When the temperature starts to rise, we all dream of those long summer days but when they arrive, it is great to have a way of cooling off. The whole family can enjoy a relaxing waddle or even a swim in an at-home inflatable pool. With a variety of products available, there are pools of all shapes and sizes, with something for any type of backyard space.
This also means there are a lot of sub-par products out there. To help make this exciting purchase simple, we have created a list of the best inflatable pools. Each one has something different about it and would make an excellent addition to those heady days when you want to cool down at home.
Quick Summary of Best Inflatable Pools
Reviews
Editor’s Choice: Intex 18′ x 48 Inflatable Pool
This huge inflatable pool is surprisingly easy to set up so it won’t take long for you to be able to get in and enjoy a swim. There is plenty of room in the 18′ x 48″ capacity and it comes with a 1,500 GPH pump to keep the water clear. There are also 6 filter cartridges included so it has everything you need for a long time.There are no tools required and in 30 minutes it should be ready for you to fill. If any of the electrical components come into contact with water, the safety features ensure it cuts the power supply and the high-quality Dacron material ensures it is built to last. The instructions are easy to follow and the swimming area is among the biggest for an inflatable pool.
- Large 18′ x 48″ inflatable pool
- Assemble in 30 minutes with no tools
- Includes 1,500 GPH pump
- Includes 6 filter cartridges
Best Lounge Pool: Intex Swim Center Inflatable Family Lounge Pool
This inflatable lounge pool has enough room for the family to chill or an adult to sit and enjoy a refreshing beverage in the sun. Its seated design allows a parent to relax whilst the children play at their feet, ensuring it is easier to keep them safe. The drain plug is also convenient for removing the water after and there are also two drink holders to the side of the seating area.It inflates easily thanks to the 2 air chambers and has a 169-gallon capacity. The backrest adds to the comfort and it is made with non-toxic materials with a max water depth of 12 inches.
- Easy to drain
- 169 gallon capacity
- Two drink holders
- Comfortable backrest
- Not designed for swimming
Best Shaded : Intex Sun Shade Inflatable Pool
When young ones want to enjoy the summertime, it feels like you are constantly telling them to get out of the sun. A shaded inflatable pool can allow them to stay outside for a little longer whilst staying cool. With a maximum capacity of 74 gallons of water there is more than enough room for a couple of kids to enjoy a splash, remember that it has a recommended age of 3+.There is a repair patch included and a sturdy 10 gauge vinyl construction so it feels robust enough to weather a bit of rough treatment. The sunshade is removable and the drain plug is conveniently placed to make it easy to get the water out when the fun is over.
- 3+ age recommendation
- 74-gallon capacity
- Removable shade cover
- Convenient drain
- Can be a little tricky to inflate
Best Value: Intex 8ft X 30in Easy Set Pool Set with Filter Pump
With everything you need for a summer of cooling off, this impressive inflatable pool set includes a filter pump and has a decent depth to mess around in. It is the sort of inflatable pool that the kids will never want to get out of and set up only takes ten minutes before it is ready for the water.The laminated PVC sidewalls are tougher than you might expect and the included pump has a gallon per hour flow rate of 330. There is a DVD included with advice on setting up and maintenance and the drain lug makes filling and draining a lot easier as you can empty it with a hose to ensure the water is disposed of properly. The 639-gallon capacity means you get plenty of room and it is recommended for 2 to 4 people.
- Inflated in ten minutes
- Includes filter pump
- Laminate PVC sidewalls are strong
- 639 gallon capacity
- Need to get used to using the pump
Best Kiddie Pool: Giant Inflatable Kiddie Pool
Although we adults like to stay at a comfortable temperature in the summer, our children need a bit of relief even more than we do. This is why we have selected the best inflatable pool for kiddies. This has a generous 10 ft size and isn’t so deep so your kids can splash and wade, something that will be sure to put a smile on their faces.The three air chambers of the side walls make them easy to inflate and sturdy and the drain plug ensures it is easy to deflate when the time comes. The capacity of 328 gallons is one of the more generous for a kiddie pool and there is space for you to sit and enjoy some fun with your young ones.
- Drain plug on the bottom
- 10ft inflatable pool
- Easy to inflate
- 328-gallon capacity
- Not as durable as other products
Best Novelty: XFlated Kiddie Pool, Watermelon
This is the best novelty inflatable pool for kids and is available in a variety of designs including hamburgers, watermelon, and ice cream. Although the design is fun, everything else about it is simple yet it gives you exactly what you need to keep your kids happy on a scorching day.The walls inflate easily and are sturdy when leaned on by a kid, and it even comes with a repair patch. With a height of 10.5 inches, there is plenty of depth for your kiddies to enjoy a good cool off and splash around. Sith 3 valves on the side to inflate, it is easily done without the need of a pump and is good value for a simple inflatable pool for your backyard.
