11 Kiddie Pools to Keep Children, Dogs, and Adults Cool This Summer
Updated: Apr. 15, 2024
Who says kiddie pools are just for kids? These backyard must-haves are perfect for anyone who needs a break from the summer heat.
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Cute, cool, and practical
Summer is here, and that means one thing: Pool season is upon us! Unfortunately, the majority of people aren’t 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.
We’ve 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 you’re fully stocked with the best bathing suits, beach towels, flip-flops, beach chairs, face sunscreens, sun hats, and sunglasses for the ultimate backyard bonanza.
via Walmart.com
Homech Family Inflatable Pool
Best for: The whole family
This roomy inflatable pool is one of Amazon’s best-selling and most well-rated models, boasting more than 7,000 five-star reviews—which explains why it’s currently sold out on the site. Don’t worry, though: You can still snag it on Walmart, and you’ll be glad you did. It’s big enough to accommodate two adults and two to three kids, and reviewers say it’s much more durable than similar models and inflates in minutes with an electric pump. And no, you don’t need a kid to buy this. Verified Amazon reviewer Emily S. writes, “This is exactly what I wanted! I don’t have children; I just wanted access to water while laying out to tan on my back deck, and I would encourage anyone who wants an inflatable pool to buy this one!” Bonus: It comes with two repair patches, so if you get an accidental tear, all is not lost.
via target.com
Minnidip That’s Bananas Leaves Pool
Best for: Millennials
Minnidip is famous for its super fun adult kiddie pools that come in pretty much every on-trend pattern under the sun. This banana-leaf print is perfect for your backyard soiree with a few close friends and will also provide a great photo opp for all.
via funboy.com
Funboy Ibiza Bohemia Kiddie Pool
Best for:Â Your Instagram photos
Funboy is another brand famous for making all of those adult pools and other inflatables you always see on Instagram (think rainbow floats and inflatable drink coolers). If your aesthetic is boho, this mystical print inflatable is a must-have. It fits two adults or multiple kids comfortably.
via amazon.com
Intex Crystal Blue Inflatable Pool
Best for: Those on a budget
If you’re looking to spend as little as possible and you don’t need anything fancy, this popular inflatable pool from Intex may be your best bet. Retailing for less than $13, it gets the job done. Many Amazon reviewers also attest that it is the perfect dog pool, and one even suggests turning it into a ball pit for kids in the off-season. Talk about a multitasker! If your pup loves the water, you might also want to take a field trip to one of these dog-friendly beaches.
via chewy.com
Frisco Outdoor Dog Pool
Best for: Dogs
While you can technically use a kiddie pool as a dog pool, this flamingo-adorned option from Frisco specifically caters to canines. Because dogs have sharp nails, it’s designed to be more durable. And another bonus: It doesn’t even need to be inflated. Simply unfold it and fill with clean water. Post swim session, twist off the cap to drain the water, allow it to dry off, and fold it back up. This makes an excellent gift for dog lovers.
Jasonwell Foldable Dog and Kiddie Pool
Best for: Dogs and kids who love to be together
Fact: Dogs love to swim with their children. Just ask the parents who’ve gone through multiple kiddie pools due to their pups hopping in and puncturing the PVC. Jasonwell’s foldable dog pool is a great solution for families with both human kids and furry ones. But don’t take our word for it: Trust the 17,000-plus reviewers on Amazon who gave it truly glowing five-star reviews. It’s made out of extra-tough PVC, doesn’t need to be inflated, has slip-resistant material on the bottom, and folds up easily for compact storage. Plus, it comes in a variety of sizes, from 32 inches to a whopping 55 inches, so you can find exactly what you need for your family. Before you buy, you might also want to check out these pet products owners say they can’t live without.
via target.com
Sun Squad Rainbow Play Center
Best for: Families who want a play center
It doesn’t get much cuter than this—or more practical. This 75-inch-long, rainbow-themed kiddie pool, which comes complete with a slide and water sprayer (it hooks up to your garden hose), will keep the littles entertained for hours. Plus, it’ll provide the perfect backdrop for smiling-kid photos. Just don’t be surprised when your backyard is the destination for all the neighborhood children.
via funboy.com
Funboy x Malibu Barbie Dream Kiddie Pool
Best for: The young at heart
If you grew up fantasizing about owning your very own Barbie Dream House someday, this Barbie-themed inflatable from Funboy is a must-buy. With a 66-inch diameter, this pretty-in-pink pool is large enough for two adults or multiple kids. You’ll also love the integrated drain plug for rapid inflating and deflating.
via acehardware.com
Intex 12 Gallon Inflatable Pool
Best for: Kids under two
This affordable inflatable pool from Intex is perfect for the littlest of water babies since it’s incredibly shallow. It’s not deep enough for them to swim, but they can safely splash around. An added bonus? The cute pineapple cover provides ample shade to protect their delicate skin.
via Walmart.com
Starplay Junior Sunflower Pool
Best for: Those who want a hard plastic option
Maybe you don’t want to deal with the hassle of inflating and deflating a pool, or perhaps you’re worried about a pet or animal puncturing an inflatable version. Either way, this hard plastic kiddie pool from Starplay is lightweight, easy to carry and clean, and ready to fill with water (or even balls or sand!) at your convenience.
via target.com
Summer Waves Deep Sea Ocean Life Pool with 3D Goggles
Best for:Â 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. Don’t worry—you can check it out, too (if your kids let you have a turn, that is). It’s 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 won’t break the bank.
Originally Published: June 28, 2021
