The Best Inflatable Pools for a Backyard Fiesta of Fun
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Hesung Inflatable Pool -
Googo Inflatable Pool -
Airso Inflatable Pool -
Intex Inflatable Pool -
Mikikin Inflatable Pool -
Buyer's Guide
If you think inflatable pools are a one-season wonder, you’re highly mistaken. These instant pools aren’t only ideal for teaching kids to swim, cooling off in summer, and relaxing with a cocktail in hand, but they’re also perfect for cooler days when you upgrade to a heated pool. With warm water, you can relax under the stars when the sun goes down and the temperature drops.
Not only does an inflatable pool cost a fraction of an in-ground pool, but you can also upgrade it as your kids get older, take it with you when you move, place it in the sun or shade as you like, and avoid maintenance during seasons when it is not in use. Here are the most fun inflatable pools in 2022 to have a blast with your family in this summer.
Hesung Inflatable Pool
- Anti-UV material ensures lasting quality
- Extra thick PVC design to resist punctures
- Designed with three individual air chambers to prevent leaks
- Purchase does not include an air pump
Googo Inflatable Pool
- BPA-free material
- Purchase includes two repair patches
- Individual air chambers help prevent leaks
- Pump not included
Airso Inflatable Pool
- UV-resistant material ensures lasting quality
- BPA-free material
- Folds up for compact storage
- More expensive than the first two options
Intex Inflatable Pool
- Easy to assemble
- Folds up for compact storage
- Ideal size for a family
- Not suitable to set up on uneven or rough surfaces
Mikikin Inflatable Pool
- Lead-free and BPA-free material
- Folds up for compact storage
- Ideal size for a family
- Not suitable for setting up on sand, soil, or decks
Comparing the Most Fun Inflatable Pools of 2022
Hesung Inflatable Pool - Best Overall
With its no-nonsense appearance, large interior, and kid-safe design, this inflatable pool from Hesung takes the top spot on this list. It’s great for outdoor use on hot days or can be placed indoors and filled with plastic balls as a ball pool for even more enjoyment! Another reason you'll love this pool is for its saftey. It's BPA and lead-free and has a Children’s Product Certificate (CPC) for safe play. This pool is perfect for all members of the family, including the furry ones, which helps earn the Hesung Inflatable Pool the top slot on our list.
- Anti-UV material ensures lasting quality
- Extra thick PVC design to resist punctures
- Designed with three individual air chambers to prevent leaks
- Purchase does not include an air pump
Googo Inflatable Pool - Best for the Family
Googo’s high-strength PVC two-tone pool is a great choice for the whole family. It is CPC-certified for safety, and features a thickened bottom layer for a little extra comfort and protection. The design has two drainage plugs and a spout to make water drainage easy and prevent flooding your yard. Set up the dry pool inside as a reading pen or ball pool to keep the fun going.
- BPA-free material
- Purchase includes two repair patches
- Individual air chambers help prevent leaks
- Pump not included
Airso Inflatable Pool - Also Consider
This rectangular pool is a great size for family fun at an affordable price tag. It is designed with three individual air chambers which prevent the entire pool from collapsing should there be a leak. With stable outer walls and extra-thick PVC material to minimize the chance of punctures, this pool holds up well through hours of play. When it's time to store the pool, two large drainage valves make it easy to drain water quickly without flooding your yard. Remember to purchase an air pump separately, as this doesn’t come with an inflation method.
- UV-resistant material ensures lasting quality
- BPA-free material
- Folds up for compact storage
- More expensive than the first two options
Intex Inflatable Pool - Simple Design
Whether you need something simple to set up to cool down on a hot day or want to create the best indoor playpen for the kids, this pick comes in at a great price. This two-tone aqua and white design pool is made from durable 15 gauge vinyl. It features three air chambers which each have their own double valve intake to ensure the structure remains sturdy while you and your friends vibe in the pool.
- Easy to assemble
- Folds up for compact storage
- Ideal size for a family
- Not suitable to set up on uneven or rough surfaces
Mikikin Inflatable Pool - Most Versatile
Great for indoor or outdoor use as a toy pond, sand pit, ball pool, or swimming pool, this inflatable pool has a non-slip base with soft curved edges. Its exterior pattern design features an underwater world of fish and sea life, while the top rim is white to reflect heat. The clever inflatable design features a double leak-proof nozzle to prevent air from leaking out and three separate air chambers help to maintain the structure even if a leak occurs.
