Best pool

Make more of your garden whenever the weather is warm with a pool for kids and adults to enjoy. These are our favourite designs.

Best pool
(Image credit: Christian Bowen on Unsplash)

There’s nothing to beat the pleasure of splashing around in a pool when temperatures rise. Add one to your garden, and you don’t even have to leave home to enjoy cooling off in the water. While some fit kids, only others can let the whole family take a dip. Whether a round or rectangular pool complements your outside space best, and whatever the dimensions you need, you’ll find a great design in our selection.

Best overall

garden pool

(Image credit: Intex)

Intex 56475NP inflatable swim center

For all ages

This pool's built-in seats make it a top choice for grown-up users as well as kids. There are even two holders to keep a drink nearby. It has a water capacity of 990 litres with a drain plug to make emptying easy. It can be folded down to take on holiday or for easy storage. If you are looking for a fun way to stay cool with friends, this is a great way to do it.

Best round design

Bestway Fast Set swimming pool

(Image credit: Amazon)

Bestway Fast Set swimming pool

Three layer walls

A circular pool can be a space-efficient choice, leaving room around its edges without the corners that users might bump into. This design is well over 2 metres in diameter and has a sidewall structure that’s made to be durable and tear-resistant. Be aware that it has a 2,300-litre capacity, so filling it will take time. 

Best for dogs

Wimypet foldable dog swimming pool

(Image credit: Amazon)

Wimypet foldable dog swimming pool

Tidies away

If you want your pooch to get the benefit of cool water on a hot day, check out this pet-friendly pool that has a 120-centimetre diameter and is 30 centimetres in height. It’s made from non-toxic PVC composite fabric and has a textured surface to stop paws from slipping. Be advised that nails should be trimmed before use, though.

Best for splashing about

Voxon inflatable swimming pool

(Image credit: Amazon)

Voxon inflatable swimming pool

Dolphin design

The whole family can fit inside this pool that has an appealing sea-themed motif on its exterior. It features a sprinkler that squirts water to make using it even more fun for kids. This style is made with 4 millimetre PVC for durability and should be inflated for three to four minutes with an electric pump, although this isn’t included.

Best for paddling

Bestway Splash and Play pool

(Image credit: Amazon)

Bestway Splash and Play pool

Bright colours

Even if your garden’s tiny, you should be able to find room for this pool that will allow little ones to cool off. It has a water capacity of 167 litres. And it comes in three different hues, but be mindful that you can’t pick which one you get.

Best for play

Intex mini frame pool

(Image credit: Amazon)

Intex mini frame pool

Speedy set-up

You won’t need to inflate this pool to get it ready for kids to splash about or have fun with toys. It has a galvanised steel frame for strength plus foam edges and promises an assembly time of under 10 minutes. With dimensions of 122-by-30-by-122 centimetres, it will fit into a small garden.

Our verdict

Why you can trust Gardeningetc Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.

The whole family will welcome the chance to have a splash in a pool when the mercury is high. Our favourite is the Intex 56475NP inflatable swim center. At 2.29 metres long and with built-in seats, it makes it easy for adults to supervise young users or will fit four grown-ups. It can be folded down small to take away on holiday or store.  

Why trust us?

At GardeningEtc we recommend the best products to enhance your life. As expert curators, we handpick products based on quality and usefulness to positively impact your day-to-day, from cart to doorstep. We take our responsibility seriously — testing products, reading reviews, and sourcing knowledgeable outlets to ensure our selections are worthy of your time and money. We deliver detailed product overviews, balancing objective information with subjective opinions, so making the best choice for your home and lifestyle is as easy as possible.

Sarah Warwick
Freelance writer

Sarah is a freelance journalist and editor writing for websites, national newspapers, and magazines. She’s spent most of her journalistic career specialising in homes and gardens and loves investigating the benefits, costs and practicalities of home improvement. It's no big surprise that she likes to put what she writes about into practice, and is a serial house revamper.