Those warm summer days are great but when they reach their peak, it can be concerning for a parent. There are only so many ways you can keep your children cool,l and one of the most fun is with a quality kiddie pool. With so many products to choose from, it can be hard to tell the ones that will last from the ones susceptible to puncturing.
Not only that, but they are also so different which means you have to decide between the basic options and those that have slides, water sprayers, and lots of other features. We have compiled a list of the best kiddie pools available. There is something for children of all ages, and even those that mum and dad can sneak into as well.
Quick Summary of Best Kiddie Pools
Reviews
Editor’s Choice: Little Tikes Slam ‘n Curve Slide
This is one of the sturdiest and most fun kiddie pools available and comes with a heavy-duty blower to keep it inflated throughout. Although it might cost a bit more than your basic pools for kids, this offers hours of fun and a lot more than an area to splash around in.There is a climbing wall and a curved slide area and everything is positioned so a parent can always see where their children are. Notable extras include the basketball hoop and puncture-resistant materials to add to the fun and longevity of this product. It’s a bit like having a mini waterpark in your backyard and can be fun for years, not just one summer before your kids grow out of it.
The wading pool area is big enough for a few kids by itself and when it is deflated, it is easy to get back into the box for simple storage.
- Lots of fun in the slide and climbing wall
- Puncture-resistant material
- Includes blower
- Stakes to anchor everything in place
Best Mid-Size: Intex Dinoland Inflatable Play Center
Ideal for children of 3 years and above, this is a dino-themed kiddie pool that kids love. The moveable arch allows your children to position the spray in different areas, adding another layer of fun to a vibrant design. The soft slide has a padded area at the bottom to make it comfortable for your kids to slide frontways or backward and there is a 79-gallon water capacity.There are some neat extras including dino hoops and balls to play with and it even comes with a repair patch. The drain plug makes it easy to dispose of the water at the end of the day so you can fill it afresh the next day. It’s not so big that you need a lot of space in your backyard but it packs a lot into a small area for kids to enjoy.
- 3 years plus
- Dinosaur themed
- 79-gallon capacity
- Comes with dino hoops and balls
- Padded area at the bottom of the slide
- Not as durable as some of the more expensive options
Best Basic: Intex Kiddie Pool – Kid’s Summer Sunset Glow Design
This basic kiddie pool has all your child needs to splash and laugh in the warm weather and the vibrant colors add a bit of summer vibrancy to your garden. The padded floor ensures it is comfortable for your children and the vinyl sides inflate quickly.It is ideal for kiddies of 1-3 years of age and can hold up to 79 gallons of water so there is plenty enough to keep your children cool. Anyone with a modest budget will find this is a good option as it is one of the more affordable kiddie pools out there. Intex is the brand behind a variety of garden pools and inflatables so expect it to last for a while until your young ones grow out of it.
- Suitable for 1-3 years
- Affordable
- Comfortable floor
- Doesn’t take long to inflate
- No drain
Best For The Family: Intex 12′ x 30 Pool
Although this is deeper than your standard kiddie pool, it is a great option for keeping the family cool so you can enjoy the warm weather together. It is also a good place to start teaching your kids to swim and is made from sturdyPVC sidewalls.This pool comes with a filter pump with built-in safety features that causes it to shut off if the electric circuit comes into contact with water. The huge 1,718-gallon capacity makes it the biggest on our list and the convenient drain plug makes it easy to fill and drain the water. Although the set up takes longer than your typical kiddie pool, a lot of families will find this worth it when they get to splash around as a family, plus it only takes 30 minutes to fill.
- 1,718 capacity
- Includes filter pump
- Sturdy outer
- Drain plug is convenient
- Filter pump is not as strong as some people like
Best Shaded: H2OGO! Splash-in-Shade Play Pool Orange
With plenty of room to splash and play in, this kiddie pool is the best-shaded option on our list. Because the UV resistant roof is held up by galvanized metal poles it is resistant to any change in the weather and ensures that when the sun is out, the children get to enjoy a bit more time in the pool.There is a good amount of room which means an adult can sit in with the kids and with a water sprayer on top, there are more ways to stay cool. The side walls are strong because they are made from three materials and assembly doesn’t take long and does not require tools.
- UV resistant roof
- The sprayer on the top
- Plenty of room
- Strong side walls
- Difficult to drain
Best Value: Intex Swim Center Paradise Inflatable Pool
The simple design of this kiddie pool ensures it is one of the more affordable options but the curves and generous capacity mean it is capable of delivering hours of fun. With a capacity of 151 gallons, there is plenty of room and it comes with a repair patch which seems standard with most Intex pools.Inflation doesn’t take too long and it is fine for children of 3 years and above to enjoy a bit of relief from the warmth. The tropical paradise print on the side is enticing by itself and when filled, you get around 12 inches of water. It represents a great way of sharing some splash time with your kids at a reasonable price.
