Best paddling pools 2022: inflatable options for kids and adults

The great British summer is finally here, and while we can say for certain that the climate is usually questionable, forecasts predict that the UK is in store for some very balmy temperatures indeed.

With a slew of summer weekends on their way offering plenty of opportunities for enjoying your outdoor space, now’s the perfect time to think about investing in some pieces to heighten your leisure time. From al fresco dining to reclining in a hot tub, we’re all about mimicking that exclusive resort feel for less.

Of course, not everyone has the space or inclination to install a hot tub into their backyard. But there are other ways to enjoy a refreshing soak when the mercury soars: paddling pools.

They’re not just for kids either - some models are designed for adult-only use, complete with built-in drinks holders and lumbar support to keep you cool as well as comfortable. Fully inflatable, they pack down for easy storage when not in use.

We’ve rounded up some of the best options for chidren and adults alike in preparation for highly-anticipated tropical temperatures this summer.

See our favourites below

Best paddling pools for kids

H2O Mount Splashmore Water Park

Dimensions: 2.57m x 1.45m x 91cm

Less paddling pool, more mini water park, this design promises hours of delight in the safety of your garden. The inflatable pool comes with a built-in slide (with mesh guards at the top to stop little ones tumbling off), a climbing wall with rope, sprinklers and water blasters making for endless hours of splashing fun.

Buy now £460.00, B&Q

SUNNYLIFE Seahorse Unicorn inflatable kids pool

Dimensions: H100 x W115cm

For small infants who can sit up and toddlers, we love this option from leading inflatables company Sunnylife. Inspired by both a seahorse and a unicorn, the shallow pool comes with a hood to offer shady protection when the sun is particularly intense.

You can also find a lion and mermaid versions at Amara

Buy now £45.00, Hamleys

Dino Play Centre

Dimensions: W174 x H240 x D130cm

Holding 109 litres, this dino-themed play centre is packed with so many fun features we felt a stir of jealousy. Kids aged 3+ will love the volcano-print slide, inflatable blue dinosaur and water spraying jungle archway, which can attach to a regular garden hose for even more fun in the sun. It takes 10 minutes to inflate and another 10 to fill, although you can use sand if the weather’s not playing ball.

Buy now £40.00, George at ASDA

Intex Whale Spray Pool

Dimensions: 201 x 196 x 91cm

Standby for a whale of a time in this cute pool made for kids aged 2+. Attach it to a garden hose and watch the little ones shriek with joy as the tail douses them with a fine spray.

Buy now £24.99, Home Essentials

Inflatable Pirate Ship

Dimensions: W160 x H133 x D340cm

Say ahoy to this nautical-themed paddling pool, which sets kids on a course towards pirate-inspired adventures.

Built for hours of swashbuckling fun, features include a turnable inflatable steering wheel, inflatable cannon with hose connection for spraying water and a pair of inflatable swords for their imaginary voyage on the high seas.

It holds 460 litres and takes just 20 minutes to get up and running. Suitable for children aged 3+.

Buy now £40.00, George at ASDA

Umi paddling pool

Dimensions: 15 x 115 x 27cm

If you’re after a paddling pool with bags of juicy style, look no further than Amazon, where you can pick up this watermelon-themed design with Prime delivery. The inflatable pool is designed for the young (and the young at heart) and uses three valves to get it inflated in double quick time. Too cold for a splash? Fill it with balls instead to create a ball pit of your very own.

Too healthy for you? There are burger and pink doughnut designs to choose from too.

Buy now £25.99, Amazon

Rectangular Classic Pool

Dimensions: H211 x W132 x D46cm

If your kids are a bit older and already have all the toys they need, this no-frills option makes a great addition to their outdoor play set-up.

Shaped in a classic rectangle, the turquoise coloured pool features a mosaic pattern around the side and there’s a plug for easy drainage and quick deflate valve to help it get packed up when it’s not in use.

Buy now £20.00, George at ASDA

Foldable Pet Bath Tub

Dimensions: 80 x 76.2 x 30cm

It’s easy to forget that when the weather warms up, your pets need to cool off too. Let them join in the paddling pool fun with this purpose-built pool that’s ideal for small to medium-sized dogs. No inflating required here, the durable PVC sections fold up to create a watertight enclosure for your pets with a built in plug on the side for easy drainage.

Buy now £19.99, Amazon

Funboy Ibiza Boheme Pool

Dimensions: Oversized 66” / 168 cm diameter and 18” / 46 cm height

Get ready to party like you’re in the Baleriacs with Funboy’s cute and colourful paddling pool which comes with an integrated drain plug. There’s space for two adults or four kids over the age of six. Made from phthalate-free PVC, a special valve helps you inflate and deflate with ease.

Buy now £60.00, Revolve

Party Pieces Giant Rainbow Paddling Pool

Dimensions: 1.7m

All the bright and blazing colours of the rainbow feature on this 1.7m inflatable paddling pool. The simple but generous design can be filled with water, or add balls to make a fun ball pit for your little ones.

Buy now £34.99, Party Pieces

SUNNYLIFE The Greek Eye inflatable pool 160cm

Dimensions: H130 x L160 x D39cm

Grab your two favourite people for an afternoon talking nonsense from the comfort of your all-seeing eye-shaped inflatable pool. Complete with gold coloured eyelashes, this cool pool can fit three adults within - or two if you add a drinks cooler.

Also available at Amara.

Buy now £37.50, Camping World

Intex 7.5ft Swim Centre Round Family Pool with Chair

Dimensions: 229 x 218 x 76cm

If it’s the lounging life you’re after, this pool has it in spades. The blow-up design features high edges and bench-style seating for up to three to sit in the 640L compartment in style. A match XL headrest and an integrated cup holder either side finishes the look. There’s plenty of space in the front for splashing about too.

Buy now £43.26, Amara

Swim Centre Family Lounge Pool

Dimensions: W229 x H66 x D229cm

Get the whole family involved with this Family Lounge Pool, which comes with four inflatable seats and headrests to provide the ultimate in paddling pool comfort - there’s even a pair of cup holders to keep your drinks close to hand while you’re in the water. Holding 750 litres, it takes around 15 minutes to inflate and a further 20 to fill. There’s a repair kit included in case of any punctures too. Suitable for ages 3 years and over.

Buy now £40.00, George at ASDA