Best Inflatable Pools 2024 - Forbes Vetted

If you’re looking for a way to stay cool this summer but aren’t quite ready to commit to an above-ground pool (or a permanent in-ground one), the best inflatable pools are durable, easy to set up and comparatively affordable—in other words, a worthy alternative. They also come in all shapes and sizes, so you don’t have to search far and wide to find one that can fit in your backyard. Our top choice is the Intex Easy Set 13-Foot Inflatable Swimming Pool, a full-size option that easily accommodates several people and takes just 15 minutes to set up.

This 13-foot pool from Intex, a trusted brand in the space, is our top pick for most people.

If you’ve been thinking about adding a pool (of any kind) to your outdoor space, inflatable versions “are a great starter option to dive into the pool or spa lifestyle,” says Lisa Cheatham, category director of pool and hot tub lifestyle products at Leslie’s, an online pool supply store. “Plus, they aren’t permanent and tend to be easier to set up and take down.” As you shop for an inflatable pool, you want to start by considering how many people will use it, where you plan to set it up and what it’s made from. A larger pool may seem like the way to go, but keep in mind that bigger inflatable pools take up significantly more space, need more water to fill and require more maintenance. If the pool is going to be used by just one or two people, a smaller option is much more convenient.

Ahead, find the best inflatable pools on the market for summer 2024.

Amazon

Dimensions: 13 x 13 x 3.8 feet | Shape: Circular | Air pump: Sold separately | Water capacity: 1,926 gallons | Fits: 5 people

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If you want a full-size pool that can easily be taken down at the end of each summer, the Intex Easy Set 13-Foot Inflatable Swimming Pool is the way to go. Made from a three-ply puncture-resistant PVC, the pool can comfortably fit five people and takes no more than 15 minutes to set up.

One of the major benefits of this inflatable pool is that it comes with almost all the accessories you need to keep it running throughout the summer. It includes a ground cloth, pool cover, filter pump and ladder for getting in and out. Just keep in mind that this pool requires nearly 2,000 gallons of water, so you may need to arrange for a water delivery to fill it up.

The Home Depot

Dimensions: 18 x 18 x 4 feet | Shape: Circular | Air pump: Sold separately | Water capacity: 5,455 gallons | Fits: 6+ people

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A larger version of our top pick overall, the Intex Easy Set 18-Foot Inflatable Pool Set is one of the biggest inflatable swimming pools you can buy. Not only does it have the same diameter as some hard-sided above-ground pools, but it’s also 4 feet deep, giving adults plenty of room to swim around. The pool is made from puncture-resistant three-ply material for durability, and it can generally be assembled in around 30 minutes.

In addition to the pool itself, this set comes with a suite of accessories: a 1,500 gallons-per-hour filter pump to keep the water clean, as well as a ladder, ground cloth and debris cover.

Amazon

Dimensions: 120 x 72 x 22 inches | Shape: Rectangular | Air pump: Sold separately | Water capacity: 312 gallons | Fits: 2 adults; 3–5 children

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The Sellotz Inflatable Pool is one the smaller side, measuring just 120 by 72 inches. The sides are also less than 2 feet tall, making it a great option for younger children. Its rectangular design is made from BPA-free PVC, and if you have an electric pump, it inflates in as little as three or four minutes. The pool has a drainpipe for easy emptying when you’re done playing, and it comes with two repair patches in case it ever gets a hole. And when swimming season is over, this pool can double as a ball pit for children, allowing you to use it year-round.

Amazon

Dimensions: 150 x 70 x 47 inches | Shape: Rectangular | Air pump: Sold separately | Water capacity: 317 gallons | Fits: 2 adults; 5 children

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The Evajoy Inflatable Swimming Pool is deeper than most inflatable pools, making it ideal for adults and older children. Its walls are 4 feet tall, and the pool itself is more than 12 feet long, making it spacious enough for a few occupants at a time. What’s more, it comes with a removable canopy to provide shade on hot summer days.

