The Best Inflatable Pool - 2021
We looked at the top 15 Inflatable Pools and dug through the reviews from 104 of the most popular review sites including and more. The result is a ranking of the best Inflatable Pools.
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Our Picks For The Top Inflatable Pools
- The Best Inflatable Pool
- 1. Intex Crystal Blue Inflatable Pool, 45×10-Inch
- 2. HIWENA Inflatable Kiddie Pool, 45-Inch
- 3. Step2 Play & Shade Pool, 27.5×50-Inch
- 4. Bestway Fast Set Up Inflatable Above Ground Pool, 12×30-Inch
- 5. Intex Swim Center Clearview Aquarium Inflatable Pool, 62x62x19-Inch
- 6. Bestway H2OGO! Inflatable Pool, 37×11-Inch
- 7. Intex Sunset Glow Baby Pool, 34×10-Inch
- 8. Intex Sun Shade Inflatable Pool, 62″ X 62″ X 48″, for Ages 2+
- 9. Intex 12ft X 30in Easy Set Pool Set with Filter Pump
- 10. Intex Swim Center Inflatable Family Lounge Pool, 88in X 85in X 30in, for Ages 3+
- 11. Intex Easy Inflatable Pool Set & Filter Pump, 8-Feet x 30-Inch
- 12. Intex Swim Center Family Inflatable Pool for Ages 6 and up
- 13. Intex Swim Center Family Inflatable Pool
- 14. Intex Kiddie Pool – Kid’s Summer Sunset Glow Design – 58″ x 13
- 15. Jilong Rectangular Inflatable Pool, 10-Feet
Affordable OptionAs your children get older, this Intex Crystal Blue Inflatable Pool, 45 x 10" may be the perfect size for them.
Great Indoors and OutdoorsSetting up the HIWENA Inflatable Kiddie Pool, 45-Inch is a breeze and takes just a few minutes to inflate.
Safe Fun in the SunThe Step2 Play & Shade Pool, 27.5x50-Inch is a shaded play pool with toys for the younger set.
Easy Set UpThe Bestway Inflatable Above Ground Pool, 12x30-Inch comes with a filter pump to keep the kiddie pool clean.
Why we recommend these inflatable pools?
Products Considered
Products Analyzed
Expert Reviews Included
User Opinions Analyzed
Our experts reviewed the top 15 Inflatable Pools and also dug through the reviews from 104 of the most popular review sites including and more. The result is a ranking of the best of the best Inflatable Pools.
DWYM is your trusted roduct review source. Our team reviews thousands of product reviews from the trusted top experts and combines them into one easy-to-understand score. Learn more.
The Best Overall
Intex Crystal Blue Inflatable Pool, 45×10-Inch
Our Take
If you're looking for a pool for one or two children, the Intex Crystal Blue Inflatable Pool, 45 x 10" may be the right one for you. It's big enough even for your teenagers, so the whole family can enjoy it. The repair patch makes it easy to repair any tears that happen over years of use.
What other experts liked
What other experts didn't like
Overall Product Rankings
4. Bestway Fast Set Up Inflatable Above Ground Pool, 12×30-Inch
5. Intex Swim Center Clearview Aquarium Inflatable Pool, 62x62x19-Inch
8. Intex Sun Shade Inflatable Pool, 62″ X 62″ X 48″, for Ages 2+
10. Intex Swim Center Inflatable Family Lounge Pool, 88in X 85in X 30in, for Ages 3+
11. Intex Easy Inflatable Pool Set & Filter Pump, 8-Feet x 30-Inch
12. Intex Swim Center Family Inflatable Pool for Ages 6 and up
14. Intex Kiddie Pool – Kid’s Summer Sunset Glow Design – 58″ x 13
Our Inflatable Pool Findings
Intex Crystal Blue Inflatable Pool, 45×10-Inch
What We Liked: If you’re looking for a pool for one or two children, the Intex Crystal Blue Inflatable Pool, 45 x 10″ may be the right one for you. It’s big enough even for your teenagers, so the whole family can enjoy it. The repair patch makes it easy to repair any tears that happen over years of use.
HIWENA Inflatable Kiddie Pool, 45-Inch
What We Liked: The HIWENA Inflatable Kiddie Pool, 45-Inch has multiple uses. Parents can choose to set it up outside as a swimming pool or bring it inside to use as a bathtub. It also makes a great ball pit or sandbox. The pool has a built-in drain plug and comes with a repair patch to fix any accidental punctures.
