The 13 Best Inflatable Pools of 2023
Dotdash Meredith and Yahoo Inc. may earn commission or revenue on some items through the links below.
Step up your summer backyard game
People / David Hattan
Summer is full of adventures, BBQs, rooftop drinks, seemingly endless sunshine — and the sweat that comes with it. While many people savor the hottest season of the year, staying cool is key to spending as much time as possible under the big, blue sky. And while we all wish we had celebrity-sized swimming pools in our backyard, if you don’t have the space or budget, an inflatable pool can help you quench the heat. They’ve come a long way since you were a kiddo and now often include sprinklers, built-in seats, and even slides. Best of all: they’re fast to inflate for a party and easy to stow away when the leaves start to change.
We researched the best inflatable pools and compared each product’s material, size, ease of inflation, and setup, among other factors.
Ready, set... blow up these pools, put on your suit, and enjoy.
Best Inflatable Pool for Families: SINEAU Inflatable Pool for Kids and Adults
Pros
It’s easy to inflate and deflate
It has a thick material that’s durable and long-lasting
It features a bright, fun color and design
Cons
Some customers found that the top of the pool tends to deflate over time
As a child, the summer break countdown was the season's thrill. As a parent, filling idle hours for your kiddo can be stressful and exhausting. Having many splash days with this pool is one way to keep everyone in the fam happy. With an impressive 312-gallon water capacity that can hold two adults and three to five kids at once, everyone can join in on the fun.
It’s crafted with BPA-free materials that meet the international children's toys standards, meaning it’s twice as thick as others to fend off possible punctures and damage. It also features a bright color and a stylish design. Because this pool is on the deeper side of our list, it’s not suitable for children who do not know how to swim. (As always, adult supervision is required when young ones are splashing around.)
Another bonus for this inflatable pool is it features three air chambers that have double-intake and free-flow exhaust valves, so it’s fast to inflate and deflate with an electric pump (not included). It's important to note that some customers have stated that the top two layers of the three-layer pool tend to loose air and can therefore leak water out, so you'll need to ensure everything is good and inflated before using (any may need to re-inflate should you notice any sagging).
Price at time of publish: $109.98
Dimensions: 120 x 72 x 22 inches | Capacity: 312 gallons | Seats: Up to 2 adults and 3-5 children
Best Inflatable Pool for Adults: EVAJOY 15ft Inflatable Swimming Pool
Pros
It comes with a filter pump to keep the water clean
It features a large water capacity (2,640 gallons)
It has a UV-resistant coating to prevent fading
Cons
Due to it's size, it takes a long time to fill
It isn’t ideal for small outdoor spaces
Sure, you could host a good old fashioned outdoor BBQ. Or you could outdo your pool-less friends and surprise your guests with this adult-sized inflatable pool. It wins our pick for adults since it can support up to seven bathers. It’s one of the largest on our list, measuring 15 feet in diameter and coming in at almost 3 feet deep. It holds 2,640 gallons of water, so while it might not take long to blow up with an electric pump, filling it full of H2O could take some time, so plan accordingly. However, the water will stay clean once filled, thanks to the included filter pump that pumps up to 800 gallons of water per hour.
This easy-to-assemble pool is crafted from sturdy PVC material and features a UV-resistant coating to prevent color fading in the sunshine. When the party has died, you can use the included pool cover to keep leaves and critters out of the water. To cut down on punctures or holes, lay down the ground cloth for extra protection. You’ll need a fair amount of yard space to hold this pool, but if your outdoor area is large enough, it will provide hours of enjoyment to your family and guests.
Of note: The instructions say to only fill up to 80 percent capacity of water to account for the weight of adults when they hop in.
Price at time of publish: $181.69
Dimensions: 15 feet x 35 inches | Capacity: 2,640 gallons | Seats: Up to 7 adults
Best No-Frills Inflatable Pool: Jilong Giant Inflatable Kiddie Pool
Pros
It has a large water capacity
It’s longer than others with a unique rectangular shape
Fast to fill up with water and air
Cons
It requires frequent cleaning to prevent mildew or mold
This rectangular inflatable pool may not have many bells and whistles, but it’s affordable, durable, and made for those long summer days that melt into nights. The unique shape allows adults to stretch out their legs while sitting with children or float alone. It features wide side walls and a large water capacity, so kiddos have plenty of room to play. It’s easy to set up and fill the pool with water, so the fun is never delayed too long. There are three air chambers for fast inflation and deflation. Like some other pools on our list, removing every last bit of water from the pool before storage is essential to prevent mildew or mold.
