Purchases made through the links below may earn us and our publishing partners a commission. Prices were accurate at the time this article was published but may change over time. Zoning restrictions vary depending on where you live, but most areas have rules about where you can set up a pool.
Furthermore, having the water levels low in the pool can increase the chance of dirt or other particles entering the pool system and clogging up filters or lines. Ultimately, it is best to keep the water level of the pool at the recommended level to ensure that the pool is both safe and efficient. Pool covers are great for keeping debris and dirt out of the water and making sure that the water is clear when you go to use it.
It’s pretty quick and easy to inflate using an electric air pump, but we should note you have to blow up the seats individually, which can add some time to the setup process. While inflatable pools are generally too small and shallow for rigorous swimming, they’re fun warm-weather pastimes for kids and adults alike. From intex swimming pool simple rectangular designs to hot-tub-like loungers to child-friendly setups with slides, there’s something for everyone. But contrary to popular belief, caring for an Intex or inflatable pool does not mean that you can simply let your water sit untreated, or keep it disconnected from a proper pool pump and pool filter.
Inflatable pools are generally easy to set up, but this one from Toysical simplifies the process even further. It comes with its own air pump (which many others don’t) and inflates in just three minutes (one minute for each of the three air chambers). There’s nothing like the refreshing feeling of jumping into a swimming pool.
But in-ground pools are extremely expensive, between the initial purchase of the pool itself and ongoing maintenance. One affordable alternative is an above-ground pool, especially the type you can easily deflate and store when you’re finished using it. The four-seater and bench-style pools are ideal for lounging, while the more traditional above-ground pools are better for games like Marco Polo or Sharks and Minnows.
“Be sure to also clean your filter regularly, if you have one,” added Canfield. He noted that you can sometimes use a wall-mount skimmer on larger soft-sided pools since it attacks most debris at the intex above ground pools water’s surface. All inflatable pools are going to require a little bit of maintenance. For starters, you’ll need an air pump to inflate it at the beginning of summer and to keep it in tip-top shape.
“The most common material used for inflatable pools is polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and rubber composite,” explains Cheatham. It’s also important to set up the pool properly, taking care to avoid rocks, twigs, and other items that could pop it. Like many other choices on our list, this one doesn’t come with a pump.
Nicknamed the “original adult kiddie pool,” the intimate, shallow design will fill up fast and heat quickly in direct sunlight, offering a hot-tub-like experience in the midday sun. This inflatable pool has two air chambers, including one for the base and border and one for the bench. It’s made of heavy-gauge vinyl, so you can count on it to hold up through regular use all summer while resisting tears and punctures. We should note that while this blow-up pool is big enough for four kids, the design is really a better fit for two adults. But not all inflatable pools are created equally—and certainly not all inflatable pool systems work with the same efficiency.