The best pools for kids in 2022

Contents

One of the favorite activities of children in the summer is swimming. A child can take water procedures in the fresh air if he has a pool. KP talks about how to choose the best pools for children in 2022

Before you choose and buy a specific model of a children’s pool, you need to know what varieties exist.

Children’s pools can be:

  • Inflatable. The option is great for the little ones. Such pools can be used from the moment when the child has learned to sit without support. Their advantages include small size and weight. They also quickly inflate and deflate, suitable for temporary installation on the beach or summer cottage. 
  • In the form of a bowl with a frame. This is a stationary option that is placed on the site for a long time. It is more difficult to install and disassemble. Such pools are not suitable for small children, as they are impressive in size and deep. 

Before you buy an inflatable pool for children, we recommend that you read the reviews for the models you like, study the manufacturer, and make sure that the product is covered by a guarantee.

In our ranking, we have divided the pools suitable for different ages of the child. The safety of the child depends on the depth at the pool and it should not be more than the following recommendations: 

  • Up to 1,5 years – up to 17 cm. 
  • From 1,5 to 3 years – up to 50 cm.
  • From 3 to 7 years – up to 70 cm. 

Children aged 7 and over can use the adult pools. However, this does not mean that they can be left unattended. A child will be safe only with constant supervision by adults.

Editor’s Choice

Intex Winnie the Pooh 58433 blue (for children up to 1,5 years old)

This is not just a children’s pool, which is suitable for the smallest – up to 1,5 years old, but a real play center. The model is roomy, so several children can play inside. A small depth of 10 cm ensures safety, which allows the child not only to sit in the pool, but also to crawl, play with toys. 

The optimal dimensions – 140×140 centimeters, allow you to find a place for the pool both in the summer cottage and on the beach. The set comes with a sprinkler (a device for cooling water).

Main characteristics

Length140 см
Width140 см
Depth10 см
Volume36 l

Advantages and disadvantages

Bright, with a beautiful pattern, durable materials, roomy
Lightweight, can be blown away by strong winds
show more

1 TOY Three cats (T17778), 120×35 cm (for children from 1,5 to 3 years old)

The pool is made in bright colors, with prints of favorite children’s characters from the cartoon “Three Cats”. Suitable for children from 1,5 to 3 years old, as it has a safe depth of 35 centimeters. Made of PVC, quickly inflates and fills with water.

Due to the round shape, such a pool is both roomy and not bulky. The diameter of the product is 120 centimeters. The bottom is rigid (does not inflate), so it is important to install on a prepared surface that cannot damage it.

Main characteristics

Designinflatable
Widthround
Depth10 см
Diameter35 см

Advantages and disadvantages

High-quality and bright print, high sides
The materials are thin, if you collect a lot of water – it loses its shape
show more

Bestway Elliptic 54066 (for children from 3 to 7 years old)

The children’s pool is made of durable PVC. It holds its shape well, the walls are rigid, which will not allow the child, leaning, to fall out. The model is suitable for children from 3 to 7 years old, because it has a safe depth of 51 centimeters. 

The hard bottom of the pool may break if installed on an unprepared surface or on pebbles. Shape: elongated oval, dimensions: 234×152 cm (length/width). Made in an unobtrusive blue color, with white sides. 

The dimensions allow several children to swim in the pool at once, which is very practical. 

Main characteristics

Length234 см
Width152 см
Depth51 см
Volume536 l
pool bottomtough

Advantages and disadvantages

Sufficiently rigid walls make the pool stable, high sides
Due to the elongated shape, it is not as roomy as the round models
show more

Top 3 best pools for children under 1,5 years old (up to 17 cm)

1. Bestway Shaded Play 52189

The pool is distinguished by its original design. It is made in the form of a bright frog. The distinctive features of the model include the presence of an awning that protects the child from the sun, and also prevents debris from getting into the water. 