- Good value
- 151 gallon capacity
- Easy to inflate
- Includes repair patch
- 3 years+
- Not so easy to drain
Kiddie Pool Guide
Let’s face it, summer wouldn’t be the same without a place for your kids to splash around in. Even if you don’t have a lot of space in your backyard, there are plenty of great kiddie pools that don’t take up a lot of room. With everything from the larger products with slides, and added extras to the basic circular pools for a bit of a cool off, no one has to go without.
This being said, it can be hard to tell what makes better products worth buying. With this in mind, we have created a buyer’s guide, to help make this fun purchase simple.
What To Look For In A Kiddie Pool
Safety
This is the most important feature with any water-related fun when it comes to your kids, and any kiddie pool needs to tick certain boxes. Although you should never leave your kids unattended, there are safety features that they can offer.
Not only should they remain inflated and be puncture-resistant but a padded base can help make it more comfortable when your children slip.
Another important feature for your children’s safety is visibility. You should be able to clearly see your child wherever they are in the pool with no obstructed views and if it is one of the family-sized kiddie pools then always stay close.
Strength
The kiddie pool you choose needs to be strong enough so it can support a child leaning on the side. Most pools are made from either plastic or vinyl which are relatively soft and strong, just make sure it looks strong enough to support the appropriate age of your children.
Shade
Although not every product worth buying offers this, it can be good for younger children. It extends the hours in the day that you can use the kiddie pool and provides another layer of protection from the sun.
Features
This is the fun part and the more features you can afford, the better the experience for your children. Although it might sound like buying a kiddie pool with a slide is going to be expensive, there are some reasonably priced options available.
Other features include water sprayers and included pool toys such as rings and balls among many others.
Capacity
Your children aren’t going to be able to stay cool if the pool is too small for them. Also, you need to find a pool that can accommodate the number of children you have. Some can fit the whole family whilst others are better for sitting and splashing.
Age Rating
Stick to this and you should be fine when it comes to buying a kiddie pool. Confident walkers and climbers might enjoy something that is a bit more fun but make sure they are the right age, especially when it comes to slides.
Storage
As much as we want the summer to last forever, it doesn’t. This is why you will need to make sure you keep the box handy for when you have to pack it away for next year.
When deflated, most kiddie pools pack down pretty small and when cared for properly, should be fine the next time you inflate it.
What The Benefits of A Kiddie Pool?
A grown-up pool can be dangerous for a young one as it can be hard for them to keep their head above water. Something age-appropriate is much better and a gentler way of introducing your child to the water.
This can prevent them from having a negative experience and with some kiddie pools, they are deep enough to teach your child the basics of swimming.
Another benefit, of course, is that they are affordable. Consider the fact that an in-ground swimming pool will set you back tens of thousands of dollars, these kiddie pools can be picked up for a fraction of that.
How To Take Care Of A Kiddie Pool
Although they have a reputation for not lasting a couple of summers, most kiddie pools will last a long time if you care for them properly.
This all starts with maintenance as if you keep them free from debris and any sticks and leaves. Also, keeping it in a shaded area is good for your child but also stops it from fading.
Storing it properly is another way of keeping it in good condition. If you leave it to the elements beyond the summer months then it is not going to be in great condition the next time you want to use it.
How Much Does A Kiddie Pool Cost?
Although these products generally do a similar job, they vary in terms of price. This is great because it means you can pick up a basic product for around $10.
Equally, if you want something that is a bit more fun and built-to-last, then expect to pay over $400 for a fully equipped kiddie pool with slide and decent capacity.
Where To Place A Kiddie Pool
This can help to keep your child safe whilst ensuring your pool is out of the way of hazards. Anything that might cause a puncture is a good start but also keep it away from a tree where a branch might fall on a child.
Also, keep it away from any full-sized pools as this might entice your child into an area that you should be keeping them away from. The best place is an area with ample space, no hazards, and a flat surface.
Other Uses For a Kiddie Pool
At the end of the summer, your child might find it hard to depart with their pool. Never fear, as they can be turned into a ball pit. As long as the design is compact enough to fit in your home, a basic kiddie pool can double up as long as it is safe to do so.
Some people buy kiddie pools for their pets although some models are better suited than others.
