Best Kiddie Pools for Children in 2022
For parents to keep their young children entertained during summertime is sometimes a big challenge.
While Swimming pools can be a great addition, there are other things to consider, like the expense, safety, space, and portability (You can’t take your swimming pool with you for a picnic!). This is why plastic kiddie pools are the best option for many families. They do not take up space. They are quite affordable and safe for kids.
As a parent, you want to be sure of the plastic kiddie pool you want to get for your little one, which is why we researched the best kiddie pools on the market.
Our team of experts put into consideration some important features like safety, design, ease of assembly, water capacity, durability, and reviews from other parents when reviewing the best kiddie pools. This will guide you in making an informed decision on the best kiddie pools for product reviews, which will help you make an informed decision.
Top Picks for the Best Kiddie Pools
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- Best Overall Plastic Kiddie Pool: Intex Rainbow Ring Inflatable Play Center
- Best Non-Inflatable: Intex Rectangular Frame Above Ground Swimming Pool
- Most Affordable: Intex Sunset Glow Baby Pool
- Best Play Center: Intex Jungle Adventure Inflatable Play Center
- Best for Babies: FindUWill Inflatable Baby Float Pool Swimming Ring
- Best Inflatable: PERLECARE Inflatable Pool
- Best for the Whole Family: Summer Waves Swimming Pool Set
- Best Shade: H2OGO! Splash-in-Shade Play Pool
- Best for Toddlers: Intex Happy Dino Inflatable Play Center
- Best Slide: Costzon Inflatable Mighty Bounce House Jumper with Water Slide
- Best Splurge: Little Tikes Rocky Mountain River Race
Best Overall: Intex Rainbow Ring Inflatable Play Center
Specifications
The Intex Rainbow Ring Inflatable Play Center is a budget-friendly option. With multiple activities and a water slide, it will engage your child for hours of fun on a sunny day. It is suitable for swimmers ages two and above, and can contain up to six children under the age of eight. This plastic kiddie pool also has an attached sprayer, waddling pools, and a built-in ring toss game. It’s perfect for hitting the sandpit or swimming in the pool.
Dimension: 15.98 x 15.98 x 5.51 inches
Age recommendation:3+ years
Material: Plastic
Water Capacity:77 Gallons
What we like
- It comes with a landing mat for additional padding.
- Affordable and Multi-functional
- It can accommodate more than one kid.
What we don’t like
- No air pump
- No shelter or canopy
Best Non-Inflatable – Intex Rectangular Frame Above Ground Pool
Specifications
The Intex Rectangular Frame Above Ground Swimming Pool will never allow your kids to get bored in this summer’s heat. Its strong, durable steel frames provide long-lasting durability and transform your porch or backyard into a fun place for you and your children. It is designed to accommodate multiple kids (and even parents) simultaneously.
In addition, this kiddie pool is compact and super easy to assemble. You can set this pool up within 30 minutes, fill it with water, and enjoy hours of unlimited fun. Even though it holds up great in the sun, you should keep it indoors while not in use.
The only downside is it doesn’t include any maintenance tools or accessories such as a liner, ladder, filter pump, or cover. Other than that, I’d recommend this swimming pool for kids and families, especially at the price point.
Dimension: 86 x 59 x 23 litres
Age recommendation: 6+ years
Material: Alloy steel
Water Capacity:1700 litres
What we like
- Easy to assemble
- Sturdy and durable
- Available in various sizes
What we don’t like
- It doesn’t include any maintenance tools
Most Affordable Plastic – Intex Sunset Glow Baby Pool
Specifications
This is a very budget-friendly option for those looking for a plastic kiddie pool. It is the perfect size for young toddlers, and it can be easily moved if needed making it a great portable option.
It is also the perfect size for toddlers and can even be used as a ball pit during wintertime! The one downside of this pool is that it is a little on the smaller side, but other than that, this kiddie pool plastic gets five stars from me!
Dimension;7.71 x 7.55 x 2.36 inches
Age recommendation: 1-3 years
Material: Vinyl
Water Capacity: 15 Gallons
What we like
- Affordable
- Perfect for Young Toddlers
- It suits a first-time parent
- Versatile
What we don’t like
- It is small
Best Play Center – Intex Jungle Adventure Inflatable Play Center
Specifications
The Intex Jungle Adventure Inflatable Play Center is a two-in-one pool that has everything you need in one place. It comes with a ring toss, a water slide, a wading pool, a built-in sprayer, and an inflatable arch and toys (flamingo, monkey, and five wall-fitting balls).