The bottom is soft, and due to its small size – 97 centimeters in diameter, the pool does not require a lot of free space for placement. Quickly filled with water (volume 26 liters), easy to deflate and inflate. Doesn’t take up much space when folded. Before installing the pool on the surface, you need to make sure that there are no sharp objects, otherwise a puncture may occur. 

Main characteristics

Diameter97 см
Volume26 l
pool bottomsoft, inflatable
Awning availableno
sun canopyYes

Advantages and disadvantages

Protects well from direct sunlight, original design
Not very high quality materials, if installed on a pebble or other rough surface, it may tear
show more

2. Intex My First Pool 59409

The bright model with a depth of only 15 centimeters is ideal for children up to 1,5 years. The pool has a round shape, diameter 61 cm. It is based on durable PVC, which is difficult to damage. The bottom is rigid, so it is important to install only on a coating that cannot break through the material. 

The sides are high enough, so the child will not fall out. On the inner surface of the pool there is a bright print in the form of an elephant, which will attract the attention of the child. The pool has a capacity of 25 liters of water, so it can be filled in minutes. 

Main characteristics

Diameter61 см
Volume25 l
pool bottomtough
Awning availableno
Depth15 см

Advantages and disadvantages

Bright, inflates in a couple of minutes, durable materials
The bottom and sides are not completely filled with air, remaining semi-soft
show more

3. Happy Hop Shark (9417N)

This is not just a pool, but a play center with a pool that is suitable for the smallest, namely for children up to 1,5 years old. The depth of the pool is minimal, up to 17 centimeters, so the model is safe for kids. Also, the complex is equipped with various slides, there is a small room and all this is made in the form of a shark.

The complex is stable, bright, made of PVC. However, it has large dimensions – 450×320 cm (length / width), so there should be a lot of space for it on the site. 4 children can play in this pool at the same time. 

Main characteristics

Length450 см
Width320 см
pool bottomsoft, inflatable
Awning availableno

Advantages and disadvantages

In addition to the pool, there is a whole play complex, stable, bright
Takes a long time to inflate, requires a lot of space to install
show more

Top 3 best pools for children from 1,5 to 3 years old (up to 50 cm)

1. Bestway Play 51025

The round spacious pool is designed for 140 liters of water. Suitable for children from 1,5 to 3 years, because it has a safe depth of 25 centimeters. The model is 122 cm in diameter, several children can swim in the pool at once. 

Presented in a bright color, the sides are high enough, the child will not be able to fall out. Inflates and deflates quickly. The bottom is hard, so the surface must be prepared and avoid setting on pebbles, which can easily tear the material. 

Main characteristics

Diameter122 см
Volume140 l
pool bottomtough
Awning availableno
Depth25 см

Advantages and disadvantages

Water pours and drains quickly, bright, roomy
After inflating, the lower circle quickly deflates and you need to immediately close the hole with a plug
show more

2. 1 TOY Three cats (T18119), 70×24 cm

Bright children’s pool with prints of characters from the cartoon “Three Cats”. The model is round, roomy, designed for children from 1,5 to 3 years old since the depth is 24 centimeters. The basis is durable PVC, which is difficult to tear. 

The diameter of the product is 70 centimeters, it allows two children to sit in the pool at the same time. The bottom is soft inflatable, thanks to which special surface preparation is not required before installation. There is a drain, so you can drain the water in a few minutes. 

Main characteristics

Diameter70 см
Awning availableno
pool bottomsoft, inflatable
Awning availableno
Depth24 см

Advantages and disadvantages

Soft, there is a drain, bright colors, durable materials
The first time there is an unpleasant smell
show more

3. Jilong Shark 3d Spray, 190 см (17822)

The pool is made in the original design – in the form of a shark, which will surely please the child. The material of manufacture is PVC, the bottom is solid, therefore, before installation, it is necessary to prepare the surface so that it is even, without stones and other objects that can violate the integrity of the material. 

