Best Budget: Intex Sunset Glow Baby Pool
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Small
This affordable option works well if all you need is to cool off and splash around. Perfect for tiny tots between 1 and 3 years old, it doesn’t require too much water to get the pool party started.
This kiddie pool is easy to transport for a day at the beach or a friend’s backyard. Its also the perfect size to double as a ball pit during the colder months.
Dimensions: 34 x 10 inches | Age Recommendation: 1 to 3 years old | Material: Vinyl | Water Capacity: 18 gallons
Aqua Leisure Tot Sunshade Pool With Canopy And Carry Bag In Turquoise/multi
If you have limited shade in your yard, the removable canopy on this pool offers some protection from the suns harmful rays, keeping your baby cool and comfy. This inflatable pool also conveniently folds to fit in a carry bag, so its also easy to transport and store. This pool spans about three feet in diameter, making it the perfect small swimming pool for babies and young toddlers. If your baby has older siblings or you want a pool that will grow with them, this might not be the best option. But its easy set-up and storage make it convenient for an afternoon of fun in the sun with your little one.
- Inflated size: 39 in diameter
- 1-year manufacturers warranty
Customer review:
Nice little pool for my 6 month old to splash around in and it doesnt take up much room. Hes still young so I sit next to him outside the pool and assist. Product recommends 2+ for this pool FYI. Enjoy some summer fun!-BuyBuyBaby review
Keep in mind:
This is a smaller-sized pool, so if you have multiple children, you may want to consider picking up a larger size instead, or reserving this for the baby only.
Cute Cool And Practical
Summer is here, and that means one thing: Pool season is upon us! Unfortunately, the majority of people arent blessed with a swimming pool of their own, which is why kiddie pools are so popular. Despite their name, these mini pools can often be used by the whole family, and many are even specifically geared toward adults and dogs. They come in all shapes and sizes, can be inflatable or plastic, and boast either simple setups or lots of bells and whistles. But they all serve the same purpose: to keep you cool in the comfort of your backyard all summer long, from the last day of school through the 4th of July fireworks and even up until Labor Day.
Weve rounded up the top-rated options for every person, purpose, and style, so all you have to do is click, buy, and wait for your delivery. Use your newfound free time to make sure youre fully stocked with the best bathing suits, beach towels, flip-flops, beach chairs, face sunscreens, sun hats, and sunglasses for the ultimate backyard bonanza.
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Why Do I Need To Be Worried About A Toxic Kiddie Pool
Parents are faced with so many choices for their children. Some decisions are as minor as whether or not to sign their five-year-old up for soccer over T-ball, while others have more long-lasting consequences when it comes to health.
The best choices we can make for our kids will keep them safe. Parents cannot prevent every scratch or bump or bruise , but the potential damage certain toxins can do to ones health over a long period of time can be more serious or long-lasting. Its impossible to avoid environmental toxins 100%, which is why its important for parents to focus on what they can control.
Both PVC and BPA two extremely common kiddie pool materialsare known to be damaging to childrens health. Using PVC products can lead to the ingestion of harmful chemicals, and BPA has been linked to cancer and is known to affect the brain and prostate gland in children.
Inflatable Pools We Like
Wirecutter doesnt formally test or recommend portable kiddie pools, but that doesnt mean our staffers dont like to splash around with their kids during their off-hours. These are the pools they have in their backyards .
A durable, spacious, good-enough pool
Play Day 120 Deluxe Family Pool
Ben Frumin, editor-in-chief
An easily assembled pool and water slide
Little Tikes Slam n Curve Slide
If you have both the space and a kid between the ages of 2 and 10, this Little Tikes Slam n Curve Slide is a satisfying and safe investment. We tried a couple of other smaller, underwhelming inflatable pool water slides and bouncy houses before finally going for this behemoth, and were glad we finally caved. My kids are obsessed with it, and we pull it out at least once a week. It is surprisingly easy to assemble and disassembleone parent can do it all alone, though the draining of the pool area is certainly easier with two sets of hands. We inflate the slide atop two extra-large, heavy-duty tarps to protect the slide from punctures and the grass from getting waterlogged.
Nancy Redd, senior staff writer
Small, affordable, and easy to empty
Christine Cyr Clisset, deputy editor
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Summer Waves Deep Sea Ocean Life Pool With 3d Goggles
Best for: Adventure seekers
This unique kiddie pool from Summer Waves is sure to inspire your little explorers. It takes its ocean-life theme to the next level with two pairs of included 3D goggles, which transform the bottom of the pool into a snorkeling session. Dont worryyou can check it out, too . Its a family-friendly size, large enough for two adults and a few kiddos. If this gets you in the mood to plan an actual trip, take a look at this list of mini family vacations that wont break the bank.
