9 Kiddie Pool Picks to Create a Summer Oasis

Get ready to splash and play—summer is finally here. With a bit of creativity and a couple of outdoor toys, you can transform a simple backyard barbecue into an imaginary day at the beach. Don’t forget a place to cool off! Get the party started with some of our favorite kiddie pool picks below.

9 Super Splash Kiddie Pool Options

Rainbow Ring Inflatable Play Center
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Lazy Fish Baby Pool
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Step2 Play and Shade Pool
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Paradise Inflatable Pool
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Fantasy Castle Inflatable Play Center
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Family Inflatable Pool
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Whale Spray Pool
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Family Lounge Inflatable Pool
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1. Rainbow Ring Inflatable Play Center

This play center from Intex is so much more than a kiddie pool. With multiple games and a water sprayer, it’s certain to keep your little ones busy all season long. When they grow tired of the wading and swimming pool, they can take turns playing ring toss or the ball roller game. The set comes with everything you need to play right away.

Tech Specs: 117″ x 76″ x 53″, 77 gallon capacity

Ages: 3–7 years

Pros & Cons

  • So many different ways to play with the pool mean it will keep kids entertained for hours.
  • There are many different components to inflate before use.

2. Lazy Fish Baby Pool

Keep the sun out of your tot’s eyes with this fish-themed baby pool. This adorable, brightly colored pool inflates to create a cool respite from the heat. It’s not just for backyard use—bring it to the beach for extra shade, or indoors during the wintertime and create a ball pit. Little ones will love watching the outdoor world around them from the mesh window at the back.

Tech Specs: 49″ x 43″ x 28″, 14 gallon capacity

Ages: 12–36 months

Pros & Cons

  • The unique fish design will keep children shaded from the sun.
  • May deflate slightly after a few hours of use.

3. Step2 Play and Shade Pool

This pool from Step2 encourages outdoor play—and STEM learning! With three funnel cups and a water spinning wheel, children can learn about the properties of water while splashing around. Unlike its inflatable counterparts, this pool is made from a solid molded plastic, so it will stand up to “cannonballs” and backyard debris for many years. Crucially, it requires little effort to assemble—simply attach the umbrella and enjoy!

Tech Specs: 37.5″ x 37.5″ x 50″, approximately 15 gallon capacity

Ages: 2–6 years

Pros & Cons

  • Resin material provides an extra sturdy, durable construction.
  • Without a drain, this pool must be tipped to empty.

4. Paradise Inflatable Pool

Talk about a backyard oasis! This paradise pool‘s brightly colored motif will transport you to the tropics. At over 8.5’ long, it’s a great addition to any multi-child family. Use it as a kiddie pool for toddlers, and fill it more each year as they grow and learn to swim. Some adults have purchased it for themselves, so there’s plenty of space for the whole family. Surfs up!

Tech specs: 103″ x 63″ x 18″, 151 gallon capacity

Ages: 3+ years

Pros & Cons

  • Low price for an oversized kiddie pool.
  • Some reviewers report weakened seams that may cause leaks.

5. Fantasy Castle Inflatable Play Center

“Kids are sure to have endless hours of fun pretending to be the king or queen” of this castle-themed pool from Intex. Not to mention, it would make a great addition to any princess-themed birthday party. The enclosed inflatable pool comes with a slide and props, including a lance and shield, and dragon that sprays water instead of fire. This pool takes water games to a whole new level.

Tech Specs: 73″ x 60″ x 42″, 47 gallon capacity

Ages: 2+ years

Pros & Cons

  • Perfect for a little prince or princess—encourages pretend and outdoor play.
  • Slide may not be completely sturdy.

6. Sun Shade Inflatable Pool

Beat the heat in the Sun Shade Inflatable Pool. Reviewers report that this large pool is the perfect size for toddlers and older children alike. They’ll stay shaded from the sun while keeping a 360-degree view of the backyard (or beach). The cute under-the-sea illustrations add an extra touch of vacation fun. Another great pool for outdoor or indoor use, it can be brought inside as a blowup tent for slumber parties.

Tech specs: 62″ x 62″ x 48″, 74 gallon capacity

Ages: 2+ years

Pros & Cons:

  • Bright, colorful underwater theme.
  • Shade component may lean to one side, especially in windy conditions.

7. Family Inflatable Pool

Bright, simple and spacious, this family pool would be a hit at any backyard barbecue. Don’t just fill it with water—it’s got enough room for some water toys, too! Some reviewers even use the pool as an alternative to a traditional toddler play pen. Intex offers a cover to keep leaves and debris out of the pool overnight (sold separately), so you can leave it up all summer long.

Tech Specs: 103″ x 69″ x 22″, 198 gallon capacity

Ages: 6+ years

Pros & Cons:

  • Ideal size for a family with multiple children (can even fit adults, too).
  • The bottom of the pool is not inflatable but is made from a thick plastic material.

8. Whale Spray Pool

Check out this extra-cool spray pool from Intex. Kids will love climbing into this smiley whale kiddie pool and cooling off under its tail. In addition to providing extra shade, the tail can be attached to a garden hose to spray a fine mist. Reviewers report that the pool was larger than they expected, with extra room for older children. Do your kids love this whale pool? Then check out the Sandy Shark pool for an entire outdoor aquarium!

Tech Specs: 82″x 62″ x 39″, 55 gallon capacity

Ages: 3+ years

Pros & Cons:

  • Spray feature keeps everyone cooled off on a hot summer day.
  • The tail may need to be propped up in order to work properly.

9. Family Lounge Inflatable Pool

This one may not be a kiddie pool, but let’s face it—we all need a place to “chill” out. This lounge pool from Intex is designed like a hot tub, with four lounge chairs and two drink compartments. It can fit up to 220 gallons of water—with a bit of maintenance and some accessories like a solar cover or skimmer, you’ll be able to maintain a comfortable temperature and clean water. The only downside? You might unexpectedly find that your backyard is your neighbors’ new favorite place to hang out!

Tech specs: 90″ x 90″ x 26″, 220 gallon capacity

Ages: 3+ years

Pros & Cons:

  • Comfortable for children and adults alike.
  • Cushions must be manually inflated; the ground sheet is not inflatable.

 

Are you ready? Get the summer started on the right foot with a kiddie pool! Your kids will love you for it… and you might just be glad you got it for them too—outdoor and imaginative play? Yes, please!

 

Feature image courtesy of Flickr, donnierayjones.

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