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The 7 best paddling pools in 2024?

by Laura

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Tired of crowded outdoor pools on hot summer days? A paddling pool offers an inexpensive alternative for at home. However, it is not easy to find the right model.

Avoid buying mistakes:

BeyondSurfing has spent over 19 hours researching for you and presents the best models in 2024. The buying guide will also tell you everything you need to know to make an informed purchase decision.

The best paddling pool 2024?

In a hurry? Our favorite paddling pool:

Special Offer
Vedes baby pool colorful*
What characterizes the offer?

  • Very favorable
  • Extra sun protection
  • Colorful design
  • Padded base
  • CE-certified
  • Inflatable without pump
  • Can be used without carpet pad

Paddling pool Checklist

  • Safety: paddling pools must maintain a water depth that is safe for children.
  • Assembly and disassembly: The inflatable mini pools are not anchored to the ground. A plug for draining water is particularly important for heavier pools.
  • Hygiene: The water must be cleaned regularly.
  • Models: There are paddling pools that are set up like small water parks and foldable pop-up paddling pools for the beach. There are also models with a roof that protect against strong UV radiation.
  • Material: The material must be non-toxic for children’s sensitive skin. The seams of the walls must not be sharp-edged.

Also interesting: The best kiddie pools with slide 2024.

The top 7 paddling pools in 2024

How do we rate? Our experts thoroughly research and evaluate each recommendation. We take into account the most important product features, adherence to quality standards, prices, customer reviews, our own experiences, and much more. Learn more about our process.

Best colorful paddling pool for small children

1. Vedes baby pool

Special Offer

Advantages

  • Very favorable
  • Extra sun protection
  • Colorful design
  • Padded base
  • CE-certified
  • Inflatable without pump
  • Can be used without carpet pad

Disadvantages

  • For toddlers only
  • Sunshade is askew

Conclusion

A colorful, safe and inexpensive paddling pool for small children. The price-performance ratio is outstandingly good. The bottom of the pool is inflatable and particularly soft. No carpet pad is required, even on hard surfaces. No air pump is required for assembly.

Older children and adults need a much larger pool.

Customer ratings

What customers say
A full 87 % of all customers rate the product as good to very good with four to five stars.

The design is very cute. Babies love to play with it, even without water. The base is inflatable and therefore much softer than other models. It can be used without a base without any problems. The sun canopy protects children from UV radiation. The model can also be used as a ball pool.

Around 6% are neutral about the product, while 6% rate the product as poor and inadequate.

The mushroom-shaped sunshade is crooked on several models. However, this does not restrict the function in any way. After delivery, there is a slight inherent odor of the material.

Click here to go directly to the customer reviews “

Best stable paddling pool for older children

2. Bestway Family Pool

Special Offer

Advantages

  • Robust vinyl
  • Wide walls to lean against
  • Safety valve
  • Built-in drain
  • CE certified
  • Available as a set with tarpaulin
  • Various sizes

Disadvantages

  • Not for children under 6 years of age
  • No sun protection

Conclusion

If you are looking for a paddling pool that looks like a kiddie pool, then this product is the right choice. The rectangular Family Pool consists of several air rings, which make the construction stable.

Children running wild can hardly harm the material. Robust and harmless vinyl reliably keeps the air in the rings. Inflation is easy thanks to the safety valve.

The edge is too high for children under 6 and the water is too deep.

Customer ratings

What customers say
A full 72% of all customers rate the product as good to very good with four to five stars.

The pool is made of high-quality vinyl and does not contain any plasticizers. Delivery is very fast. The material can even withstand wild jumps. An included repair kit helps to quickly close holes in an emergency. A great gift for the next children’s birthday party. The performance in relation to the price of the paddling pool is good.

Around 8% are neutral about the product, while 20% rate the product as poor and inadequate.

Some customers complain that the dimensions of the pool do not match the specifications. One product only held the air irregularly and had to be returned.

Click here to go directly to the customer reviews “

Best adventure paddling pool

3. Intex Rainbow children’s paddling pool

Advantages

  • Several water features included
  • Colorful
  • Extra slide
  • Shower with connection for garden hose
  • Drain valve
  • 2 pools
  • Free water balls

Disadvantages

  • High price
  • High dead weight

Conclusion

If you are looking for an adventurous paddling pool for the next children’s birthday party or for particularly wild children, this is the product for you. With lots of extras such as a slide, spray nozzle and balls, it invites children to romp and play.