The model is suitable for children from 1,5 to 3 years old, since the bottom depth is 47 centimeters. The pool is round, spacious, designed for 770 liters of water. The diameter of the product is 190 centimeters, which is enough for several children to be in the pool at the same time. 

Main characteristics

Diameter190 см
Volume770 l
pool bottomtough
Depth47 см

Advantages and disadvantages

There is a sprinkler, original shark design, roomy
The hard bottom is easily damaged if the pool is placed on a rough surface.
show more

Top 3 best pools for children from 3 to 7 years old (up to 70 cm)

1. Intex Happy Crab 26100, 183×51 cm red

The bright inflatable children’s pool is made in the form of a crab, so it will surely interest the child. The model is designed for children aged 3 to 7 years, since the bottom depth is 51 centimeters. 

The pool is made of PVC, the bottom is solid, so it is important to prepare the surface before installation, get rid of objects that can damage the material. 

The diameter of the product is 183 centimeters, so 4 children can swim in the pool at the same time. There is a drain that allows you to drain the water in a few minutes. 

Main characteristics

Diameter183 см
Depth51 см
Water pumpno
Awning availableno
sun canopyno

Advantages and disadvantages

Bright, easy to use, easy to drain water
The walls are not rigid enough, the “eyes” and “claws” of the crab are difficult to pump up
show more

2. Jilong Dinosaur 3D Spray 17786

The pool is made in the shape of a dinosaur, and the bowl itself has a round shape, designed for 1143 liters of water. The pool is suitable for children aged 3 to 7 as it is 62 centimeters deep. 

The children’s pool with a diameter of 175 centimeters can accommodate up to 4 children, and it can also accommodate an adult. The set includes a sprinkler, PVC material, it is strong and durable. It inflates in just 10 minutes and also deflates quickly. Comes with a self-adhesive patch. 

Main characteristics

Diameter175 см
Volume1143 l
Awning availableno
Depth62 см

Advantages and disadvantages

Original design in the form of a dinosaur, durable materials, there is a sprinkler
Hard bottom, the dinosaur itself is difficult to inflate with air
show more

3. Bestway Big Metallic 3-Ring 51043

The inflatable children’s pool is designed for children from 3 to 7 years old, has a depth of 53 centimeters. Due to its round shape, it can accommodate up to four people. The diameter of the product is 201 centimeters, it is filled with 937 liters of water.

Vinyl bumpers are made up of inflatable rings, due to which the walls become as rigid as possible, preventing the child from falling out. The bottom is rigid, made of PVC film, there is a drain valve with which you can quickly drain the water.  

Main characteristics

Diameter201 см
Volume937 l
pool bottomtough
Depth53 см
Awning availableno

Advantages and disadvantages

Large, durable materials, rigid walls
The bottom is hard, after 2-3 days it may begin to gradually descend
show more

How to choose a pool for a child

Before you buy a pool for children, it is important to know what parameters and features you need to pay attention to:

  • Form. Models are available in different shapes: round, oval, rectangular, multifaceted. The most capacious are round pools. 
  • Bottom. There are options with inflatable and hard bottom. Pools with a hard bottom must be installed on a prepared surface so that stones and other foreign objects do not damage the material. Pools with an inflatable bottom can be installed on different surfaces, without prior preparation.  
  • Design. Appearance is chosen based on the personal preferences of the child. You can choose from a classic one-color model, as well as a variant with drawings of your child’s favorite characters.
  • Materials. The most durable, durable and safe are the following materials: PVC, nylon and polyester.
  • dimensions. The length and width are selected depending on how many children will swim in the pool, as well as on the amount of free space on the site, the beach. The depth is selected depending on the age of the child: up to 1,5 years – up to 17 cm, from 1,5 to 3 years – 50 cm, from 3 to 7 years – up to 70 cm. 
  • Design features. Swimming pools can be equipped with a sun awning, drain, various slides.
  • wall. For children, the rigidity of the walls of the pool is especially important. The stiffer they are, the more stable and safer the structure itself. And the risk that the child, leaning on the wall, will fall is also minimized if the walls are more rigid (fully inflated with air and keep their shape well). 