- Easy to inflate
- Fun design
- 10.5 inches deep
- Not as durable as other products
Inflatable Pool Guide
When it comes to those warm days, an inflatable pool can feel like a lifesaver. This is only when you buy a product that stays inflated and is durable enough to last longer than one summer. Some products are better at this than others but there is also the type of pool to consider.
If you are after an inflatable pool that the whole family can enjoy then capacity is going to be one of the top priorities whereas a kiddie inflatable pool will need to be safe.
To help ensure sure you make a sensible purchase, we have created the following buyer’s guide.
What To Look For In An Inflatable Pool
Safety
When it comes to water, safety is of the utmost importance. Even for an adult pool, it needs to be safe and secure for you to enjoy it properly. Any inflatable pool that comes with a filter pump will need to have a safety circuit feature so it switches off if any electrical part comes into contact with water.
An inflatable kiddie pool will need to be secure, with a padded floor and make it easy for a parent to see their child at all times.
Capacity
Another important consideration and you will need to get a pool big enough for the number of people in your home. Any couple might not need so much space but the depth is important if you want to be able to float around, not just sit and splash with the kids.
Materials
As long as the material is non-toxic, the pool is often made from suitable materials. Most common are plastic and vinyl that are sturdy enough yet allow the company to keep the costs down.
Size
The actual size of the inflatable pool is relevant because you need to be able to fit it in your backyard. Be sure to check the dimension because an inflatable can also turn up and be too small for what you need it for.
Storage
Although some inflatable pools look good enough to stay out all year round, a lot of people like to take them down and save the space until next year.
When this is the case, it is important to be able to store it adequately. The best inflatable pools pack down pretty small so make sure you keep the box they arrive in.
Features
Some products come with a filter pump as standard whilst others might have a ladder. Some kiddie pools are often made with sunshades and even miniature slides to add to the fun.
Design
If you are looking for an inflatable pool for your kids to enjoy then this is going to be a top consideration. Although they will be happy splashing in just about any type of pool, you can add a layer of fun with certain designs.
There are inflatable pools with slides, some that spray water, and those that have a comfortable seating area. The latter might be more for the adults, but we’re not complaining!
How Easy Is It To Repair An Inflatable Pool?
Although most inflatable pools come with a repair patch, certain brands mean you are more likely to need it than others. Still, be prepared for a bit of graft as you will probably need to drain the pool before you can make any repairs.
This will waste water, and although this is a pain it is better than the puncture or hole being beyond repair and having to throw the pool out.
What Are The Benefits Of An Inflatable Pool?
One of the main benefits of an inflatable pool is being able to get a good-sized pool in your backyard without having to pay tens of thousands of dollars like with an in-ground pool.
For a fraction of the price, you can buy a sturdy product that is easy to put together and can be out away when the warm weather is done.
Another benefit is that they give you an area to cool off when the sun is blazing. Those peak summer days can be pretty unbearable but not when you have an inflatable pool to enjoy.
How Much Does An Inflatable Pool Cost?
This is where an inflatable pool is a great option. You can pick a small one up for around $50 but if you want a larger capacity and a pool filter included then you should look at products of $150 and above.
Considering that an in-ground pool costs around $20,000 and above, this is excellent value for what can give you the same enjoyment.
Where To Place An Inflatable Pool
Because they are more susceptible to puncture than other types of pool, it is important to place them in an area that is free from debris. Any sharp stones or sticks should be removed and the surface needs to be flat.
You also want to stay clear of any trees. not only can leaves, sticks, and other falling objects be a nuisance to clean, but a larger branch could fall and become a hazard for anyone in the pool.
How Long Does It Take To Inflate An Inflatable Pool?
This will be determined by the size and type of pool you purchase. The larger options might come with a pump but if they don’t it is best to purchase an electric one so it inflates faster.
A kiddie-sized inflatable pool can be inflated by mouth or with a foot pump. Most pools can be ready for water withing 30 minutes although some are trickier than others.
At the worst, it might require two people to assemble to poles and other parts before inflating.
How Long Will An Inflatable Pool Last?
This depends on a few things. As long as you buy from a reputable company, most inflatable pools last beyond the first summer and the larger products made from vinyl can go way beyond that.
With proper maintenance, you give it the best chance of lasting a long time so be sure to clean it and store it away when you are done. An inflatable pool neglected and left in the backyard beyond the summer might not be so sturdy the next time you get in it. Not to mention the fact that the color will probably have faded.
