The Best Inflatable Pools to Help You and Your Family Cool Off This Summer
From swimming pools for kids to lounge pools for adults, these options will make a splash in your backyard.
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Our top picks
This summer, many of us are looking for quick ways to keep cool when it's way too hot outside. You can crank up the window air conditioner inside, but adding an inflatable pool to the backyard is a great way to chill out while keeping the electric bill in check. Unlike in-ground pools, kiddie pools and inflatable pools for adults can be set up quickly — they're also easy to store and way cheaper.
Here at the Good Housekeeping Institute, our experts have picked the best and top-rated pools on the market. Prior to investing in a new inflatable swimming pool, it's good to keep in mind the shape, size and material that will work best for you. We'll walk you through what to consider before you grab the pool toys and sunblock to protect the kiddos. Our recommendations are vetted from quality inflatable pool brands and real reviews. Here are the best inflatable pools for your backyard.
Bestway Fast Set Above Ground Pool Set
Pros
- Manufacturer claims easy setup
- Large capacity
Cons
- Some reviewers complained of a side collapse
Bestway claims easy setup for this pool, requiring only level ground and an air pump (which is not included). Reviewers emphasize the advice to start inflating on level ground — otherwise the pool won't sit evenly or fill properly. At 10 feet wide and 30 inches deep, it's a good size for adults and kids to lounge and swim. A built-in flow control drain makes take-down easy. Also included is a filter pump and cartridge to maintain cleanliness.
• Dimensions: 120" x 120" x 30"
• Comes with air pump: No
• Water capacity: 960 gallons
Intex Crystal Blue Kids Outdoor Inflatable Pool
Pros
- Budget-friendly option
- No assembly and quick to fill
Cons
- May not be as durable as similar models
One of the most-searched above-ground pool brands on the internet, Intex is known for making reliable inflatable pools. If you're looking for a smaller and more affordable inflatable pool, reviewers recommend this under-$20 option. It's easy to inflate and not a hassle to store. Note that since this pool is soft to the touch, it might not be as durable as a hard-rimmed pool, but it's strong enough to hold the recommended amount of water.
• Dimensions: 45" x 45" x 10"
• Comes with air pump: No
• Water capacity: 35 gallons
HOMECH Family Inflatable Swimming Pool
Pros
- Strong and sturdy
- Includes drain plug
Cons
- May be difficult to inflate over time
This pool claims to comfortably fit two adults plus three to five kids. Three individual air chambers help the pool prevent air leakage and withstand extra weight. Many reviewers seem to agree that the pool is "very durable" and love that it includes a drain plug for easy cleanup.
• Dimensions: 118" x 72" x 20"
• Comes with air pump: No
• Water capacity: 312 gallons
Intex Swim Center Family Lounge Pool
Pros
- Includes cupholders and a bench
- Affordable
Cons
- Limited room to swim
Whether you want to lounge in the water or sit and supervise while the little ones play, this pool includes an integrated inflatable bench seat. Two cup holders sit on either side of the pool, which are convenient for storing drinks or snacks.
• Dimensions: 88" x 85" x 30"
• Comes with air pump: No
• Water capacity: 156 gallons
MADAXY Swimming Pool for Kids and Adults
Pros
- More than 900 5-star reviews on Amazon
- Large enough for families
Cons
- May be difficult to inflate over time
This backyard beauty is just under $70 and is another great option for families to beat the summer heat. According to the brand, this pool can fit up to two adults and three children. This model comes with three individual air chambers to help keep the pool fully inflated during use, though some reviewers noted that they ran into issues with inflations over time, which is a common issue with inflatable pools.
• Dimensions: 120" x 72" x 22"
• Comes with air pump: No
• Water capacity: 312
Pros
- Great for adults
- Available in multiple cute designs
Cons
- Lengthy inflation time
Move over kiddos! Minnidip pools come in chic prints like banana leaf and Gilded Marble and can fit up to three adults comfortably. The walls stand at a height of 1.5 feet — taller than the average kiddie pool — which is ideal for the older crowd.
• Dimensions: 18" x 66" x 66"
• Comes with air pump: No
• Water capacity: 125 gallons
What to consider when shopping for the best inflatable pool
✔️ Shape and size: When picking out an inflatable pool, it's important to keep both the size and shape of the pool in mind. For the size, you’ll need to measure your yard to see how much space you have. Next, consider the number of people the pool should accommodate, factoring in whether you need something for children, adults or both. Finally, make sure you pick a shape — circular, oval or rectangular — that will suit the users and the space.
✔️ Location: You want to set up on level ground. Your inflatable pool should sit on a flat surface to ensure that the entire footprint is supported evenly.
✔️ Air pump: You'll likely need to purchase an electric air pump separately, as most pool sets don't include one. Look for air pumps with different nozzle attachments so you can use yours to inflate a variety of items in your house.
✔️ Drain: It's critical to completely drain your inflatable pool at the end of the season, because stagnant water can attract mosquitoes and ticks. Newer pools will usually have a drain plug, which ensures easier cleanup when it's time to take the pool down. "I advise draining the water and letting the pool dry in the sun before you deflate and store it," says Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab director Lexie Sachs.
✔️ Adult supervision: Be aware that because it is possible to drown in just a few inches of water, there is risk whether your child is swimming in a pool seven feet deep or wading in a small, shallow inflatable pool suitable for toddlers. Rachel Rothman, chief technologist and engineering director at the Good Housekeeping Institute, emphasizes that "an adult should be watching at all times without distraction."
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Rachel Rothman, chief technologist and head engineer, has a B.S.E. in mechanical engineering and applied mechanics with a mathematics minor from the University of Pennsylvania and has been at the Good Housekeeping Institute for 14 years. Rachel has been testing juvenile products for nearly 15 years and has served on several ASTM committees for helping with industry standards. She has three young children who actively support her in her testing pursuits in this space.
Lexie Sachs is the executive director of the Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in fiber science from Cornell University and more than 15 years of experience in the textiles industry. Lexie joined Good Housekeeping in 2013 and has extensively tested products of all materials, like air mattresses, umbrellas and yoga mats.
Shanon is a writer and editor who specializes in best-of product roundups and deals. She has over six years of experience, including almost three years as a Good Housekeeping product and reviews editor, covering the best sales and products across home, appliances, health, beauty, parenting and more.
Raena Loper (she/her) is a fashion journalist and product analyst based in New Jersey whose work has appeared in Forbes, Good Housekeeping and O, The Oprah Magazine. Raena is a graduate from Montclair State University where she earned a degree in fashion studies as well as gender, sexuality and women's studies. In her free time, she enjoys sewing, cooking BBQ and spending time with family.
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