10 best (and cheap) paddling pools

Our favourite way to spend a hot day is splashing about in a paddling pool with our kids.

Best (and cheapest) paddling pools

Our favourite way to spend a hot day is splashing about in a paddling pool with our kids.

Having a paddling pool means that when the sun is shining and the temperatures are getting higher, the whole family can get out into the garden and enjoy the warmer weather. Kids and adults alike can enjoy splashing around in the water, and it's a handy way to keep even cooler in the shade as the temperature climbs.

So, when the sun finally decides to stick around for a bit, we've rounded up the best (and cheapest) paddling pools for summer 2018 - just take a look at our picks below.

But first, things to consider...

When you're buying a paddling pool it's important that you find one that will fit the size of your garden. If it's too big you won't have the space to enjoy it, and emptying it could end up with you water-logging your lawn.

Paddling pools can also cause havoc on the grass and larger ones are difficult to move around when they're full, so keep this in mind when setting them up.

Of course, the most important rule of all, is that a paddling pool filled with water should only be used by children under adult supervision at all times.

Asda Intex Inflatable Family Lounge Pool

This inflatable pool, which comes complete with four seats and drink holders, was also on sale last year and sold out within days. It has 900-litre water capacity and comes with its own drain plug and repair patch. But you'd better be quick as we're predicting it won't be around for long, especially at this price!

Price: £30.00

Size: L66, W229, D229 cm

Buy it now

Intex Mystic Unicorn Spray Pool

Best (and cheapest) paddling pools

(Image credit: smythstoys.)

Unicorns are having a moment right now so why not treat your kids to this unicorn spray pool. It comes in vibrant colours with a sprayer spout that attaches to a garden hose to keep kids cool while they play.

Drain plug and repair patch included.

Price: £24.99

Size: 272, 193, 104cm

Buy it now

X Ring Inflatable Rainbow Play Center

Best (and cheapest) paddling pools

(Image credit: Amazon)

It's like a mini obstacle course and a paddling pool in one - what's not to love? No doubt this will keep kids entertained for hours whilst also keeping them cool from the sun - win, win!

Price: £39.99

Size: L297, W193, D135cm

Buy it now

Intex 90-Inch Sandy Shark Spray Pool

Best (and cheapest) paddling pools

(Image credit: Amazon)

Not many people can say they have bathed with a shark, but now you can! With a sprayer spout in its fin this pool can provide hours of fun!

Price:£19.60

Size: L229, W226, D107cm

Buy it now

Intex - Sun shade pool

Best (and cheapest) paddling pools

(Image credit: Debenhams)

Kids will love splashing around on hot summer days and you'll feel relaxed knowing they're protected from getting too much sun. With drain plug for easy emptying and a removable sun shade, this is perfect for those with minimal garden space.

Price:£24.00

Size: H157, W157, D122cm

Buy it now

Chad Valley Activity Pool Play Centre

Best (and cheapest) paddling pools

(Image credit: Argos)

There's lots of fun to be had with this multi-purpose paddling pool. This inflatable playground is not only a paddling pool but also features a sprinkler, slide and ball pit for extra amusement. Kids will spend hours playing in this colourful play centre.

Price:£24.00

Size: L76, W146, D259cm

Buy it now

Bestway Ocean Life Pool

Best (and cheapest) paddling pools

(Image credit: Rex Features)

This will get your little ones happily splashing away on a hot summer's day. We love the ocean theme so they'll feel like they're in the sea (sort-of!).

Price: /strong>£7.99

Size: 102, W25, D40cm

Buy it now

Jilong Inflatable Spray Pool Turtle Shape

Best (and cheapest) paddling pools

What’s better than splashing around in a pool? Well splashing around in a pool that comes with a cool turtle that squirts water when attached to a hose! Moreover, it's easy to fold away for storage and transport when not in use and the price point isn’t bad either.

Price:£21.99

Size: 175 x 62 cm

Buy it now

Intex Mushroom Baby Pool

Best (and cheapest) paddling pools

(Image credit: John Lewis)

This inflatable pool is perfect for keeping small kids cool in the summer and the built-in mushroom sunshade will keep your child protected from the sun. Plus it’s just so cute!

A soft inflatable floor allows for gentle play while the colourful detail keeps your child entertained. A repair patch is included.

Price:£9.99

Size: L102, W89, D89cm

Buy it now

Intex Whale Spray Pool

Best (and cheapest) paddling pools

If a shark or turtle doesn’t interest you, why try a whale spray pool? The pool is easy to inflate and deflate while the tail fin can spray water when connected to a garden hose – children will really have a 'whale' of a time playing in this plastic vinyl spray pool on a warm summer's day.

Price:£14.99

Size: H95, W45, D45 cm

Buy it now

Jessica Dady
Food Editor

Jessica Dady is Food Editor at GoodtoKnow and has over 11 years of experience as a digital editor, specialising in all things food, recipes, and SEO. From the must-buy seasonal food hampers and advent calendars for Christmas to the family-friendly air fryers that’ll make dinner time a breeze, Jessica loves trying and testing various food products to find the best of the best for the busy parents among us. Over the years of working with GoodtoKnow, Jessica has had the privilege of working alongside Future’s Test Kitchen to create exclusive videos - as well as writing, testing, and shooting her own recipes. When she’s not embracing the great outdoors with her family at the weekends, Jessica enjoys baking up a storm in the kitchen with her favourite bakes being chocolate chip cookies, cupcakes, and a tray of gooey chocolate brownies