A full-size swimming pool can cost between $1200 and $1800 per year to maintain, per Home Advisor.
If that makes you cringe, then consider the alternate: for right around $100, you can get a kiddie pool. It’s a more practical options that will still keep the little ones (and even pets!) cool and entertained and away from the television screen.
Below, you’ll find our choices for best kiddie pool. You’ll find plastic kiddie pools and inflatable kiddie pools in different sizes, so you’re sure to find something that’ll fit your family’s needs.
Best Intex Kiddie Pools
The Family Lounge Pool, Summer Sunset Glow Kiddie Pool, and the Kiddie 2 Ring Circles Swimming Pool are inflatable pools made of durable and quality vinyl; whereas the Snorkel Buddies Snapset Pool is not made of hard, unbendable plastic but it does have a rigid form rather than the inflatable style of Intex pools.
Intex Swim Center Inflatable Family Lounge Pool
The Intex Swim Center Inflatable Family Lounge Pool is recommended for ages three and older. It is 90″ x 86″ x 31″, which makes it big enough for two adults and a few kids to play at once.
One primarily dislike parents have with kiddie pools for adult is that the bottom is uncomfortable to sit on. Since they’re not as deep on an adult as a kid and adults are less likely to move around in the pool, sitting in the pool is the same as sitting on the ground. Since this has a bench, it solves this problem. Parents can sit back and be comfortable while their little ones splash around. As an added plus, there is a
This is made of vinyl instead of PVC material. It is still durable and wipes clean easily. There are 2 air chambers for this, which aids in adding stability. This holds over 1′ of water and is plenty deep enough for kids to play. If there are any punctures or tears, this comes with a repair patch.
Like most inflatables, this is going to require an air pump if you want to fill it up quickly. It is easy to inflate and then take down. The swimming pool also has a drain plug that makes it easy for water to flow out once playtime is over.
The one downside of this pool is that the valves may leak sometimes. This makes it hard for the swimming pool to hold air for a long period of time. The nozzle where the air goes in also doesn’t have a standard connection so it can be hard to find an air pump that provides an airtight seal while filling.
Pros
- Comfy sitting area for adults
- Two cup holders
- Two separate air chambers for more stability
- Drain makes it easy to remove water
- Holds over 12″ of water
- Deep enough for kids to have fun playing while adults relax
Cons
- Hard to fit air pump over nozzle
- Valve sometimes leak
Intex Inflatable 2 Ring Circles Swimming Pool
The Intex Inflatable 2 Ring Circles Swimming Pool is a great choice if you’re looking for something small for a single child. It’s affordable and can easily be inflated and deflated because of the small size.
The Intex swimming pool is 48″ x 10″, so it’s best for toddlers and younger children. It’s made from durable vinyl material that will withstand play time. If it does tear, a repair patch is included so you can easily have your child back in the water in no time.
This is recommended for ages two and older because of the small size. You could easily allow two toddlers to play together at once and cool off.
It holds about 7″ of water, so it’s great for younger kids that don’t know how to swim yet. It also inflates quickly because of the small size. Some parents used a pump, but those that blew it up themselves report that it only took around 15 minutes.
You’ll want to have a flat, grassy area to put this on. The bottom is very thin, so it would be uncomfortable for your child to use this on concrete.
Pros
- Inflates and deflates easily
- Portable and easy to store
- Good size for two toddlers to play in
- Holds around 7″ of water
- Can use a pump or blow up manually
Cons
- Bottom is very thin
Intex Snorkel Buddies Snapset Pool
The Intex Snorkel Buddies Snapset Pool – 5’X10″ (Style May Vary) is recommended for ages three and older. It holds a little over 9″ of water and is easy to fill and set up.
Even though this is not a hard plastic kiddie pool, it does have a more rigid design. It also does not require being inflated. When your child is done playing, you can step down on one of the sides and the water flows out. This is better than some other hard plastic pools which require you to lift the pool (and strain your back) to get the water out.
This is nice because it’s compact when you want to store it. Simply let the pool empty and dry out. Then, push the sides together so its folded in half and roll it up for storage. This makes it great if you’re looking for a portable option.
Even though this isn’t inflatable, it does come with a repair kit in case of punctures or other damages to the pool. You do need to keep it full of water for the sides to keep their shape. This could mean you’ll need to add water as your kids play, especially if they’re splashing around.
