The best inflatable pools are always hot commodities in the summer, often selling out in a matter of days once temperatures start to rise. We figure now’s the best time to get on the search, so you can cultivate resort-like living in your own backyard without having to settle for a toddler-size inflatable kiddie pool. (A sprinkler, we all have to admit, just doesn’t replace a pool party.)
Luckily, we found lots of different options when it comes to creating your own backyard oasis, even for those who are short on space. Want to soak in the sun on your own? Look for an inflatable bathtub design. Want to start a trend of weekly pool get-togethers? Make sure you opt for something big, sturdy, and equipped with a good filter. With so many options on the market, there’s never been a better time to find the right pool for your summertime situation. Whether you’re looking for something to sit in solo or an option with enough room to accommodate your entire family, just follow these pro tips: Choose a flat surface and invest in pool toys or pool floats with coasters or, barring those, a small cocktail-height table so a refreshing drink is always within reach. And don’t forget the sunscreen.
We scoured the internet for all kinds of designs, including special pools with built-in cupholders and another that features a playful scalloped shape. Ahead, you’ll find the best inflatable pool options that bring vacation life to you with the help of a garden hose.
Funboy’s inflatable pools—available in a range of cheery prints—are designed with adults in mind, comfortably fitting up to two adults (or several kids) at once. When it’s not being used for swimming, try filling it with ice to use as a cooler at your next barbecue or turn it into a ball pit for kids. Plus, the PVC material makes it easy to clean and pack for storage when the season is over.
Intex makes some of the best kiddie pools you can buy online, owing to their generous size, ease of inflation, and budget-friendly price tag. This extra large model can fit the entire family comfortably, and, according to reviewers, stay fully inflated for up to a week. “It can seat [three to four] adults, but I just use mine as my own private sensory deprivation vehicle for the North Carolina summers, and I more or less swear by it,” one five-star reviewer writes.
This inflatable, heart-shaped pool is made of heavyweight vinyl that easily fits up to three adults. It’s also two-feet deep (deeper than several pools on this list), making it much more comfortable for those who prefer to recline. “You feel like you’re in a real pool,” one five-star reviewer (of many) writes, “plus, the sides are tall enough to lean against. It’s a great addition to my backyard beach in the city.” In case your pool develops any holes or tears, it also comes with a handy patch repair kit.
This translucent model from &Sunday proves that a decently sized kiddie pool doesn’t have to be an eyesore. All of the brand’s minimalist kiddie pools have a space-saving half-moon shape and and are made with extra-thick PVC that can be patched with the included repair kit. (Plus, shipping from Canada is only $10).
The fast setup is a real draw for this one—you can go from empty space to a backyard pool full of water in an hour. For the quickest results, purchase an air pump. The construction is durable and tear-resistant, plus the filter pump will keep it squeaky clean.
The next inflatable option on our list is this blow-up pool with a canopy that’ll provide some relief if sun exposure is something you’re worried about (for yourself or your kids). The plastic canopy shields you from the sun’s rays with UPF 50+ protection and can be fully removed when you’re looking to soak in the sun.
If a pool party is your dream, you might as well make it festive. This inflatable pool has a secret water feature…okay, we’ll spoil it. The palm tree sprays water—all the more entertaining when you’ve got a group of people looking for some fun.
At 60-inches wide, this PVC kiddie pool can fit one adult reclined,or two adults sitting upright. (We think the spaceship design looks more architectural than anything else.) Should you happen to have a projector, one reviewer recommends filling the empty pools with pillows for an outdoor movie night.
There’s a very distinct reason why Mylle inflatable pools don’t look like the others on the market: When fashion stylist Kris Myllenbeck couldn’t find anything sophisticated for her summer splashing, she created the brand particularly for design lovers like herself. The double-ring donut pools come in several design-forward patterns and colors, including this green speckled one from the brand’s collaboration with Food52.
Marry two iconic summertime activities with this option from Intex: chilling in the pool and shooting some hoops. Not only is it a great option if you have younger swimmers with lots of energy, but it also offers a fun challenge for pool party goers after a drink or two.
With just enough room for one person to lounge in the sun, this is a great option for those with tiny big-city apartments. There’s a cup holder waiting for your favorite drink and a drain for a quick takedown, making it one of our top picks.
This perfect splash pool comes with a pump and a built-in chlorinator so you won’t miss out on that familiar pool-water smell. The only thing that’s missing? A waterslide.
If you’re looking for a heavy-duty pool that’s sturdy enough for the whole family, this 15-foot option from Intex truly comes with it all, including a pool ladder, ground cloth, and filter pump.
There are two reasons why this pool may appeal to you more than other: You want something that feels like a real pool without the financial commitment of one, or you absolutely hate waiting for a pool to inflate. Both are valid. This option from Bestway is sturdy, plus it has a dispenser that evenly distributes chlorine throughout the water. A seal and lock system keeps the walls from sagging.
Should you need even more space, the 88-inch-long Summer Waves Family Pool comes outfitted with all the bells and whistles, including four ergonomic headrests, four raised seats, and two cup holders. It has a two-in-one valve for inflation and deflation and is made from puncture-resistant PVC that will last for summers to come.
Another classic option, the Soarrucy pool has more than 1,000 positive reviews. It features three individual air chambers and valves for seamless inflation and deflation and is 120 x 120 x 30 inches.
Billed as The Original Adult Kiddie Pool, Minnidip makes an easy-to-inflate (you can use a hair dryer!), chicly scalloped wading pool for the fashion set. With its 125-gallon water capacity, it’s better suited for cooling off than swimming laps, but it’ll definitely bring the temperature down while looking great.
In an offbeat orange, this totally portable inflatable (not that it looks like it) pool comes with a built-in pump and snap-on, snap-off lid. Note that this is designed to be a hot tub—complete with bubbles!
This rectangular pool—which has a simple twist-off drain cap and easily folds up—is roomy enough for a human and a dog. Choose a blue or gray high-grade industrial-strength exterior, sturdy enough for a rough-and-tumble pup.
