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Best Inflatable Pools

Updated March 2023
Bottom line
Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
Aquadoo Family Swimming Inflatable Pool
Aquadoo
Family Swimming Inflatable Pool
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Ideal for Family Fun
Bottom Line

With a combination of ample size, durability, and easy setup, this inflatable pool is an excellent choice for warm-weather fun.

Pros

Capable of holding 2 adults and 3 to 5 kids comfortably. Pool is made from 0.4-millimeter PVC material that will last for years. Comprised of 3 separate air chambers that inflate quickly.

Cons

Pricier than other inflatable pools, but you get what you pay for.

Best Bang for the Buck
Intex Snorkel Fun Swim Centre Pool
Intex
Snorkel Fun Swim Centre Pool
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Simple Yet Solid
Bottom Line

An affordable and inflatable pool large enough for several kids and an adult; offers reasonable durability and longevity for the price.

Pros

Crafted of sturdy material that resists rips and punctures better than most in this class and price range. Spacious design. Has 2 air chambers with 2 valves that make it fairly easy to inflate.

Cons

The drain plug is flimsy, and air has been known to leak from the valves, requiring additional fill-ups.

Splashin'kids 3-in-1 Inflatable Sprinkler Pool
Splashin'kids
3-in-1 Inflatable Sprinkler Pool
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Adorable Design
Bottom Line

Although it has its limitations, this small inflatable pool is a nice entry-level model for a toddler.

Pros

Designed for toddlers. Offers space to wade and splash plus has an adorable frog sprinkler so kids can run through the water spray. Appealing design that kids love. Low price.

Cons

Drain plug is in an awkward location, which makes it difficult to empty water from the pool. Not very spacious. Some reports of leaks.

Big Summer Inflatable Kiddie Pool for Toddlers
Big Summer
Inflatable Kiddie Pool for Toddlers
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Most Versatile
Bottom Line

This 3-ring kiddie pool can also be used as a ball pit, pool float, or sandpit.

Pros

Dual inflatable bubble bottom adds more cushioning and security. Constructed with high-grade PVC that is eco-friendly and nontoxic. Inflates quickly with an electric pump. Available in blue and pink.

Cons

It doesn't take much pressure to press the sides down and leak water.

Intex Sun Shade Inflatable Pool
Intex
Sun Shade Inflatable Pool
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Shady Comfort
Bottom Line

This affordable option features a convenient canopy that will protect kids from the sun while they play.

Pros

Constructed from a strong 10-guage vinyl. Sun shade is removable, and the pool features a drain plug for easy drainage. Comes from a trusted brand. Perfect for kids from ages 2 to 5.

Cons

Some buyers noted that the sun shade struggled to stay upright.

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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.About BestReviews 
HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

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Buying guide for best inflatable pools

When the weather heats up, cooling off in a pool is sometimes the only thing that brings any relief. But adding an in-ground pool or even a permanent aboveground pool to your yard can be a costly, time-consuming project. That’s why an inflatable pool is the best option if you want instant gratification.

But choosing an inflatable pool can be tricky because there are so many options on the market. If you don’t buy the right one, you could wind up wasting money on a pool that won’t even make it through one summer. To make sure that you take home the right inflatable pool, you need to know what material, size, shape, and other features are the best fit for your family and yard.

Are you ready to buy an inflatable pool?

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Before setting up an inflatable pool, check that your yard is fairly level and clear of rocks and other sharp objects that could puncture the material.

Why buy an inflatable pool?

An inflatable pool is an aboveground pool, but unlike aboveground models that have metal or plastic frames, inflatable pools are made entirely of vinyl or other soft material. That makes the unfilled pool extremely lightweight, so you can easily take it down and move it or store it for the winter. A high-quality inflatable pool is very durable, and it will stay in place when your family is playing in the water.

Inflatable pool benefits

  • Inexpensive: Building an in-ground pool can cost more than $20,000, and many permanent aboveground pools can run a few thousand dollars. A good-quality inflatable pool usually costs a few hundred dollars.

  • Easy to set up: An aboveground pool with a frame can take several hours to set up, while an inflatable pool usually takes less than about 45 minutes to inflate, so you can be filling it with water within an hour.

