The 10 Best Baby Pools
This wiki has been updated 22 times since it was first published in March of 2018. Nothing beats a cool dip on a hot summer day, and these baby pools are great for introducing kids to water and providing hours of fun in the sun. Our list includes both rigid and inflatable models, and some come with features like slides and sprinklers. Of course, you should never leave your child unattended when using one of these, even for a few seconds, as drowning is a constant risk. When users buy our independently chosen editorial selections, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.
1. Intex Lazy Shade
2. Step2 Play and Shade
3. EverEarth E Lite
Editor's Notes
May 14, 2020:
These baby pools are a great way to have some fun in the sun and cool off on hot summer days. Many are quick and easy to set up, so just outfit your little one in his or her swimsuit, put on some sunscreen, and head outside. Today we added in the Intex Sunset Glow, which is a basic, yet reliable model you can’t go wrong with. It’s got three brightly colored rings stacked together, and everything inflates, including the floor, for your little one’s comfort. For a larger setup from the same manufacturer, check out the Intex Dinosaur Play Center, which features a fun prehistoric theme that includes a volcano slide and a hungry dinosaur ball game. If you want to cool down even more, head over to the palm tree sprayer. A similar model, but with a refreshing fruit theme, is the Intex Fun 'n Fruity, which also has a slide, as well blow-up pieces of fruit, one of which holds several colorful balls you can remove and play with. Behind the slide is a shallower section that’s well suited for young tots.
We also added in the Little Tikes Crab Shade Pool, which is great for helping keep your youngster in the shade, thanks to a large canopy that can also be removed on cloudy days. Kids will enjoy this smiling character’s vibrant red colors and friendly face. For a shallow baby pool that also incorporates a sprinkler, check out the Jasonwell Splash Pad, which shoots the water upwards so it can cascade down upon your little ones. It’s fun with or without the sprayer function turned on, and the bottom features animals shaped like letters, so kids can have fun while learning the alphabet and the names of animals.
If you’re in the market for a pool that doesn’t require inflation, look to the Step2 Play and Shade, which only requires you to attach the included umbrella, so your kiddos will be splashing away in no time. Also included are three funnel cups and a spinning wheel to keep kids entertained. These accessories attach conveniently to the pole. For a no-frills choice but one which offers plenty of space for a tot or two to splash around, consider the Jilong Giant, which is easy to inflate and has separate valves for the bottom and the sides. Like some of the others, this one also functions well as a ball pit, making it usable all year round.
In this update, we removed the Intex Rainbow Ring, which contains some small parts, as well as the Banzai Baby Sprinkles, which many users have been disappointed to see is smaller than depicted in the photos. The Intex Smiley Giraffe also makes its departure from the list, as its seems can split rather easily. We also replaced the fish model of the Intex Lazy Shade with a snail one, which is more readily available. No matter which baby pool you purchase, never leave a young child alone in one, even for a few moments, as drowning is a risk.
Special Honors
Disney Toy Story 4 Inflatable Pool Kids can have some fun in the sun with Woody, Buzz and the rest of their favorite characters, who are featured on the bottom and sides of this bright blue pool. It’s designed for ages two and up, and has a sturdy, two-ring construction. It comes with a handy repair patch and can also be used indoors as a ball pit. walmart.com
Pottery Barn Kids Rainbow Inflatable Sprinkler This colorful, inflatable sprinkler is the perfect way for kids to have fun in the sun while keeping cool on hot summer days. Just hook a hose up to the right corner, and water will come out of the transparent curtain. It’s made of durable PVC and comes with a vinyl repair kit. It stands six feet tall and is 90 inches wide, and features rows of vibrant colors with fluffy white clouds on the bottom. potterybarnkids.com
4. Jilong Frog
5. Intex Sunset Glow
6. Little Tikes Crab Shade Pool
7. Intex Dinosaur Play Center
8. Jasonwell Splash Pad
9. Intex Fun 'n Fruity
10. Jilong Giant
Karen Bennett lives in Chicago with her family, and when she’s not writing, she can usually be found practicing yoga or cheering on her kids at soccer games. She holds a master’s degree in journalism and a bachelor’s in English, and her writing has been published in various local newspapers, as well as “The Cheat Sheet,” “Illinois Legal Times,” and “USA Today.” She has also written search engine news page headlines and worked as a product manager for a digital marketing company. Her expertise is in literature, nonfiction, textbooks, home products, kids' games and toys, hardware, teaching accessories, and art materials.