Just because you don’t have the budget for an inground pool, doesn’t mean you have to miss out on the fun. Inflatable pools are a great choice for families – they are cheap, flexible and can be upgraded as the family grows.

They are also a great choice for families that move house a lot, or who simply aren’t ready to commit to digging up their back yard.

There are plenty of fun inflatable kids’ pools on the market, designed to cater to the youngest of swimmers – from small splash pools with shade-cover hoods to bouncy castles. Add some floating pool toys to combine play time with a swim. Children love bright colours, toys and animals, and bringing these into the pool makes water awareness fun.

Small blow-up pools are great for the children to have a bit of a splash around, and adults like cooling their toes in a bit of water. But there are bigger, sturdier models available for bigger kids who want to swim, enjoy some water volleyball or other heavy-duty pool fun.

For the ultimate indulgence, why not try an inflatable spa pool? There are different models available, from simple heated pools to full massage spas with enough room for a few friends. The set-up costs are far more affordable than installing a regular hot tub and the units can easily be packed away when not in use.

Something about inflatable pools, be it the fun colours or temporary nature of the structure, leads owners to believe they are safe for children. The reality is that any body of water can be dangerous to young or inexperienced swimmers, so always ensure an adult is supervising activities and never leave young ones to their own devices. If you’re thinking of installing a pool, it might be a good time to teach your kids how to swim. Find swimming lessons, here.  

As in any pool, water must be kept clean and hygienic. Larger inflatable pools come with a filter pump to help keep water healthy, and may be subject to government or building regulations. Read more about pumps and filters in our article.

Check with your local council, as you may need to install an approved safety barrier or fence, just as you would with an in-ground pool. You can read more about the current requirements about pool fences here.

For your own blow-up pool, visit your nearest toy retailer, or swimming pool specialist.