The pools are too small for adults and the slide should not be overloaded. Assembly is not possible without a pump. Due to the shallow water depth, it is safe for small children.

Customer ratings

What customers say
A full 66% of all customers rate the product as good to very good with four to five stars.

One customer writes that 8 children were able to play in the paddling pool at the same time without any problems. It’s a hit at children’s birthday parties. The different depths in the pools allow older and younger children to play in the water. The many extras are great fun for children. A slide and shower turn the product into a real luxury pool.

Around 11% are neutral about the product, while 23% rate the product as poor and inadequate.

As the product invites children to play wildly, they jump on it a lot. This quickly leads to damage. For some customers, the seams were damaged after one summer. Small holes can be repaired with patches.

Click here to go directly to the customer reviews “

Best simple paddling pool

4. Smart Planet pop-up beach pool for toddlers

Advantages

  • Very light
  • Works without air
  • Robust PVC
  • Incl. Carrier bag
  • Ideal for vacation
  • Small pack size
  • Also suitable for seawater

Disadvantages

  • Not for older children or adults
  • Not for hard surfaces

Conclusion

The ideal companion for beach vacations with a baby. In just a few seconds, your baby has its own private paddling area.

Babies can splash around in seawater, for example, without being endangered by waves. If you add a parasol to the pool, your child will be protected from the blazing sun on the beach.

Not suitable for older children. A hole has to be dug to use it, which leaves traces in the garden.

Customer ratings

What customers say
A full 84% of all customers rate the product as good to very good with four to five stars.

Around 0% are neutral about the product, while 16% rate the product as poor and inadequate.

Click here to go directly to the customer reviews “

More paddling pool highlights

5. intex lake aquarium paddling pool

Advantages

  • Cute design
  • For adults and children
  • Wide, comfortable rim
  • Angular shape
  • Drain valve
  • Free repair patches

Disadvantages

  • No sun protection
  • Not for children under 3 years of age

Conclusion

If you are looking for a cute paddling pool for the whole family, this product is the right choice.

The edge is robust and wide and it is possible to lean against it. Adults and children can sit and splash around in the pool together. When the water has had its day, it is conveniently drained via a valve.

There is no sun protection, which must be supplemented by a sunshade. The pool is too deep for children under 3 years old.

Customer ratings

What customers say
A full 73% of all customers rate the product as good to very good with four to five stars.

The angular shape makes more effective use of space, e.g. on a patio, than round models. The look is very appealing. The edge is a great obstacle for jumping into the water. The price-performance ratio is great. Even an adult can sit in and cool off. You can lean comfortably against the thick wall.

Around 9% are neutral about the product, while 18% rate the product as poor and inadequate.

The dimensions do not match the description. One product was delivered with a hole in the wall. Some customers had problems with the attached valve. It is a safety valve and is difficult to push in.

Click here to go directly to the customer reviews “

6. paddling pool Bestway incl. Sitting

Special Offer

Advantages

  • 4 raised seating options
  • 2 cup holders
  • Incl. Repair set
  • Fast assembly
  • For adults and children
  • Drain valve

Disadvantages

  • Not for children under 3 years of age
  • High price

Conclusion

If you are looking for a large inflatable pool with the look of a pool, then this product is well suited. The included water bombs provide extra fun. Assembly is quick because only one ring needs to be inflated.

The only downside: there is no sun protection and the pool is too deep for very small children.

Customer ratings

What customers say
A full 66% of all customers rate the product as good to very good with four to five stars.

Children enjoy playing in the pool for hours. The size is great. Adults can also be fooled. Assembly is uncomplicated and quick. You can even sit in the pool with a chair and keep cool while playing cards.

Around 16% are neutral about the product, while 18% rate the product as poor and inadequate.

The air ring no longer held tight after a short time with one customer. The valve was broken. The manufacturer has returned the product.

