Best paddling pools 2024: inflatable options for kids and adults
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The great British summer is nearly here, and while we can say for certain that the climate is usually questionable, forecasts predict that the UK is in store for some very balmy temperatures indeed.
With a slew of summer weekends on their way offering plenty of opportunities for enjoying your outdoor space, now’s the perfect time to think about investing in some pieces to heighten your leisure time. From al fresco dining to reclining in a hot tub, we’re all about mimicking that exclusive resort feel for less.
Of course, not everyone has the space or inclination to install a hot tub in their backyard. But there are other ways to enjoy a refreshing soak when the mercury soars: paddling pools.
They’re not just for kids either - some models are designed for adult-only use, complete with built-in drinks holders and lumbar support to keep you cool as well as comfortable. Fully inflatable, they pack down for easy storage when not in use.
We’ve rounded up some of the best options for children and adults alike in preparation for highly anticipated tropical temperatures this summer.
See our favourites below
H2O Mount Splashmore Water Park
Dimensions: 2.57m x 1.45m x 91cm
Less paddling pool, more mini water park, this design promises hours of delight in the safety of your garden. The inflatable pool comes with a built-in slide (with mesh guards at the top to stop little ones tumbling off), a climbing wall with rope, sprinklers and water blasters making for endless hours of splashing fun.
Intex Whale Spray Pool
Dimensions: 201 x 196 x 91cm
Standby for a whale of a time in this cute pool made for kids aged 2+. Attach it to a garden hose and watch the little ones shriek with joy as the tail douses them with a fine spray.
Inflatable Pirate Ship
Dimensions: W160 x H133 x D340cm
Say ahoy to this nautical-themed paddling pool, which sets kids on a course towards pirate-inspired adventures.
Built for hours of swashbuckling fun, features include a turnable inflatable steering wheel, an inflatable cannon with a hose connection for spraying water and a pair of inflatable swords for their imaginary voyage on the high seas.
It holds 460 litres and takes just 20 minutes to get up and running. Suitable for children aged 3+.
Intex 58448NP Watermelon Pool
Dimensions: 168 x 38 cm
If you’re after a paddling pool with bags of juicy style, look no further than Amazon, where you can pick up this watermelon-themed design with Prime delivery. The inflatable pool is designed for the young (and the young at heart) and uses three valves to get it inflated in double quick time. Too cold for a splash? Fill it with balls instead to create a ball pit of your very own.
Foldable Pet Bath Tub
Dimensions: 80 x 76.2 x 30cm
It’s easy to forget that when the weather warms up, your pets need to cool off too. Let them join in the paddling pool fun with this purpose-built pool that’s ideal for small to medium-sized dogs. No inflating required here, the durable PVC sections fold up to create a watertight enclosure for your pets with a built in plug on the side for easy drainage.
Swim Essentials Inflatable Rainbow Paddling Pool
Dimensions:30 x 150 x 150cm
All the bright and blazing colours of the rainbow feature on this nflatable paddling pool. The simple but generous design can be filled with water, or add balls to make a fun ball pit for your little ones.
SUNNYLIFE The Greek Eye inflatable pool 160cm
Dimensions: H130 x L160 x D39cm
Grab your two favourite people for an afternoon of talking nonsense from the comfort of your all-seeing eye-shaped inflatable pool. Complete with gold-coloured eyelashes, this cool pool can fit three adults within - or two if you add a drinks cooler.
Intex 7.5ft Swim Centre Round Family Pool with Chair
Dimensions: 229 x 218 x 76cm
If it’s the lounging life you’re after, this pool has it in spades. The blow-up design features high edges and bench-style seating for up to three to sit in the 640L compartment in style. A match XL headrest and an integrated cup holder on either side finish the look. There’s plenty of space in the front for splashing about too.
Bestway Family Pool, rectangular pool for children
Dimensions: 175 x 51 x 262cm
Simple but effective, especially when you throw a few inflatables in, kids will adore splashing around in this 175 x 51 x 262cm inflatable pool when the heat rises. Made from hardwearing vinyl, simply inflate and throw your garden hose in until the water hits the right level, and away you go.
Summer Waves Inflatable Flamingo Pool
Dimensions: H51cm. Dia. 1.8m
Get the OOO feel without the need for a boarding pass or battling lengthy queues at Heathrow. This ridiculous flamingo-shaped pool is here to make all your summer dreams come true with plenty of space to fit up to three excitable bathers. It’s not all about aesthetics either (although there’s no ignoring that arching bright pink head); the tail becomes a water fountain too, upping the fun levels. Make yourself a cocktail and sink right in.
Bestway Swimming Pool Steel Pro Frame
Dimensions: 305 x 66cm
When faced with such rising temperatures, investing in this steel-frame swimming pool is the wisest move you’ll make all summer. Set it on level ground and fill it with up to 4062L of water for plenty of fun in the sun.
When cooler temperatures arrive, you could turn this into a ball pit and keep the good times rolling for longer.
Comes with a two-year guarantee.
Sunnylife Kiddy Pool Shell
Dimensions: 120 x 100 x 77cm
For babies who want to be out and about this summer, we love this PVC option from leading inflatables company Sunnylife. The shallow pool comes with a hood to offer shady protection when the sun is particularly intense.