- Lead-free and BPA-free material
- Folds up for compact storage
- Ideal size for a family
- Not suitable for setting up on sand, soil, or decks
Buyer's Guide
Whether it’s for a staycation, a pool party, or to upgrade a family-friendly yard, having an inflatable pool is loads of fun. There are suitable sizes and designs for all ages and all yard types. To make sure your pool lasts through endless water fights and squirt gun standoffs, it's important to ensure you get a quality product that fits your yard layout. Here’s a rundown of everything you need to consider when choosing an inflatable pool.
Inflatable pool types
Although there are a variety of pools to choose from, the two main types are differentiated by their inflatable structure. Standard inflatable pools expand with air on all sides to maintain its structure, while other models inflate only around the top ring of the pool. As the pool is filled with water, its structure will expand and stabilize until it reaches its full height.
With a standard inflatable pool, you will need to ensure the structure is always properly inflated, although it does not have to be filled with water to hold its shape. However, top-ring inflation models will need to be kept filled with water to hold their full structure.
Size
The pool size you need will depend on the size your yard can accommodate and how many people will use the pool. The age of the users should also be considered, as a smaller pool will be much safer for toddlers and easier for you to maintain. If it is for adults and teens, you’ll need something significantly larger.
With size, don’t assume that the entire yard is suitable for the pool placement area. You'll need to consider the actual surface terrain and the fact you might have to level and smooth out surfaces that are too rough or sloped.
Depth
In relation to the pool size, you also need to consider its depth. A pool that is only 8 inches deep is ideal for toddlers, and a pool for young kids should not be deeper than their hip height. For adults and teens, a pool with a 3.3 foot depth is a good option. This size pool often comes with a ladder, which makes it easy to get in and out over the edge.
Material
Pool liners are made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) varying between 0.2 and 0.6 mm in thickness. Some large pools feature a reinforced lining that comprises two PVC layers with a polyester mesh lining which offers a good level of stability and tear resistance. If you are setting the pool up on a slightly bumpy surface, a reinforced lining is a must-have.
Equipment and accessories
While some inflatable pools come as a set with all the equipment needed for setup and maintenance, others include the pool liner and nothing else. If this is your first inflatable pool and you don’t yet have a ground mat or any maintenance products, get a unit that comes with additional accessories. Here's what to look for:
Ground mats
These are laid on the ground before inflating the pool to protect the bottom exterior of the pool.
Chlorine dispenser
This floating pod holds chlorine tablets to dissolve gradually. Check whether it includes chlorine tablets or if you need to buy them separately.
Filter system
Toddler-size pools don't require filter systems, but larger inflatable pools definitely benefit from them. While cartridge filtration systems are less expensive, they don’t last as long as sand filters. While sand filters are bulkier, they have a good filtering capacity.
Pool cover
Having a pool cover will make maintenance much easier by keeping out leaves, bugs, and other dirt when not in use.
Repair kit
Regardless of the pool size, get a repair kit to fix small punctures the moment they happen. Self-adhesive patches are the most convenient type.
Cleaning accessories
A pool brush and skimmer can help you easily scoop out leaves and clean the pool liner.
Ladder
Make it easy to get in and out of a deeper pool with a small ladder designed specifically for the pool height.
Water Analysis Kit
This will help you monitor the pH and chlorine levels of the water and is only necessary for larger pool sizes where you are using chlorine.
Inflatable pool FAQ
Q: How do you prepare the ground to install an inflatable pool?
A: Before setting up the pool, you need to level the ground and remove any stones, rocks, and other sharp or uneven objects. Fill any holes and lay down sand before placing the ground mat on top.
Q: Are inflatable pools safer for children than in-ground pools?
A: Regardless of the type of pool, children should never be left unattended. Pools that remain filled with water should be covered or have barriers in place to prevent access for little ones when not accompanied by an adult.
Q: How should I store a pool when not in use?
A: If you live in an area with extreme winters, pack away the pool to maintain its quality during the colder months. Drain out all the water, clean the liner with a manufacturer-recommended product, and let it dry completely before folding it up. Ideally, you want to store it in its original packaging in a frost-free area.
