The Best Kids’ Swimming Pools

Buying Guide for Kids’ Swimming Pools

Why buy a swimming pool for kids?

The “dog days” become even more enjoyable when your kids can stay cool by splashing around. An easy kids’ pool can be the ticket you need for cooling off without an expensive or laborious commitment. Plus, even if you’re only dipping your feet in with the kids, it feels like a treat.

What should you consider in a swimming pool for kids?

• Material: To get the most bang for your buck, you need to choose a kiddie pool crafted with high-quality materials. Look for a pool made from BPA-free, eco-friendly PVC materials that are safe to use and durable enough to withstand rough play. Your pool should also come with a drain plug or other drainage device that makes it easy to drain and deflate the pool after use.
• Safety Features: While most kiddie pools feature a fun pattern to encourage kids to explore their underwater imagination, safety should always be the top priority. If you are looking for a pool that comes with a slide, you need to make sure that it also includes sturdy handrails that’ll help your kids balance and a cushioned landing pad that’ll keep them safe when they reach the bottom of the slide.

How can you keep a swimming pool clean?

Generally, if you have a clean water supply, you’ll use your garden hose to fill the pool with water. This is perfectly fine to use one day and then if you take down the pool, you’ll drain the water. Some pools, however, are designed for multiple uses, even though you can assemble or take them down yourself. If you plan to use these pools without draining between use, you can consider getting a small pool filter that sits at the bottom. You can also purchase chlorine tablets. These two options will ensure safe and healthy splashing.

Our Picks for the Best Kids’ Swimming Pools

Pros: Let your toddlers keep cool with joyful splashes in this high-quality, durable, and non-toxic vinyl pool. The soft bubble bottom is comfy for them so they don’t feel uneven ground. Unlike other backyard pools, you won’t have to wrestle this one to get water out; simply unplug the drain on the bottom and the water will let out. This kiddie pool comes in two classic color options: blue or pink.

Cons: The pool is small at 48 inches wide, so it may feel cramped with more than one or two kids in it.

Bottom Line: This kiddie pool is a classic design with a few upgrades like durable vinyl, a bubble bottom that cushions, and a plug for easy draining. It’s designed for the littlest splashers, so they can have fun and stay cool in the heat in a pool that’s designed just for them.

 

Pros: If you’re looking for an easy-to-set-up pool, some shade from harsh rays, and a mist to cut through humidity, then this option will cross off everything on your list. It doesn’t take too long to assemble with easy pin-clip pipes, so the kids don’t have to be patient for too long. Sturdy pipes are rust- and corrosion-resistant, meaning they can be confidently used daily. In fact, if you have a perfect spot for it, it can stay up for weeks, and you can keep the water clean with a filter. The liner of the pool is made from durable PVC which resists tearing and fading while maintaining its structure. The shade and mister are easy to set up as well, and the whole package includes a path for repair along with a DVD for set-up instructions and pool maintenance.

Cons: This pool isn’t easy to drain and may require multiple adults to spill out the water so it can properly dry.

Bottom Line: This pool has everything you need to stay cool, plus it doesn’t have to be taken down after every use. If your kiddos are part fish and will want to swim often, consider a filter to keep your water clean and your kids could have access to a pool all the time.

 

Pros: If you want to reward your kids with something extra special, this is the pool that’ll do it. This inflatable kiddie pool comes with a ferociously cool dinosaur (that eats the included plastic balls), a palm tree sprinkler, and a waterfall. All the excitement of a water park is compacted into this backyard inflatable. There is a valve attached for the waterfall that can control the intensity so you can do what’s best for the kids using it. Draining it is easy with the plug on the pool floor.

Cons: For a sizable pool with lots of inflatable accessories, it takes a lot of work to manually inflate.

Bottom Line: Even though it takes a long time to inflate, your kids could have hours of fun with this dino inflatable pool. It is designed and sized for the younger bunch, making it a fun-filled day that might guarantee a longer nap.

 

Pros: This pool can comfortably fit two adults and four children so the whole family can cool off together. It’s spacious enough for lots of games without too much bumping into one another. The large pool is also tough enough to handle such fun since it is made from high-quality, thick PVC material. It has anti-UV treatment to keep the material performing at its best even with consistent sun exposure. To fill such a large pool, you can use a compressor in three separate chambers for easy and quick set-up or take-down.

Cons: It does not include the electric pump that it requires to be filled. This size pool is best used for an extended time, meaning you may want to consider cleaning methods to keep the water clean.

Bottom Line: This is the perfect pool for a family with several swimmers (or waders). If your kids are all about the water, you won’t have to worry about setting up and deflating it each day.

 

Pros: The durable and high-quality PVC material is strong enough to stand up to two adults and three to five children splashing. There is a friendly elephant’s trunk as a sprinkler that adds extra fun to splashing. Even though the sprinkler can be going throughout the play, a unique overflow system is in place to be sure water doesn’t reach a dangerous height. The white reflective top prevents the surface from getting too hot so you can comfortably relax with your arms resting. Set up and take-down only takes a few minutes with an electric compressor. The pool has four air chambers which makes it fast as well as easy to repair if needed. The drain is designed with curves to help it drain quickly.

Cons: It does not include the electric pump that it requires to be filled. This size pool is best used for an extended time, meaning you may want to consider cleaning methods to keep the water clean.

Bottom Line: This pool is a great option for families with little kids who would enjoy the added excitement of the sprinkler. The high-performing PVC material is non-toxic and with a white reflective top, it resists getting hot to the touch.

Final Thoughts

There’s not much better than cooling off on a hot day by splashing in a pool that’s in your own backyard. Thankfully, these options show the variety pools available for every age. Without much setup or commitment to maintenance, you can have hours of splashing in the sun.