Summers get pretty scorching here in Texas, and sometimes all you want to do is jump in a pool of cool water!
While some public pools are opening now, what do you do when you want to avoid going to the community pool? Well, if you ask me, I have been beating the heat in my own backyard inflatable pool.
I prefer inflatable pools since they are more affordable and compact compared to regular ones. This summer, my son surprised me with a new inflatable one, and I've been spending my afternoons lounging in the pool with my family, listening to the radio, and singing "Take me home, country roads.
Hi! I'm Stacy. I came across numerous inflatable pools throughout the summer, and decided to prepare a list of the best inflatable pools, detailing the good and not-so-good aspects to help you find the right one.
So, let's get started!
Top 5 Inflatable Pools
1. Intex Swim Center 58484NP Family Inflatable Pool
When my niece came over from Dallas this summer, she brought along my adorable grandnieces, Ava and Abby, and two inflatable pools. It had been a while since I owned a pool, so I looked into these products out of curiosity.
Product Highlights
I got a good look at the pool when my niece inflated it and filled it with water. It had three air chambers for quick inflation and got set up pretty soon. The material was plastic, of course, and we got a rectangular, beige one.
The packaging mentioned this pool was for ages six and above, which was the perfect size for my grandnieces. As with most pools, this one had a drain plug to empty the water into the grass after you wrestle the kids out of it!
I also noticed this pool had wider sidewalls than usual; this would make for a comfortable lounging experience for teens. As for the kids, it provides maximum playroom to splash around.
It came in two options, one with a pool pump and one without. My niece had opted for the second one, and it was pretty easy on the pocket.
What's There To Like About It?
For starters, I liked how lightweight and compact this product was. It weighed barely 15 pounds, and I could wrap it up and store it without a problem. Furthermore, this one was sizable enough for kids. It could hold around 270 gallons, which is enough water to splash in and cool off!
It was one of the more reasonably priced pools I came across, and the size of the pool was great for a small yard like mine.
What's There Not To Like About It?
Now, I know it's called a family pool and it's supposed to be enjoyed with the whole family, but the size was a bit small for adults to relax in. It did fit one small adult (my niece). However, if my niece and I tried fitting in it together, the water would probably topple onto the grass!
Pros and Cons of Intex Swim Center 58484NP Family Inflatable Pool
Pros
Cons
- ✔ EASY SUMMER FUN: Ready for water in minutes; spread out on level ground preferably on top of a ground cloth, inflate the three air chambers and the pool is ready for water
- ✔ THE PERFECT SIZE: This pool measures 10 feet x 6 feet with a 22-inch depth; holding up to 277 gallons of water; this above-ground pool is just right to have summer fun while escaping the heat
- ✔ DURABLE: Made with 12 gauge vinyl walls, this pool is built to resist the wear and tear of summer fun; in case of any damage, a patch is included for easy fixes
2. Hesung DR-HSP002 Inflatable Pool
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Like I mentioned earlier, I came across two pools when my niece visited with her kids. The second one she brought was an inflatable pool by Hesung. Here are my thoughts on this product.
Product Highlights
Right off the bat, I knew this pool was up my alley. It was a giant inflatable blue lounge pool, perfect for rewinding in my backyard.
I found it was pretty solid and durable. Let me tell you, the kids pounced on this one and played ball on it, yet it held its shape and didn't even show a scratch! This is probably because of its tear-proof material and tight seams.
Now I noted the time it took my niece to inflate this one using an electric pump; which was not more than four minutes. Now that's quick! It was as quick to drain and empty it too. Apart from that, I felt that this is one of the more durable inflatable pools out there, with its 0.42 mm thick polyvinyl chloride material.
What's There To Like About It?
Now, this pool is enjoyable - I even fished out my swimsuit to get in the pool! I was particularly impressed by the durability; it withstood even after two kids and two adults played in it. I mean, it didn't tear even when my husband stepped on it, which is pretty impressive.
In short, It was easy to set up with three individual air chambers, pretty safe for kids, and showed no sign of air leakage.
What's There Not To Like About It?
It's difficult to find fault in such a multi-purpose product, but the lower ring of the inflatable pool lost air if we didn't deflate it that same day. We would have to go and inflate it again to get its shape back. It's not a deal-breaker; just deflate it after you finish using it, and it's good enough.
Pros and Cons of Hesung DR-HSP002 Inflatable Pool
Pros
Cons
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3. OEVES FP-OE-18 Inflatable Pool
I spotted this pool when I visited my friend Jacob. He bought this to keep his grandkids occupied in the summer. I thought the portable size and unique sun shield made it worth mentioning on this list.
Product Highlights
The first thing I noticed was the delightful pattern on the pool. It was a rectangular, blue and white inflatable pool clamored with three kids in and around it.
One feature I liked was the removable sun protection canopy to protect it from harmful UV rays. It seemed like a valuable thing to have when spending long hours in the afternoon sun. Also, it is 22-inches deep and holds around 170 gallons of water.
Moreover, it had a sturdy structure and had three individual air chambers for inflating. Apart from being easy to inflate, it had a 90-degree drain pipe making it easy to drain water.
