The Best Inflatable Pools, According to Swim Instructors, Designers, and Child-Care Experts
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With hot days and free time ahead, the ease of installing a pool on a roof, on a patio, or in a sliver of backyard with just a few pumps (or blows) of air remains as appealing as ever, whether you’re looking for something to fill kids’ days with activities and entertainment without turning to screens or you’re looking to cool off with a friend or two. The best inflatable pools are easy and quick to set up and use, can be deflated and stored away on a shelf, and are robust enough to provide hours of entertainment day after day and even summer after summer.
To find the best inflatable pools to suit your kids and home (and maybe even yourself), we sought the advice of interior designers and home-décor experts. And because even a shallow inflatable kids’ pool can present safety concerns — drowning is the leading cause of accidental death for kids ages 1 to 4, per theCDC— we also spoke to educators, experts in children’s wellness and safety, a pediatrician, and a children’s survival swim-school instructor to get their thoughts on what to look for in the best kids’ inflatable pools.
Whatwe’relookingfor
Size, shape, and safety
If you’re shopping for a pool for children to stay cool this summer, you’ll want a model that can accommodate as many kids as you’re likely to have playing at once, keeping in mind that a kids’ pool can betoobig — and with smaller kids, you’ll want to make sure to avoid water that’s too deep.
“Inflatable pools come with risk as drowning can occur in as little as two inches of water,” says certified swim instructorKristy Squire, a 19-year veteran and specialist in survival and safety-swim instruction for young children. “With drowning being the leading cause of accidental death in children ages 4 and under, any time spent near the water should come with constant supervision.” Proper pool size and water depth are important; responsible supervision is imperative.
Gigi Schweikert, a parenting and education expert and the CEO ofLightbridge Academy, says, “For kids 6 months to 2 years, use very shallow baby pools or splash pads with just a few inches of water and small, soft, simple round shapes for easy supervision and safety. For kids aged 2 to 5, consider small to medium round or rectangular inflatable pools with about eight to 18 inches of water depth. Round shapes are best for tighter supervision, while small rectangles allow a bit more play space. And for ages 5 to 10, choose larger rectangular or oval family-style pools up to about two feet deep; these offer more room for multiple kids, toys, and active play.”
For grown-up use, those considerations don’t come into play, but you’ll want to look out for pools with enough capacity for two to three adults; typically, a pool five or more feet in diameter will do the job.
Features
Some pools aimed at smaller kids have special features like built-in sun shades and padded bottoms that make for more comfortable bathing when the pools are inflated on hard surfaces like patios or decks. Others have built-in seating and play elements like slides, sprayers, inflatable characters, and more. Regardless of which inflatable kids’ pool you consider, make sure to look for one with a reliable and easy-to-use drain, so cleanup won’t be a drag after playtime is over.
Materials
Most kids’ pools are made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC): vinyl, that is. With proper care and maintenance (meaning cleaning without harsh chemicals or abrasive tools), and so long as you minimize sun exposure whenever the pool is not in use, this material is generally safe for use around people and pets.
“Parents often ask about pool materials and plastics,” says pediatrician Dr. Jessica Hochman, host of the podcastYour Child Is Normal.“While it’s reasonable to be thoughtful about the products we bring into our homes, for most families, the more immediate concern is water safety rather than the pool material itself,” she says. “I encourage parents to focus first on supervision, sun protection, and proper pool maintenance, including regularly draining and cleaning the pool.” This care helps prevent the breakdown of PVC or other similar materials.
Our top picks
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Intex Summer Sunset Glow Kiddie Pool
Dimensions:58 inches (diameter); 13 inches (height)|Water Capacity:73 gallons| Material:Vinyl| Features:Padded bottom
In the same bright colors as our favorite Popsicles, this traditional circular kiddie pool just screams summer to us. Plus, the pricewon’thave you screaming. “Intex is known to make good quality recreational products, so I would expect this pool to last,” says Squire. At a generous 58 inches (just under five feet) in diameter, it’s got plenty of room for four kids or a couple of adults.
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Dimensions:90 inches by 58 inches by 18 inches|Water Capacity:160 gallons (approx.)| Material:Vinyl| Features:Built-in drain
Why not give the whole family space to cool off? This simple, straightforward inflatable pool will easily allow several older kids to splash around with room to spare, and it can legitimately fit a couple of lounging adults with ease (yes, we’ve tried it firsthand). Its two tiers are independently inflated, adding to the soundness of the pool’s structure, and the water drains quickly via a drain in the bottom after use. Affordable enough to buy even if your kids will only use it a few times this summer, this pool should last for several seasons if you dry it and store it in a cool space.
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Dimensions:66 inches (diameter); 21 inches (height)|Water Capacity:150 gallons (approx.)| Material:PVC| Features:Bottom drain, soft padded sides
Want a pool with a little more elevated look? Interior designerSarah Ramirezloves Minnidip, the brand behind this tufted, blush-colored (it’s also available in other patterns and colors) pool. Ramirez adds that “the unique scalloped edges make it the perfect Art Deco addition to your summer setup.” The pool, which is just a bit more than five feet in diameter, has an easy-to-use air valve that allows it to be inflated by a standard air pump or even a hair dryer, according to the brand. (But if you’re using a hair dryer, just make sure it is set to cool so you don’t melt the plastic.)
