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- Kiddie pools come in all shapes and sizes.
- Despite their name, grown-ups can use many of them, too.
- We found some classic inflatable options and ones that are a little sturdier.
Many people view summer as the ideal time to sit by the pool and relax. That's true even if your pool is only a few feet in diameter and requires inflating.
Despite their name, kiddie pools do come in adult sizing, too. Recently, a few companies have started manufacturing more grown-up versions of the summertime favorite. They're a little roomier with more sophisticated patterns.
We found options for almost everyone, toddlers and older. There are the usual inflatable pools and some that don't require blowing up at all.
Pools both adults and kids can enjoy
If you're planning to fit adults in your pool, you'll want something that is at least 60 inches in diameter. These pools fit the bill and also feature more "grown-up" patterns.
An undeniably stylish pool
Mylle Modern Inflatable Swimming Pool, $74.75 from Food52
Mylle's vinyl pools have a more sophisticated look than a typical kiddie pool, with a few patterns available. At 65 inches in diameter, two adults should be able to comfortably fit.
A spacious, heart-shaped pool
Ban.do Heart-Shaped Inflatable Pool, $85 from Nordstrom
There's room in Ban.do's heart-shaped pool for two to three adults. It's made of vinyl and measures 70 by 63 inches with 24-inch sides.
An elegant option
Point Lobos Inflatable Pool, $159 from Pottery Barn
Leave it to Pottery Barn to sell a chic PVC pool. At 63 by 71 inches, it's plenty roomy for adults.
More grown-up patterns
Funboy Giant Inflatable Swimming Pool, $59 from Amazon
Funboy's vinyl pools come in several fun (less kid-centric) patterns. They're 66 inches in diameter and 18 inches tall.
Made of sturdy stuff
Wellfor Kiddie Pool, $89.99 from Lowe's
Made of medium-density fiberboard for rigidity and covered in PVC, Wellfor's pool is meant to be durable enough for kids and pets. It's 63 inches in diameter with 12-inch sides.
Pools for families
Pools for families are big enough to fit several kids of different ages and maybe also an adult or two. A good starting size for a family pool is about 100 inches, or 8 feet.
The splash and slide
Little Tikes Slam 'n' Curve Slide, $348 from Amazon
This over-the-top water slide from Little Tikes is 168 by 108 inches and is made of vinyl. There's an 84-inch-tall slide that lands in a pool of water, plus a basketball hoop for added shenanigans.
A pool with plenty of room for friends
Intex Snorkel Fun Swim Center Pool, $27.99 from Amazon
With spacious dimensions (103 by 63 inches and 18 inches tall), this vinyl Intex pool is spacious enough for several kids.
Made in the shade
Bestway Fruit Splash in Shade Spray Kiddie Pool, $117.76 from The Home Depot
Bestway's 8-foot-by-20-inch pool is one of the biggest on our list and fits four children. It's made of PVC and polyester and includes a canopy for some sun protection.
Pools for little kids
Pools that are smaller than 60 inches or particularly shallow are primarily for little kids. Pay attention to the age limit on the pool if you're looking to buy for toddlers.
A baby-sized pool
Intex Rainbow Cloud Inflatable Baby Pool, $14.79 from Amazon
Suitable for kids as young as 12 months, Intex's baby pool is made of PVC and measures 56 by 47 inches. A rainbow arches over the cloud-shaped pool.
Bright, basic pools in cute themes
iBaseToy Kiddie Pool, $13.59 from Amazon
At 47 inches in diameter and 11 inches tall, the iBaseToy pool is bit smaller than some of the other options on this list but should still fit a couple of kids. It's made of PVC and comes in several fun patterns, including donut and unicorn themes.
One with a bit of cushion
Akaso Inflatable Swimming Pool, $22.94 from Amazon
This 56-inch PVC pool from Akaso is 13 inches tall. There are bubbles on the bottom of the pool for a bit of cushion when the pool sits on a hard surface.
The dinosaur fan's option
Sun Squad Dino Spray Pool, $20 from Target
If you're looking for something that's fairly shallow, the Sun Squad Dino Spray Pool only holds 25 gallons of water in its 62-inch diameter pool. It's made of PVC and attaches to a hose so water spurts out of the dinosaur's nose.
Something less prone to popping
HearthSong SunShade Pop-Up Pool, $49.98 from HearthSong
The HearthSong SunShade is best for a single size because of its 36-inch diameter. It's made of polyester and comes with a canopy to help shield the swimmer from sun.
Something for those all a-spout a sprinkler-pool combo
Intex Inflatable Whale Spray Kiddie Pool, $26.99 from Target
A cute choice for a pool-and-sprinkler combo, Intex's whale pool is made of vinyl and measures 79 by 77 inches and is 36 inches high. The whale's tail doubles as a sprinkler. It's large enough for an adult and two kids.
For those that prefer things a little square
Intex Mini-Frame Kiddie Pool, $38.99 from Target
Made of durable vinyl and a steel frame, Intex's pool is 48 by 48 inches and 12 inches high. It's designed for kids three and up.
A no-frills plastic pool
Summer Escapes Round Plastic Wading Pool, $12.99 from Ace Hardware
It's a classic for a reason. Summer Escapes' 45-by-6-inch polyethylene plastic pool is more durable than inflated versions and is designed for kids three and up.
A fanciful unicorn (and a rainbow shade)
Intex Unicorn Swimming Pool, $23.79 from Target
Suitable for kids aged one to three, this 40-inch unicorn pool from Intex is meant for solo baby bathers. The rainbow cover provides a bit of shade from the sun.
An adorable plastic option
H2O Elephant Round Plastic Wading Pool, $54.99 from Ace Hardware
Five feet in diameter and 12 inches tall, the H20 Elephant pool is a cute twist on the standard polyethylene plastic pool. The elephant's trunk tuns into a sprinkler when you hook up a hose.
Pools for dogs
Even Fido wants to join in on the summer fun. These pools are designed to be durable enough to hold an active dog and maybe a kid or two.
The dog's bathtub
Alvantor Kids Pool and Dog Bathing Tub, $108.54 from Lowe's
Who says kids can't have fun in pool meant for dogs? The oxford cloth and PVC backing give the 60-inch pool durability, and it folds down for more compact storage.
The pooch's paradise
Minnidip Pup Dip That's Banana Leaves Dog Pool, $44.99 from Target
A very pretty (and durable) option designed for dogs from Minnidip, this PVC pool pops up when you're ready to fill it. It's 48 inches in diameter and 12 inches tall, so it's not as large as something made for multiple kids.
Kiddie pool FAQs
Are kiddie pools safe?
There are a few ways kiddie pools can be dangerous, including drowning risks, germs, and mosquitoes.
Don't leave children unattended when they're playing near the pool, and drain it when it's not in use. (Mosquitoes like standing water, so you'll want to keep your pool dry for that reason, too.) The Centers for Disease Control has tips for washing inflatable pools to help prevent the spread of germs.
How do I keep my pool from popping?
There's no doubt that inflatable pools are prone to punctures. Before blowing it up, make sure the area beneath it is free of sharp stones and sticks.
You'll also want to pay attention to capacity limits and instructions about how much you should inflate the pool. Most pools come with a few patches for minor repairs.
If you're planning on letting your dog play in the pool, you'll want to look for something made to withstand their claws.
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