Table of Contents

11 Best Toddler Pools for Your Backyard (2025 Reviews)

11 Best Toddler Pools for Your Backyard (2025 Reviews)
seen in: national geographic, cnn, travel + leisure, new york times
the guardian, lonely planet, usa today, forbes
By
Updated on

One thing I always look forward to in the summer is taking my kids to the pool, but sometimes that doesn’t happen as frequently as we would like, especially with our often hectic schedules. When my son turned one, his grandparents bought him a toddler pool for our house, and we haven’t looked back!

There is nothing like cooling off on a hot summer day and splashing around with my toddlers. Although during the summer months I know doctors (especially ones in our town) stress the importance of safety with toddlers and water, we still have good safe fun! So make sure that when you pick out a pool for your little one it is age-appropriate.

lyric and kingsley in toddler pool
Our toddler and I in his first toddler pool. That was a hot summer!

Best Toddler Pools for All Ages

  • 1. Intex Ocean Inflatable Play Center

    (Most engaging — $$)

    Why it’s great: This one hastwo pools and a slide! The Intex Ocean offers a small pool and a larger wading pool. It includes extra inflatables including a turtle, whale, and a ring toss game to allow the kids to have some extra fun. This one is a great option if you want your toddler to have more than just a simple pool full of water. Plus, it will guarantee hours of water-filled joy!

    Keep in mind: As with any inflatable pool, this one is susceptible to punctures, so make sure to place it somewhere away from sharp little branches, rocks, etc.

    Good for: Toddlers that need more entertainment from their pool.

    Intex Ocean Inflatable Play Center

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 2. Whale Baby Shade Kiddie Pool

    (Best for young toddlers — $)

    Why it’s great: This is a small little pool that’s perfect for toddlers. It has just enough room for your child to sit and play in the water. The cute, whale shape will have your toddler excited to jump right on. Plus, the top offers shade and covers your child from too much sun. The bottom is padded, which makes it more comfortable to sit in and play. It can even be used as a flotation device in the pool, if your child doesn’t weigh too much.

    Keep in mind: This one doesn’t come with a pump, so you’ll have to inflate it yourself, but it doesn’t take long to do.

    Good for: Younger toddlers that need a smaller pool and play area.

    Whale Baby Shade Kiddie Pool

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 3. Watermelon, Hamburger or Ice Cream Inflatable Pool

    (Introductory option — $)

    Why it’s great: This kiddie pool is a great choice to get your toddler used to water and swimming. It’s a simple little pool that will introduce your child to water and splashing around. This pool is available in three different options: a watermelon, a hamburger, or an ice cream shape. It’s easy to inflate and deflate, even without a pump (although the pump is a lot faster). You can even use this one as a ball pit indoors or outdoors when it’s not filled with water.

    Keep in mind: Again, as an inflatable pool, it is at risk of being punctured if not placed in a location free of objects with sharp little edges.

    Good for: Toddlers just learning to play in the water.

    Watermelon Inflatable Pool

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 4. Hurricane Tunnel Home Water Park

    (Best for multiple children — $$$)

    Why it’s great: If you’ve got more than one child, especially at different ages, this inflatable is the choice for you. With a splash pool, rock climb, double slides, and slip n slide, it has just about everything your children could ask for. It even has two attached water sprayers for extra fun. It comes with a pump that’ll inflate the whole thing in just about 2 minutes, so it’s ready to go when you are. Plus, it comes with a repair kit, just in case you get a hole somewhere

    Keep in mind: With so much to do, you’ll want to keep a close eye on younger toddlers to make sure they stay safe.

    Good for: Families with multiple children and different age ranges.

    Hurricane Tunnel Home Water Park

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 5. SplashEZ 3-in-1

    (Best alternative — $)

    Why it’s great: My kiddos love their splash pad. If you’re looking for a shallow pool this is the one for you! With just enough water to place that baby bum in or allow that toddler to run through the water for a splash pad, this is a great option for the “in between” ages. This company states that if for any reason your purchase isn’t correct they will happily make things right. When companies have great customer service it always makes doing business with them a breeze.

    Keep in mind: Some parents have complained that when their toddlers are using it as a splash pad/sprinkler it is susceptible to leaking. Make sure the hose connection is tightly fastened.

    Good for: Toddlers that are not quite ready for a pool, but love to play in the water.

    SplashEZ 3-in-1

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • Asher And LyricOn An Important Side Note… Asher and I (pictured) feel it’s necessary to highlight the value of life insurance for parents with young kids. After extensive research, we discovered that parents can get insured for as little as $10 per month. We use Ladder Life who offers coverage up to $3M per parent (without a medical exam, just a few health questions) and you can apply 100% online.

    Get a quote in less than 30 seconds at LadderLife.com ➜

  • 6. Tamar Baby Beach Tent with mini Pool

    (Most versatile — $$)

    Why it’s great: ONE YEAR WARRANTY!! You know a company is serious when they can back their product up after a whole year of use. This is a great little pool to take on beach trips. It comes with a shade that can detach and is small enough to put beside your beach chairs, which allows your toddler to splash and play while you sunbathe. It also includes a pool float, in case you want to throw them in the big pool while you take a dip!