Price at time of publish: $59.95
Dimensions: 120 x 72 x 20 inches | Capacity: 328 gallons | Seating: Up to 2 adults and 2 children
Best Inflatable Pool With Seats: Bluescape Blue Deluxe Comfort Inflatable Family Swimming Pool
Pros
It's comfortable for lounging
It features useful cup holders for summer beverages
It's ideal for adults who want to rest and not play
Cons
It’s tricky to inflate the footrests and seats
If you dream about enjoying a cold glass of rosé in a pool but don’t have much space, this small yet durable inflatable pool will make your summer visions a reality. Not only does it feature four cushioned seats with backrests for you and your friends, it also has two drink holders. Plus, it features puncture-resistant materials and a two-tier construction that makes inflating and deflating fast and simple with an electric pump.
While you won’t be able to swim around in this inflatable pool, it’s ideal for adults without children who want to cool down from the heat while reading a book or lounging with pals. Although, it can be challenging to get the seats and footrests inflated to a just-right level; try to take it slow to ensure the proper airflow and test out varying levels of air before filling it with water.
Price at time of publish: $54.00
Dimensions: 105 x 105 x 26 inches | Capacity: 156 gallons | Seats: Up to 4 adults
Best Inflatable Pool for Dogs: MINNIDIP Pup Dip
Pros
It’s made from heavy-duty vinyl, perfect for large and/or rambunctious dogs
It folds rather than inflates for durability and easy storage
Cons
It’s only meant for one pet at a time, which could be challenging for multi-animal homes
Your four-legged buddy might love to sunbathe during the summer, but since he’s wearing a fur coat, he needs a way to cool down fast. Luckily, there’s a super-cute solution: this made-just-for-dogs pool. This foldable best-seller from MINNIDIP is just the right size for furry pups. The bottom features a heavy-duty vinyl double the thickness of other inflatable pool options and is free of lead or heavy metals. To ensure the life of this pup pool, ensure your dog’s nails are trimmed since that will help prevent tearing. Though thankfully a repair patch is included just in case you can’t control the zoomies when your doggo sees his new splash pad.
While you may be tempted to soak with your best friend, this pool is only intended for dogs. And if you have two dogs, consider getting two separate pools since the capacity is only for one at a time.
Price at time of publish: $45.00
Dimensions: 4 feet diameter x 12 inches tall | Capacity: 75 gallons | Seats: 1 pet
Related: The 8 Best Cooling Pads for Dogs of 2023
Most Instagrammable Inflatable Pool: FunBoy Ibiza Bohemia Kiddie Pool
Pros
It’s durable and easy to inflate
It’s sturdy enough to hold several adults
The featured design is included on the bottom of the pool as well for an eye-catching touch
Cons
It takes a long time to drain the water out
If you don’t post an Insta story about being in a pool… were you ever in a pool at all? You can’t go wrong with a FUNBOY pool for fun times and envy from your followers. Though they call them kiddie pools, they’re crafted for the kid inside of all of us, with a classic two-ring inflatable style that’s durable and easy to fill with fast inflate/deflate valves.
All of the brand's pools feature exciting and eye-catching prints, including a Barbie collab — and this Ibiza-Bohemia artwork. We love that the featured design is included on the bottom of the pool as well. While it won’t transport you to an all-nighter rave in Spain, it can bring life to your backyard bash, seating up to three adults at a time. (And if you’re in your parent era, it’s safe for partygoers ages six and up.)
We love how fast it is to set up, though filling the water takes some time. When draining the water after your shindig, the integrated drain plug is slow, and you need to roll it a few times to remove all the water to prevent mildew and mold from gathering.
Price at time of publish: $59.00
Dimensions: 66-inch diameter x 14-inch height | Capacity: 42 gallons | Seating: Up to 3 adults
Best Inflatable Pool 2-Pack: JOYIN Inflatable Kiddie Pool 2 Pack
Pros
They are inexpensive and ideal for small budgets
They come in a wide variety of prints and styles
They are exceptionally fast to inflate and fill up with water
Cons
These pools are best suited for little ones and aren't ideal for adults or older children
There are many seasons of parenting, and if you’re still in the first few years, you may often feel like you’re in survival mode. Occupying your toddler while caring for your new baby or attempting to entertain two kids at once is a lot of work — and it is made more difficult when everyone is sweaty and uncomfortable. To the rescue is this value pack of two inflatable pools, ideal for toddlers ages 3 and up.