Pros
- Easy to store
- Very portable
- Comes with repair kit
- Set up is easy
- Great for toddlers and younger kids
- Step on side to get water out
Cons
- Doesn’t keep its shape without water inside
Intex Summer Sunset Glow Kiddie Pool
The Intex Summer Sunset Glow Kiddie Pool – 58″ x 13″ is recommended for kids between 1-3 years of age. It’s unique because of the inflatable bottom that makes it more comfortable for your little one to sit in. You also don’t have to worry about them falling down and hurting their bottom if they slip while they’re inside the pool.
This holds about 12″ water, which is perfect for toddler-aged kids. Two to three kids can easily fit inside for playtime. The Sunset Glow inflatable pool is also visually appealing, featuring three different colored rings that offer a stable side to the pool. Each of the rings has its own air valve, so it adds stability to the pool.
This Intex pool is made from durable vinyl material. Since this is a smaller-sized pool, it has the valve that you need to pinch while blowing. This makes it hard to use with a pump unless it’s the right size. Additionally, there are several areas that need to be blown up, which makes this harder to inflate (and deflate) than other models. In addition to the valves for the different rings, you’ll need to blow up the bottom of the pool.
Pros
- Made of durable vinyl material
- Valves don’t leak air because you have to squeeze them to inflate
- Soft, padded bottom is good for kids that might slip
- Great toddler kiddie pool
- Stable sides because of the rings
- Bright and colorful
Cons
- Hard to use pumps with the rings
- Not as easy to inflate/deflate as some other options
Best Inflatable Kiddie Pools
While these pools are very similar in size and style, the Family Full-Sized Swimming Pool is more popular among Amazon shoppers than the Inflatable Swimming Pool, despite the fact that the Inflatable Swimming Pool costs more than the more popular choice of pools.
Family Full-Sized Inflatable Swimming Pool
The Family Full-Sized Inflatable Swimming Pool is an oversized kiddie pool perfect for kids and adults. It is 118″ x 72″ x 22″, making it perfect for two adults and several kids to play at once.
This best kiddie pool for adults has plenty of room for your family. It is easy to inflate using an electric pump, so set up takes around five minutes. This is another inflatable pool made with 0.4mm thick PVC, making it resistant to punctures, rips, and tears. The PVC is non-toxic and free of BPA.
There are three inflatable air chambers that go along the outside of the pool. This lets it hold the weight of water without saggy spots or dips in the pool. Additionally, the inflatable air chambers are equipped with dual valves that prevent air leaks.
When you’re done playing, this is easy to drain because of the extra-large drain valve. Simply empty this, let it dry, and then remove the air. You can fold this up and store it until your family is ready to play again.
One thing to note is that there is an issue with fakes from other manufacturers. The pool is smaller than advertised and it also does not have the same durability because the PVC is not as thick.
Pros
- Extra-large drain valve to empty
- Has three different air chambers
- Made of extra-thick PVC
- Dual valves prevent air leaks
- Roomy playing area for kids and adults
- Folds up easily for storage
Cons
- Issue with unauthorized sellers that produce lower quality swimming pools
Inflatable Swimming Pool
The Inflatable Swimming Pool is made from a soft PVC material. It has a larger size that is better for families with toddlers and older kids that might want to get in the pool. The dimensions of the Cooyes pool are 118 x 72 x 20 inches.
This has three separate rings that inflate, which adds to the stability of the pool and makes it less likely that younger kids will be able to pull it down. It is recommended for use by up to 2 adults and four kids, who can all sit comfortably inside.
Because of the depth of the pool, this is recommended for ages three and up (with supervision, of course). You can also make this shallower by only inflating one or two of the rings.
The three air chambers ensure the pool holds water well without air leaking out. Additionally, this is made from 0.4mm thick PVC material, which is thick and durable. Most pools are made from 0.2mm PVC material, so this kiddie pool for adults and kids has added durability. The PVC is also free of BPA and other hazardous chemicals. If there are any rips or tears, a repair patch is included with the pool.
You’ll want to purchase an electric pump to inflate this. It should take less than five minutes when using a pump. When everyone is done playing, this has a 90-degree vertical drainpipe that helps water flow out before you deflate it.
The bottom of this is thin, so it can be uncomfortable for adults sitting in the pool for long stretches. This is especially true on harder surfaces, so you’ll want to use it on grass.
Pros
- Can inflate between 1-3 rings to make the pool shallower or deeper
- Made of thick PVC material for added durability
- Comes with repair kits
- Drainpipe helps water flow out when you’re done playing
- Roomy playing area
- Inflates quickly with electric pump
Cons
- Thin bottom can be uncomfortable to sit on
Best Foldable Kiddie Pool
Jasonwell Foldable Dog Pet Bath Pool
The Jasonwell Foldable Dog Pet Bath Pool is a collapsible option that kids and pets will love. This is a great choice if you want the hardness of a plastic kiddie pool without the risk of popping or breaking.