It provides an excellent play area for kids to enjoy their time in the sun, playing with friends. This Inflatable pool is spacious enough to accommodate multiple kids taking turns or playing by themselves. .With two different pools, you can mix it up and create your own water adventure.
It’s perfect for those long trips away and can be easily reconfigured as needed to fit your needs. Our testers love that it has a drain plug and a landing mat for extra padding.
Dimension: 96 x 78 x 28x inches
Age recommendation: 2+ years
Material: PVC
Water Capacity: 15 Gallons
What we like
- It provides a perfect play center for children
- Spacious enough for more than one kid
- It features a bigger and smaller pool
What we don’t like
- It is pricey
- No sun protection
- You will need to handle it carefully to prevent a leak or tear.
Best Platic – FindUWill Inflatable Baby Float-Pool Swimming Ring
Your baby will have hours of fun in this inflatable kiddie pool. The fun thing about this product is the pool floats on water and has a built-in compass so you can play with your little one underwater, which is nice and safe. This way, you can watch your little one swim or play inside the inflatable pool. Plus, you can use it in your backyard or patio with your baby in it.
Your baby can feel like a driver with the steering wheel that also keeps the baby supported by holding them in place while they swim, helping them gain confidence in the water before they start swimming lessons. You will also find an adjustable sunblock canopy to protect babies from the sun or other harsh conditions.
Dimension: 6.9 x 3.3 x 10 inches
Age recommendation: 36 months – 13 years
Material: PVC
What we like
- It comes with some plastic kiddie pool kits
- Protects a baby from the sun
- It is compact and can also be used on bigger pools
- It features a steering wheel for extra fun and balance
What we don’t like
- It can only carry one baby in it
Best For Babies: Hoovy Baby Pool with Canopy
Specifications
The Hoovy Baby Pool is perfect for babies and suits parents looking for simplicity. You can take your baby or toddler outside in the sun with this Hoovy Inflatable Pool.
One of our testers said: “During a hot summer day, this kiddies pool is excellent for any water activities. It has an integrated, breathable shade tent that protected my babies from the sun’s rays.”
Additionally, you can remove the tent when the weather conditions improve. Using a pump or your mouth, you can inflate the tube quickly. With the carrying bag it comes with, you can easily store this kiddies pool and also take it anywhere with you either for a picnic or a short trip.
Dimension: 34 x 36 inches
Age recommendation: 18 months and up
Material: Fabric
What we like
- It comes with a detachable sunshade with breathable fabric for sun protection.
- Portable and can go with you anywhere
- You can also place it on a built-in swimming pool
- It is easy to inflate
What we don’t like
- You may need to ensure that the detachable shade is properly fixed.
- Not as sturdy as the bigger kiddie pools, but it gets the job done.
Top Inflatable Plastic – PERLECARE Inflatable Kiddie Pool
Specifications
Families can enjoy a swim at home and in the backyard by setting up this simple inflatable swimming pool in just a few minutes. The pool is ideal for family get-togethers and pool parties.
As the above-ground inflatable swimming pool is constructed with three air chambers, it is designed with more PVC materials to withstand the extra weight. The quality material helps to prevent water and air leakage during use making it durable.It also includes two repair patches and a user guide.
Designed to be used by young kids and babies, it comes with a built-in suction cup at the bottom of the pool and a handle at the top. This ensures that your little ones can easily climb in or get out of swimming in this pool.
Our testers loved that draining water from this PERLECARE Inflatable Pool was super easy with the two tight drain valves, one of which connects to your garden hose.
Dimension:120 x 72 x 22 inches
Age recommendation: 1- 10 years
Material: PVC
Water Capacity: 312 Gallons
What we like
- It meets the US and International safety standards, including ASTM, CPSIA, and CPC certifications.
- Easy to set up, inflate and drain
- It has a large capacity for family
What we don’t like
- It does not come with a canopy or pump
Best Pool for the Whole Family – Summer Waves Swimming Pool Set
Specifications
Keep the kids happy and entertained with the Summer Waves Swimming Pool Set. This comfortable and spacious 12′ round pool is built with comfort in mind including a wading pool for kids up to 40 pounds. This pool is made from quality triple-layer polyester mesh and a galvanized metal frame of heavy-gauge PVC material to resist the elements.
It includes an SFX1000 filter pump that serves as both a skimmer and a filter pump, an EZP10 bucket containing a blend of pool maintenance chemicals, and a SureStep ladder to help with access to the pool.