Click here to go directly to the customer reviews “

7. Intex water play center Dinoland

Advantages

  • Spray shower
  • Many details
  • Slide
  • Two basins
  • Balls and rings in a set
  • Padded mat

Disadvantages

  • Not for children under 2 and adults
  • No sun protection

Conclusion

If you are looking for an imaginative pool with different play options, this is the product for you. The inflatable water play center from Intex has many extras that make children’s dreams come true.

The enclosed balls and rings invite you to play throwing games. So children never get bored. What is missing is sun protection. Adults do not fit into the small tanks.

Customer ratings

What customers say
A full 79% of all customers rate the product as good to very good with four to five stars.

The children have lots of fun in the pool. The free shower is great and makes the product something special. This ensures that the water always stays cool and the children do not overheat. Customers would order the product again. Delivery is very speedy. Many extras justify the price.

Around 8% are neutral about the product, while 13% rate the product as poor and inadequate.

The spray nozzle is slightly askew. The air valve is difficult to open again. As the slide invites wild play, the seams quickly wear out under the weight.

Click here to go directly to the customer reviews “

Bestsellers: The most popular paddling pools

What do others buy? In our bestseller list, we present the TOP 11 most purchased offers. The selection is updated daily.

(**Last update 2024-12-09)

Buy a paddling pool:
How to make the right decision

buy paddling pool

Water games may only take place under special supervision. At least one educator must keep a constant eye on the children while they are splashing around. The water in the pool must not be deeper than 20 centimeters.

Thorsten Vent ★★★★★
(Supervisor of the Unfallkasse Nord in the area of day care centers)


There are now far more diverse paddling pools on offer than the standard round, simple plastic pool.

In the buying guide, you can find out which criteria are used to select the right paddling pool and which questions you should definitely ask yourself before buying.

But what are the advantages of having your own paddling pool?

  • More hygienic than an outdoor pool
  • No approach
  • Play area for children
  • Cooling off for young and old
  • Not expensive
  • Easy to use
  • Can even cool drinks
  • Not suitable for swimming
  • Sensitive to hard surfaces

What to consider when buying a paddling pool?

When looking for the best paddling pool, make sure you pay attention to the following features and characteristics:

Paddling pool material?

Ideally, manufacturers use vinyl air chambers. This is gentle on children’s skin and is processed without sharp edges. Cheaper models are made of plastics that are often mixed with plasticizers.

There are models made of hard plastic that do not need to be inflated.

Paddling pools in the garden have to withstand a lot:

From sunlight and uneven ground to sharp stones. A carpet pad protects the material from sharp objects hiding in the lawn.

Customer reviews provide information about the longevity of the products.

The right size paddling pool?

A paddling pool doesn’t always have to be big. The model should always match the conditions at the installation site.

Ask yourself the following questions before you buy:

  • How much space do you have available?
    A large inflatable pool is not suitable for the balcony.
  • Who will use the paddling pool?
    Children still have to reach the surface when seated.
  • How is the tank filled?
    Large inflatable pools can only be filled with pumps or hoses.
  • Does the pool need to be transported?
    Large models have more weight.
Not just for children: adults also like to take a dip on hot summer days. If you want to play in the pool with your child, you will of course need a larger model.

Design?

Manufacturers no longer just offer rectangular or round models: there are entire water parks with slides, showers, corners, curves and sun roofs.

The design ranges from simple to colorful with lots of details. This is naturally reflected in the price. BeyondSurfing’s product selection offers an overview of the most popular designs.

Valves?

Inflatable paddling pools can be divided into two categories:

1 Valves for inflation: Must be installed on every model. The hard-shell models are an exception. Your air pump must match the valve opening.

2 Valves for draining the water: A drain valve must be installed, especially for large pools. They become so heavy that it is not possible to simply tip them over. Alternatively, there are also sets with a pump for pumping out the water.

Extras?

As the supply is huge, there is a lot of competition on the market. Manufacturers try to attract customers’ attention with all kinds of extras:

  • Paddling pool with cover
  • Free carpet pad
  • Water bombs
  • Water toys
  • Sun canopy
  • Slides
  • u. v. m.

Avoid germs in the paddling pool?