What Exactly Is A Kiddie Pool
Plastic inflatable pools come in all shapes and sizes, from super-tiny setups with barely enough room for two toddlers to enormous, semi-permanent pools that require a filter, chemicals, a large patch of flat land for setup, and ample storage space for the off-season. For this piece, were focusing specifically on smaller portable pools that hold up to 170 gallons or less because theyre typically cheaper, smaller, and easier to maintain than their behemoth counterparts.
Most inflatable plastic kiddie pools are made of polyvinyl chloride, commonly referred to as PVC or vinyl, which can be really difficult to recycle. And because most portable pools dont last beyond the summer , they often get chucked into the garbage.
If youd like to steer clear of vinyl kiddie pools altogether, a pool made of hard plastic is a good alternative. Because theyre not inflatable, durable plastic pools will last longer than their flimsier counterparts. With the right maintenance, they can last a few summers before they need to be replaced.
Inflatable pools quickly end up in the landfill, at least the kiddie kind, says senior editor Kalee Thompson. The advice Id give? Go to your local hardware store and pay $20 for the hard plastic one with fish on it.
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How Do You Store A Plastic Kiddie Pool
Once you have finished with the kiddie swimming pool for the season, you may decide to transform it into a sandbox for the kids to play in during the cooler months. But if you are not going to use it, give it a good final cleaning and make sure it is thoroughly dry before storing it in order to prevent mold and mildew. Because the hard plastic pools can take up a lot of space, consider purchasing some large/deep wall hooks for your garage, which can keep it off the floor and out of the way.
It seems protecting our children from harmful toxins and endocrine disruptors has become a full-time job! The best tip when it comes to finding a non-toxic kiddie pool for your little one is this: you are an amazing parent just for getting informed! Try not to let yourself get overwhelmed. Information is a powerful and you looking into these issues to protect your children will help to ensure their wellbeing for years to come!
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Kiddie Pools Need Daily Cleaning
Hard plastic pools hold a very small volume of water in comparison to a full-sized pool.
Also unlike a larger pool, its not necessary to add sanitizing chemicals to the water.
Are you looking for more than a kiddie pool? Check out our article on how to build an above ground pool deck!
As a result, the water inside of a hard plastic kiddie pool should be poured out after each use.
If not done, bacteria from the childrens bodies can build up in the water. Water that is left to sit outdoors can also be a breeding ground for mosquitoes.
Dont let your kids swim in mosquito egg-water wash your hard plastic kiddie pool after every use!
It may sound tedious to wash the pool after each use, but its quick and easy to do. Honestly, it doesnt take that long to refill a small pool.
Inflatable kiddie pools are also small enough to be emptied and cleaned after each use.
Dump or drain the water, then wipe down the empty pool with a solution of bleach and water . Make sure youre wearing rubber gloves while cleaning.
You can also use gentle dish detergent to cut through the dirt.
Its best to use one part bleach to five parts water when cleaning the swimming pool. You can also use white vinegar and water as an alternative to bleach.
After washing the pool, leave it to dry out in the sun for the next several hours, so it is good to go for another fun day of swimming.
If you do have a slide, clean the slide every day to keep bacteria away and keep everything clean.
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Keeping It Clean Keeps It Safe
Kiddie pools can morph from a fun summer escape to a slimy germ pit frighteningly fast. Unlike a traditional swimming pool, a small inflatable pool doesnt have the benefit of chemically treated water or a pump filter that clears debris and keeps the water circulating. Letting that water sit stagnant for days can attract mosquitoes, as well as encourage algae and bacteria growthall of which you probably dont want around your children.
The best way to keep your kiddie pool clean is to empty it at the end of every swim session. Heather Murphy, PhD, director of the Water, Health and Applied Microbiology Lab at Temple University, recommends thoroughly disinfecting the pool before leaving it to dry.
I would recommend cleaning with soap and water first to wash off any film, then spray with a chlorine disinfectant, she said. Let it sit for the suggested inactivation time on the cleaning product its often at least one minute. In order for the chlorine product to work and disinfect, the surface first needs to be as clean as possible.
Its important to keep your kids out of the pool if theyre feeling under the weather. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warns that the germs that cause diarrhea or vomiting spread easily in untreated water.
Inflatable Paddling Rectangular Family Pool
If you want a pool that the whole family can enjoy, this rectangular size is perfect for setting up on a deck or in your backyard. It obviously won’t be a full-on immersive experience, but it has plenty of space for the whole family to cool off in. This pool is specifically designed to be more sturdy and long-lasting than our standard kiddie pool, so it’s a good investment piece that you should be able to use for plenty of summers to come.
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Why Trust The Spruce
This article was written by , a writer who has been researching home products for The Spruce since 2017. She has extensive experience covering products for children, including toys and gifts. For this article, Julie considered budget, a child’s age, and several additional features, like slides and umbrellas.
