Nothing beats the summer heat like a cool pool. No matter your age, a quick dip is always refreshing.
A kiddie pool can be a great investment — if you know what to look for. Not every kiddie pool is suited to every situation.
We’ve researched the best kiddie pools currently on the market and have rated them according to various criteria to help you make the best choice for your family.
- Large enough for 2 adults & 2 kids
- Includes a drain pipe
- Built in backrest and drink holder
- Sustainable & chemical-free materials
- Can be used as beach blanket
- Rolls up into a water bucket
- Inflates in ninety seconds
- Folds up into carrying case
- Durable and lasts for years
- Can be used indoors or outdoors
- Functions as playhouse or kiddie pool
- Free of toxins & phthalates
- Easy to set up
- Thick, high-density fiberboard
- Non-slip bottom prevents injuries
- Can be used as splash pad or sprinkler
- Can be rolled or folded for storage
- Designed with letters and animals
- Inflatable backrest keeps babies upright
- Includes stackable ring toys
- Comes with removable canopy
- Folds up very small
- Has a drain on the bottom
- Flamingo & unicorn designs
- Cheaper than most other kiddie pools
- 10 inch pool depth
- Can hold several young kids at a time
- Easy to inflate and deflate
- Landing mat included
- Can be enjoyed by 1 to 2 children
Review Methodology: At Mom Loves Best, we dive deep into analysis and research to bring you the facts on the best kiddie pools. Our experienced team conducts hands-on tests, applying specific criteria and benchmarks, to evaluate each product from a user’s perspective. Our reviews track and compare design choices, durability, safety features, and ease of setup, which are crucial factors in selecting a kiddie pool. We meticulously measure and score each pool’s performance, providing you with clear, objective data. What sets our reviews apart is our commitment to share first-hand evidence, ensuring you can trust our recommendations and make an informed decision.
The Best Kiddie Pools of 2023
We’ve reviewed the best kiddie pools on the market to help you make the perfect choice.
Intex Swim Center Family Lounge Pool
Best Kiddie Pool for Whole Family
If your family enjoys cooling down together in the summer, you will love this large inflatable pool by Intex. The pool has a 500-gallon capacity but is small enough to be emptied at the end of the day and doesn’t require the use of a pump or chemicals.
This pool was created with your family’s relaxation in mind as it has four comfortable built-in seats with backrests and two drink holders.
This pool is best for multiple kids (ages three and up) or a mixture of adults and children.
Pros
- Large enough to hold up to two adults and two kids at once.
- Includes a drain pipe.
- Built in backrest and drink holder for relaxation.
Cons
- Needs to be emptied daily to keep pool water clean, an additional cover would be a nice top up.
Product Specs
Dimensions | 90 inches x 6 inches x 26 inches |
Recommended Age | Three years to adult |
Materials | Not specified |
Free of Toxins | Yes |
Easy to Store | Yes |
Our Ratings
Community Feedback
EverEarth Waterproof Beach Blanket and Kiddie Pool
Best Kiddie Pool for the Beach
This unique product can be used as either a beach blanket or a kiddie pool.
To use as a blanket, simply lay it soft-side-up on the ground and relax.
For a kiddie pool, dig a small area in the sand, flip the blanket so the pool side is up, and lay it over the area you dug out. Fill the carrying case with beach water, and empty it onto the pool (kids can easily do this job). Repeat until you’re happy with the pool depth.
Pros
- Made entirely from sustainable and chemical-free materials.
- Great solution for kids who find lake or ocean water too cold or frightening.
- Rolls up to fit into the small carrying case that doubles as a water bucket.
Cons
- Because it needs to rest on a surface that’s been dug out, it’s only suitable for the beach.
Product Specs
Dimensions | 70-inch diameter |
Recommended Age | Twenty-four months to eight years |
Materials | Thermoplastic polyurethane |
Free of Toxins | Yes |
Easy to Store | Yes |
Our Ratings
Community Feedback
Little Tikes Rocky Mountain River Race Slide Bouncer
Best Water Park Kiddie Pool
Kids of all ages love this bouncer! The pool is shallow enough that toddlers will have fun splashing around, even if they aren’t able to climb to the top. It can be used with or without water and has many options to keep children active and entertained.
With a climbing wall, two water slides, a bounce pad, and a surprise dump bucket that randomly empties on kids as they climb, your family can enjoy the full water park experience at home.
Kids love to race to the top and back down again with the dual slides.
Because of its large size, this bouncer is great for use with multiple children. And it provides the perfect party entertainment.
Pros
- Inflates in ninety seconds.
- When deflated, it folds up into a convenient carrying case.
- Users claim it’s durable and lasts for years, even with lots of use.
Cons
- Takes some effort to dry it all out properly before storing.
- Pricier than most other kiddie pools.