  • Easy to move: Because an inflatable pool is lightweight and easy to set up, you can empty it and move it around your yard with ease. That makes it an ideal option if you’re renting a home because you can take the pool with you when you move. An inflatable pool is also easy to deflate and store in your garage or shed for the winter.

  • Easy to clean and maintain: Inflatable pools are usually made of material that is very easy to clean. You simply wipe it down if it gets dirty.


 

Inflatable pool features to consider

Material

The quality of an inflatable pool’s material determines how durable and stable the pool is. For a high-quality pool, look for one made with a combination of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and rubber. Pools that are made with a few layers of PVC are usually the most durable and sturdy.

Size

After considering the material, the size of an inflatable pool is the most important consideration when you’re trying to make sure it will work well for your family. When you’re choosing a size, remember to take into account the space that the pool will take up in your yard so you can be sure that you have enough space to set it up.

  • 3 feet in diameter: Small inflatable pools work best for one or two children.

  • 5 to 6 feet in diameter: Mid-size inflatable pools work well for a few children and an adult to supervise.

  • 20 feet in diameter: Large inflatable pools can accommodate multiple children and adults, so they work well for the entire family.
     

Pay attention to the depth of the pool, too. A deep inflatable pool poses the same drowning risk for children as an in-ground pool.

Shape

Most inflatable pools are round or oval, but you can also find some rectangular models. Rectangular pools are ideal if your yard is short on space, while oval styles work best if you have a narrow yard. In general, round inflatable pools require the most space, particularly if you’re dealing with a larger model.

Design

Many inflatable pools are designed with children in mind, so you can find models in bright colours and patterns. Some may even feature your child’s favourite cartoon and film characters. But if you’re looking for an inflatable pool for the whole family, you may prefer a simpler design. There are many inflatable options available in solid colours, such as blue or white.

Extras

Many inflatable pools are geared toward kids, so they often include features to make swimming more appealing for children.

  • Built-in slides

  • Water sprayers

  • Games

  • Volleyball net
     

Larger, deeper inflatable may also include a removable ladder to make getting in and out easier.

Inflatable pool prices

Inflatable pools vary in price depending on size and the quality of the material. In general, you can expect to pay between $10 and $410.

  • Budget friendly

Small inflatable pools made from lower-quality PVC usually cost from $10 to $50.

  • Mid-range

Medium inflatable pools made from higher-quality PVC usually cost from $50 to $175.

  • Expensive

Large inflatable pools made from a combination of high-quality PVC and rubber usually cost from $175 to $410.

Tips

  • Always supervise children or pets around an inflatable pool. Even a small, shallow pool is a drowning hazard.

  • Keep sharp objects away from the pool. Make sure that children never play with toys with sharp edges in an inflatable pool. They could easily tear the vinyl.

  • Patch holes in the pool. If your inflatable pool springs a leak and you don’t have a permanent patch kit, you can temporarily repair the puncture with a piece of duct tape that is slightly larger than the hole.

  • Store the pool safely. Place your inflatable pool in some type of protective bag when you put it away for the winter.
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While dogs might enjoy cooling off in an inflatable pool, it’s best to keep them out because their nails can puncture the material.

FAQ

Q. How long does an inflatable pool usually last?

A. It depends on the quality of the material that the pool’s made of and how well you take care of it. A high-quality inflatable pool that’s handled carefully can usually last three to six years. On the other hand, an inflatable pool of lower quality may only last a summer or two.

Q. How long does it take to set up an inflatable pool?

A. The setup time for an inflatable pool depends on its size. A small pool usually takes about 20 minutes to inflate and 30 to 60 minutes to fill with water. A mid-size pool can take about 40 minutes to inflate and 60 to 90 minutes to fill. A large pool can take up to an hour to inflate and two hours to fill.

Q. How long can you leave the water in an inflatable pool?

A. A large inflatable pool will often come equipped with a filter that removes contaminants from the water. If you treat the water with chlorine or other sanitizers, you can leave the pool filled indefinitely. Small and medium pools typically don’t have filter systems, so they should be emptied after each use.