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10 Best Non-Inflatable Kiddie Pools in 2022 (Step2, Intex, and More)

10 Best Non-Inflatable Kiddie Pools in 2022 (Step2, Intex, and More)

When summertime is here and it's hot out, you don’t want to lift a finger, especially not to blow up a kiddie pool! Instead, try something easier to set up, like a non-inflatable option. Whether you want to save time or your kids and dog are prone to popping inflatable pools, a non-inflatable option is probably the best one for you.

The non-inflatable kiddie pool market is full of different sizes, shapes, and styles. We've done the research for you and created a list of the 10 best non-inflatable kiddie pools this year. We personally loved Step2 Play & Shade Pool since it's sturdy and has built-in shade and toys. Read on to see the rest of our top picks, and read our buying guide to further help you in your search.

Last updated: 08-16-2022

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How to Choose a Non-Inflatable Kiddie Pool – Buying Guide

It can be hard to know which non-inflatable kiddie pool fits your family best. We've compiled a handy buying guide of things to consider before you purchase.

Choose a Material Based on Durability and Convenience

Some pools are completely rigid; some pools give way a little; some can be disassembled and rolled up. They’ve all got pros and cons, so let’s go through them.

Hard Plastic Is Durable but Heavy

Hard plastic is probably the material that comes to mind when you think about non-inflatable kiddie pools. They’re sturdy, and your child can lean against the walls and not worry about falling out of the pool. They are great for dog use since the hard walls can withstand your dog's claws. There's also little to no assembly required.

That also means that you can’t disassemble them and put them away in the winter. Hard plastic pools are best if you have the space to store them. They can also be heavy when the time comes to drain them, so try looking for a pool with a drain in the case of hard plastic. You could also try creating a siphon with a garden hose.

Stiff Plastic With a Soft Base Is Easier to Store

Some pools have rigid sides but soft bottoms, so you can roll them up for storage. Make sure they are fully dry, as any water trapped in the rolls can turn into mold. These also require no assembly, but they can take a long time to fill up.

The walls don’t stand up unless there’s already water in the pool, so, as you fill, they collapse inwards and spill water all over the place. The trick is to make sure you’ve spread the bottom all the way out. Make sure there are no wrinkles and you should be good to go!

To let out water, all you have to do is push down on the sides. That means, though, that you can’t casually lean on them. The bottoms are easier to rip, so don’t set these pools up on a bunch of rocks. If you have the ability, laying down towels or something soft where the pool will be is another way to make sure the pool doesn't rip.

Vinyl Lining Offers Variety but Tears Easily

Some non-inflatable kiddie pools are made with a vinyl lining supported by a frame, usually plastic or metal. They come in a multitude of sizes, up to something the entire family can splash in, and yet can be taken apart, rolled up, and stuck in your closet.

If you opt for something huge, see if it comes with a cover so you don’t need to waste time filling it up again and again, saving time and precious water.

Set these up on lawns because gravel and concrete will rip at the thin lining. Scan the area for any big rocks or debris that could potentially puncture the lining. Yoga mats and tarps can provide protection if you need them.

Folding Tubs Are Portable and Convenient

amazon.com

Though these are mainly meant for dogs, there’s no reason why humans can’t enjoy folding tubs too. They offer a convenient alternative to some of the bulkier pools on the market. The tubs are made of a series of cardboard panels, covered in vinyl. They’re light, portable, and easy to set up.

Once the lining rips, though, the pool is useless since water disintegrates cardboard. And the bits between the panels are prone to cracking. Also, make sure that yours comes with a drain, unless you want to bail all the water out.

Pick a Size That Suits Your Needs and Yard Space

You'll definitely want to measure the space in your yard that will house your kiddie pool before you purchase. While there are no set sizes experts recommend for kiddie pools, it's a good idea to bear in mind that your child will grow. If you have a little one who is going through a growth spurt, aiming for a larger-sized pool is a good idea.

