three women in inflatable pool
8 Best Inflatable Pools to Turn Your Backyard Into a Cool Escape
Those cheap plastic pools we played in as kids aren't the only option out there. Shop these stylish (and durable) inflatable pool picks starting at just $27.
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Amid stay-at-home orders and public pool closures, inflatable pools exploded in popularity last summer as people searched for a respite from the sweltering heat in their own backyards. Although the outlook for this summer appears sunnier than last, many of us still won't be jetting off to crowded beachfront resorts anytime soon. To get your fix of sun and water, splashing around in your backyard might be your best bet.
Best Inflatable Pools for 2021
- Best Adult Inflatable Pool: Minnidip Pool That's Banana Leaves
- Best Inflatable Kiddie Pool: XFlated Watermelon Kiddie Pool
- Best Inflatable Pool with Filter: Intex Easy Set Round Inflatable Above Ground Pool
- Best Inflatable Family Pool: Sable Inflatable Pool
- Best Rectangle Inflatable Pool: BAKAM Auto Blow Up Family Full-Sized Pool
- Best Large Inflatable Pool: Intex Easy Set Inflatable Kid Family Swimming Pool with Filter Pump
- Best Inflatable Pool with Seats: Intex Kiddie Pool
- Best Small Inflatable Pool: Ban.do Red Heart-Shaped Inflatable Swimming Pool
If you're in the market for an inflatable pool, you'll discover many stylish options that will help you turn a patch of grass into a cool and relaxing oasis. (The cheap plastic pools we played in as kids aren't the only thing out there!) Here are some of our favorite inflatable pool picks, starting at just $27.
Credit: Courtesy of Target
Best Adult Inflatable Pool
A fun palm leaf pattern gives the standard kiddie pool a stylish upgrade. Measuring 5.5 feet wide, this inflatable pool is large enough to fit three adults and can be easily filled with air using a standard air pump or even a hairdryer set to cool. Just add margaritas for a tropical getaway in your own backyard!
Buy It: Minnidip Pool That's Banana Leaves ($43, Target)
Credit: Courtesy of Amazon
Best Inflatable Kiddie Pool
A colorful watermelon pattern adds extra fun to this inflatable kiddie pool. One Amazon review writes that it's easy to fill since it's a little smaller, which also makes it easier to clean. "Works perfectly for our two-year-old! Best part of summer is seeing how happy she is with it," they write. The 45-inch-wide pool comes with one repair patch so you can quickly fix an accidental puncture or tear.
Buy It: XFlated Watermelon Kiddie Pool, $27 (originally $60), Amazon
Credit: Courtesy of Target
Best Inflatable Pool with Filter
A cartridge filter pump helps improve water clarity and circulation in this inflatable pool. Some setup is required, but you can have it ready to fill with water in about 10 minutes. The 8-foot-wide pool has a water capacity of 513 gallons, which amounts to about an 18-inch water depth.
Buy It: Intex Easy Set Round Inflatable Above Ground Pool ($65, Target)
Credit: Courtesy of Amazon
Best Inflatable Family Pool
The entire family can splash around in this large inflatable pool, which measures about 10x6 feet. It inflates in roughly three minutes with an electric air pump (not included) and drains easily with two water valves. One of the nearly 3,500 five-star reviewers calls it "one of the best inflatable pools I've ever had. Made out of super durable materials, so I have no worries of it lasting a long time!"
Buy It: Sable Inflatable Pool ($80, Amazon)
Credit: Courtesy of Amazon
Best Rectangle Inflatable Pool
Simply press the auto-inflate button on this pool to have it ready for water in five minutes. The 5x8-foot size is ideal for two adults or four kids. A canopy sunshade stretches over one side to offer protection from UV rays.
Buy It: BAKAM Auto Blow Up Family Full-Sized Pool ($100, Amazon)
Credit: Courtesy of Target
Best Large Inflatable Pool
Measuring 15 feet wide with a 33-inch water depth, this inflatable pool is big enough to fit up to 8 people. To set it up, simply inflate the upper ring before filling the pool with water. An included filter pump helps keep the water clean and circulating.
Buy It: Intex Easy Set Inflatable Kid Family Swimming Pool with Filter Pump, $315 (originally $389), Target
Credit: Courtesy of Wayfair
Best Inflatable Pool with Seats
A built-in bench and headrest makes it easy to kick back and relax in this inflatable pool. At just over 7 feet wide, it holds 156 gallons (or about 2 feet) of water. One reviewer says it's "just right for 2 ladies sipping on wine with 3 small children splashing around."
Buy It: Intex Kiddie Pool ($134, Wayfair)
Credit: Courtesy of Amazon
Best Small Inflatable Pool
Bright red and shaped like a heart, this inflatable pool provides a sweet spot to cool off with a friend or two. At just under 6 feet across, the easy-to-inflate design is right-sized for up to three adults and 12 gallons of water. Or fill it with ice to use as a giant drinks cooler on a hot summer day.
Buy It: Ban.do Red Heart-Shaped Inflatable Swimming Pool ($86, Amazon)