Finally, this pool was also as durable as they come; it's made of 0.42 mm thick PVC, making it highly resistant to puncture. That sounds good to me, as it means that you can use it for many summers to come.
What's There To Like About It?
If you must know, Jacob's backyard is small, and I was surprised that any pool fit in it, but this product was just the right size - not too big and not too small. Moreover, the pool can be converted to a sandpit or ball pit - more summer activities for the kids!
The sun canopy was a great addition to this pool. It allowed the kids to spend all afternoon splashing around. Reasonably priced, it's an overall good purchase.
What's There Not To Like About It?
When I first saw this pool in the backyard, it looked big enough for three kids to fit in, and I was right about that.
I would have appreciated it if a grown person could fit in it too; the kids had to get out to make room for Jacob! Apart from that, it's a good pool.
Pros and Cons of OEVES FP-OE-18 Inflatable Pool
Pros
Cons
4. FUNAVO F001 Inflatable Swimming Pool
I saw this inflatable pool in my neighbor's yard; they have four kids ages 4 - 10. It looked great with the beach and sea pattern, designed to remind you of Hawaii.
Product Highlights
This next pool has me impressed! It is big enough to hold two adults and four children, perfect for a summer pool party in the backyard. Moreover, it has a wear-resistant 0.4 mm thick material, making it 60% thicker than the average pool.
Like most other pools, this one has three air chambers to keep air intact while using it. These three chambers also make it easy to inflate and deflate the pool in just 5 minutes.
Another excellent aspect is that the manufacturer includes an electric pump with the product. Most other pools I saw over the summer didn't provide a device to inflate it, so most users had to borrow it from someone. Also, no need to worry about safety; this pool is CPC and ASTM approved, meaning it is safe for kids to play in.
What's There To Like About It?
The inflatable pool looked large and comfortable even with two adults in it. Apart from being spacious, it is built using high quality and durable PVC, which made it perfect for use over the years.
My neighbor found many uses for this pool. He places it in the yard for the kids to cool off in the summer. He also uses it indoors as a bathtub, a ball pit, and a play fishing pond for kids.
What's There Not To Like About It?
This was one of the best inflatable pools I saw all summer. Funaro meant it when they said 'family swimming pool'; this was apparent with its large size.
However, I'll be honest; this is costlier than your average pool. However, I think if you factor in its quality and the included electric pump, it’s a great deal.
Pros and Cons of FUNAVO F001 Inflatable Swimming Pool
Pros
Cons
- Full-Sized Family Swimming Pools: FUNAVO inflatable swimming pool is big enough to hold up to 2 adults plus 4 kids. Enjoy your summertime water party with your family in the backyard with FUNAVO swimming pool.
- Sturdy and Durable: The wear-resistant 0.4mm wall of FUNAVO inflatable kiddie pools is 60% thicker than average blow up pool to better prevent the wading pool from ripping, tearing, and puncturing. With 3 individual air chambers, air stays in position for you to have fun.
- Safe Materials for Kids: FUNAVO blow up swimming pool is CPSIA, CPC and ASTM certified and made of naphthalene-free, lead-free, and BPA-free PVC material, which meets international standards for kids toys, and absolutely safe for adults and kids.
5. UDOGI Inflatable Swimming Pool
My son was back in town, and I'm sure I must have mentioned not having a pool in the yard a couple of times to him. The very next day, he went out and bought this full-sized pool from UDOGI.
Product Highlights
I was excited to use my new pool and inflated it the same afternoon. I must say, it looked as spacious as my neighbor’s, or maybe even bigger. The depth was standard size - around 22 inches, but it filled more than 300 gallons of water.
Inflating it took next to no time with the electric pump (which I borrowed from my neighbor). Impressed so far, I decided to take a dip. I judge around two adults and four kids could easily fit here.
Moreover, I was happy they followed such rigorous safety standards. This pool had a strong PVC layered airbag making it firm and difficult to tear. I call that a plus! Furthermore, it was made of high-grade naphthalene and lead-free material.
Finally, it was quick and easy to deflate; I didn't have to wait around to pack it up.
What's There To Like About It?
This pool was significantly larger than the others I saw. It was also affordable for its size and made of high-grade material. In my opinion, it is one of the best inflatable pools out there!
Not only that, it has 0.4 mm thick material on the bottom. This prevents the water in the pool from getting cold from contact with the ground. This might not seem logical for summers, but it can definitely be used indoors for all seasons.
What's There Not To Like About It?
There wasn't anything I personally disliked. I'm pretty happy that my son gifted me this inflatable pool. However, I think a few people might find it slightly heavy and difficult to pack and box due to its thick material.
It doesn't bother me personally, but I can see why some people might not like that.