You’ll soon consider these affordable pools your lifesaver as your children hop from one to the other, splashing and playing mermaid. You can also use these for sensory activities when your tot’s attention span wanes — like a ball pit or sandbox. They are available in various prints, from rainbow unicorns to sea creatures, so your picky toddler can choose their favorite.
Three separate valves make these kiddie pools fast to inflate with an air pump (or even your mouth if you don’t have a pump). They are constructed of durable, multi-colored vinyl and meet the US Standard for safety. (Psst: patches are included if you puncture it!)
Though we love how easy these pools are — and how multipurpose! — they definitely aren't ideal for adults or large families who want a pool that everyone can enjoy.
Price at time of publish: $39.99
Dimensions: 47 x 47 x 12 inches | Capacity: 42 gallons | Seating: Up to 2 children
Best Shaded Inflatable Pool for Kids: Intex Square Kids Swimming Pool With Canopy
Pros
It provides a good amount of space for busy, squirmy toddlers and kids
It can also be used as a sandbox or ball pit
Features a whimsical, colorful design
Cons
It can be tricky to inflate every section without an electric pump.
All parents and caregivers know, the reality of applying sunscreen to kids is less like a sweet bonding moment and more like attempting to wrangle a wild alligator who wants nothing more than to squirm away. This kiddie pool with a nifty canopy will help prevent sun damage and several sunscreen reapplications. It features everything you would want from an inflatable pool — like 10-gauge vinyl and an easy-to-inflate design — and a removable shade. When the weather isn’t right for swimming, this inflatable pool can double as a sandbox or ball pit.
It’s extra wide to provide optimal protection from UV rays, and once the sun starts to descend, you can take the canopy away by pulling at the velcro attachment. The water only rises to 8 inches, so it’s ideal for younger kiddos with adult supervision.
In addition to the practical aspects, we also love the super-sweet and colorful print featuring whales, octopuses, and fish. But it does bear mentioning that inflating every section of this pool can be tricky and time-consuming, so using an electric pump can take some of the stress away from your already busy summer afternoon.
Price at time of publish: $31.00
Dimensions: 48 x 62 x 62 inches | Capacity: 55 gallons | Seating: Up to 2 children
Best Deep Inflatable Pool: Intex 15' x 48" Inflatable Easy Set Above Ground Swimming Pool
Pros
It features 4 feet of swimming depth
It holds up to eight adults for parties or large families
It’s fast and easy to store when it’s not in use
Features many desirable extras like a ladder and pump filter
Cons
It can take a long time to fill with water and set up
Most inflatable pools are meant for lounging, splashing, or sitting. However, not everyone enjoys resting in water — and instead wants to swim or play. For families with older kids or adults who want to go under the water, choosing a deeper pool will fill your summer needs. We love this 4-foot-deep option that fits up to eight adults, providing a more affordable solution to an above-ground pool experience. It’s the most expensive on our list, but it is meant to be enjoyed for many summer seasons, complete with a user-friendly design, a puncture-resistant three-ply material, and a 1,000-GPH water filtration pump.
It also comes with a pool cover, ground cloth, a ladder, and an instructional DVD for first-time use. While Intex says the pool can be ready for splashing in 15 minutes, an hour is more realistic, especially for the first time, so plan accordingly for your summer soirée. One significant benefit of choosing an inflatable pool instead of a steel-walled pool is that it can be easily and quickly stored away during the off-season, so it lasts much longer.
Price at time of publish: $499.99
Dimensions: 15 x 15 x 4 feet | Capacity: 3,736 gallons | Seating: Up to 8 adults
Best Inflatable Pool With Slide: OLAKIDS Inflatable Water Slide
Pros
Includes many helpful features like mesh walls for safety, a water hose, carrying bag, and repair kit
It doubles as a bounce house during the off-season.
Cons
The air blower to inflate the pool is sold separately
If a waterpark isn’t in your summer travel plans, you can still delight your children by bringing some joy to their backyard. This inflatable pool is more than an area to splash and swim — it offers an inflatable slide, a tower, and a climbing wall! Crafted from puncture-resistant material and mesh walls that keep children safe, it’s sure to be a hit at birthday parties or summer playdates.