Made from thick BPA-free PVC, this pool is easy to inflate if you have an electric air pump (not included), and it requires just over 300 gallons of water to fill—doable with a garden hose. There’s a drainpipe in the bottom that makes it easy to empty, and it can be folded up for easy storage in the off season.

Amazon

Dimensions: 58 x 58 x 13 inches | Shape: Circular | Air pump: Sold separately | Water capacity: 79 gallons | Fits: 2–3 kids

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While hard plastic kiddie pools are classic, they can be tricky to store. If you’re short on storage space—or you simply don’t want anything with harder edges—consider opting for the Intex Summer Sunset Glow Kiddie Pool, an inflatable option that’s fun and colorful. It’s just under 5 feet in diameter, and the walls are around 1 foot tall, allowing you to fill it with up to 9 inches of water. Plus, tt’s easy to inflate, even if you don’t have an air pump, plus it has a cushioned bottom, which makes it gentler for young children. The kiddie pool is compact and easy to fold up when it’s deflated. Just make sure to use caution when handling it, as the plastic siding isn’t the most durable.

Amazon

Dimensions: 105 x 105 x 26 inches | Shape: Square | Air pump: Sold separately | Water capacity: 250 gallons | Fits: 4 people

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Up to four people can comfortably lounge in the Summer Waves Inflatable Deluxe Comfort Swimming Pool, which features four built-in seats, complete with backrests. There are even integrated cup holders in the sides, making it easy to keep your drink at hand.

This pool is roughly a 9-foot square, and the sides are 20 inches tall, holding just enough water to get your lower body wet. It inflates quickly with the help of an electric pump (not included), and the whole thing weighs just 12 pounds, making it easy to store in the off-season.

Target

Dimensions: 10 x 10 x 2.5 feet | Shape: Circular | Air pump: Sold separately | Water capacity: 1,052 gallons | Fits: 4–5 people

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If you’re planning to leave your pool up for long periods of time, a filter pump makes maintenance a lot easier. Made from triple-layer polylaminate PVC, the Summer Waves Quick Set 10-Foot Swimming Pool comes with a filter pump that can clean up to 300 gallons of water per hour, as well as a replacement filter cartridge.

Measuring 2.5 feet deep, this circular pool comfortably accommodate up to four to five people at a time. The drain plug includes a garden hose connection that allows you to water your plants when emptying the pool, but keep in mind that this pool doesn’t come with a ladder, so it may be tricky for children to get in and out.

Amazon

Dimensions: 264 x 69 x 101 inches | Shape: Rectangle | Air pump: Included | Water capacity: 161 gallons | Fits: 4 children

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If you have little ones who want to do more than just splash around, the Bestway H2OGO! Aquaventure Kids Inflatable Water Park—designed for kids 5 and up—features two water slides. There are taller and lower slides for kids of different ages, and with the help of a garden hose, shower sprays keep the slides wet and slippery. Kids can reach the top of the slide using the climbing wall, and they can also cool off in the play center’s two shallow wading pools.

The Aquaventure Water Park comes with an air blower that keeps it inflated, as well as a dozen stakes to secure it to the ground. You also get a repair kit and storage bag, but keep in mind that its maximum weight capacity during use is 120 pounds, so it should only be used by a few children at a time.

The Forbes Vetted home and kitchen editors bring years and years of experience testing, researching and reviewing some of the best home products—including outdoor staples—on the market. We’ve published roundups of the best pool vacuums (including robotic pool cleaners), pool toys and pool floats, among others.

To determine the absolute best inflatable pools, we used our own knowledge of the category, as well as the expertise of a veritable pool and hot tub pro, to find the durable, easy-to-set-up options that stand out from the pack.

Thinking of bringing home an inflatable pool to lounge in all summer long? While shopping, keep these factors in mind.