However, if your child is still a toddler, it may be better to err on the side of caution and buy a smaller-sized pool for the time being. Even if you keep your little one under full supervision while they're in the pool, drowning is especially a risk for children ages one to three.

When you're filling your kiddie pool, keep in mind that the best water depth for toddlers is around one foot of water. Children older than that will benefit from up to two feet of water.

Consider Ease of Transportation and Storage

When looking for something portable, material and size are your main focal points. The larger the pool's material, the harder it will be to move the pool around as needed. A pool that's easier to move will also be easier to clean.

Folding tubs and vinyl pools are the most portable. However, you need to be mindful of how you pack them during transport to avoid rips. Keep them in a box or a safe spot in the car. We also recommend laying down a tarp or towels before setting these pools up.

Vinyl lining pools can compact down, though they often have the most parts involved in setup. More parts and complicated construction create more opportunities to lose parts, effectively ruining your pool. We recommend taking extra care when bringing a vinyl pool along on a road trip.

Hard plastic pools are the safest to move around in terms of durability. Their issue is one of size and shape. Still, it's entirely possible to bring a smaller hard plastic pool along on the roof of a larger car or strapped to the back of a camper. In these cases, hard plastic pools are ideal for a road trip or on an adventure to the beach.

Look for a Pool That's Easy to Clean

The CDC warns that it's necessary to clean your kiddie pool each time that you use it. This is because, unlike public pools, a kiddie pool doesn't have filters or special water formulas to keep germs from thriving.

Since you have to clean your pool often, we recommend looking for one that's easy to empty or has a drain installed in it. This will make cleaning a breeze and will keep your kids safe from viruses and bacteria.

While it may be tempting, all experts advise strictly against trying to add chlorine or other chemicals to your pool. Instead of chlorine, use soapy water to clean the pool!

Think About Useful Extra Features Like Shades

Non-inflatable kiddie pools might come with extra features such as a cover, a canopy, a slide, an umbrella, a sprinkler, or toys. A cover keeps your pool water clean and free of dirt when not in use.

An umbrella or a canopy will give your kid protection from the sun. A sprinkler, a slide, and toys will keep your child preoccupied and engaged for a long time.

10 Best Non-Inflatable Kiddie Pools

We've based these picks on extensive research and on reviews from real people who purchased and used these pools. Here are our 10 best choices for non-inflatable kiddie pools!

Prices were gathered from respective EC sites on July 19, 2022.

Image	Niubya	Starplay	Intex	Monobeach	Rubbermaid	Bestway	Alvantor	Intex	Step2	Jasonwell
Name	Foldable Pool XXL	Apple Pool	Snapset Kids Pool	Baby Beach Tent	50-Gallon Tank	H2OGO! Splash-in-Shade Play Pool	Foldable Kiddie Pool	Mini Frame Pool	Play & Shade Pool	Large Foldable Kiddie Pool
Features	Best for Twinwall Construction and Sturdy Bottom	Best Splashing Pool With a Cover	Best for Efficient Storage and Ease of Assembly	Best for Baby's Beach Day	Best for the Sturdy Plastic Construction	Best for the Large Size That Can Fit Older Kids and Adults	Best for the Lightweight Steel Frame That Holds the Sides Up	Best for Kids Over Age 3	Best Interactive Kiddie Pool for Toddlers	Best Foldable Pool for Easy Storage
Price	$39.99	$141.41	$16.78	$35.95	$259.00	$178.00	$39.99	$38.99	$113.99	$42.99
Material	PVC	Polypropylene plastic	Plastic	Not provided	Molded polyethylene	PVC and polyester mesh with steel frames	Vinyl (PVC), steel frame	Steel frame with foam padded horizontal beams	Hard molded plastic	Vinyl (PVC), fiberboard
Full dimensions	63 x 63 x 12 in.	45.6 x 9.8 x 39.3 in.	60 x 60 x 10 in.	47.2 x 30.3 x 23.6 in.	51.7 x 31 x 12 in.	96 x 96 x 20 in.	42 x 42 x 12 in.	48 x 48 x 12 in.	37.5 x 37.5 x 7.75 in.	48 x 48 x 12 in.
Collapsible	Yes	No	Yes	Yes	No	No	Yes	Yes	No	Yes
Best for	Toddlers, backyard use, travel use	Toddlers, backyard use, sandbox, small dogs	Toddlers, backyard use	Children under 3 years old, beach use, backyard use	Pets, backyard use	Older children, adults, backyard use	Toddlers, backyard use, travel use, dogs	Backyard use, older children	Toddlers, backyard use, sandbox	Toddlers, backyard use, travel use, dogs
Extra features	Drain plug	-	Repair patch	Baby shade tent, carry bag, 4 pegs	-	Water mister, canopy, drain plug	-	-	40-in. umbrella, 3 funnel cups, spinning water wheel, 2 seats	Drain plug
Link	View Amazon	View Amazon View Walmart View Wayfair	View Amazon View Walmart View Home Depot	View Amazon View Walmart	View Amazon View Tractor Supply	View Amazon View Walmart View Home Depot	View Amazon View Walmart View Alvantor	View Amazon View Walmart View Home Depot	View Amazon View Step2	View Amazon View Walmart

