point for this Intex model. It is constructed from rugged 13-gauge vinyl, which is built to last through seasons of use. The thoughtful design, which includes a cup holder, focuses on creating a comfortable and social water experience for the entire family, making it more than just a simple kiddie pool.
Intex Sun Shade 5 Foot Square Inflatable Kiddie Pool with Canopy
Sun protection is the standout feature of this Intex pool. The extra-wide, built-in sun shade creates a comfortable and shady play area, allowing children to enjoy the water without prolonged direct sun exposure. This makes it an excellent choice for hot, sunny days and gives parents extra peace of mind.
The pool is constructed with durable 10-gauge vinyl to withstand active play and the elements. It features 48-inch high side walls and a soft inflatable floor for a safe and secure environment. The 5-foot square design provides ample room for splashing, and the colorful ocean scene graphics add to the fun.
Bestway 10ft x 30in Fast Set Up Inflatable Pool with Filter Pump
For families looking for a more substantial above-ground pool experience, this Bestway model is a great option. The 10-foot diameter and 30-inch depth provide plenty of room for multiple kids and even adults to cool off. A major advantage is the included 330 GPH filter pump, which helps keep the water cleaner for longer by circulating and filtering it.
Setup is designed to be simple. The “Fast Set” system involves inflating the top ring and then filling the pool with water, which causes the sides to rise. The pool is made from durable, tear-resistant PVC material that is built to resist fading from sun exposure, promising many summers of use.
Intex Inflatable Ocean Play Center Kids Pool with Slide and Balls
This play center turns your backyard into a mini water park. It features a built-in slide, a water sprayer that attaches to a garden hose, and comes with 100 multi-colored balls to create a combined wading pool and ball pit. This variety ensures hours of active and imaginative play for younger children.
The pool has two water depth areas: a shallow 4.5-inch wading section and a main pool area that holds 9 inches of water, making it suitable for toddlers and young kids. The bright ocean-themed graphics and multiple activities in one product make it a sure hit for summer fun.
Intex Sunset Glow Baby Pool (34 in x 10 in)
This is the perfect first pool for your little one. Designed specifically for babies and toddlers aged 1-3, its small size and 10-inch height provide a safe and secure environment for splashing. The soft inflatable floor adds an extra layer of comfort and safety for unsteady feet.
With a 22-gallon water capacity, it’s easy to fill and empty, making setup and cleanup quick and simple. The cheerful, simple design is appealing to young children, offering a dedicated space for them to cool off and experience water play under close supervision.
Intex Jungle Adventure Play Center Spray Kiddie Pool & Ball Pit
For the ultimate backyard adventure, this jungle-themed play center has it all. It includes a water slide, an inflatable arch with a water sprayer, a ring toss game, and inflatable animal figures like a flamingo and monkey. It also comes with 100 plastic balls to use in the built-in ball pit area.
The design features two pools in one: a larger pool that holds 130 gallons and a smaller one for the ball pit or additional water play. This multitude of activities in a single setup provides endless entertainment and encourages active, imaginative play for multiple children at once.
Intex 6ft x 20in Easy Set Swimming Pool
This classic Easy Set Pool is a straightforward and reliable choice for younger kids. Its 6-foot diameter provides a good amount of splashing space, while the 20-inch depth is safe and manageable. As the name suggests, it is renowned for its simple and quick setup process.
You simply inflate the top ring and fill the pool with water; the water’s weight will cause the sides to rise and the pool to take shape. With an 886-liter water capacity, it’s a great starter pool that offers a more substantial water experience than a small kiddie pool without the complexity of a larger frame pool.
Intex Dinoland Inflatable Play Center
While specific details and an image are not provided, the Intex Dinoland Play Center follows the brand’s successful formula for exciting, activity-filled water parks. These types of play centers typically feature a combination of a wading pool, slides, water sprayers, and interactive games, all with a fun dinosaur theme.
Intex play centers are known for their durability and ability to keep children engaged for hours. If your child is a dinosaur enthusiast, this themed pool would be a fantastic way to encourage active, imaginative outdoor play while staying cool during the summer months.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Kids Inflatable Pool
When the summer heat hits, there’s nothing better than watching your kids splash and play in the water. I’ve been through my fair share of inflatable pools, and let me tell you, not all are created equal. Picking the right one can be the difference between a summer of fun and a deflated disappointment. So, before you click “add to cart,” here are the key things I always consider.