Inflatable pools are a temporary seasonal fixture for your yard, but they do have specific set up requirements. You’ll need to find a flat, level location in your yard that’s free from rocks and other objects that could damage the lining. Depending on the size of the pool you select, you may also need to invest in an electric air blower to inflate the walls.

Additionally, it’s important to look at how much water is required to fill the pool—some large inflatable pools, including our top-recommended Intex Easy Set Inflatable Swimming Pool, require thousands of gallons to fill. If this is the case, you may need to pay for water delivery. Depending on your water source, you may be able to use a garden hose to fill it, but the process will likely take several hours.

Inflatable pools come in a wide range of sizes, from 4-foot kiddie pools with low sides to full-size options that are a whopping 18 feet in diameter. When considering different pools, you’ll want to think about how many people will be in the pool at once. If your maximum occupancy will be just one or two people, you might want a smaller option, such as the Sellotz Inflatable Pool, which will be quicker to set up and fill with water. However, if you’re planning to host pool parties with several people, you’ll likely want a larger model. Just keep in mind that larger pools are more time-consuming to set up and disassemble, and they often require accessories such as a ladder and filter pump.

One of the main concerns about inflatable pools is durability. After all, they’re made from thinner material than other above-ground pools, which makes them susceptible to rips. “The most common material used for inflatable pools is polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and rubber composite,” explains Cheatham. “While the durability of the materials has improved considerably in the past few years, they are still more susceptible to punctures.” To ensure your pool lasts for several seasons, you’ll want to look for a model that uses multi-ply material and comes with a repair kit. It’s also important to set up the pool properly, taking care to avoid rocks, twigs, and other items that could pop it.

Inflatable pools aren’t designed to be left up year-round, so you’ll want to think about how you’ll store it in the off-season. Important considerations here include the size and weight of the pool when it’s deflated, as well as how you empty the water out. Some models have a drain plug that makes them quick and easy to drain, and others come with storage bags.

“Before storing the pool or spa, scrub the surface with a cleaning solution such as common household bleach and warm water mixture,” says Cheatham. “Make sure that the surface of the material is completely dry before storing it away until next season or you may have mold growth, which can do damage to the surface.”

Inflatable pools are an inexpensive option for swimming on hot summer days, and while they’re typically smaller and less durable than other above-ground pools, many people choose them for their convenience. Not only are they more budget-friendly, but they’re also easy to assemble and take down—ideal if you rent your home or want to try out a small pool before committing to a larger model. Plus, inflatable pools can last for several years if cared for properly. “While these pools and spas are less expensive, they don’t have to be disposable,” says Cheatham. “If you choose wisely, your decision can deliver summertime fun for years to come.”

The major benefit of an inflatable pool is simply the low cost: “On the pro side for inflatable pools, they are less expensive and can start as low as $100 and range up to $400, compared to above-ground hard-sided pools, which can range $1,700 to $7,000 or more,” says Cheatham. Inflatable pools are often easy to set up, as well. Some smaller models can be inflated in a matter of minutes and filled with a garden hose, saving you the hassle of assembling and filling a hard-sided pool. Most are also easy to take down at the end of the summer and can be stored in a basement or garage, thanks to their lighter weight.

However, there are downsides to inflatable pools as well. One of the biggest concerns with these products is durability. Because the material is lightweight and sometimes thin, it’s more prone to ripping and punctures than hard-sided pools. Inflatable pools are also quite a bit smaller than other above-ground options, limiting how many people can use them at a time.

Inflatable pools are often very easy to set up—you simply have to inflate the walls then fill them with water. This process can be made even easier with the help of a small electric air pump, which are generally inexpensive. That said, to take proper care of your inflatable pool, it’s important to set it up properly. “Find a flat, level spot free from debris or sharp objects that might puncture the pool material,” recommends Cheatham. “The ground must be compacted and firm enough to withstand the pressure and weight of the pool.”