This is a great durable kiddie pool. Since it’s designed to be used with pets too, you can be sure it will withstand rough handling from your toddler. The durable sides are made of extra-tough PVC material. They fold together neatly for storage or so you can easily bring the pool along wherever you need to. Since there’s no inflation, set up only involves unfolding the pool and filling with water.
Something unique with this is that there are two ways to drain the pool. You can use the drain cap and let it out into the yard. The large drain cap lets water empty quickly. Alternatively, you can use the cap with a hose connector. This lets you direct it down the drain (especially if your kid or dog plays in the mud) or use it to water your garden.
The model pictured here is XL, which is over 55″ x 12″. You can also get this in size small, medium, large, and XXL. This makes it easy to find the perfect size for your needs.
The bottom of this collapsible pool is thicker than others because it’s made durable to withstand nails. Something to note, however, is that your puppy can rip a hole in the bottom if their nails are too sharp so you’ll want to be sure they are trimmed before your pup gets in the pool. Another benefit is that the bottom is made of slip-resistant material, which can help prevent injuries from slipping.
One thing to note with this pool is that it needs to be filled with water to function properly. Otherwise, the insides might fold in on themselves. If you plan to use this for a dog as well as a child, you’ll want to keep a close eye on them. The walls are made from high-density fiberboard surrounded in PVC. While it resists mildew compared to some other brands, your dog can also chew through it if they want to.
Pros
- Has a hose or extra-large valve for draining
- Comes in a wide variety of sizes
- Extra-durable bottom
- Slip-resistant bottom can prevent accidents
- Great for kids or pets
- Easy to set up
- Very portable
Cons
- Needs to be filled with water so it doesn’t fold inward
- Dog can chew through the sides
Best Kiddie Pool with Sprinkler
SplashEZ 3-in-1 Sprinkler for Kids, Splash Pad, and Wading Pool
The SplashEZ 3-in-1 Sprinkler for Kids, Splash Pad, and Wading Pool for Learning is another fun way for your little one to keep cool in the summer. Something to note is that this is a wading pool- not a kiddie pool- so it’s not going to be as deep as some other options. It’s a great choice for parents worried about safety of kiddie pools, especially when they’re not being used.
Something fun about these splash pads is the way they are designed. This one features cute animals and letters, which gives you the opportunity to make play time a learning experience. There are two other designs as well, one featuring colorful balloons that would be great for teaching younger kids colors and another with countries around the world.
Since the water is not deep, this is recommended for ages 12 months and up. It features a shallow wading pool, squirting fountain sprinklers, and a splash pad where kids can jump up and down. Something to keep in mind is that this is a slippery surface. This means even though the water isn’t deep, you’ll want to be nearby if your toddler is playing because they don’t have as much balance as older children and adults.
This is roomy enough that several kids can play at once, especially if they’re standing and jumping in the water. It is 60″ across. This means parents could also sit inside the splash pool and hold their little one as water rains down.
You’ll need to attach a hose for continuous water to run through the sprinklers. When you’re done playing, you can turn it off and kids can still splash inside because the rim is filled with water. However, it will leak out over time.
This can occasionally develop splits in the seam over time. One advantage is that SplashEZ is an American-based company and their customer service team seems to respond to queries quickly with replacements or refunds.
Pros
- Has several fun ways to play
- Learning opportunities while playing
- Large enough for an adult to sit inside
- Several kids can play at once
- Wading pool can be used while the hose is off
- Great customer service
Cons
- Not as durable as some other options
- Younger kids can slip while playing
Best Kiddie Pool with Slide
Costzon Inflatable Slide Bouncer – Water Pool with Slide and Climbing Wall
The Costzon Inflatable Slide Bouncer, Water Pool with Long Slide, Climbing Wall is a great choice for active kids that want to have a little more fun outdoors. It’s recommended for kids between three and eight years of age.
This slide features a bouncing area, a climbing area, a water slide, and a splash pool. It’s a great choice if you have a family of 2-3 younger kids, or if your younger kids have playdates. You’ll need to attach this to your hose for a continuous stream of water to wet the slide and fill the splash pool. This can also be used as a dry slide.
Something to note is that this does not come with an air blower. You’ll need an air blower to blow continuously to keep this inflated. This is common with large inflatables since an air blower allows pinholes at the seams from use. You can purchase an air blower to be used with this for an additional charge.
