Pumps For Intex Pools – Upgrade & Buying Guide Reviews for 2023

Whether you are planning to install a new Intex above-ground pool or you’re looking to upgrade your current Intex pool pump, we’re here to help pool owners choose between the best pumps for Intex pools that are available today.

There is a vast array of pump and filter types for intex pools, so our aim here is to simplify your decision making process by giving you the right information you need to keep your pool up and running all summer long.

A good filter is nothing without the right pool pump supporting it, and not getting the right pool pump may hinder the quality of your swimming pool experience. For this reason, we’ve come up with the 5 best pumps for Intex Pools to help navigate your decision making.

Are you dissatisfied with the pool pump that came along with your Intex pool set? Or maybe you’ve encountered a problem with your Intex pool pump. And instead of spending money on repair, you’ve decided to do get an Intex pool pump upgrade.

Pumps For Intex Pools Roundup

Intex Krystal Clear Cartridge Pumps

First on our list, we must cover the Intex Krystal Clear Cartridge Filter pumps. This is Intex’s most basic pump & filter combination. It comes with many of the smaller Intex pool sets. There are a few different variations of this pump & filter combination, mostly centered around the GPH rating of the pump.

These pumps are very easy to setup and get running. Hookups are simple and instructions are straightforward. They are not recommended to be running for more than 8 hours per day.

It uses a Type B filter cartridge that needs to be changed or replaced every two weeks. Intex highly recommends this pool pump for pool owners who has an above ground pool up to 24 feet in diameter.

Intex cartridge filter pumps come with a 2-year limited manufacturer’s warranty.

The Krystal Clear Cartridge Filter Pump has the following models in the lineup:

For Small Easy Set Pools
INTEX C330 Krystal Clear Cartridge Filter Pump for Above Ground Pools: 330 GPH Pump Flow Rate – Improved Circulation and Filtration – Easy Installation – Improved Water Clarity – Easy-to-Clean
For Larger Easy Set Pools
INTEX C1000 Krystal Clear Cartridge Filter Pump for Above Ground Pools: 1000 GPH Flow Rate – Improved Circulation and Filtration Easy Installation Water Clarity Easy-to-Clean
For Metal Frame Pools
INTEX 28635EG C1500 Krystal Clear Cartridge Filter Pump for Above Ground Pools:1500 GPH Pump Flow Rate –Improved Circulation and Filtration – Easy Installation – Water Clarity –Easy-to-Clean
For Metal Frame Pools
INTEX C1500 Krystal Clear Cartridge Filter Pump for Above Ground Pools: 2500 GPH Pump Flow Rate – Improved Circulation, Filtration And Water Clarity – Easy Installation And to-Clean
350 GPH
1000 GPH
1500 GPH
2500 GPH
$39.88
$55.99
$82.99
$104.99
For Small Easy Set Pools
INTEX C330 Krystal Clear Cartridge Filter Pump for Above Ground Pools: 330 GPH Pump Flow Rate – Improved Circulation and Filtration – Easy Installation – Improved Water Clarity – Easy-to-Clean
350 GPH
$39.88
For Larger Easy Set Pools
INTEX C1000 Krystal Clear Cartridge Filter Pump for Above Ground Pools: 1000 GPH Flow Rate – Improved Circulation and Filtration Easy Installation Water Clarity Easy-to-Clean
1000 GPH
$55.99
For Metal Frame Pools
INTEX 28635EG C1500 Krystal Clear Cartridge Filter Pump for Above Ground Pools:1500 GPH Pump Flow Rate –Improved Circulation and Filtration – Easy Installation – Water Clarity –Easy-to-Clean
1500 GPH
$82.99
For Metal Frame Pools
INTEX C1500 Krystal Clear Cartridge Filter Pump for Above Ground Pools: 2500 GPH Pump Flow Rate – Improved Circulation, Filtration And Water Clarity – Easy Installation And to-Clean
2500 GPH
$104.99
ModelPump Flow RateSystem Flow RateMax. Pool Size
673R1,000 GPH750 GPH6,000 gallons
635T1,500 GPH1,180 GPH9,400 gallons
633T2,500 GPH1,900 GPH15,200 gallons

Pros and Cons

Simple and reliable construction

Quiet operation

Uses replaceable filter cartridges

Easy installation instructions

Filter requires regular maintenance and cleaning

Filter replacement cost of around $5 every two weeks can add up

Not powerful enough to operate the pool vacuum

Not compatible with a skimmer basket

What Real World Users Say…

“Best decision I ever made with my pool was to upgrade to a sand filter so much easier and less to worry about. I changed cartridges and I couldn’t stop it from leaking so I upgraded”

“I changed our cartridge ever 2 weeks and then every week in the very hot summer. I did run the pump for about 15 hours a day. Our water stayed clear”

“It’s been ok but the filter cartridges were so expensive and hard to find last summer. Definitely more work cleaning the filters in very warm weather.”

