Summer just isn’t complete without taking a dip, and an inflatable kiddie pool is a perfect place to make a splash when the temperature soars.

There’s no need to head to the beach or spend thousands on an in-ground pool when there’s just as much fun to be had frolicking in a paddling pool. They take just a few minutes to inflate, and about the same amount of time to fill, but wading pools are hours and hours of outside play.

Inflatable kiddie pools have come a long way in the past few years. There are still plenty of cheap and cheerful options out there, as well as some uber-luxe, Insta-worthy options for the ultimate in backyard chic.

Take a dive into our list of favourites for an ocean of paddling pool choices.

Rainbow Cloud Inflatable Pool, $38

Got a teeny tot who’s too little to venture out into open water? This adorable Rainbow Cloud Baby Pool is the perfect size for bubs and toddlers, and has its very own built-in rainbow sun shade.

Bestaway Big Lagoon Inflatable Pool, $42.75

Holding a generous 544L, this inflatable kiddie pool is big enough for the whole family to take a cooling dip. And the extra-wide sidewalls mean lounging is just as easy as splishing and splashing.

Minnidip Just Add Water(melon), $49.99

Just look at this sweet little slice of summer! The Minnidip kiddie pool is big enough to fit three adults, so if you’ve got a gaggle of kids to cool, they’ll be super comfy.

Cotton On Inflatable Pool, $69.99

When did kiddie pools get this pretty?! At 180cm and 35cm high, this gorgeous creature fits two adults, so when the kids have had their fun, grab a cool bevvy and soak your cares away.

Unicorn Baby Pool, $34.20

With its squishy, soft bottom this colourful unicorn is a delight for babies and toddlers to take a dip, and the rainbow sun protection is just perfection.

Fun N’ Fruity Playcentre Inflatable Pool, $119

Part pool, part waterslide, this paddling pool is a summer afternoon daydream. Quick to set up, and comes with a handy control valve to adjust the water volume.

And Sunday, $149.95

Designed in New Zealand with boundless flair, this stunner is a standout when it comes to inflatable pools. And that gorgeous arch design isn’t just on trend – it’s perfect for tight spaces because it can be placed against a wall. Genius.

Sunnylife The Pool Glitter, $89.99

Made from durable, non-toxic Phthalate-free PVC the Sunnylife inflatable pool fits three adults thanks to its generous 150cm width. Oh, and it’s glittery. There’s nothing wrong with being extra!

Pool Buoy, $149

Designed in Melbourne, Pool Buoy inflatable pools are the ultimate in designer kiddie pools. Extra durable and built to last through many summers, they come with an easy inflate/deflate two-way valve and fit two to three adults.

 FUNBOY Moroccan Dream Kiddie Pool, $101.08

There’s no standing around waiting for this kiddie pool to be ready, thanks to rapid inflate and deflate valves. This beauty also fits a bunch of kids, measuring 168cm in diameter.

What to consider when buying a kiddie pool

When taking a dip into the kiddie pool world, it pays to do a little bit of research first. Here are a couple of things to consider:

• Size: An inflatable pool may look compact in the box, but after being inflated and deflated you’ll probably never get it that small again! So think about how you’ll be able to store it.
• Repair kit: Most kiddie pools should come with a repair kit, because chances are a stray stone or stick is going to ruin the fun at some stage!
• Deflation: Some kiddie pools have easy deflate valves which make life so much easier at the end of a hot day!

 Kiddie pool safety

Just because kiddie pools are pint-sized, it doesn’t mean water safety goes out the window. You should always supervise children around water – it literally takes seconds for a child to drown. And this means ‘active supervision’ – all of your attention must be on your child all of the time, and they must be within arms’ reach.

Inflatable pools can have anything from less than 15cm of water to over a metre. In most Australian states and territories, portable pools that are 30cm deep or more must be fenced. Just check your local council website to find out the requirements in your area.

And always remember to empty out the pool and put it away after use, to make sure it doesn’t fill back up again with rain or sprinkler water.

Are you a brand that thinks your inflatable kiddie pool should be included in our MoM Guide Best Kiddie Pools? Contact us, we’d love to hear from you!

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