Step2Play & Shade Pool

$113.99

Best Interactive Kiddie Pool for Toddlers

Pros:

Designed with two seats built into the side
Textured bottom prevents slips
Rigid build allows your kid to lean on the sides
Comes with an umbrella, little funnels, and a water wheel

Cons:

The pool doesn't have a drain

This pool comes with an umbrella, three little funnels, and a water wheel. Your kids are sure to have hours of UV-free fun with all these bells and whistles! The pool's floor has an anti-slip pattern of sea animals, and it has two molded-in seats for your kids to sit on.

Some reviewers point out that there is no drain or place to grip when dumping out the water, so emptying the pool can be a bit of work. However, most reviewers praise the sturdiness of the product. They also like all the accessories that come with this kiddie pool. Many say this pool can fit two to three toddlers.

Material	Hard molded plastic
Full dimensions	37.5 x 37.5 x 7.75 in.
Collapsible	No
Best for	Toddlers, backyard use, sandbox
Extra features	40-in. umbrella, 3 funnel cups, spinning water wheel, 2 seats

JasonwellLarge Foldable Kiddie Pool

$42.99

Best Foldable Pool for Easy Storage

Pros:

Made of durable PVC and dense fiberboard
Sides stay upright even when the pool is empty
Foldable design is easy to store when not in use and convenient to transport
Designed with a drain valve for easy drainage
Available in five different sizes (smallest diameter is baby-sized at 32 inches; largest is 63 inches, which can fit a grade-schooler)

Cons:

It's a bit heavy to handle for some buyers

This swimming pool was designed to accommodate large dogs, so it will hold up to even the most rambunctious kids as well. The foldable walls are made of sturdy PVC and fiberboard. It's suggested that your dog's nails are trimmed and your kid doesn't have any sharp toys to protect the pool from being punctured.

A couple of buyers find the pool too heavy. And some others warn that if your dog likes to chew on things, this pool might not withstand the onslaught of teeth. However, most parents love how easy it is to maintain and store the pool. They are also pleased with its durability and further mention that it's easy to empty the pool thanks to the side drain plug.

Material	Vinyl (PVC), fiberboard
Full dimensions	48 x 48 x 12 in.
Collapsible	Yes
Best for	Toddlers, backyard use, travel use, dogs
Extra features	Drain plug

IntexMini Frame Pool

$38.99

Best for Kids Over Age 3

Pros:

Horizontal beams are padded with foam to prevent injury
Made with vinyl, a durable and rip-resistant material
Has a drain plug for easy emptying
Comes with a patch kit for tears

Cons:

It's mentioned that the metal parts can rust if not cared for properly

The pool is easy to put together and take apart, and kids can lean up against the sides without them folding over, thanks to the support bars. It stores compactly, too. Just take the bars apart and roll them up in the vinyl shell after it's dry. It includes a drain plug and comes with a patch kit.