Pick This One If:

Budget:

This is the most affordable pump available.

You have a small pool:

This pump is fine for the smaller Easy Set pools

Intex Krystal Clear Sand Filter Pumps

The Intex Krystal Clear Sand Filter Pump Series is our recommendation for those looking to upgrade their pump for their Intex pool.

It comes in four different tank sizes that cater to different pool sizes.

INTEX SX1500 Krystal Clear Sand Filter Pump for Above Ground Pools: 1500 GPH Pump Flow Rate – Improved Circulation and Filtration – Easy Installation – Improved Water Clarity – Easy-to-Clean
INTEX Krystal Clear Sand Filter Pump for Above Ground Pools with 2100 Gallons Per Hour Flow Rate, Improved Circulation, and Easy Installation
INTEX Krystal Clear Sand Filter Pump for Above Ground Pools with 2800 Gallons Per Hour Flow Rate, Improved Circulation, and Easy Installation
INTEX SX3000 Krystal Clear Sand Filter Pump for Above Ground Pools: 3000 GPH Pump Flow Rate – Improved Circulation and Filtration – Easy Installation – Improved Water Clarity – Easy-to-Clean
1050 GPH
1600 GPH
2150 GPH
2450 GPH
$139.99
$195.19
$229.99
$201.58
INTEX SX1500 Krystal Clear Sand Filter Pump for Above Ground Pools: 1500 GPH Pump Flow Rate – Improved Circulation and Filtration – Easy Installation – Improved Water Clarity – Easy-to-Clean
1050 GPH
$139.99
INTEX Krystal Clear Sand Filter Pump for Above Ground Pools with 2100 Gallons Per Hour Flow Rate, Improved Circulation, and Easy Installation
1600 GPH
$195.19
INTEX Krystal Clear Sand Filter Pump for Above Ground Pools with 2800 Gallons Per Hour Flow Rate, Improved Circulation, and Easy Installation
2150 GPH
$229.99
INTEX SX3000 Krystal Clear Sand Filter Pump for Above Ground Pools: 3000 GPH Pump Flow Rate – Improved Circulation and Filtration – Easy Installation – Improved Water Clarity – Easy-to-Clean
2450 GPH
$201.58
Tank SizePump Flow RateSystem Flow RateMax. Pool Size
10 inches1,200 GPH1,050 GPH8,400 gallons
12 inches2,100 GPH2,150 GPH12,800 gallons
14 inches2,800 GPH2,150 GPH17,200 gallons
16 inches3,000 GPH2,450 GPH19,600 gallons

The sand filter pumps utilize sand as a filter material rather than the replaceable cartridges. This system is almost universally used in in-ground and commercial pools.

Lately, manufacturing and technology changes has lowered the cost of sand filters to where they are now reasonable choices for above-ground pool owners.

You can see the basics of how the sand filter works in the diagram.

pumps for intex pools

The sand filter pump is equipped with Hydro Aeration Technology, that’s unique to Intex pool pumps. Its benefits include improved circulation and filtration, better water clarity, and increased negative ions at the surface of your pool water.

You can choose between six different functions when you operate this pool pump.

  • Filter
  • Backwash
  • Rinse
  • Re-circulate
  • Drain
  • Close
pumps for intex pools

This sand filter pool pump needs 120 lbs. of sand to work efficiently and is recommended for above ground pools up to 19,600 gallons in size. The best thing about selecting this pool pump is you only have to replace the sand in your filter system every five years.

The filter pump system is also very easy to set up and use since it comes with a built-in automatic timer and 6-function control (filter, backwash, re-circulate, drain, rinse, and close system).

This product comes with a 2 years limited manufacturer’s warranty.