Shop Big Lots For Pools Supplies & Accessories
Big Lots carries all of the pool products you need to make memories in your backyard. Our collections of above ground pools and kiddie pools will keep your kids busy and give you a place to retreat on a hot summer day. Our selection of pool toys and floats are perfect for relaxing or playing games with your friends and family. We also have the pool supplies and accessories to keep your pool clean and ready for use. Shop Big Lots for swim gear and beach towels, perfect for toweling off after a refreshing swim. Shop online and choose between in-store pick up or home delivery on select items.
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Teamson Kids Water Fun Inflatable Kids Castle Kiddie Pool
Um, can we get this in an adult size? This play castle doubles as a kiddie pool and comes complete with some pretty “royal” accessories, including built-in water sprinklers and not one, but two beach balls for tons of water fun. And as fun as it may be for your little prince or princess, we all know setting up inflatable toys isn’t always fun for parents, so fortunately, this kiddie pool also eases that inconvenience too, with an included pump to blow it up and three clear patches for any accidents that may happen along the way. Dimension: 85 x 82 x 82 inches.
While I have to say that this kiddie pool is so impressive and I am most definitely considering picking one up for my almost two-year-old, I can also say that as a mom of a toddler, the only potential issue I see with it is the sprinklerswhile they are tons of fun, it would be nice if you had the option to turn them off. Sprinklers are all good and grand until the baby gets splashed in the eye or slips and wipes out or gets angry because they cant stop them from spraying.
Must-know details:
- Dimensions: 85 x 82 x 82 inches
- Includes 2 beach balls
- Has 3 clear pool patches for repairs
- Recommended for ages 3 and up
Keep in mind:
Hard Plastic Kiddie Pool Tips
- Even though these pools hold a relatively small amount of water, children should still be supervised at all times.
- The size of a hard plastic kiddie pool must always be considered. While multiple pools can be purchased, some kids like to have all of their friends and family in the same pool. This can easily be done by supplying a large plastic pool. Kiddie pools these days are not only limited to the standard circular design. In fact, many of them come in interesting shapes like squares, rectangles, or ovals.
- Colored plastic combined with cool-looking imprints makes these pools appealing to children.
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What Is The Safe Way To Disinfect A Kiddie Pool
The CDC recommends using bleach to disinfect your kiddie pool, which is not a bad idea if a sick child has an accident in the pool or something like that. However, bleach can be toxic as well, so if youre just doing a basic cleaning, a non-toxic dish detergent will work just fine! Here are a few safe brands we recommend:
Simply squirt some soap into the pool, add a bit of fresh water from the hose, wipe it down with a rag, rise, and dump!
Inflatable And Plastic Kiddie Pools
Inflatable or plastic kiddie pools and inflatable water slides, with a small pool at the bottom, can bring fun to your summer. But they can also pose a drowning risk and spread germs that make children sick. Keeping a close eye on children when they are in the water and knowing how to properly clean the pool or water slide after theyve used it can help ensure a safe and healthy experience for everyone.
Germs can spread more easily in kiddie pools and water slides
Drowning occurs quickly and quietly
- Always closely supervise children when they are in or around water. Supervising adults should not be involved in any distracting activity, such as using their smartphone.
- State or local laws in your area might require fences or barriers around inflatable and plastic kiddie pools and water slides.
Small inflatable or plastic kiddie pools and water slides dont have the same protection against germs that a swimming pool, hot tub, or water playground do. Thats because it is unsafe to add germ-killing disinfectants, such as chlorine or bromine, to the water in kiddie pools and water slides.
It is not safe to use bleach or pool disinfectant in the water in small inflatable or plastic kiddie pools and water slides for a few reasons:
Because disinfectants are not added to the water, germs can spread more easily in small inflatable or plastic kiddie pools and water slides.
It is NOT safe to add disinfectant to water in small inflatable or plastic kiddie pools and water slides.
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Cool Down Without Leaving Home
We independently research, test, review, and recommend the bestproductslearn more about our process. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.
As summer approaches, invest in a kiddie pool thatll keep your children cool and entertained on hot, sticky days. The best options will last through the season, and depending on your kids’ ages, have add-on features to make play more exciting.
There are plenty of options to choose from, including pools with slides, pools especially for babies, and pools that can double as floaties. Be sure to choose one that is appropriate for your children’s age. For young toddlers, a smaller, more shallow pool is more suitable than an oversized option with a high water capacity. Make sure that the pool that you choose is durable and can hold up to your kiddos.
Here, our favorite kiddie pools for sunny summer days .
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Air pump needed
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No shade
This pool by Intex checks all the boxes. It has two wading pools, a water slide, and multiple activities to entertain the kids like ring toss, two ball games, and a built-in sprayer. It fits up to six kids and is best for swimmers ages 2 and up.
This play center is more than just your average kiddie pool. It will keep the kids occupied for hours on a sunny day and has plenty of added features at a budget-friendly price.
Dimensions: 117 x 76 x 53 inches | Age Recommendation: 2 to 7 years old | Material: Not Listed | Water Capacity: 54 gallons and 46 gallons
