What better way to cool down than with an inflatable pool when it's summer? You can avoid a tiring trek to a crowded beach or noisy public pool. It's convenient, private, and something that the whole family can enjoy. Not everyone has the luxury of having a built-in pool in their backyards, so inflatable pools are a great option! Plus, they have the advantage of being portable and deflatable, so you can use your yard space for something else when it's not in use.
We've created a lineup of the top 10 best inflatable pools, including Sable's Inflatable Family Pool. We love that this large pool can accommodate up to two adults and four kids, guaranteeing hours of enjoyment. For those who wish to explore their options, we've drafted a buying guide to help with the process too!
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Choosing an inflatable pool is not an easy task. You want it to last while also be big and fun enough for everyone. Here's a buying guide with points to consider when choosing an inflatable pool!
We all have different requirements for an inflatable pool. You can get a shallow wading pool for the kids and pets, perhaps a lounge pool for you and your friends, or one for the whole family to spend some quality time in. The size and depth are the first things to consider when buying an inflatable pool.
All you need is a bit of water, and you can let the kids spend hours wading and splashing in a kiddie pool. It's shallow enough for them to have fun without safety risks. Of course, it's still best to supervise the kids when around water.
You can also get a small pool that's wide enough for you to use with your toddler, so they can get acquainted with water by your side. When choosing an inflatable pool for kids, make sure the bottom isn't too slippery and that it's shallow enough that they won't have their head submerged if they happen to fall.
Us adults also need some R&R from daily life, and dipping in water is a great way to rejuvenate! Inflatable pools for adults have more depth for lounging.
While we won't be able to swim laps in them, we can choose one with a bench to lean on and read a book, perhaps. Some even have built-in cup holders so you can enjoy a beverage while you relax.
If you have kids, it's best to ensure that the adult pool's walls are high or slippery enough so they can't climb in on their own.
Then we have family-friendly pools, which offer a little bit of both. They're large enough for at least two adults and a couple of kids could fit in without being too cramped. Family inflatable pools also need to be durable to withstand lots of movement and impact.
Speaking of other members of the family, you can also consider dog-friendly inflatable pools made with extra thick PVC material that can withstand claws. They're often designed with sloped or lower sides for easy access too!
For extra protection, you should look for a pool with a padded base as well. The padded bottom allows for extra comfort and is more durable and less likely to get punctured than the single-layered base.
There are a few things to remember when it comes to the capabilities or features of an inflatable pool: inflating, deflating, storage, and repairability. Having an easy to inflate or deflate pool makes it convenient to be used repeatedly without the hassle of setting up or storing the item.
Inflatable pools come with valves so you can blow them up using an air pump. Smaller kiddie pools with minimal frills and attachments can be manually inflated by blowing, which is ideal if you don't have a pump in hand.
Keep in mind that the larger the pool, the more difficult it will be to inflate it! You'll likely want a manual or electric air pump.
Try glancing at the reviews, as ease of inflation is a frequent topic among users. They're often very straightforward and will advise potential buyers if a manual air pump will suffice and report how long it takes to blow up.
After the fun's over for the day, draining is another crucial consideration. Family-sized pools are a nightmare to drain if there are no draining valves, but sometimes there are two for quicker draining!
Inflatable pools differ from regular ones, you can't really reuse the water or add chemicals like chlorine to disinfect. The water needs to replaced to ensure safety. For larger pools, it's advised to change the water every five days and to cover it when not in use to keep bugs and other backyard elements away.
Smaller pools usually don't come with a valve. Try letting them deflate a little to easily tip the water out.
Inflatable pools are often made with thick PVC (Polyvinyl chloride) material, a synthetic plastic polymer that can withstand a heavy beating. However, inflatable pools take on damage from rocks, pet nails, the heat of the sun, excited kids playing around, pointy objects, and other sources, all of which add to the wear-and-tear of the item.
If a pool won't be regularly used, it's best to deflate it and store it in a cool area to preserve its condition. It's understandable that larger pools can be challenging to deflate after every use, so one that can accommodate a pool cover should make things easier.
When holes do occur (they're bound to happen at some point), check whether the pool comes with repair patches that you can slap on the area to salvage the pool. You can also order these patches from other sellers, just in case none came with your pool.
Then we have the additional perks that manufacturers offer to make their pools stand out. These additions mean more fun for everyone! You can get an inflatable pool with sunshades or canopies to give you protection from the sun or pools. Or, consider pools with imaginative and vibrant designs that mimic what summer is all about.
Some kiddie pools function like a mini water park and come with slides, sprinklers, obstacles, and other games and knickknacks to keep everyone engaged for hours. You can also check the product description to see if the pool can be used indoors as a ball pit or withstand the rougher texture of sand to transform it into a sandbox.
This large inflatable pool is made with phthalate and lead-free materials, and the company claims it's 60 percent thicker than its competitors. This means there's a lower risk of punctures, so you can have more fun! It comes with two water valves for double the draining speed too, making cleanup and storage a breeze.
A few reviewers had issues with holes after continued use and advised applying flex tape as a solution. Many, however, mentioned that the pool was sturdy and durable. They noted that it could be used indoors as a huge ball pit as well.
At 20 inches deep, users commented that it had plenty of swimming space for the whole family or groups. Reviewers added that setup wasn't difficult either, as it only took about ten minutes to inflate with an air pump.
This inflatable pool comes in a nice size of 118 by 72 by 22 inches and can fit several people. The material is 0.4 millimeters thick and, therefore, is resistant to puncture. This product is also designed with two curved drain valves that help speed up the drainage process.
