The best paddling pools aren't necessarily the most expensive ones but picking a pool that will be a hit with the kids is tricky - so we've done all the research for you and put together this handy guide to help you choose the best paddling pool for your budget.
If you haven't already got your outdoor toys sorted, it's time to shake a leg before the summer really heats up. And no garden is complete during a sunny spell without a decent paddling pool.
The secret to choosing the best paddling pool is simple. First, think about how deep you need it to be. All children need to be supervised in the water, of course, but babies and younger children should be able to stand up in the paddling pool without being out of their depth. Older kids and teens, by contrast, are likely to want a pool that's big enough to actually have a go at swimming in, if space in your garden allows.
Secondly, think about how much maintenance you're prepared to do to keep your paddling pool clean and operational. In general, the bigger the pool, the more work is required to fill it and keep it free of leaves and bugs.
The paddling pools in this roundup are the best of the bunch. We've included everything from cheap paddling pools and pools with slides to paddling pools with sprinklers and even 8ft paddling pools. All you have to do is work out which is the best paddling pool for your garden and your budget.
Best kids paddling pools 2024
These are the best paddling pools to buy online in a range of sizes and shapes. Scroll down for the best cheap paddling pools, ones with slides, sprinklers and the best 8-foot paddling pools - all made with kids' safety and enjoyment in mind.
Pools with slides
This isn't so much a paddling pool but a water play centre! It includes a fun slide for kids, a sprinkler and a ball pit for loads of extra fun. We reckon it will be hard to get the kids out of this 8ft paddling pool at the end of the day as it's so much fun. Reviewers loved the look of the paddling pool the most, with one writing, "This paddling pool looks great, easy to set up, my kids absolutely love it. Very happy with the purchase. Definitely recommend". While the pump for this paddling pool isn't included, this kit does include a puncture repair kit and it comes with a one-year guarantee - so you can be sure the fun never stops. (3+)
This paddling pool with slide is the one to go for if you want a basic setup, but one that's full of colour and loads of fun. Unlike the others, it doesn't come with inflatable toys but it does have a safety ring around the edge, a rainbow slide, and an inflatable palm tree. The palm tree can help little ones get in and out of the pool on their own or support them as they scale up the slide, while the grommets on the slide mean it's fully adjustable but safe to use each and every time. When it comes to quality, this is one of the best paddling pool deals we've found.
This paddling pool is sure to be a hit with the whole family, especially in a heatwave. Youngsters will love all the fun features and there's loads of room for adults to get in as well. The slide is attached to the pool securely with tie ropes and grommets, making it safe for children who love to clamber and climb as well as splash around. The water spray feature is a great attachment and links up to a standard garden hose, so no need to buy more equipment. We love that this one comes with additional inflatable toys too, including a ring set to try and hoop onto the shark or the palm tree and plastic balls to roll down the slide. (3+)
Baby paddling pools
This two-ring puncture-resistant pool is the perfect budget-friendly paddling pool - especially if you prefer a stylish summer vibe in your garden. It's particularly great for smaller children and toddlers and it's optimal for last-minute sunny afternoons as well, since it takes minutes to inflate and fill up. And in the winter you can turn this paddling pool into an indoor soft play area by filling it with lightweight plastic balls. Bonus! (2+)
If you’re after a paddling pool with some serious style credentials, how about this cute leopard print number? With a water capacity of 60 litres, this pool is a great option for younger children who fancy a quick splash or just want a few centimetres to cool off in. It’s easy to inflate and store, making this is a great low-fuss choice. (3+)
With an adorable unicorn-style sun canopy to protect little ones from direct sunlight, this is hands-down the best paddling pool for babies. It even has a soft cushioned base for extra comfort. Just add water!
Family paddling pools
This is a pool for the whole family, with four handy inflatable seats for when you're all ready to relax. There are even two handy drink holders! There's also a convenient drain plug in the floor to get rid of the water when you're finished, too. One customer wrote in the review of this pool, "Great for a laugh in the summer with the kids. Spacious and comfy, the beer holders.....oops drinks holders are a nice touch!" (3+)
The perfect paddling pool if you're short on space, this has transparent sides infused with shimmering glitter for a summer festival feel when the water and sunshine make it sparkle! We love the cute shell shape - it's giving on-trend mermaid vibes - and it's super quick and easy to inflate and deflate for hassle-free storage. A fun one for siblings to enjoy together.
