Best Kiddie Pools for 2022
Updated: Feb. 10, 2023Beat the heat and have fun with the top-rated kiddie pools for any budget or preference.
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Buying a Kiddie Pool
Kiddie pools are an easy and inexpensive way to cool off and have fun. Before buying one, it helps to know whether you want the inflatable, hard plastic or splash pad variety. Be sure to buy one recommended for your child’s age. Remember to avoid the common pool mistakes that homeowners make. Finally, seek out recommendations from other parents, read online reviews and check recalls.gov to make sure there are no safety recalls on your desired model. Read on to learn about some of the best kiddie pools on the market.
Best Overall
Intex Rainbow Ring Inflatable Play Center is one of the most popular and highly-rated kiddie pools for good reason. It features two pools connected by a water slide, a ring toss game with four inflatable rings, and a ball roller along the edges of the pool. It also has a built-in sprayer that easily connects to your garden hose. “A very worthwhile investment for summer entertainment!” writes one of the thousands who left five-star reviews on Amazon.
Best for Babies
A great option for the 12- to 36-month-old crowd is the Intex Sunset Glow Baby Pool. This small, inflatable residential pool features an extra soft bottom and a colorful ring design. Reviewers note that the pool, which holds 22 gallons of water, is easily portable. “Very good pool to take away as a travel bath for a toddler — it’s small, can be rolled up and is light,” writes one happy customer.
Best for Shade
Kids will have it made in the shade with the Intex Sun Shade Inflatable Pool. It comes with a large, removable sun shade to keep kids cool and protected when the sun’s rays are intense. It holds 78 gallons and is suitable for kids ages three and up. Another plus is the super-cute beach cartoon design around its perimeter.
Best Splurge
If money is no object, consider the Costzon Inflatable Water Slide. It’s reminiscent of a water park with a curved slide that empties into a splash pool, a climbing wall and a bounce house. It’s safe for kids ages three to 10, and up to four kids can use it at one time. Reviewers routinely comment on the product’s durability, and note the manufacturer offers great customer service.
Best Budget Pick
For a dependable budget kiddie pool, consider the Intex Recreation Just So Fruity Pool Set. The inexpensive inflatable pool holds 28 gallons and comes with a ball, pool ring and repair patch. “Although a lower price, this pool is a good quality product,” writes one reviewer. “It has reasonably high sides, is easy to inflate and the ring and ball add further value.”
Best Built-In Playthings
For a kiddie pool full of accessories that turn your backyard into a mini water park, there’s the Intex Dinoland Inflatable Play Center. It has a wading pool, water slide, ball toss, ring toss, inflatable animal decorations and ball roller. Plus, a movable arch connects to your garden hose to unleash a spray of water. “Best kids’ pool EVER!” writes one of the hundreds of Amazon reviewers who gave a five-star rating. “It is huge, bright and colorful, and has many different fun things to do.”
Most Durable
The Jasonwell Foldable Pool is made of extra thick, slip-resistant PVC and high-density fiberboard that’s strong enough to handle pets claws. That means you can use it for Fido as well as the kids. It comes in multiple sizes and easily folds into an accordion shape. Another plus: It’s easy to repurpose into a sandbox or ball pit.
Best Splash Pad
Splash pads feature a shallow pool area, making them a great choice for toddlers. One worth considering for little ones 12 months and up is SplashEZ 3-in-1. It comes with fountain sprinklers and features a learning mat with letters and animals for a base. “My 18-month-old grandson loves it,” writes one buyer. “And I am thrilled that it provides a learning opportunity with letters and pictures of animals.”