After a couple of uses, some reviewers had a problem with water leakage. However, the manufacturer quickly got in touch with them and offered them a replacement. The prompt and wonderful customer service was also a reason that many reviewers loved this product!
Also, for many other reviewers, this pool was easy to inflate using an air compressor. They also complimented the material, saying it was thick and sturdy. Other buyers recommended putting a tarp under the pool to protect the bottom.
This durable and thick inflatable BPA-free pool guarantees loads of safe enjoyment for the family. It's so durable that the pool can be used indoors as a ball pit, sandpit, or fishing area for continued play!
Some had issues with the pool deflating due to holes, but they were relieved that the product came with four repair patches to cover any punctures. Reviewers shared that the material was great and the pool could fit several people inside.
Reviewers also liked that it inflated and deflated quickly. They advised putting it on grass or with a protective tarp underneath to prevent damage and helped the pool last longer.
This large-sized pool can fit the whole family and includes a sprayer for some added wet fun. It's also designed with three separate air chambers that can be easily inflated and deflated. Each chamber is also crafted with double air inlets and free-flowing exhaust valves to withstand some extra weight whilst preventing air intrusion.
Users commented that the pool was sturdy and provided enough room for the whole family. Many love the adorable dolphin design and the sprayer is another huge bonus point for them. They also appreciate that the manufacturer includes a storage bag.
Let your baby enjoy their time in the water while staying in the shade with this adorable snail play pool! It's guaranteed to keep them cool under the sun while providing loads of stimulation and fun. It can even be used as a float in a full-sized pool.
A few parents mentioned that the pool deflated quickly. Some others noted that there were some small sections that they weren't able to inflate.
Most reviewers, however, were pleased with the size and also commented that the material was sturdy. They especially loved the shaded part and said that it provided the needed sun coverage for their kids' sensitive skin.
Kiddos will have fun playing a ring toss game, sending balls down the ball roller section, and using the water slide in this water park. It's designed into two separate sections: one small pool that kids can soak in and one larger wading pool. There is also a built-in sprayer for some extra fun.
A few users said that the pool started to develop holes and deflated quickly. But others noted that the included patches helped solve the problem.
On another note, many buyers commented that their kids loved the pool and could play for hours. Others further noted that they bought extra balls to turn the pool into a ball pit. They also suggested using an air compressor to inflate the pool.
This no-fuss inflatable has a double-padded bubble layer for added protection. It's easy to inflate manually and can fit up to three kids with room to spare. Aside from being a kiddie pool, the round pen works great as a ball pit or play area due to its durable, soft padding.
Reviewers noted that the pool did not have a drain, so they had to tip it over to remove the water. It was also a bit too soft for a few users. Otherwise, the pool served many families well and provided a safe swim environment for young ones.
Parents loved the cushy pool bottom, which provided extra protection for the kids. They also liked that, unlike other products, it wasn't hard to inflate, even by mouth.
This is the ideal pool to relax and play in! It comes with a cushiony bench seat, backrest, and two built-in cup holders to enjoy a drink while lounging. The sidewalls are also transparent, giving the pool a clean look.
A few users mentioned that the pool required about 30 minutes to set up. Some said that it was hard to blow up the pool due to the location of the seat valve, which was in the bottom left.
Many families loved the bench addition, as it can double as a step for the kids to enter or leave the pool safely. It also held up nicely, reviewers noted. The pool accentuated numerous patios and yards. They added that it's very comfortable and perfectly-sized.
This pool comes with a detachable sunshade for those extra hot days. The wide sidewalls provide ample protection and comfort for the kids as they splash about in the pool. Drainage is not a problem for this inflatable, as it comes with a designated drain valve.
Reviewers said that windy days would topple the canopy over because it's held only by velcro. Some placed the pool under a large patio umbrella if the wind was a problem.
Adults were surprised at the size of the pool and said it could fit them plus their baby. Many also liked the extra shade from the canopy, which you can rotate as the position of the sun changes.
For families who prefer being engaged in activities while in the water, then this inflatable pool with a hoop may suit your needs! It's a great way to bond with the kids, whether they are learning how to play basketball or simply lounging. It also comes with a valve at the bottom for convenient draining.
A few reviewers mentioned that the bottom wasn't reinforced and needed a protective layer underneath to prevent holes from forming. Some also had to inflate the hoop often, as it tended to droop.
Reviewers were delighted that the pool was great for lounging, and it was big enough for the whole family to lounge comfortably! Plus, users said it's pretty deep for a blowup pool.
Setting up an inflatable pool is not easy, since you'll have to think about where to put it to avoid damaging the bottom. Avoid putting a pool on a hard surface with a lot of rocks and sticks, since they might puncture your pool. Instead, you should choose a grassy area and try to pick up all the sharp debris that might puncture your pool.
We also recommend laying a tarp underneath your pool for some extra protection. It'll help protect your pool from dirt as well. You might want to use a tarp to cover your pool when it's not in use to keep bugs and dirt away.
To blow up the inflatable pool, you'll need an electric or hand pump. However, if you don't have any kind of pump, you can try using an air compressor. You can also try using a hairdryer.
Curious about how to use a hairdryer to inflate your new pool? Check out the YouTube video above from NapstersGear!
Now that the temperature is allowing us to spend more time in the backyard, you might be interested in other necessities to spruce up your place! Check out these fun outdoor items like the best portable hammocks, fire pits, or tents for camping.
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