This 9ft paddling pool might come without the fancy sprinklers and exciting extras you get on many paddling pools, but its massive size means there’s plenty of fun to be had. It has a capacity of 778 litres but, remarkably, only takes 10 minutes to inflate and 15 minutes to fill. What’s more, when you’ve done with splashing around, it can also be filled with sand and used as a sand pit – so you can have a swim before hitting the beach! (6+)
Paddling pools with sprinklers
While this sprinkler may not be attached to its own pool, it's a great option for a sprinkler in the garden this summer. Coming from the top of a 6-foot rainbow, it's full of fun and suitable for kids of all ages. The sprinklers spray water from three different angles, ensuring everyone running under this toy is properly cooled off as well. But when it comes to inflatables, safety is important and this toy is designed to be a hassle-free treat for both parents and children. The base is filled with water so it definitely won't topple over on little ones and the sprinklers attach to a standard garden hose for convenience. (3+)
This non-slip sprinkler mat has 24 holes that squirt water up to 4ft into the air, the perfect height for kids. It comes with a non-slip mat to avoid accidents and is easy to set up – you just connect the water intake valve to a garden hose. One reviewer raved: “This product is absolutely brilliant! Made of sturdy flexible material and even better, it doesn’t need inflating! The water inflates the rim, so no huffing and puffing to blow it up. As the rim inflates, the water then squirts out of the holes in the rim to form the fountains.” What more could you ask for a hot day?
For the real sprinkler experience, this paddling pool is unbeatable! Set up like a classical fountain and just a little over £50, this is definitely one - if not the best - paddling pools we've seen this year. Little ones who love mermaids will definitely love this pool, with its incredible mermaid design and unique splash pad. You can even change the direction of the water coming out of the sprinkler by wiggling the tail - cue fun for the whole family! About four toddlers can play together in this paddling pool. The supportive ring, base, and sides are all made from thick and durable PVC, it comes with a sturdy water valve and has a tight connection in the material, so you can be sure this one lasts for at least a few years. (3+)
What to look for when choosing a paddling pool
Not all paddling pools are made equal, here's what to look out for when buying a paddling pool...
- Is it safe? Children should be in the paddling pool with undistracted adult supervision at all times. According to the Royal Lifesaving Society, children can drown in as little as 2cm of water. However, some paddling pools come with other features that make them a lot safer than others. If the paddling pool comes with a slide attachment, rather than being in-built, make sure the kit also comes with tie ropes and grommets. The grommets attach to the bottom of the paddling pool, the small ropes are linked to them and the slide. These two pieces prevent the slide from moving around as children clamber up and down the inflatable.
It's also important to buy the right size paddling pool for the age of your child. While many manufacturers recommend paddling pools for those age 3 years and up, others suggest their paddling pools are only suitable for those aged 6 and over. This is often to do with the size of the pool and the height of the safety barrier. Pools made especially for toddlers will often be very shallow with a low safety barrier, so they can get out of the pool when they want to. For older children, the water in the paddling pool should not be higher than their waist at any time.
Ensure that stand-alone paddling pool accessories are either tied securely to the pool itself or are filled at the base so they don't topple over. - What size should you buy? It's always important to leave at least a 1 metre gap between your paddling pool and any objects. This will allow enough space for children to get in and out of the pool safely.
Consider how much of your garden you want the pool to take up. Before buying a pool, measure the space you want your paddling pool to go in. If you have a 10ft space for a paddling pool, opt for an 8ft paddling pool rather than a 9ft to be on the safe side.
In the winter time, you'll have to wrap up the paddling pool and store it somewhere ready for next summer. So, it's also important to consider how much space you have indoors to store the pool as well. - Where will you use the paddling pool? As well as size, it's also important to consider the ground that you're putting the paddling pool on. If it's grass, then you're probably fine. But if you have a paved back garden or outdoor space, consider buying a paddling pool that comes with a ground mat - or buy one separately. This will prevent the paddling pool from ripping on the concrete.
- Does it come with a puncture repair kit and a pump? Many paddling pools come with their own puncture repair kit. However, it may not if you're opting for a cheaper model. Consider the price difference between a higher quality paddling pool with a puncture repair kit and a cheaper one where you have to buy one separately.
Also, many paddling pools of all kinds don't come with their own pump. Most of the time, you'll have to buy a paddling pool pump separately. Luckily, they're a handy thing to have around - especially if you've got lots of inflatables in the garden this summer.
Keeping paddling pool water clean: how do I keep the pool clean?
So how can you keep your paddling pool water clean? One easy way to do so is to buy a paddling pool with a filter. We've included a few great options below. This can rid your pool of debris and keep water circulation going, to avoid any scummy build-up.
Another simple way to keep the water clean is to buy both a pool cover and a pool-scooping net. Pop a cover on the pool when you're not using it. Overnight, to prevent you from waking up the next day to flies, bugs, leaves, and all sorts in the pool. This affordable pool cover option from Amazon for a rectangle pool is ideal. Or, you could use your own tarpaulin to create a cover yourself.
There are plenty of scooping nets available for pools too. These allow you to regularly maintain their cleanliness throughout the day. This handheld £3.58 option is a great choice, or this £14 one from Amazon.
While kids might love outdoor toys and grown-ups might prefer to fill the space with nature, a paddling pool is a great mix of both and allows for hours of fun for the whole family with very little clean-up required.
Although, we also find that even the biggest kids (read: grown-ups) enjoy making a wave on a particularly hot afternoon.
Looking for more shopping inspiration? Check out 25 best outdoor toys and games for kids of all ages and 20 trendiest toys for outdoor fun this summer.
