The Best Kid Pools
Our Review Process
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Our Picks For The Top Kid Pools
- 1. AsterOutdoor Extra Thick Bubble Floor Kid Pool
- 2. Bestway H2OGO! Covered Pool
- 3. SELLOTZ BPA-Free Quick Set-Up Kid Pool
- 4. Splashin’kids Cooling Summer Double Sprinkler Kid Pool
- 5. Jasonwell Vinyl BPA-Free Inflatable Kiddie Pool
- 6. Hamdol Backyard PVC Kid Pool
- 7. Big Summer Easy Draining Backyard Kid Pool
- 8. HIWENA Children’s Backyard Inflatable Pool, 45-Inch
- 9. Step2 Kids’ Molded Shaded Pool, 50-Inch
- 10. lunaoo Slip-Resistant Pet & Kids’ Pool
- 11. Intex Crystal Blue Children’s Easy Clean Inflatable Pool, 58-Inch
- 12. Taiker Leak-Proof Certified Kid Pool
- 13. Intex Clearview Children’s Vinyl Inflatable Pool, 62.5-Inch
- 14. Intex Vinyl Soft Bottom Kids’ Pool
315 gallons - Since this kid pool is constructed using thicker materials than its competitors, it won't rip or puncture during play. The pool features three separate air chambers and is decorated using an adorable underwater scene. Kids can begin using the pool soon after delivery, as it inflates in as little as 4 minutes.
Most DurableYou'll find this kid pool is available in four different sizes to fit everyone from toddlers to adults.
446 gallons - This 8ft x 20 inch deep pool is ideal for families with young children and limited space. The attachable shade provides protection from harmful UV rays. No tools are required, so you can set up this pool quickly and start having fun.
Cool off with the FamilyFeatures a sun shade and a water mister
312 gallons - The entire family fits in this oversized kid pool. It's constructed using a thick PVC material that makes it much more durable than other models on the market. The pool is also easy to inflate, taking just three minutes for all of the air chambers to fill up.
Easy Set-UpDuring the cold winter months, this kid pool can be repurposed as an indoor ball pit.
87 gallons - This basic but high-quality inflatable pool has a lot of space for kids to play (or even an adult to sit in!). It comes with a repair patch. The pool is easy to clean and just needs to be wiped down.
Roomy OptionThere is plenty of room in this basic 87-gallon pool for multiple kids to splash around.
Buying Guide
Kiddie pools are nothing new but in recent years, they’ve advanced in remarkable ways, becoming larger and much easier to store. With an inflatable pool, you can keep little ones busy throughout the summer without the expense and upkeep of an above or in-ground pool.
A traditional kiddie pool is round and relatively small, measuring from 3 to 5 feet in diameter. Some people use them as a dog pool, but they’re perfect for infants and toddlers, provided they are closely supervised. Earlier kiddie pools were made from hard plastic that didn’t break down or deflate when you weren’t using them, posing a storage problem.
That previously popular kiddie pool design has been replaced today by inflatable counterparts. These are made from a softer plastic that can also be more comfortable for little ones. You’ll just inflate these pools, fill them with water and enjoy. But the best part may be that when your child is finished using the pool, you can dump out the water, fold it up and store it wherever.
But inflatable pools aren’t limited to younger children anymore. You can get much larger inflatable pools that will hold multiple children or even an entire family. Yes, adults can join in on the fun! You might want a pump to inflate this type of pool, and, of course, it will take more water to fill. To store these bigger ones, you’ll typically pull a drain plug and wait for the water to empty, then deflate. Make sure you let any inflatable pool completely dry before folding it up to store.
What to Look For
- One thing to consider is that most kiddie pools use water from the hose, which will be unfiltered tap water. This means the water could have bacteria in it. You can buy a garden hose end filter that will provide cleaner water.
- If you’re concerned about BPA, look for a pool that’s made from BPA-free plastic.
- Many modern pools are made from PVC, which is a sturdier plastic that can resist tears, even if the pool ends up with sticks or sharp rocks beneath it.
- Larger pools can have a tougher time holding air once their capacity is stretched to the limit. To battle that, these pools often have multiple air chambers to distribute the stress.
- If you’re buying a large inflatable pool, keep in mind that an electric pump will likely be necessary. Often, these aren’t included with your pool purchase, so you’ll need to look around for one that’s compatible.
- Although kiddie pools are, of course, made for kids, not all pools are suitable for all age groups. Pay attention to age ranges. Even the smallest pools often start at ages 2 and up. Infants may be better off with the smallest kiddie pool, with an adult sitting alongside to supervise.
More to Explore
If you have a hard plastic kiddie pool in your backyard, it’s essential to drain the water and clean it between uses. Leaving water in your little pool will bring all the dangers that come from an untreated pond. With a chlorinated pool, you’ll treat it and measure the pH balance on a consistent basis, but getting that pH balance in a kiddie pool can be next to impossible.
But even when it’s newly filled, a kiddie pool can have hidden dangers. Get a filter for your garden hose to prevent the bacteria that can lurk in tap water. Also, make sure you check the swim diapers being worn regularly and encourage bathroom breaks at least every hour or so.
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