Some reviewers mention that the metal construction was not a wise choice as it can rust easily in the elements. But most confirm that the pool is sturdy and can even handle their dog's claws. Many have fun with the pool year-round and further mention that it's roomy and can accommodate about two kids.

Material	Steel frame with foam padded horizontal beams
Full dimensions	48 x 48 x 12 in.
Collapsible	Yes
Best for	Backyard use, older children
Extra features	-

AlvantorFoldable Kiddie Pool

$39.99

Best for the Lightweight Steel Frame That Holds the Sides Up

Pros:

Made of scratch-resistant PVC
Uses spring steel frame to retain the shape
Folds down for easy storage
Weighs only 3.7 pounds and is great for travel use
Available in two different sizes: 42 and 63 inches

Cons:

Has no drain plug, so you'll have to push the edge to empty the pool

This kiddie pool measures 42 inches in diameter, making it suitable for one small kid. It's designed with a spring steel frame for extra durability. You won't have to worry that the sides fall down when there's no water inside the pool. It's one of the most portable products on our list as it's foldable and weighs only 3.7 pounds in total.

For the most part, reviewers are pleased with the ease of the pool's setup. They also say that it's durable, easy to clean, and store. Another plus point for buyers is that it has a compact design that's convenient for traveling. Many buyers use this one for their dog to play in, too!

Material	Vinyl (PVC), steel frame
Full dimensions	42 x 42 x 12 in.
Collapsible	Yes
Best for	Toddlers, backyard use, travel use, dogs
Extra features	-

BestwayH2OGO! Splash-in-Shade Play Pool

$178.00

Best for the Large Size That Can Fit Older Kids and Adults

Pros:

Has a large size that can fit adults and older children
Hooded to provide shade
Sturdy design with metal frame to withstand wind
Water mister gives you and your kid a cooling mist
Four drain plugs

Cons:

It's mentioned that the instructions lack details
Many reviewers try to use it with a filter or pump, and say that won't work well; plan to drain it and clean as you would a smaller pool

You can fit your whole family into this wonderful pool. The large size makes it great for older kids to play in. It has a mist dispenser in the canopy that can cool you down during a hot summer day. The shade is UV-resistant to protect you from the sun while you enjoy the water.

A couple of people say it's hard to clean and some complain about the inadequate instructions. Other than that, the majority confirm that it's sturdy and are thrilled with the canopy and misting features. Many report that their kids and dogs love this festive pool, and recommend buying mosquito netting to drape over it to make it even better!

Material	PVC and polyester mesh with steel frames
Full dimensions	96 x 96 x 20 in.
Collapsible	No
Best for	Older children, adults, backyard use
Extra features	Water mister, canopy, drain plug

NiubyaFoldable Pool XXL

$39.99

View product on Amazon

Best for Twinwall Construction and Sturdy Bottom

Pros:

Sturdy plastic construction with twinwall polypropylene sheets
Textured bottom keeps your child from skidding
Foldable design makes it convenient for traveling
Available in three sizes to suit different needs

Cons:

Some buyers complain that the pool leaks at the drain plug

This kiddie pool is a great travel item as it's foldable and doesn't take a lot of storage place. It's made of PVC and has a twinwall structure for extra durability. The bottom is textured to prevent slipping, and there's a drain plug that makes it easy to discharge the water after use.

A couple of buyers report that the drain plug leaks a bit. Nonetheless, most parents say their kid loves playing in this little pool and further compliment its durable construction. Those who use it for their dog especially like the sturdy plastic base, mentioning that it can withstand claws.