Pros and Cons of UDOGI Inflatable Swimming Pool
Pros
Cons
- 【FAMILY LARGE SIZE】The inflatable pool is 118 x 72 inches in size and 22 inches in depth, spacious enough for family to have fun together, can fill 312 gal water capacity and fit a family with 2 adults and 4 kids to enjoy a splashing pool party. It is an ideal choice for families to enjoy summer water party in their backyard
- 【SAFE & DURABLE】The swimming pool is made with Naphthalene and Lead Free, BPA-free material that meet the standards of international children’s toys. High-strength hot carbon tough PVC layered independent airbag make it firm and not easy to break. Reducing the risk of punctures and ensuring a long service life
- 【EASY & QUICK】Three individual air chambers make it easy and secure to inflate and deflate. Takes simply 3-4 minutes with an electric pump(not included) to inflate; 90° vertical drainpipe can facilitate the outflow of water and two curve water valves double the drainage speed
Buyers Guide
Buying an inflatable pool is an affordable way to enjoy a pool party without digging up your backyard. After all, you can carry it anywhere, the same way my niece brought over her pools to my place. What's more, when summer's over, just pack it up and store it away for next time.
So, what should you look for when buying a new inflatable pool? Apart from how much you are willing to stretch your pocket, here are a few things to keep in mind.
1. Size And Make
One of the first things to check is the size of the pool. It isn't going to be an issue if you have a large backyard, but smaller places will need some consideration. For example, it might be inconvenient to use a massive pool indoors.
The other thing to keep in mind is its shape. Nowadays, pools come in all sorts of shapes - from circles to ovals and rectangles. The larger pools are usually oval. This is a subjective choice, obviously, and I would prefer a large rectangular one for the backyard any day.
2. Resilience
This is an essential factor for selecting a new pool. The thickness of the material determines how sturdy the inflatable pool is going to be. Generally, PVC or polyvinyl chloride is the most common material used. However, the strength is always dependent on its thickness.
The thin ones are around 0.2 mm, while the strongest ones are 0.6 mm in thickness. So, look into the packaging for this detail. Anything 0.4 mm or above should be good enough.
Moreover, larger pools may have a reinforced line made of PVC for better stability. The reinforced line means the sides and bottom of the pool will be well protected and won't tear even if scratched with stones or uneven ground.
3. Inflating And Installing
First of all, check the details of the pool to see the inflation time. It's a good idea to check the number of minutes it takes to inflate manually and with an electric pump. Most small pools take about 10 - 20 minutes to set up, although this depends on the size of the pool.
Other than that, always remember to check your yard or area where you plan to set up the pool. It happens often that people have already set up and inflated the pool, filled it with water, only to realize that the pool is starting to deflate.
This is because small rocks and pebbles beneath the pool can create holes and puncture the bottom. That is why I always say “clean and mat before pool and chat”. Clean the ground of stones, lay a safety mat, then start inflating the pool.
4. Safety
Most good quality pools have several safety checks for children and adults' safety. Check if the pool is built without using naphthalene and lead. These dangerous chemicals can adversely affect health, and any safe toy or product for children should not contain them.
Another thing you can check is their certification - CPSIA, CPC, ASTM are all safety certificates which an inflatable pool must have.
I also urge you to take note of the depth of the pool for safety reasons. Ideally, if the pool is for toddlers, the depth should be around 20 cm. For children around the age of 4 - 10, water should not go beyond their waist level.
Finally, for everyone's sake, don't ever leave children unattended at the pool. That itself is a safety problem.
5. Maintenance And Longevity
I know what you are thinking - "Stacy, if I'm buying this pool, I want to be able to use it next year too!" And you definitely can. With proper maintenance, a good quality inflatable pool will last many summers.
The first thing to do is check the product features before purchase. This will tell you about the add-ons provided. Add-ons can be ground mats or repair kits containing glue patches to fix punctures. It could also be a protective cover to tuck into the pool when it is not in use.
Next, make sure the pool is deflated regularly after use. This way, you will still be able to use it the following summer. Apart from that, wrap it up neatly and store it in a dry space for the winters.
Frequently Asked Questions
This really depends on whether you are adding chlorine to the water. If you plan to purchase chlorine and add it to the pool, the water should last up to a week. This is considering other factors like leaves falling in, dust, etc., are taken care of.
If you are simply filling up the water, trust me, it's most hygienic to throw it out every day. For small pools, this is the best solution.
Inflatable pools do not require chlorine to keep them safe. Since they are small and easily deflated, usually all these pools are drained of water daily. However, chlorine is a safe way to kill bacteria and prevent any kind of algae growth in the pool.
As I mentioned in the buyer's guide, it is wise to have a mat under the pool. Keeping the pool directly on the grass is alright if you clear the stones and debris beforehand.
Ideally, no. It is best to drain water daily and cover it with a protective covering for the night. Not only is this easier to do, but it also protects you from any dust or dirt collecting on the water.
My Final Recommendation
And that’s about it!
These were my top five recommendations for the best inflatable pool for summers. I sure hope this review and guide helps you find the right pool so that we stay cool together.
As for my personal favorite, it has to be the pool from Udogi. It was perfect for my needs; big enough for six people, easily inflated and deflated, and a wonderful pattern on the sides. Another pool I really appreciated was the Funavo F001 Inflatable Pool. It was a sturdy option and great for using indoors as well as outdoors.
What about your favorite pool? Let me know in the comments below!
So long, till next time!