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In-ground and above-ground pools are expensive and a hassle to maintain. For an affordable, easy alternative, consider an inflatable pool. It inflates and fills in a short amount of time, giving you a temporary way to cool down on a hot summer afternoon.
To help you comb through the online models, the This Old House Review Team researched the best inflatable pools on Amazon. Here are our favorite options.
Compare Top Inflatable Pools
| Product | Capacity | Colorway | Weight | Dimensions | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Intex Inflatable Family Lounge Pool | 156 gallons | Light blue | 15 pounds | 90 x 86 x 31 inches | ||
| Intex Sunset Glow Baby Pool | 22 gallons | Rainbow | 1.4 pounds | 34 x 10 inches | ||
| StarOcean Inflatable Pool with Lights | 300 gallons | Light blue | 13.7 pounds | 105 x 65 x 24 inches | ||
| Intex Fun ‘n Fruity Inflatable Play Center | 130 gallons | Tropical | 7.2 pounds | 96 x 75 x 36 inches | ||
| Jasonwell Inflatable Tanning Pool Lounger Float | Not applicable | Blue palm | 5.3 pounds | 71 x 48 inches | ||
| Product | Capacity | Colorway | Weight | Dimensions |
Top 5 Inflatable Pools
- Best Overall: Intex Inflatable Family Lounge Pool
- Best Baby Pool: Intex Sunset Glow Baby Pool
- Best Light-Up StarOcean Inflatable Pool with Lights
- Best Play Center: Intex Fun ‘n Fruity Inflatable Play Center
- Best Lounger: Jasonwell Inflatable Tanning Pool Lounger Float
Best Overall
Intex Inflatable Family Lounge Pool
- $46.99
- $58.99
- 20% off
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Pros and Cons
✔ Features built-in cup holders
✔ Comes with a repair patch in case the plastic gets a hole
✔ Can sit on the bench along the back wall to watch the kids playing along the front wall
✘ Doesn’t have a decorative design like many inflatable pools
✘ Can’t get submerged in water if you’re sitting on the bench
What Customers Are Saying
Customers were pleased with the build of this inflatable pool, stating that it was sturdy and comfortable. However, some users struggled with the bench, as it was difficult to inflate and not supportive.
Best Baby Pool
Intex Sunset Glow Baby Pool
- $11.02
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Pros and Cons
✔ Features pink, yellow, green, and blue colors
✔ Includes a repair patch to quickly address holes
✔ Made of a durable and long-lasting vinyl material
✘ Too small for most children over the age of 3
✘ Lacks a drain valve
What Customers Are Saying
Most customers gave this inflatable kiddie pool a four or five-star review. They liked the inflatable pool’s sturdy material, cushioned floor pattern, and affordable price point. However, some customers wished that the pool had a drain plug to quickly empty it of water, and others experienced tears on the bottom of the pool.
Best Light-Up
StarOcean Inflatable Pool with Lights
- $99.85
- $149.99
- 33% off
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Pros and Cons
✔ Can fit two adults and up to three children
✔ Is solar-powered so lights will turn on automatically
✔ Is made from anti-puncture PVC material
✘ Does not come with extra accessories
✘ Some customers had issues with this pool holding air
What Customers Are Saying
Overall, we found that many customers who gave this pool a positive review liked that it had strong, sturdy walls and had a large capacity. Others were impressed with the lights from this pool, particularly noting the changes in color as a cool feature. Conversely, some customers said this pool did not hold air well and others felt it took a long time to inflate.
Best Play Center
Intex Fun ‘n Fruity Inflatable Play Center
- $66.33
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Pros and Cons
✔ Has a mini pool behind the slide with sprinklers
✔ Has a cushion at the end of the slide for a soft fall
✔ Comes with an inflatable strawberry toy
✘ Doesn’t hold much water
✘ Can only support up to 178 pounds
What Customers Are Saying
Positive reviews mentioned this pool being unique with the fruit design and added toys. Customers also thought that it was durable. However, some users struggled to inflate it with all of the add-ons. Others received a damaged package.
Best Lounger
Jasonwell Inflatable Tanning Pool Lounger
- $27.19
- $49.99
- 46% off
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Pros and Cons
✔ Features a ribbed base for comfort and ergonomics
✔ The integrated wrap-around rope adds stability
✔ Includes a built-in cup holder
✘ Doesn’t accommodate multiple users
✘ Can be too short for taller users
What Customers Are Saying
Customers without a full-sized swimming pool enjoyed using this inflatable pool lounger as a tanning bed and a relaxing way to cool down outdoors. They added that the lounger was easy to clean with a garden hose and stow away for future use. However, some customers said that the large size was too small and short, and others had issues with it deflating after a few uses.
Buyer’s Guide
Before purchasing an inflatable pool, there are several important factors you should keep in mind, including the size, material, shape and design, patch kits, and extra features. Read our guide below for more information on choosing the best inflatable pool for your yard.
Size
Inflatable pools come in various sizes to accommodate small and large groups of people. Small pools with a length of 3 feet can fit one or two children.
Medium-sized pools with a length of 5 or 6 feet can fit a few children and a supervising adult.
A large pool with a length of 20 feet can accommodate several children and adults at once.
Material
Your inflatable pool’s material determines its durability and sturdiness. High-quality pools use a mix of rubber and vinyl. A cheaper pool may be made from a thin layer of plastic that punctures easily from sticks, rocks, and other debris on your lawn.
Shape and Design
Since children mainly use inflatable pools, they often come in bright colors. Some may even have fun designs along the sides, such as pictures of cartoon characters or animals. Many plain inflatable pools are circular or rectangular.
Patch Kits
Most inflatable pools come with at least one patch kit to repair minor punctures or tears. Although you can avoid tearing or puncturing your inflatable pool with careful use, a repair kit ensures continued use rather than throwing the inflatable pool away.
Extra Features
Some inflatable pools come with built-in features and pool accessories, such as:
- Basketball nets
- Benches
- Cup holders
- Slides
- Sprayers and Sprinklers
Other Ways To Beat the Heat
An inflatable pool is a fun way to cool off in the summer, but it’s not the only way to fight off that blistering sun. Some other ideas include:
- Staying indoors during the hottest hours between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.
- Wearing loose, breathable clothing
- Keeping your windows, curtains, and blinds closed
- Staying hydrated
- Rubbing ice packs across your body
- Eating and drinking cold foods, such as popsicles and smoothies
- Avoiding the oven and stove as much as possible
- Chilling your bed sheets in the fridge
- Wearing hats and sunscreen
- Taking cold showers
- Investing in a portable fan
- Installing a sprinkler
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits of inflatable pools?
The primary benefits of inflatable pools include their low cost and ability to deflate and pack down into a compact size. Inflatable pools are also fairly easy to clean and require a fraction of the maintenance associated with an above-ground pool or a full-on in-ground swimming pool.
How long does it take to set up an inflatable pool?
You can fill an inflatable pool fairly quickly with air and water depending on its size and whether you have a compatible air pump. Here are some estimates:
- Small: 20 minutes to inflate, 30-60 minutes to fill with water
- Medium: 30 minutes to inflate, 60-90 minutes to fill with water
- Large: 60 minutes to inflate, 120 minutes to fill with water
How long will an inflatable pool last?
It depends on the quality of your pool. A high-quality pool could last three to six years, while a low-quality pool may only last for one or two summers.
What do I do if my inflatable pool gets a hole?
You can buy a patch kit to repair the hole. For a temporary fix until you get a repair kit, use a piece of duct tape that’s slightly larger than the hole.
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