Most of the structure is made from 420D Oxford materials, but the bounce area uses 840D Oxford materials for added durability. There are also tall mesh walls that surround the bounce area. This lets you keep an eye on your child and ensures they won’t fall out of the play area.
This inflatable water slide and kiddie pool is recommended for 3-4 kids at once with a maximum weight limit of 300 pounds. There is no weight limit on the splash area since it’s not inflated, so parents can keep a close eye on younger children. Some extras included with the Costzon inflatable water slide are stakes for added stability and a repair kit. There is also a 60-day warranty for the slide.
One downside of this slide is that the weight limit for the bouncing area is only 66 pounds. Having only one kid bounce at once does reduce the risk of injury, however, you’ll have to watch and be sure the kids are taking turns. If you like the idea of a water slide but this doesn’t fit your family, check out our other best inflatable water slide reviews.
Pros
- Great for 3-4 kids between 3-8 years old to play on
- Has climbing wall, bouncing area, slide, and splash area
- Splash area is not inflated so parents can close supervise younger children
- Includes stakes and a repair kit
- Can also be used dry
- Can buy with an air blower for an additional charge
- Has six-month warranty
Cons
- Weight limit for bounce area is only 66 pounds
- Doesn’t come with an air blower
Kiddie Pools Compared
The table below compares only the recommended products on this page. A low or high Price means it is low or high compared to the other products listed. The Popularity Score reflects how often readers click on and buy the product. The Quality Score is our assessment of the overall performance and satisfaction with the product compared to others in the table.
| Costzon Inflatable Slide Bouncer - Water Pool with Slide and Climbing Wall | 3.9 | 9.0 | 369.98 |
| Intex Swim Center Inflatable Family Lounge Pool | 9.1 | 8.6 | 42.29 |
| Jasonwell Foldable Dog Pet Bath Pool | 9.9 | 9.0 | 39.99 |
| Family Full-Sized Inflatable Swimming Pool | 8.3 | 9.0 | 39.95 |
| SplashEZ 3-in-1 Sprinkler for Kids, Splash Pad, and Wading Pool | 9.6 | 9.0 | 24.99 |
| Intex Summer Sunset Glow Kiddie Pool | 9.7 | 8.4 | 14.95 |
| Intex Snorkel Buddies Snapset Pool | 8.4 | 8.0 | 14.45 |
| Intex Inflatable 2 Ring Circles Swimming Pool | 9.8 | 8.8 | - |
| Inflatable Swimming Pool | 4.3 | - | - |
How We Selected Kiddie Pools
Space Required and Overall Size
Kiddie pools come in all shapes and sizes. Start by finding out how much space you have for a kiddie pool in your yard. Then, think about how its going to be used. If your toddler is going to use it while you watch them, you’ll only need a small kiddie pool. If they have siblings or friends that might play too, you might want something a little bigger.
Something else to consider regarding the size is if there are covers available. A kiddie pool cover should not be used to prevent your child from getting in the pool. You should still keep it in a fenced yard and away from your child unless they’re being supervised. A pool cover is best for larger inflatable pools that you may not want to empty every time it’s used. It can help keep debris from leaves (and wild animals) out when the pool isn’t in use. This will be helpful for reducing bacteria between cleanings, especially for larger pools that you won’t want to empty every time they’re used.
Materials and Durability
Odds are, your kiddie pool is going to spend some time out in the sun. This is especially true since hot days are the perfect time to get your little one in the pool (with plenty of sunscreen of course). You’ll want to look for sturdy materials that won’t easily break down. Usually, small kiddie pools made of hard plastic or inflatable kiddie pools made of polyethylene plastic or rubber are the most common.
The material you choose should be rigid enough to hold its shape. This is important for when kids lean on the pool or climb in. Something too flexible is going to let water flood out (and potentially poses a drowning risk).
The material should also be durable enough to withstand being moved around and hold water weight. If you choose a more flexible design, you’ll want to be sure it has double-stitched seams. Additionally, it should come with a repair kit in case of damages.
Portability and Storage
Inflatable kiddie pools have the advantage of being less bulky than hard plastic models that can’t be folded up. They do require more work for inflation and deflation, however, they are more portable since they can be folded up. If you don’t need something portable, then plastic has the advantage of being less likely to pop.
You won’t want to leave the kiddie pool outdoors all year round. The harsh winter climate causes damage to pools and constant exposure to sun can do that as well, especially for more flexible materials. If you don’t have a basement or storage shed you can put the pool in, an inflatable is going to take up less space and be easier to store.