Pro tip: If the paddling pool stays set up for longer in summer, it’s worth using apps for the weather forecast. If heavy rain or a storm is approaching, it should be well secured or dismantled.

How to build a paddling pool yourself?

This video is intended for a dog pool. However, it is just as suitable for building a paddling pool:

FAQ: Frequently asked questions and answers about paddling pools

Which paddling pool for toddlers?

A children’s paddling pool must not exceed a certain water depth. The child must still have its head above the water when sitting in it.

A model with sun protection is also worthwhile in strong sunlight. Children are particularly sensitive to UV radiation
.

How do I get paddling pools clean?

Empty the paddling pool completely. Clean it with a mild disinfectant or soap and rinse it thoroughly with lukewarm water. Then dry well.

How often do you have to change the water in a paddling pool?

If used extensively by several children, the water must be changed daily. The service life of the water can be extended by using a cover.

Where can I buy paddling pools?

Paddling pools can be easily ordered on Amazon. You will also find a large selection at Bauhaus, Obi, Real, Lidl, Aldi and all stores with garden products.

How expensive are paddling pools?

The price varies from offer to offer. Paddling pools are cheaper than pools because they are smaller and easier to handle. Online orders may incur delivery costs.

Can paddling pools be repaired?

Yes, there are special patches for this. Simply clean the area around the hole, dry and apply the patch evenly. Then leave to dry for 24 hours.

How do you dispose of paddling pools?

Paddling pools are almost always made of plastic. You can dispose of the product folded small in the yellow bag.

Which paddling pool is safe?

Öko Test has published a list of paddling pools that contain harmless substances. In general, you can also use the TÜV seal as a guide.

When should I start using a paddling pool for babies?

Children cannot be introduced to water early enough. There are even extra small baby paddling pools. Never leave your child unattended.

What to cover the paddling pool with?

There are models that are supplied with a cover. Simple tarpaulins, wooden or plastic panels are also suitable.

Which chlorine to use for the paddling pool?

Chlorine must always be handled with care. Too much can be harmful, especially to children. Small paddling pools do not require aggressive treatment with chlorine.

How much chlorine in the paddling pool?

Chlorine is only appropriate if you need to keep large quantities of water clean for a long time. A paddling pool is much smaller than a pool and does not require the use of chlorine.

How many liters of water need to be in the paddling pool?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. It depends on the size of the pool and the fill level. You can fill it just a few centimeters or up to the top edge.

What to put under the paddling pool?

You can use a lightly padded tarpaulin or special pool mats. These can be purchased on the Internet, e.g. on Amazon. Soft grass is also suitable without protection.

Are paddling pools stable?

Paddling pools are generally designed for use in the garden. To achieve this, they must be robust and stable. When reviewing the different models, there are of course differences in quality.

Are there paddling pool tests by Consumer Reports and Öko Test?

In 2010, Öko Test carried out and published a test on 16 paddling pools. Particular attention was paid to the compatibility of the material.

The bitter result:

Only hard-shell models received a good rating. Phthalate plasticizers in particular were found in most of the products. These plasticizers were actually banned by the EU Parliament for children’s products.

Better to play it safe:

If you are unsure about your purchase, the TÜV test mark can help. It guarantees that the paddling pool does not exceed the pollutant content standard.

Consumer Reports has so far only published tips on cleaning.

What are well-known paddling pool brands and manufacturers?

The best-known and most popular paddling pool brands and manufacturers include Bestway and Intex. Both manufacturers are even available in basic supermarkets in many European countries.

Specialist literature, sources & further links

You can find more information on this topic here:

Note: BeyondSurfing is not responsible and is not liable for the content of external websites.

Editor's note: The opinions expressed here are those of the author alone. The content has not been endorsed, reviewed, approved, or in any way financially supported by any advertiser. We only include products we believe to be useful. How we work

*Price includes VAT, plus shipping. Customer reviews, prices, delivery times and costs may change in the meantime. By linking to selected online shops and partners, we may receive a small affiliate commission. There are no additional costs for you.

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Laura

Beach and snorkeling expert
Laura lives in Greece and couldn't imagine a day without the sea on her doorstep. When she's not writing for BeyondSurfing, she likes to spend her free time on the beach or in the water with snorkeling gear.

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