The above-ground round frame pool measures 12 feet in diameter and 2.75 feet deep and provides ample space to fit the whole family. Enjoy this pool in the comfort and privacy of your backyard.
Dimension: 14 x 48 inches
Age recommendation: 3 years and above
Material: Alloy steel and PVC
Water Capacity: 4000 gallons
What we like
- Easy to set up
- Parents and friends can also have fun with their children in the pool
- Sturdy and durable
- Comes with pool maintenance kits
What we don’t like
- This pool may not be ideal if you don’t have a large backyard or compound.
- You may have to spend extra time cleaning the pool.
Best Shade – H2OGO! Splash-in-Shade Play Pool
Specifications
With a shade canopy at the top and integrated , this play pool will keep you cool on those hot summer days!
The UV-resistant shade provides you and your children extra protection from the sun’s rays. A large space for over three children makes it easy to splash around with friends while being protected by the shade.
Durable, rust-resistant, galvanized metal frames and heavy duty polyester 3 ply side walls give your family peace of mind when they play in this big pool. You do not have to worry about the stress of assembling this kiddies pool, it is simple and tool-free. This is a recommended pool for the family.
Dimension: 14 x 48 inches
Age recommendation: 3 years and above
Material: Alloy steel and PVC
Water Capacity: 4000 gallons
What we like
- It comes with a shade
- A large space for over three children
- It is easy to set up
What we don’t like
- Expensive
- It does not come with a filter
Best For Toddlers: Intex Happy Dino Inflatable Play Center
The Intex Happy Dino Inflatable Play Center is a great option for toddlers and preschoolers, with a lightweight design and the ability to add more than one pool area.
It also includes a water sprayer spout on the hose, which helps children learn how to pump up the water. The pool measures 40 gallons and comes with a game of ring toss, slide and water sprayer spouts.
Our tester loved that it offers several accessories that make the playtime more exciting and fun, such as ring toss, a rope ladder and an additional pool with toys in it. Although this product is relatively compact, its reduced size will only satisfy smaller children with a maximum weight limit of 120 lb.
Dimension: 195.58 x 170.18 x 106.68 cm
Age recommendation: 2+ years
Material: PVC
Water Capacity: 40 gallons
What we like
- Fascinating games
- Theme for children
What we don’t like
- Reduced pool size
Best Slide- Costzon Inflatable Mighty Bounce
This is one of the coolest inflatable jumpers on the market, and it’s incredibly durable. Built to withstand all kinds of weather, this bounce house accommodates most kids and holds them up comfortably so they can play while they are jumping.
The slide is made of incredibly robust, puncture-proof 420D Oxford fabrics, which ensures that the kids enjoy playing actively. With this slide, your kids can experience countless thrills at a time. It has a carrying bag for easy transportation whenever and wherever. The only real downside is that it doesn’t come with a blower, so you’ll have to find one elsewhere.
Dimension: 156 x 118 x 100 inches
Age recommendation:3 – 10 years old
Material: Plastic
What we like
- Very suitable for block parties
- Puncture-resistant
- It consists of a carrying bag
What we don’t like
- No blower included for inflation
Best Splurge: Little Tikes Rocky Mountain River Race
The Little Tikes Rocky Mountain River Race is one exciting pool worth splurging on. It’s perfect for sunkissed backyard parties, fun summer nights at the pool or just a rainy afternoon.
And there’s more: Just a little wiggle from the blower inflates this surprising water adventure set, perfect for small tots who love racing and splashing! This combined slide and splash pool keeps kids entertained for hours.
The high-speed slides scale the wall, taking them to the bottom where they jump into a large splash pool full of fun slides and toys.This colorful kiddies pool which features fun activities and exciting splash-pool games for kids of all ages is great for your kid’s party. It’s big enough for up to 8 children and has two slides, which lead to a large splash pool; this means there will be more fun!
Dimension: 161 x 163 x 103 inches
Age recommendation: 5 – 10 years
Material: Plastic
What we like
- A plus for crowds
- Scaling a wall
- Slides two
Whaty we don’t like
- Costly
- Takedown takes a long time.
Best Pool Alternative: Banza Ducky Pond Splash Mat
The Splash mats for kids are a terrific alternative to kiddie pools. Kids will have a blast playing in the water, and parents will love that it’s cheap and easy to set up. While it is simpler to set up and less expensive than a traditional kiddie pool, this one includes a running sprinkler to keep your children cool and entertained.