    Keep in mind: It can be difficult to fold back up and fit into its storage bag, but once you get the hang of it, it’s no longer a problem.

    Good for: Families on the go that want a pool to take with them.

    Tamar Baby Beach Tent with mini Pool

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 7. Step2 Play & Shade Pool

    (Best all-around — $$)

    Why it’s great: Featuring two molded-in seats, a nice umbrella, and 3 funnel cups to spin down the water wheel, this feature-packed pool will keep your toddlers busy! It also offers textured floor designs in the bottom of the pool to help provide traction for our little toddlers feet (what a great safety bonus). The two seats are different heights, one allowing your toddler to sit all the way down in the water, or have the option of the higher seat, which allows your toddler to sit up out of the water.

    Keep in mind: This one doesn’t do well if left in the elements for long periods of time. Consider finding a place to store it when not in use.

    Good for: Toddlers that love to splash around and play in the water.

    Step2 Play & Shade Pool

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 8. H2OGO! Splash-in-Shade Play Pool Orange

    (Best family option — $$$)

    Why it’s great: If you’re looking for a pool that you as a parent can hop into as well, pick this one! Although it is a little larger than your typical toddler pool, that just means more room for toys (and whose kids don’t already have enough of those?!). It offers UV-resistant shade and has strong, rust-resistant, galvanized metal frames to help keep it up during the rough weather. It’s easy to set up and allows the whole family to enjoy it, instead of being stuck on the sidelines.

    Keep in mind: It would be a good idea to buy a tarp to put under your pool to help keep ants and other bugs out.

    Good for: Parents that want a pool the whole family can use.

    H2OGO! Splash-in-Shade Play Pool Orange

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 9. Mushroom Baby Pool

    (Mushroom baby pool — $)

    Why it’s great: This little pool is just the right size for your toddler. It allows your child to sit in waist-high water, so they can splash and play to their hearts delight. The cute flowers and mushrooms that cover the sides make this pool incredibly cute. Plus, the top, big mushroom covers your child’s head, providing shade and shelter from the sun. It also comes with a repair kit, in case you need to patch up a hole. At the lowest price, this is the best budget option.

    Keep in mind: This is one of the smallest options, so your child will likely outgrow it by 4 years old.

    Good for: Families that want a great budget-friendly toddler pool.

    Mushroom Baby Pool

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 10. Croci Foldable Pool

    (Best for families with pets — $)

    Why it’s great: This is a great alternative to inflatable pools. It is made of PVC material and fiberboard that can fold up almost flat when not in use. Plus, since it’s not inflatable, it’s safe for pets to use without worrying their nails will puncture and deflate it. The sides are just the right height for toddlers and pets, so they can get in and out easily, but still have plenty of water to splash and play in. The bottom has a non-slip texture too. On top of that, it comes in multiple sizes, so you can pick the one that suits your family the best.

    Keep in mind: The drain plug is up a little higher, making it hard to drain all the way without lifting and manuevering.

    Good for: Families with pets that also like to play in the pool.

    Croci Foldable Pool

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 11. Kids Candy Zone Pool

    (Most adorable — $$$)

    Why it’s great: This is a cute, candy themed pool with bright colors and fun decorations that will delight your toddler. It has a small slide that’s the perfect height for young toddlers, with a waterfall at the top. It also has two little rails on the side that your child can use to make a game and roll balls down. This one even comes with 6 different color balls to play with.

    Keep in mind: With all the candies on this pool, you’ll have to make sure your child doesn’t try to bite it!

    Good for: Toddlers that love candy and bright colors.

    Kids Candy Zone Pool

    View on Amazon.com ➜

FAQ’s about toddler pools

  • 1. What can I put under a toddler pool?

    If you are trying to keep an extra barrier between the pool and the ground there are many options such as a tarp, there is a specific drainage floor tile available, or you can even put it on your back deck or patio if there is extra space.

  • 2. What is a kiddie pool?

    A kiddie pool is made specifically for younger children, it is known to have a shallow area of water that allows children to get their feet and lower bodies wet. They are great options for parents wanting to introduce their baby or toddler to a swimming pool without the extra risks associated with a big pool! They are also great if you don’t have access to a big pool but still want to help your child cool off!

  • 3. Will my child need floaties in a toddler pool?

    Depending on the pool you have for your child. If your pool has any depth to it, it is not a bad option to have them on.

  • 4. What is the best kiddie pool?

    That is up to you and your child! There are many different options available, and we have included our top 7! It just depends on what you are looking for as far as size, styling, and features that each pool may or may not include.

Conclusion

Thinking back, there’s not a time I can recall from my childhood where I didn’t spend countless hours playing and splashing in a pool! Summertime and pools go hand in hand. I think of swimming, splashing, running, blowing bubbles, Marco Polo and many other fun games my friends and I used to play, and also the great memories we made! Even though with little ones there is an extra amount of precaution that needs to be taken when playing in or around water, it’s never too early to let them enjoy the sensations associated with a nice dip in the pool!