Set-Up
Hard plastic pools are usually as easy to set up as placing them on a flat surface and adding water.
For inflatable pools, you’ll need to inflate before use. These typically don’t come with a blower or air pump, but you’ll need one to inflate the pool. You can use an electric or manual pump, based on your preference. Generally, you can expect this to take just a few minutes with an electric pump. Of course, you’ll also need to have a power source nearby to use an electric pump.
FAQs About Kiddie Pools
Are kiddie pools safe?
Kiddie pools are safe for kids if you take the right precautions. It is possible for anyone (even adults) to drown in just a few inches of water. Kiddie pools are no different than bathtubs in the potential safety risk they pose if you leave your child unattended.
To ensure your child stays safe, you should watch them closely when they are by the pool. Do not leave them unattended. Additionally, you’ll want to empty the pool after each use. Turn it upside down when it’s not being used so it doesn’t collect rainwater. Finally, be aware of how to perform CPR in case your child does go underwater.
Something else to keep in mind is that kiddie pools can harbor germs and bacteria if they’re not emptied regularly. Unlike full-size swimming pools, kiddie pools don’t have filters or cleaning chemicals. You’ll want to empty it completely, clean off debris, and let it dry between uses to stop bacteria build-up. You should also have younger kids that might have accidents wear swim diapers.
What should I do if my child is drowning?
If your child is drowning, you’ll want to remove them from the water as fast as possible. Have someone call for help. If your child doesn’t appear responsive, lay them on a flat surface. Tilt their head back with one hand and lift the chin with the other. Then, place your ear near their nose and mouth. Try to look, listen, or feel for breaths.
If you can’t find breaths, you’ll want to begin CPR.
For infants younger than one, you’ll want to put your mouth over their nose and mouth. Give two breaths for about 1 second each and look for movement in the chest in between breaths. It should rise and fall with each breath. For kids over 1, you’ll want to plug their nose and put your mouth over theirs. Give two breaths lasting 1-2 seconds each as you watch for the chest to rise and fall between breaths.
Next, you’ll want to check for a pulse. For an infant, check the inner arm between the elbow and shoulder. For older kids, put two fingers on the side of the neck (next to the Adam’s apple). If there is a pulse, continue to give a breath every three seconds until rescue help arrives or your child can breathe on their own. If there isn’t a pulse, you’ll want to begin CPR.
For infants under one, place a finger at the center point between your child’s nipples. Perform five chest compressions going about 1/2 an inch down within three seconds. Then, give a breath. Use the heel of your hand for kids over 1, or both hands for teenagers and adults. Position your hands in the middle of the breastbone, above the bottom of the rib cage. Give five compressions over three seconds, then give one full breath. Continue doing five compressions followed by breaths for one minute and repeat until you find a pulse or help arrives.
Note that knowing how to perform CPR can be helpful, but it is not a substitute for CPR training which is highly recommended for parents (or anyone) to know.
You can find a more detailed description for what to do if your child is drowning and how to perform CPR here.
How should I clean a kiddie pool?
You should clean your child’s kiddie pool every time that it is used. When your child is finished playing, remove all the water (you can use it for your lawn or garden to avoid waste). Then, wipe down the surfaces of the pool and rinse them off. For an average cleaning, you don’t need to apply any chemicals. You can use a brush or rag to remove any debris and rinse clean. Let the pool dry completely to avoid mold or mildew growth between uses.
If a child vomits or poops in the pool, you’ll want to take extra steps to clean it. This is because vomit and feces may have bacteria in them that can make other kids sick. The bacteria will also flourish in an environment like a kiddie pool.
Get all the kids out of and away from the pool. Start by putting on a pair of gloves and removing as much as the substance as you can. Put it in a plastic bag so it can be thrown away or flush it down the toilet. Then, use clean soapy water to clean the entire area, especially inside the pool and areas that might have come into contact with the waste. Rinse with fresh water and then allow the pool to dry completely before sanitizing.
To sanitize, put a bleach solution on all the surfaces. If your bleach has a concentration of 5-6%, dilute 1/2 a cup in 1 gallon of water. For concentrations of 8-9%, add 1/3 cup to 1 gallon room temperature water. Avoid using splash-less bleach. Once you’ve applied the bleach, let it sit for at least six minutes before rinsing to kill the germs.
As an added measure, you can let the pool sit in the sun for four hours while drying to ensure it is free of germs.