Popular questions and answers

The editors of the KP asked to answer the most frequent questions of readers Boris Vasiliev, an expert in the field of balneology, commercial director of the Rapsalin company.

What parameters should a pool for a child have?

The parameters of the pool for a child depend on several factors. First of all, you need to focus on the age of the child, the planned budget for the purchase and the fact whether, at least sometimes, adults will use the pool. 

In addition, it is important what material the pool is made of. An inflatable pool, as the name suggests, holds its shape with several inflatable built-in elements. The entire pool is made of durable waterproof film. But this film can easily be pierced even with a sharp chip. The film will have to be glued, completely draining the pool. So an inexpensive purchase can become a one-time, of little use.

What is the optimal pool depth for a child?

For a child under three years old, the pool can be quite small and, probably, inflatable. Its volume can be 400 liters or more, for example, up to 2000 liters. But pouring water into the pool should be no more than half the height of the child, the expert recommends.

For an age over three years, it is already possible to recommend a prefabricated pool, believes Boris Vasilyev. It is based on strong racks, between which a waterproof fabric is stretched. This fabric is more durable, from several layers, which makes the pool more reliable. Its volume can be 2000 liters or more. Adults can also be tempted to plunge into such a pool. And when swimming in such a pool, of course, there should be an adult next to the child in the water.

Both types of pools can be installed independently. Instructions are included with them. A strictly horizontal platform should be prepared for any pool. It is recommended to remove some soil, fill it with sand, level the sand, spill it with water. Only a stable pool can be filled with water.

What precautions should be taken when bathing children in the pool?

When bathing a child, you can not leave him for a second, warns Boris Vasiliev. Loss of attention by adults, for example, even when using the phone, can lead to silent choking of the child. It is also recommended to install the pool on the most level ground in order to prevent the structure from tipping over.

How to prepare water for a children’s pool?

The water for the pool needs to be cleaned/prepared, and it needs to be taken care of: it should always be as clean as possible to match the “drinking” quality. After all, children often accidentally (and small and intentionally, in the form of a game) take water into their mouths and swallow it.

Next, you need to constantly equalize the level of acidity (pH), add an algaecide against algae. With a large number of bathers, for example, guests, it is necessary to add chlorine preparations for disinfection. However, there are systems for ozonation or ultraviolet disinfection, but such systems are more appropriate for expensive, stationary pools, said Boris Vasilyev. If we want to use the same water for a long time without changing it, children under five years old must be bathed in special thick diapers.

Initially poured into the pool water may have an unfavorable acidity (pH), higher or lower than recommended. It should be in the range of 7,0-7,4. As you know, the pH of the human eye is about 7,2. If the pH of the water in the pool is maintained at the pH of the eyes, the burning of the eyes from the water will be less. If you keep the pH within these limits, then there will be proper disinfection, and swimmers will not feel pain in the eyes and dry skin.

It is good for the health of bathers to add to the pool, in addition to fresh purified water, a liquid concentrate of sea water. It is extracted from wells from a depth of 1000 meters, purified, delivered to small pools in bottles, and to large ones in barrels. Such an additive allows you to get a complete analogue of sea water – at your choice, the Black Sea (18 grams of fifteen useful sea salts per liter), or the Mediterranean Sea (36 grams of salts per liter). And such water does not need chlorine, it is effectively replaced by bromides.

It is important not to rely on “sea salt”: the product that is on sale does not have sea minerals, but contains only ordinary edible salt 99,5%. At the same time, sea water heals adults and children from many diseases. It is also easier for children to learn to swim, since sea water keeps the swimmer on its surface, the expert concluded.

Leave a Reply