First up, size and capacity. This is a big one. You need to think about both the physical space in your yard and how many kids will be using it. A tiny pool might be fine for one toddler, but if you have two or more children, you’ll want something with more room. I also check the water capacity in gallons. A larger pool holds more water, which takes longer to fill and will need more chlorine if you plan on keeping it for a few days. It’s a balance between having enough space for fun and managing the practicalities of setup and maintenance.
Next, consider the material and durability. Most pools are made from PVC or vinyl, but the thickness matters. I look for pools made with heavy-gauge, puncture-resistant material. A thicker material is less likely to spring a leak from a stray twig or an over-enthusiastic puppy. Some of the best kids inflatable pools for summer even have reinforced sides and floors. Also, check if it has separate air chambers. This is a fantastic feature because if one chamber gets a leak, the rest of the pool can stay inflated while you patch it.
Then there are the features. This is where the real fun begins. Many pools are no longer just simple rings; they come with built-in slides, water sprayers, splash rings, and even attached shade canopies. A sun shade is a feature I personally love, as it offers some protection for little ones on super sunny days. Also, think about the drain valve. A well-placed, easy-to-open drain valve makes emptying the pool so much simpler than trying to tip it over when it’s full of hundreds of gallons of water.
Finally, don’t forget about setup and inflation. How are you going to blow it up? I learned the hard way that blowing up a large pool by mouth is not a fun workout. I highly recommend looking for a pool that is compatible with an electric air pump. It saves so much time and effort. Also, check the estimated setup and fill time. A bigger pool is great, but if it takes four hours to fill, you might lose the afternoon’s fun waiting for it. By keeping these points in mind—size, durability, features, and setup—you’re well on your way to picking a pool that will provide countless hours of summer joy.
FAQ
How do I keep the water clean in an inflatable pool?
This is a question I get a lot. For a quick splash session that you’ll empty the same day, the water from your hose is usually fine. But if you plan to keep the water for more than a day, you’ll need to maintain it. I use a small pool skimmer to remove leaves and bugs daily. For a slightly larger pool, a simple filter pump made for small pools can work wonders. You can also use chlorine, but you must be very careful with the dosage. They sell mini chlorine tablets and test kits specifically for small pools. Always follow the product instructions precisely and ensure children do not have access to the chemicals.
What is the safest way to drain a large inflatable pool?
Never try to tip over a full pool; the weight of the water can cause injury or damage your yard. Almost all quality pools come with a drain valve. The best method is to attach a garden hose to this valve (if it has the adapter) and lead the hose to a safe drainage area in your yard, away from your house’s foundation. If there’s no hose adapter, you can just open the valve and let the water drain slowly onto your lawn, making sure it doesn’t create a muddy river towards your neighbor’s property!
Can I leave the inflatable pool filled up for several days?
You can, but it requires maintenance. Stagnant water becomes a breeding ground for bacteria and mosquitoes within 24-48 hours. If you want to keep it filled, you need to cover it when not in use and treat the water with appropriate, child-safe sanitizers. Even then, I recommend emptying, cleaning, and refilling every few days for the safest and cleanest water. It’s also a good practice to fully empty and dry the pool between uses to prevent mold and mildew from growing on the vinyl.
Are inflatable pools safe for very young toddlers?
They can be, but supervision is the absolute most important rule. There is no such thing as “drown-proof.” A child can drown in just an inch or two of water in a matter of seconds. Always be within arm’s reach of a young child around any water, including a small inflatable pool. Also, look for pools with softer, gentler floors and avoid pools with deep centers for non-swimmers. A pool with a built-in shade canopy can also help protect their sensitive skin from the sun.
What surface should I place my inflatable pool on?
A flat, level grassy area is ideal. Grass provides a soft, natural cushion. Avoid placing it on concrete, asphalt, or rough surfaces like gravel or bark dust, as these can easily puncture the bottom. I also clear the area of any sharp sticks, stones, or pinecones before laying the pool down. For an extra layer of protection, you can use a ground tarp or an old blanket underneath the pool. This helps protect it from anything you might have missed and can also make the bottom feel smoother underfoot.