Racking your brains for ways to occupy the little ones this summer? We can't recommend a paddling pool enough! Not only are they endless fun, but they're the perfect way for kids (and grown-ups) to cool down on sunny days. The internet has some brilliant options available to buy, from unicorn-shaped pools to pump-up plastic ones with a slide. There are plenty of cheap choices too, including pools for babies and toddlers.
We've selected the 10 best paddling pools from trusted sites like Amazon and Argos, to help transform your garden into a water wonderland. Check out our detailed buying guide and ranking of the top products, rated with practicality, size, design, and price in mind. We're sure that you'll spot something splash-worthy on our list!
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The most important factor to consider when shopping for a paddling pool is the size - you'll need to make sure that it'll fit in your garden and will be large enough to accommodate your household or any guests that you might plan to share it with.
If you have a large family and a decent-sized garden, a bigger pool of around 2-3 metres in diameter will obviously be preferable so more of you can enjoy it at once! For smaller households or less spacious gardens, try a pool measuring around 1.8 metres in diameter. Need an extra small pool for under fives or babies? Try one that's around 1-1.5 metres wide; these will also fit snugly into tiny gardens.
For larger gardens, why not consider a full-size garden pool? Check out our buying guide!
Next, consider what your paddling pool priorities are! If you want to encourage little ones to swim (safely supervised) or even do a mini lap yourself, the pool you buy will need to be able to hold a certain amount of water. For swimming or doing a forward roll under water, you'll want a pool with a capacity of 2,000 litres or more.
On the other hand, if you're simply after something for water fights, sink-or-float games, and playing with toys, a pool with a lower water capacity of anything between 100-700 litres should do just fine!
Don't have a garden big enough for a paddling pool? We also have other fun ideas - browse our favourite garden games.
There are two main types of paddling pool walls: flat and inflatable. The first type is simply a thin plastic wall which is held in place once the pool has been filled with water. As it doesn't require inflating, you don't need to waste time pumping it up. However, you can't lean back fully onto this type of wall. Most pools like this are cheaper overall, so it's a good choice for those on a budget.
In contrast, inflatable paddling pools have bouncy walls that are comfortable to lean on. They do require a pump though, which is often sold separately, and they can be susceptible to punctures or popping.
To really push the boat out and treat your little terrors to a top-notch paddling experience, invest in a pool with a slide - it'll keep them entertained for hours! Or how about a pool that can be rigged up to your hose pipe? It'll create a seriously satisfying spray effect that kids will love frolicking under on a hot day.
If you decide to go for an inflatable paddling pool, you might need to invest in a few extras. Firstly, check if your new purchase comes with a pump for blasting your pool walls full of air - if not, you'll need to buy this separately. You also may want to buy a repair kit, if it's not already included. This will enable you to patch up punctures and tears in no time, so the fun can continue with minimal interruption!
Discover our best water guns for even more fun with the family!
£49.99
Set your kids up for a whole afternoon of water-based fun with this ridiculously cool pool! We love the bold colours, the magnificent rainbow arc, and the whimsical ring-and-toss game feature which takes it to the next level of paddling brilliance.
Measuring almost 3m in length, it has two mini pools which are connected by a sturdy slide. With this product, your children can live their best back-garden lives and you'll be smiling too - no wonder it's our top pick!
£97.00
For a paddling pool that every generation can enjoy, you can't do much better than this easy-to-fill pool that's tremendous fun to use. It can hold just over 2,000 litres of water, so it's deep enough to swirl around in as well as splashing!
Although this product comes with a handy repair kit so you can easily patch up any wear and tear, the robust PVC material is coated in a protective layer which should help it last years without damage. This makes it excellent value for money!
£16.99
Always be yourself, unless you can be in a unicorn paddling pool - in which case, do that instead! This cute product can also double up as a float for proper swimming pools when your little ones feel brave enough to try. Best of all, it even comes with its own spray feature which links up to your garden hose for a cooling sprinkle in summer.
The easy-drain plug at the bottom makes it superbly straightforward to empty, and the shiny unicorn wings and tail are made from ultra-thick PVC which is durable enough to withstand playtime - now that's what we call magical!
£21.80
If you have a baby or toddler to entertain, why not try this charming snail-shaped paddling pool? It fills up with 74 litres and will introduce your little one to the magic of water play, with a built-in sun shade to protect them from the sun.
This is our favourite product for tiny tots, as the bright colour makes it incredibly appealing, while the textured base is extra safe for slippery little feet. A repair kit is included in the price too, which is brilliant!
£225.00
For families lucky enough to enjoy an enormous back garden, this sizeable, sturdy-framed product is one step away from your own outdoor swimming pool! It comes with a filter pump and secure metal slats so you can set it up quickly with minimal hassle.
As this pool a pretty big investment, it's no good if you're pushed for cash and space. If you want to splash out though - in more ways than one - it'll make an amazing addition to barbecues and garden parties!
£22.79
Get the whole family involved with this budget-friendly, fuss-free paddling pool. At 51 cm in depth, it's roomy enough for both kids and adults to bathe in and create some impressive splashes.
Best of all, the squishy inflatable walls are comfy to lie back on, so you can totally relax in the sun. Whether you're setting it up for your kids to play or simply for yourself to chill in the garden - fill it up and wave your cares goodbye!
£85.00
For the ultimate immersive experience in your backyard, getthis impressive castle-themed pool that even adults would get jealous of! It comes with a bouncy section, a mini pool area, and a slide that your kids will enjoy zooming down all summer long!
As it’s inflatable, this pool is cushy enough to keep little ones from harm. It’s just a shame that a pump isn’t included, as that would really make setting up much easier! Though, you do get a repair kit so you can patch things up if needed.
£19.00
Perfect for introducing little ones to the water, this sea-themed pool will make a fantastic addition to any summer garden and won't cost too many squid - sorry, we couldn't help ourselves!
This product is held firmly in place by the water within it, so you won't have to get sweaty pumping it up. At almost 2 metres wide, it's ideal for children's playdates or solo splash sessions alike. Sure, the design is a little basic, but it does the trick!
£20.16
This fabulous pink pool is ideal for kids who love mystical mermaids. From the pearlescent pink tail to the scale-patterned inflatable wall, this pool screams fairytale frolics! It is also made out of durable PVC, which offers great resistance against tears or punctures.
This paddling pool can easily fit two or three little ones. Plus, the textured inner base safeguards against slips and skids. Though it doesn't come with any extra features, the fabulous design should keep kids entertained for hours!
£9.48
Your tots will absolutely adore this brightly coloured mini-pool with inflatable ring sides - perfect for one but just big enough for two, as long as they're willing to share! This one is really easy to set-up, so you'll be able to have fun in no time.
The textured inner base makes this pool practical for kids' feet, helping them to avoid slipping and reducing the risk of knocks or bumps during play. It's not the most extravagant pool out there but for under a tenner, it's an extremely affordable option!
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