Step2 Play & Shade Pool, 27.5×50-Inch
What We Liked: Your little ones can cool off safely in this pool for babies and toddlers. It includes a bright umbrella for shade from the sun as well as attachable funnel cups and water wheel for added play. Molded seats and a textured floor make the pool comfy and slip-resistant.
Bestway Fast Set Up Inflatable Above Ground Pool, 12×30-Inch
What We Liked: Gather two or three friends and you’ll have the Bestway Inflatable Above Ground Pool, 12×30-Inch set up in as little as 10 minutes. Although the pool is 6-feet in diameter, it isn’t deep. This allows little ones to learn how to swim in a safe environment under the instruction of a parent or swim teacher.
Intex Swim Center Clearview Aquarium Inflatable Pool, 62x62x19-Inch
What We Liked: Ideal for children ages 3 and up, this uniquely-shaped pool has 11″ of wall height and holds up to 90 gallons of water. Clear windows in the side of the pool and bright fish designs provide for underwater entertainment for young swimmers. It’s even large enough for Mom or Dad to sit and soak alongside the little ones.
Our Inflatable Pool Buying Guide
There’s nothing like the refreshing feeling of jumping into a swimming pool. But in-ground pools are extremely expensive, between the initial purchase of the pool itself and ongoing maintenance. One affordable alternative is an above-ground pool, especially the type you can easily deflate and store when you’re finished using it.
Before you shop for an inflatable pool, though, there are a few things to consider. One of the first things you’ll need to think about is just how big you want your pool to be. Larger inflatables with high walls can be great for both adults and kids, but they also require a bit more work to set up and takedown. If your children will be doing all the swimming, there are plenty of smaller options that will be both more affordable and easier to handle. Then there are pools built specifically for babies, with an adult watching nearby, of course.
The setup process is especially important for an inflatable. Since you likely won’t be inflating it and leaving it for months, you’ll need a pool that you can be put in place in a matter of minutes. Once you’re finished with it, the process of draining the water and breaking it down is essential as well. A drain plug comes in handy for easily getting the water elimination process started. Once the pool is empty, also consider where you’ll store it, and factor that into the size of pool you choose.
Safety is another big consideration when shopping for an inflatable pool. Some inflatables have walls that are on the flimsier side, which means swimmers will need to avoid leaning against or sitting on it. If little ones are using the pool, keep in mind that it’s important to still have an adult supervisor around at all times, even if the pool is on the shallow side.
DWYM Fun Fact
Some people set up an inflatable pool and leave it in place for many months. But to remain safe, pool water needs to be regularly treated. For inflatables, it’s much easier to drain them and clean the surface before refilling it, which is why most people prefer to break them down and store them. Since you won’t be protected by the chlorine in regular pools, you should also make sure your little ones aren’t urinating in the pool, regularly checking diapers and setting firm rules for older children. If you have a larger inflatable that you plan to leave in place, you’ll need to give it the same type of chemical treatment as you would with an in-ground or non-inflatable above-ground pool.
The Inflatable Pool Tips and Advice
- Your biggest concern when shopping for any type of pool is safety, particularly if your little ones will be using it.
- Durability is also important. Look for pools that come with a repair patch so that you can fix any tears that can appear with horseplay, even in the most durable pools.
- Setting up your pool can become serious work. Valves that make draining and filling the pool quickly means you can set it up or take it down in a matter of minutes. Note that you might need a pump for inflation, so be sure to check manufacturer specifications before choosing a pool. Drain plugs come in handy when you’re finished using your pool, as well.
- Before you start shopping, consider just how your pool will be used. If your pool is for your baby, a small pool with a soft floor might be best. However, as your kids get older, a larger size will be more your speed. If you have teens or want room for the entire family to play in the water, make sure you choose a pool that is both deep and wide enough for everyone.
- You probably already know the conditions in your own backyard. No matter which pool you choose, it can help to put a tarp down first to avoid damage from sharp objects like rocks and sticks. Either way, you’ll need a flat area to set it on to keep swimmers safe and ensure water distributes evenly.
- Extra features and accessories can be helpful. For instance, the Step2 Play & Shade Pool comes with an umbrella that acts as a sunshade. You should still use sunscreen, but it offers that extra layer of protection.
About The Author
Stephanie Faris is a novelist and professional writer. She lives in a beautiful one-acre home in the suburbs on the outskirts of Nashville. Her home and garden work has appeared on popular home sites. She's a true homebody and loves looking at new houses for sale for inspiration on her own home remodeling projects.