With its inflatable fountain, mesh basket, and rim with sprinklers, it’s just the right size and not too expensive. Its lovely border of water-filled marine animals serves as a sprinkler, and the pool itself has just the right amount of water for your child to enjoy.
The playmat is simple to put together and simply needs a garden hose for quick ways to beat the heat. Although the pool itself doesn’t create depth like a real pool, it does have enough water for kids to enjoy without worrying about drowning!
Dimension: 58 x 42 x 13 inches
Age recommendation: 3+ years
Material: Plastic
What we like
- Inexpensive
- Sprinklers on the rim
- Terrific for compact places
- For setup, only a hose is needed.
What we don’t like
- No pool, just a flat area
- Prone to being highly slick and causing falls
How We Reviewed The Best Kiddie Pools
Choosing a kiddie pool can be a big decision for your family. With hundreds of models and sizes to choose from, how do you know which one is the best? Our review process assessed dozens of factors, including pricing, design, cleaning convenience and age recommendations. We also evaluated user reviews and the features of more than 50 items on the market before selecting the top kiddie pools.
How to Choose The Best Kiddie Pools
Water Storage
Make sure to check the kiddie pool’s water-holding capacity before buying. Some kiddie pools are so large that maintaining the water’s cleanliness with chlorine tablets and other chemicals may be necessary, as you would for a regular pool. Naturally, a larger pool will take longer to fill and use more water overall, increasing your water cost.
Age of Your Child
Always look for a pool that is appropriate for the age and skill level of your child. You probably don’t want a newborn to be splashing around in more than one or two inches of water until they are mobile to prevent accidents. Additionally, many toddler pools’ sprinkler effects turn off most newborns. Look for a pool designed for younger babies that has some kind of support to keep them upright.
Once your infant can move around, you can increase the water depth by a few inches or try a splash pad with entertaining features like a slide or sprinkler.
Accessories
A lot of kiddie pools are just that—kiddie pools. The market for kiddie pools, however, is vast and filled with extras like climbing walls, slides, and sunshades. Consider kiddie pools with these extra features if you want a kiddie pool with a little bit more. Remember that it could be difficult to obtain hard plastic pools with these extras since most kiddie pools with accessories are inflatable.
Size
You should consider your children’s ages, the size of your yard, and the new pool. While older children can tolerate deeper and larger pools, younger children require smaller, shallower pools to lessen the risk of drowning.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are plastic kiddie pools safe?
It depends on how you handle it. Inflatable or plastic kiddie pools can be potentially dangerous and make children ill by spreading germs if they’re not properly managed. In order to ensure your little one’s safety, keep a close watch on them when they are in the water.
Additionally, you should know how to properly clean your preferred water slide or pool after use. These will help ensure a safe and healthy experience for you, your children, and other users.
Are kiddie pools worth it?
Yes, they are. Plastic kiddie pools are inexpensive, easy to set up, and even simple to pull down. Kiddie pools provide the perfect way to cool down in the summer and have a lot of fun. Summertime is just not complete without them, and they’re a surefire way to stay cool in the shade.
Like you, your children will also love to cool off from the hot weather in an entertaining way. Besides, creating a backyard pool party for your kids provides an opportunity to bond with them.
How long can you leave water in a kiddie pool?
If you use a medium to large inflatable or hard plastic kiddie pool, disinfect it with chemicals, and keep it clean, you can change the water every two weeks. However, if you use a small kiddie pool or don’t like disinfecting the pool with chlorine to kill bacteria, ensure to drain the water immediately after use. Without chlorine, stagnant water can turn unhealthy in 24 to 48 hours.
Can I put vinegar in my kiddie pool?
Yes. Most small pools do not require chemicals to purify the water. Also, you might not wish to maintain your kiddie pools with chemicals. Fortunately, there are chemical-free alternatives, and one of them is the use of vinegar. So, instead of using chlorine, replace it with distilled white vinegar. For every 100 gallons of clean water in the plastic kiddie pool, add 1/2 cup of vinegar.
What can I put under a kiddie pool?
Smaller inflatable pools will do just fine without anything underneath them if they are on grass free of debris. You can also choose to put a tarp beneath them, especially on a concrete surface.
As for large inflatable pools, place a pool floor liner pad or ground cloth underneath to protect them from damage from concrete or hard surfaces. You can also do the same for non-inflatable or hard plastic kiddie pools.