Product Specs
Dimensions | 161 inches x 169 inches x 103 inches13. feet 5 inches x 14. feet 1 inch x 8 .feet 7 feet inches |
Recommended Age | Five to ten years |
Materials | Mildew and tear-resistant plastic fabric |
Free of Toxins | Unknown |
Easy to Store | Yes |
Our Ratings
Community Feedback
Intex Ice Cream Stand Inflatable Playhouse and Pool
Best Non-Toxic Kiddie Pool
Creative kids who love imaginative play will fall in love with this unique kiddie pool! This adorable gelato stand playhouse doubles as a small wading pool. Your little ones will have a blast serving frozen play food treats while staying cool in the shaded wading pool.
The Intex Ice Cream Stand comes with three inflatable ice cream treats. And you can rest easy knowing this ice cream (and the entire pool) is free of harmful toxins!
Pros
- Can be used indoors as a playhouse or outdoors as both a playhouse and kiddie pool.
- Free of toxins, including phthalates.
Cons
- Doesn’t hold a lot of water
- Only one child fits in the pool if seated (two if standing).
Product Specs
Dimensions | 50 x 40 x 39 inches (5-inch pool depth) |
Recommended Age | Two to six years |
Materials | Soft plastic |
Free of Toxins | Yes |
Easy to Store | Yes |
Our Ratings
Community Feedback
V-Hanver Foldable Plastic Pool for Kids and Pets
Best Hard Plastic Kiddie Pool
Hard plastic pools of the past were notorious for being difficult to store and challenging to empty. The V-Hanver Foldable Pool is a great alternative! This pool is convenient to set up, use, drain, store, and travel with.
Although designed with dogs in mind, this foldable pool is perfect for toddlers and preschoolers. The non-slip bottom helps prevent dangerous falls.
We love that this pool comes in three sizes to suit your needs. The extra-large size can comfortably hold up to four kids.
Pros
- Easy to set up. Simply unfold and fill with water.
- Thick, high-density fiberboard means it’s more durable than most plastic pools.
- Non-slip bottom prevents injuries.
Cons
- May not hold up to rough play.
Product Specs
Dimensions | Small: 32 x 8 inches Large: 47 x 12 inches Extra-Large: 63 x 12 inches |
Recommended Age | Two to eight years |
Materials | PVC and high-density fiberboard |
Free of Toxins | Unknown |
Easy to Store | Yes |
Our Ratings
Community Feedback
SplashEZ 3-in-1 Splash Pad
Best Splash Mat Kiddie Pool
Kids love sprinklers, splashing, and lounging in cool water on a hot day. This multifunctional cool-down tool is a splash pad, sprinkler, and wading pool all wrapped up in one educational package.
When a hose is attached, the outer rim fills with water, inflating the sides. If the hose is left running, the holes along the top edges spray water, creating a fun fountain sprinkler effect. If the hose is turned off, it functions as a kiddie pool for children who don’t love being splashed.
This splash pad is best for toddlers and preschoolers, but babies will also enjoy sitting or crawling around in the cool water. And although it is small, several young children can play at once as they tend to jump in and out, unlike with deeper wading pools.
Pros
- Can be used as a pool, splash pad, or sprinkler.
- Can be rolled or folded for easy storage.
- Designed with letters and animals to keep kids learning while they play.
Cons
- Side seams can burst if water pressure is too high or kids are too rough with it.
Product Specs
Dimensions | 60-inch diameter |
Recommended Age | Twelve months to seven years |
Materials | Soft plastic |
Free of Toxins | Yes |
Easy to Store | Yes |
Our Ratings
Community Feedback
SwimSchool Splash and Play Mat
Best Kiddie Pool for Babies
Few kiddie pools hit the six to ten-month age range when a baby is starting to sit up unassisted but still risks frequent tip-overs in a typical toddler pool. This little splash mat includes a light backrest and a ring stacker that also helps babies stay upright.
The removable canopy will protect your little one from harmful UV rays and keep them cool on those hot summer days. This bright play mat is perfect for use at home, camping, or at the beach.
Pros
- Inflatable backrest keeps babies safe and upright.
- The stackable ring toys are entertaining.
- Removable canopy protects babies from harmful UV rays.
Cons
- Most babies outgrow this within a couple of months.
- The canopy isn’t adjustable, so the whole unit needs to be moved to maintain shade.
Product Specs
Dimensions | 28-inch diameter |
Recommended Age | Advertised: six to eighteen months (We recommend six to ten months) |
Materials | Soft plastic |
Free of Toxins | Unknown |
Easy to Store | Yes |
Our Ratings
Community Feedback
FunFeed Inflatable Kiddie Pool
Best Portable Kiddie Pool
For kids (and adults!) of all ages, this basic pool is cute, fun, and functional. It’s perfect for taking to the cottage, to Grandma’s house, or camping. And it comes in your choice of two kid-friendly designs — unicorn or flamingo.
This pool is easy to inflate. Simply attach an electric pump, and the pool will inflate within minutes. Fill with as much or as little water as you would like, and enjoy!
As this pool is pretty small, it is best for one to two small children. (But moms have also confessed to sitting in it with a glass of wine on a hot day.)
Pros
- Folds up very small.
- The drain on the bottom makes for easy emptying of the water.
- Flamingo and unicorn designs are fun and look great on your lawn.
Cons
- The thin plastic can easily puncture.
- It requires the use of an electric pump (not included).
