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?
Content
- 1 The top 7 paddling pools in 2024
- 2 Bestsellers: The most popular paddling pools
- 3 Buy a paddling pool: How to make the right decision
- 4 FAQ: Frequently asked questions and answers about paddling pools
- 4.1 Which paddling pool for toddlers?
- 4.2 How do I get paddling pools clean?
- 4.3 How often do you have to change the water in a paddling pool?
- 4.4 Where can I buy paddling pools?
- 4.5 How expensive are paddling pools?
- 4.6 Can paddling pools be repaired?
- 4.7 How do you dispose of paddling pools?
- 4.8 Which paddling pool is safe?
- 4.9 When should I start using a paddling pool for babies?
- 4.10 What to cover the paddling pool with?
- 4.11 Which chlorine to use for the paddling pool?
- 4.12 How much chlorine in the paddling pool?
- 4.13 How many liters of water need to be in the paddling pool?
- 4.14 What to put under the paddling pool?
- 4.15 Are paddling pools stable?
- 4.16 Are there paddling pool tests by Consumer Reports and Öko Test?
- 4.17 What are well-known paddling pool brands and manufacturers?
- 5 Specialist literature, sources & further links
In a hurry? Our favorite paddling pool:
- 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
Best colorful paddling pool for small children
1. Vedes baby pool
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
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.
Best stable paddling pool for older children
2. Bestway Family Pool
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
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.
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
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.
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
Around 0% are neutral about the product, while 16% rate the product as poor and inadequate.
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
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.
6. paddling pool Bestway incl. Sitting
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
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.
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
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.
Bestsellers: The most popular paddling pools
(**Last update 2024-09-16)
Suitable swimming accessories reviewed:
- Bathing islands
- Bath towel
- Children’s swimming caps
- Kiddie pools
- Inflatable boats kids
- Mermaid fin
- Pool toys
- Kids snorkel sets for children
- Floating noodles
- Swim diapers
- Floating animals
- Buoyancy aids
- Floating rings
- Water wings
- Swimming goggles for children
- Beach toys
- SUPs for children
- Kids diving masks for children
- Pool diving rings
- Water pistols
- Water toys
Buy a paddling pool:
How to make the right decision
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.
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.
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 model with sun protection is also worthwhile in strong sunlight. Children are particularly sensitive to UV radiation
.
How do I get paddling pools clean?
How often do you have to change the water in a paddling pool?
Where can I buy paddling pools?
How expensive are paddling pools?
Can paddling pools be repaired?
How do you dispose of paddling pools?
Which paddling pool is safe?
When should I start using a paddling pool for babies?
What to cover the paddling pool with?
Which chlorine to use for the paddling pool?
How much chlorine in the paddling pool?
How many liters of water need to be in the paddling pool?
What to put under the paddling pool?
Are paddling pools stable?
Are there paddling pool tests by Consumer Reports and Öko Test?
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?
Specialist literature, sources & further links
You can find more information on this topic here:
- Consumer Reports Cleaning tips: https://www.test.de/Grosse-Planschbecken-Badefreude-braucht-einen-Filter-5623186-0/
- Öko Test paddling pool test: https://www.oekotest.de/kinder-familie/16-Planschbecken-im-Test_105603_1.html
- Safety instructions: https://www.dguv.de/de/mediencenter/pm/pressearchiv/2020/quartal_2/details_2_395488.jsp
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*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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