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Dimensions:48 inches (diameter); 12 inches (height)|Water Capacity:35 gallons| Material:PVC| Features:Bottom drain
This smaller, solidly built pool from Minnidip is perfect for younger kids thanks to its size and its playful colors and design. Having used a similar Minnidip pool with his kids, our writer Steven John is confident in the durability of the materials and construction. Dr. Hochman says, “Simple splash pools with low sides and unobstructed layouts make supervision easier because a child remains visible at all times; I generally prefer designs that provide open sight lines and allow parents to easily see children from all angles.”
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Dimensions:65 inches (diameter); 15 inches (height)|Water Capacity:100 gallons| Material:PVC| Features:Two-stage valves, bottom drain
Shopping writers and podcasters Erica Cerulo and Claire Mazurpointed us to the inflatable pools from fashion stylist Kristin Myllenbeck’s line Mylle, which they say are “fun without splashing into swan-pool-float territory.” The Mylle pools measure 65 inches, or just under five and a half feet, in diameter, so there’s plenty of room for two or three adults.In addition to this ochre color, you can get it ingreenor with patterns that range fromblack-and-white stripes(the brand’s original style) toterrazzo. Whichever pattern you choose, it ships with a matching sleeve for storage.
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PoolCandy Inflatable Sunning Pool
Dimensions:60 inches (diameter); 15 inches (height)|Water Capacity:100 gallons| Material:PVC| Features:Quick-release drain
Ramirez told us that these playful pools, which come in several print colors and styles, could easily “complement a traditional look or fit right in with a kitschy, mid-century aesthetic.” PoolCandy says the five-foot-wide pool should comfortably accommodate two adults, so it will allow for even more kids. PoolCandy also sells this pool in other colorways, including a neon palette that feels delightfully ’80s.
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Dimensions:70 inches by 63 inches by 24 inches|Water Capacity:120 gallons| Material:PVC| Features:4 sections with air valves, drain
Interior designer Casey Hardin ofthe Karma Cornerdirects those who want something other than a circular pool to this heart-shaped option. According to the brand, it’s ideal for couples — or even throuples — as it can fit two to three adults. Hardin adds that “with its multiple air valves and drain,” setup and cleanup should take “just a few minutes.”
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Dimensions:90 inches (diameter); 26 inches (height)|Water Capacity:262 gallons| Material:Vinyl| Features:Built-in seats, cupholders, drain plug
You will need a larger patch of grass or a spacious patio to unfurl this modular, family-size, two-tone pool, but it has more features than just being big enough for the whole family. “The built-in chairs are a nice touch to this pool, which makes it seem more raftlike,” says Squire. “It is also nice to have a white bottom so the water will stay cooler longer than those with darker bottoms.” This pool is the perfect size for bigger kids or even teens who want to play or lounge in hot weather. It comes with a drain plug for easy emptying and a repair patch in case of damage.
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Dimensions:47 inches by 41 inches|Water Capacity:26 gallons| Material:PVC| Features:Shade, drain plug, padded bottom
On the smaller end of the spectrum, at a little under four feet long and just deep enough for supervised splashing, this covered pool has a padded base that protects little knees and bottoms even if the pool is filled on a hard surface, while the built-in shade provides sun protection. An easy-to-use drain plug simplifies emptying, while the included repair patch makes fixing leaks easy.
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Dimensions:40 inches by 35 inches|Water Capacity:12 gallons| Material:Vinyl| Features:Shade, inflated character, padded bottom
Here’s another shallow option we found for the littlest bathers (or very cottagecore-obsessed) among us. Like the pool above, this has a padded bottom, and the giant mushroom cap not only makes it fun to look at but also functions as a shade from the sun. “Shade features like this reduce sun exposure and overheating,” says Schweikert.
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Dimensions:96 inches by 78 inches; 28 inches (height)|Water Capacity:130 gallons (large pool), 15 gallons (small pool)| Material:Vinyl| Features:Slide, water sprayer, arch, ring toss, balls, inflatable characters
This toddler- and preschooler-friendly pool is more like a backyard water park than a simple pool. It has a miniature slide, inflatable animals, water-spray features, and space for multiple little ones to play simultaneously, yet it still costs well under $100. Squire says, “What is great about this pool is that it is set to not fill over a few inches of water depth, which can make it a bit more safe than other options. And it offers fun colors, a sprinkler function, and fun features. The shallow depth and added safety feature of the drain hole make it a front-runner, in my opinion.”
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Dimensions:63 inches (diameter); 12 inches (height)|Water Capacity:130 gallons (approx.)| Material:PVC| Features:Sprinkler fountain, dual drains
If your furry friends may be joining the kids in the pool, then an inflatable pool isn’t the best choice, as canine claws and teeth can inadvertently puncture pool walls and deflate the fun. This collapsible pool packs down small and sets up quickly, creating a durable, compact pool suitable for human and canine use alike. Setup is simple — just unfold and fill with water. With a garden hose attached, it offers a fountain feature that keeps water spraying into the air, cooling and entertaining kids and pups alike.
Our experts
• Erica Cerulo and Claire Mazur,shopping writers and podcasters
• Casey Hardin, interior designer atthe Karma Corner
• Dr. Jessica Hochman, pediatrician and host of the podcastYour Child Is Normal.
•Sarah Ramirez, interior designer withFound + Collected
• Gigi Schweikert, parenting expert, educator, and CEO ofLightbridge Academy
•Kristy Squire, swim instructor
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