It comes with everything you need for setting up, storing, and caring for the inflatable pool, including a water hose, a carrying bag, a repair kit, four bouncer stakes, and a wire package. You can also get an air blower to fill the pool, but it is sold separately. Up to three kids under 100 pounds can play on the structure simultaneously, so encourage kiddos to take turns. As always, adult supervision is required.
Another bonus of this slider is that it doubles as a bouncy house you can also use indoors for other seasons. You can fill the bottom area with balls instead of water, creating another way to entertain kiddos every day of the year.
Price at time of publish: $189.99
Dimensions: 156 x 120 x 102 inches | Capacity: Not listed | Seating: Up to 3 children
Best Inflatable Pool With Water Play Center: Intex Jungle Adventure Inflatable Play Center
Pros
Features two separate splash pools
It has several fun activities like a ring toss game, balls, and a slide
It’s colorful, vibrant, and engaging
Cons
It's time-consuming to fill up all 10 compartments with air
You’ll be part of the cool group of parents with a water wonderland in your backyard. While there is an area where kids can sit, this vibrant inflatable pool is really meant for play. There’s a slide, a cute flamingo and monkey, a ring toss game, and five balls. You can attach a garden hose to create ongoing water sprayers that are wildly fun to run through. One big benefit of this inflatable pool is that it’s technically two in one: a larger area with all the games and a smaller one. This means younger toddlers (ages two and up) can get their toes wet (literally), and bigger kids can splash around.
It features puncture-resistant material, a built-in safety drain, and it’s best used with an electric pump. While all of the additional areas for play are the main draw here, it also means it’ll take a little more time than others to fill up with air. There are 10 compartments to blow up, so give yourself ample time before hyping up the tiny humans in your house.
Price at time of publish: $71.24
Dimensions: 96 x 78 x 28 inches | Capacity: 130 gallons | Seating: Up to 4 children
Best Inflatable Pool With Sprinkler: G-TING Inflatable Swimming Pool with Dolphin Sprinkler
Pros
You can adjust the height of the pool for different ages and swimming levels
It deflates and folds for easy storage
The sides of the pool have a fun sea creature design
Cons
It takes time to fill up with air if you don’t have an electric air pump
Though they are full of wonder and always make you laugh, kids also have an attention span of, well, a goldfish. And after the initial excitement over a backyard pool may be thrilling, you may soon hear whining from your children looking for something else to occupy their time. Interactive water play helps, like this swimming pool with a splash area and a dolphin-inspired sprinkler (hot tip: the higher the water pressure on the garden hose, the higher the height of the spray!). Small holes around the edge create an ongoing ring of water. Not only is this engaging for kids, but it helps them stay cool, too.
This inflatable pool offers a big benefit for growing families — you can adjust the height thanks to two independently designed air chambers. This allows you to keep the water at a safe level, no matter if you have a toddler or a teenager. It takes a while to fill the pool with air manually, but with an electric air pump (not included), you can get this set up quickly for a few hours of entertainment. It’s intended for children but can seat up to two adults. When playtime is over, it deflates and folds for easy storage.
Price at time of publish: $49.99
Dimensions: 60.6 x 17.71 x 29.52 inches | Capacity: 118 gallons | Seating: Up to 2 adults
Best Inflatable Pool for Toddlers: BANZAI Splish Splash Water Park
Pros
It offers many ways to play, including a small wading pool, slide, and more
It's fast to set up
It’s a great way to introduce water play
Cons
It’s very shallow, so it’s not great for older children who want to swim
Most inflatable pools are intended for kiddos aged two to three and up. However, a love for water can start at birth, and your younger toddler may want in on some of the H2O action. This tiny waterpark is safe for kids 18 months and up and is a fantastic way to introduce water play to your child. We love the mini slide, the water-cushion oyster splash landing, and the inflatable dolphin — all sweet and safe ways to play. It also has four inflatable starfish rings that toddlers will enjoy exploring, throwing, and stacking. There’s also a gentle sprinkler to keep them cool and give them space to run through the water.
While it is durable and sturdy, it’s also easy to fill up with water and air since it’s smaller in size and capacity. However, note that it’s very shallow, so it’s not great for older children who want to swim.