Material	PVC
Full dimensions	63 x 63 x 12 in.
Collapsible	Yes
Best for	Toddlers, backyard use, travel use
Extra features	Drain plug

Monobeach Baby Beach Tent

$35.95

Best for Baby's Beach Day

Pros:

Provides UPF50+ sun protection
Folds up easily for storage
Carry bag included
Four pegs to help you keep the pool fixed

Cons:

Setting it up, and folding it to get it back into its bag, were hard for some buyers

This pool can accommodate a baby or small toddler. The top can shield your kid against UV rays and has a flap to open for a nice breeze. It's a great option for those who spend their summers at the beach or have a sandbox in the yard. Just dig it into the sand, and fill with water.

Some reviewers feel the tent is too flimsy, hard to set up, and hard to fold back up. However, many report that the pool is perfect for keeping babies cool at the beach. It's also lightweight, which is important for parents already carrying a bunch of baby things. Some even say they use it at the park or playground too.

Material	Not provided
Full dimensions	47.2 x 30.3 x 23.6 in.
Collapsible	Yes
Best for	Children under 3 years old, beach use, backyard use
Extra features	Baby shade tent, carry bag, 4 pegs

Rubbermaid50-Gallon Tank

Fg424300Bla

$259.00

Best for the Sturdy Plastic Construction

Pros:

Tough enough for dogs and other pets
Textured surface prevents slippage
Made from all durable molded polyethylene, so you can lean on the sides and it'll hold up
Available in four different sizes to suit your needs

Cons:

This size doesn't have a drain plug

This bathtub-shaped tank is made of molded polyethylene, a tough material that's resistant to weather. As the flooring is textured, it's harder to slip on it. It's a great choice for giving your pet a bath!

Some reviewers take issue with the product coming without a drain, but others say they drilled and installed one they purchased separately. Besides that, many users praise the sturdiness and versatility of this tub-like pool. They used it not only as a kiddie pool but as a tub for their pets.

Material	Molded polyethylene
Full dimensions	51.7 x 31 x 12 in.
Collapsible	No
Best for	Pets, backyard use
Extra features	-

IntexSnapset Kids Pool

$16.78

Best for Efficient Storage and Ease of Assembly

Pros:

Includes repair patch to fix potential punctures
Has a foldable design for easy storage
It's said that the pool is easy to assemble

Cons:

A few buyers comment that the pool needs water in order to hold its shape

This pool is constructed from PVC. It comes with a repair patch to help you repair any punctures that might happen while you're using it. It's foldable and won't take a lot of storage space. It measures five feet in diameter and can accommodate two kids.

Criticisms focus on the flimsiness of the pool. Some buyers mention that it needs a flat surface to fill correctly and requires water for the sides to be up. However, most people say it's perfect for smaller children. They further comment that setup is a snap and the pool stores easily.

Material	Plastic
Full dimensions	60 x 60 x 10 in.
Collapsible	Yes
Best for	Toddlers, backyard use
Extra features	Repair patch

StarplayApple Pool

34515

$141.41

Best Splashing Pool With a Cover

Pros:

Apple-shaped and comes in three colors
A second one acts as a lid and snaps on
Thick plastic build
Stackable design allows for convenient storage

Cons:

Not designed with a drain plug

This durable plastic pool is big and sturdy enough for one kid. It's a perfect wading pool for the porch or yard that can double as a sandpit when the weather cools down. The plastic is thick and sturdy, and if you buy two, the second one can snap in place to be a cover.

A few users report that as this pool doesn't have a drain, it's a pain to empty. Still, most are pleased with how easy it is to clean. Some also use the pool as a spot for their dogs to cool down or bathe in.

Material	Polypropylene plastic
Full dimensions	45.6 x 9.8 x 39.3 in.
Collapsible	No
Best for	Toddlers, backyard use, sandbox, small dogs
Extra features	-

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