The must-have accessory this summer is an inflatable pool

Cool off and chill out with our top picks.
By Miller Kern  on 
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Overview

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Inflatable pools aren't just for kids anymore — and let's be real, they never really were. If you don't have access to a full-sized pool, you can quickly inflate a blow up pool and pretend you're somewhere else, like a nice vacation spot. We know you'll just be in your backyard, on your deck, or in the driveway, but we'll let you dream. Grab a fruity cocktail and you can be transported almost anywhere.

Inflatable swimming pools are super easy to set up, especially compared to above ground pools. All you need is an air pump or some powerful lungs. Pools usually inflate within minutes, and then you can use a garden hose or whatever water source you have available to fill it up. This part takes a little longer.

By nature, inflatable pools are not the most durable things in the world, though some are made with stronger, thicker material than others. To take proper care of your pool, don't set it on sharp or rough surfaces. Place a tarp down if possible. Some pools come with repair patch kits to fix holes and tears.

You don't need to put any special chemicals like chlorine in an inflatable pool; it's better just to replace the water with a fresh fill-up every couple days. All of the pools on this list feature drain plugs, which means you don't have to struggle and tip the pool over to let the water out once you're done.

Because inflatable pools are more marketed toward children, they're not going to be massive pools that an adult could actually swim in. But, pay attention to the dimensions because pools tend to look bigger in photos than they are in person. Especially if the retailer gets crafty with Photoshop. If you're shopping for a pool that can fit a couple adults, check out the larger options on this list. Otherwise, the smaller ones will do just fine.

Some prices may be inflated due to high demand. No pun intended.

For childless adults looking to entertain themselves and other adult friends, this is the pool you want. It's a 10-foot rectangular inflatable pool that can hold a few grown-up humans (though, children can obviously also fit).

With three air chambers, you'll get a nice, even inflation that doesn't take too long. And the pool is just shy of 2 feet tall, giving kids plenty of room to play and adults ample depth to soak.

When you're ready to dump the water, just pull the drain plug on the bottom of the pool to release it out easily.

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Blow up pools aren't really for swimming — unless you're a small child who's shorter than the length of the pool. Most of us, though, are using these outdoor companions to cool off and relax.

This particular pool is top dog for chillin' out. Its two shorter sides have headrests, so you and another person can soak up some cool water and lay your heads back. There are also cupholders on the other sides for a truly chill experience.

The pool's thick lining is designed to act as insulation and maintain your desired water temperature. We're not sure how scientific it actually is, but could be worth trying out.

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Another lounger, this pool takes it a step further with a full-on bench inside. You can sit and lean back while your kids play in the deeper part of the pool. The bench is also nice for really little kids who aren't quite ready to get all the way in the water.

This pool has five air chambers to inflate, but it blows up pretty quickly and easily. It's made from a thick PVC material for durability, and two drain plugs make for easy cleanup when you want the water out.

Check out the photos posted by reviewers to get a good idea for the size of this thing. It's pretty decently large without taking up too much space.

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This pool is best suited for kids and smaller adults — definitely not big enough for a couple of adult friends to hang out in. It truly is a kiddie pool.

This inflatable pool fits well in small spaces, which is great if you're limited to a small backyard or patio. A lot of reviewers also used the pool as a ball pit instead of filling it with water, making it great for indoor play as well as outdoor.

This is a really affordable option if you just want a small pool to cool off in during the summer heat. It also comes with a repair patch in case you get any tears or holes.

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The whole fam can soak it up in this rectangular inflatable pool. It has three separate air compartments that each blow up in about a minute if you're using an electric pump. This design is intended to prevent water and air leaks.

The design also allows you to create a shorter pool by opting to not inflate all three chambers. This is nice if you have really little kids who might struggle to get in and out of tall siding.

This pool features a drainpipe to make emptying the water easier. If you happen to get a rip or tear in the pool lining, don't sweat it too much — a patch repair kit comes included.

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With a cute and trendy design, this banana leaf-adorned blow up pool is perfect for your backyard and your Instagram feed. It has "kiddie pool" in the name, but it's marketed as an "adult kiddie pool" for people ages 6 and up.

This pool is easy to inflate with a standard air pump. Or you can break out a hair dryer and set it to cool if you don't have an air pump, as the pool doesn't come with one.

Up to three people can comfortably fit in this mini pool. It features a drain plug in the floor, so you don't have to flip the pool over to empty out the water.

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Topics Outdoors

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Miller Kern
Deputy Reviews Editor

Miller Kern is a New York City-based Deputy Reviews Editor at Mashable, where she writes and edits reviews of tech products including headphones, skincare devices, laptops, sex toys, e-readers, robot vacuums, and more. She has five years of experience writing buying guides, gift guides, and deals, and covering shopping holidays like Prime Day and Black Friday. Miller can tell you which products are actually worth your money. She also explores trends in the shopping sphere, such as dupes and viral TikTok moments.


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