Price at time of publish: $64.58
Dimensions: 90 x 68 x 22 inches | Capacity: N/A | Seating: Up to 4 children
How to Pick the Right Inflatable Pool
Material
Co-founder of FUNBOY Blake Barrett says it best: No one wants to buy an inflatable pool and have it pop on the first splash day. That’s why material matters, with high-quality, thick vinyl being the best option. “Typically, you can tell the durability and thickness of the material by looking at the weight of the product or evaluating the size and weight of the box in-store,” he says. “Low-quality models won’t have the thickness and weight to hold out to repeated usage. The highest quality inflatable pool features very thick materials and multi-chamber construction.”
Size
In addition to how sturdy the inflatable pool is, size matters. As Barrett explains, there are smaller ones for babies or dogs, kiddie-sized for two adults or multiple kids, or large ones for multiple adults and kids. Size is an essential factor not only in how many people (or furry friends) will be enjoying the pool but also in where you will place it. “Consider your backyard size or [destination] if you plan on taking the pool on the go,” he says. “Choose a smaller one if you plan on going to the beach with it as it’ll be easier to bring with you and will allow for easy setup and breakdown, or you can go with a larger one if it’s going to stay in your backyard.”
Pump Type
Before you buy your inflatable pool, Barrett recommends paying attention to the type of air valves. The bigger the valve, the easier it is to inflate or deflate. No matter which pool you pick, you’ll need to blow it up to use it, so an air pump is necessary. “A manual air pump, such as a foot pump, allows you to inflate products anywhere relatively quickly and easily without access to electricity or a battery-operated pump,” he says. “Electric air pumps operate like other pumps but are powered only by the electrical power source — not your feet. They make inflating a pool a breeze.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best material for an inflatable pool?
Barrett says an inflatable pool made of soft-touch, non-toxic vinyl is best as it’s a durable material that will withstand constant inflating and deflating and will remain inflated during use. “Make sure the pool you purchase is from a reputable supplier and that the pool complies with children’s product safety standards to ensure the product is free from harmful chemicals such as lead and phthalates,” he adds.
Can you put chlorine in an inflatable pool?
Barrett says it is not recommended to put chlorine in an inflatable pool. Instead, to prevent dirty water and for the general water safety for kids, you must always drain a kiddie pool after each use.
How should you clean an inflatable pool?
Clean the inside and outside with simple dish soap or baby shampoo and water. Barett walks us through the cleaning steps:
Start by draining all the water from your kiddie pool. You can pull the drain plug for a gradual drain or deflate the pool and let the water spill over the deflated sides.
Next, grab a bucket and fill it with water.
Add a few drops of dish soap or baby shampoo to the water and stir well until it gets nice and soapy.
Dip a sponge in your soapy water and scrub all the pool surfaces. Be sure to remember all the nooks and crannies!
Give the kiddie pool a good rinse to clear the residual soap.
Your next step is drying the sides and the insides. Just grab a clean towel for this and wipe it down.
Lastly, let the kiddie pool dry in the warm summer sun for a few hours. This is the most crucial step since bacteria and other germs love growing in wet environments.
Make sure you deflate, fold and store it inside away from UV light to ensure your pool lasts time after time.
How big of an inflatable pool do I need for two adults?
Barett says an inflatable pool at least five feet wide comfortably fits two adults and isn’t too big for smaller spaces.
What are the best safety tips for using an inflatable pool with children and pets?
Remember: children — especially those under five — are at the highest risk of drowning. This means supervision is absolutely mandatory, even in a shallow inflatable pool. “To prevent drowning, adults must always supervise children in or around pools,” Barett says. “Inflatable pools are required to come with a water watcher tag. The water watcher tag should be assigned to an adult responsible for watching children in the pool.”
Since inflatable pools are more for wading or walking around, do not allow children (or adults) to use them for swimming activities like jumping or diving, which can result in a broken neck, paralysis, permanent injury, or death.
When you’re finished soaking up the sunshine for the day, Barrett says to always empty a pool to prevent children from gaining access to an unmonitored pool. As always, be prepared to respond to an emergency by becoming CPR certified and having a phone nearby to call 911.
Why Trust PEOPLE?
Lindsay Tigar is a freelance writer and product reviewer specializing in home, travel, beauty, wellness, and fitness products. With over a decade of experience as a product tester, she's reviewed hundreds of items firsthand, and her work appears in publications such as CNN Underscored, USA Today Reviewed, Time.com, Travel + Leisure, Martha.com — and more.
For this article, she researched inflatable pools and compared each product’s material, size, and pump type. She also consulted Blake Barrett, co-founder of FUNBOY, a pool float and accessory company.
For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!
Read the original article on People.