Product Specs
Dimensions | 43 x 37 x 75 inches |
Recommended Age | Three to seven years (can also be used for lounging moms) |
Materials | Soft PVC plastic |
Free of Toxins | Unknown |
Easy to Store | Yes |
Our Ratings
Community Feedback
Intex Snapset Pool
Best Budget Kiddie Pool
If you’re looking for an affordable pool for your kids, snapset pools are always a favorite. And since they’re not inflatable, no air pumps or other tools are required.
This pool holds a decent amount of water and will keep kids cool and entertained for hours.
As the depth of the pool is 10 inches, it is best for use with children three years and older. The sides aren’t supportive enough for younger children who may not be as steady on their feet.
With a wider base than most other low-budget pools, the snapset pool can hold several children. This makes it a great option for larger families and fun for playdates and parties.
Pros
- Cheaper than most other kiddie pools on the market.
- Can comfortably hold several young kids at a time.
Cons
- Requires some effort to keep the sides from collapsing while filling.
- Can be awkward to fold up and store.
- Some users complain of the sides forming cracks during storage.
Product Specs
Dimensions | 60 x 60 x 10 inches |
Recommended Age | Three to eight years |
Materials | Semi-firm plastic |
Free of Toxins | Unknown |
Easy to Store | No |
Our Ratings
Community Feedback
Intex Candy Zone Inflatable Play Center
Best Kiddie Pool for Toddlers
This colorful play center includes a toddler-sized slide, water sprayer, and two inflatable lollipops to create fun and sweet moments with your tots. The six candy balls add up to fun.
The item is easy to set up. Simply inflate each air chamber, attach a hose, and enjoy! Kids love the combination of a kiddie pool, sprinkler, and slide. And it’s made with quality materials that last not to mention that a repair patch is also included.
This is a great pool for toddlers and kids who don’t mind the splashing effect of a sprinkler.
Pros
- Can be enjoyed by one to two children.
- The slide is just the right size for toddlers to enjoy without being intimidated.
- Includes a landing mat for added safety.
- Easy to inflate and deflate.
Cons
- Doesn’t come with an inflator. (Users recommend purchasing an electric pump.)
Product Specs
Dimensions | 116 x 75 x 51 inches |
Recommended Age | Two to ten years |
Materials | Plastic |
Free of Toxins | Not specified |
Easy to Store | Yes |
Our Ratings
Community Feedback
Product | Best | Dimensions | Recommended Age | Materials | Free of Toxins | Easy to Store |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Intex Family Lounge Pool | Best for Whole Family | 90 x 6 x 26″ | 3 years | N/A | Yes | Yes |
EverEarth Beach Kiddie Pool | Best for the Beach | 70″ diameter | 1-8 years | Thermoplastic polyurethane | Yes | Yes |
Little Tikes River Race Bouncer | Best Water Park | 161 x 169 x 103″ | 5-10 years | Mildew & tear-resistant plastic fabric | N/A | Yes |
Intex Ice Cream Stand Playhouse | Best Non-Toxic | 50 x 40 x 39″ | 2-6 years | Soft plastic | Yes | Yes |
V-Hanver Foldable Plastic Pool | Best Hard Plastic | Small: 32 x 8″ Large: 47 x 12″ Extra-Large: 63 x 12″ | 2-8 years | PVC & high-density fiberboard | N/A | Yes |
SplashEZ 3-in-1 Splash Pad | Best Splash Mat | 60″ diameter | 1-7 years | Soft plastic | Yes | Yes |
SwimSchool Splash and Play Mat | Best for Babies | 28″ diameter | 6-18 months | Soft plastic | N/A | Yes |
FunFeed Inflatable Kiddie Pool | Best Portable Kiddie Pool | 43 x 37 x 75″ | 3-7 years | Soft PVC plastic | N/A | Yes |
Intex Snapset Pool | Best Budget Kiddie Pool | 60 x 60 x 10″ | 3–8 years | Semi-firm plastic | N/A | No |
Intex Candy Play Center | Best for Toddlers | 116 x 75 x 51″ | 2-10 years | Plastic | N/A | Yes |
Are Kiddie Pools Safe?
Kiddie pools are only safe if children are fully supervised by an adult at all times. Young children and non-swimmers can drown within seconds in just one inch of water (1). Always be within arms reach of your child when they are in a kiddie pool.
Drain your kiddie pool when not in use, or create a barrier such as a locked gate to keep children from falling in.
To prevent the spread of germs in a kiddie pool, do not allow children who aren’t feeling well to enter the pool. After emptying your pool, thoroughly rinse it and allow it to fully dry before storing it.
How to Choose the Best Kiddie Pools
There are several factors you should consider when shopping for a kiddie pool.
Kiddie Pool FAQs
Here are our answers to the most common questions about kiddie pools.
Let the Fun Begin!
Now that you know what to look for in a kiddie pool and have some recommendations to suit your needs and your budget, it’s time to choose the best kiddie pool for your family.
Whichever option you choose, your kids are sure to be grateful. So, here’s to a cool summer filled with water fun and great memories!