Pros and Cons

Sand filter medium provides better water quality and lower maintenance

Electricity costs may be lower due to less run time needed due to higher GPH rating

Powerful enough to operate the Intex pool vacuum

Can be used to drain the pool at the end of the season

Built in skimmer basket helps filter larger debris

Costs a little more to purchase

Has a few more settings to learn

What Real World Users Say…

“Sand filters are much better ours was $150 and totally worth it – sand filters work 10 times better and you don’t have to buy any disposable filters for it”

“Consider if you are going to run a skimmer or the Intex robot vacuum. I found anything less than 1500GPH was useless”

Pick This One If:

Bigger Pools:

If you have one of those bigger Intex pools, then this powerful pool pump should work well for you.

Less Maintenance:

This Intex Krystal Clear Sand Filter Pump is perfect for pool owners who are too busy to change the cartridge filters of their pool pumps.

Pool Pump Basics – First Things First

The purpose of running the pool pump is to get the water circulating through the pool, which means getting all of the water through the filter.  Many times you will hear pump and it means pump and filter, however, the pump and the filter are two distinctly different things.  Pumps circulate the water and push the water through the FILTER, the filter is what cleans the water

What is Flow Rate?

Pump Flow Rate is how many gallons of water your pump moves per hour or minute.  The measure is GPH which is short for GALLONS PER HOUR; this is how many gallons of water is filtered through your pump per hour.  The GPH is stated on the pool pump & manual.  Often it may be GPM or GALLONS PER MINUTE. 

If you are trying to calculate and need to convert GPM to GPH or GPH to GPM, divide the GPH by 60 or multiply the GPM by 60 (because there are 60 minutes in an hour). 

GPM x 60 = GPH GALLONS PER HOUR

GPH/60 = GPM GALLONS PER MINUTE

What is Turnover Rate?

Turnover rate is the basis for a clean pool.  If your turnover rate is too low, water is not being sanitized; and while turnover rate and flow rate sound the same, they are very different.  Pumps have FLOW RATES, TURNOVER RATES apply to the pool water.

Turnover Rate is the time it takes for all of the water in the pool to circulate through the pump/filter.  The turnover rate is measured in hours; how many hours it takes.  If you have a large pump and all of the water goes through the pump/filter twice a day, the turnover rate would be 12.  If you have a smaller pump and the water goes through the pump/filter once a day, the turnover rate would be 24.

Pool Size Matters!

Yes, size does matter! In fact, it is one of the biggest factors when choosing the right Intex pool pump.

Usually, the pump that came with your pool has the minimum flow rate needed for your pool. Of course the manufacturers do this to keep the cost of the pool kit affordable. Therefore when upgrading your Intex pool pump – always buy a pump with a higher flow rate than the pump that it came with.

Find how many gallons your swimming pool contains – check our article on pool sizes here where we have a gallons chart – and buy a pool pump that can cycle all your pool’s water volume at least once per day, better if it can do it twice or three times per day.

How To Choose The Best Pump For Intex Pools

When it comes to selecting the right pool pump for your Intex pool, we focus on these three factors:

Speed of the pool pump

The speed of your chosen pool pump determines how long it will take to cycle the water in your pool.

Pool pumps vary in speed, there are single speed, dual speed, and variable speed pumps. Since we’re looking for the best pool pump for Intex pools, then we highly suggest going with a variable speed pool pump. This type of pool pump offers more efficiency but consumes less energy than single-speed or dual-speed pumps.

This feature is measured in gallon per hour (GPH), the higher the GPH, the faster the pump is.

Type of filtration (Sand vs Cartridge Filter)

The filter type of your Intex pool pump is vital when selecting which pump to use on your pool. Sand filters are great for those who don’t like to do much maintenance on their pool pumps. Once you put new sand in your filter system, it might take 5 years before you need to replace it again.

The main drawbacks of choosing sand filters are they tend to be bulky and may not be that efficient in filtering debris compared to cartridge filters.

Cartridge filters can catch smaller particles better as small as 10 to 15 microns. However, since it catches more dirt and debris than sand filters, cartridge filters need to be replaced often. Depending on how frequently you use your swimming pool, you may have to replace the cartridge every two weeks.

Additional Considerations

  • Some pumps come with automatic 24-hour timers that you can set for 2,4,6,8, or 12 hours
  • If you use the Intex pool vacuum, then you may need a more powerful pump

Upgrading your Intex Pool Pump

The most common “upgrade” for Intex pools is switching from the small cartridge filter that came with your pool to a more powerful and feature laden sand filter pump. More details are below.

The Intex Krystal Clear Sand Filter Pump and Saltwater System

When considering upgrading your intex pool pump, you may also consider changing your pool from a chlorine pool to a saltwater pool.

Intex offers their saltwater system as an add-on for an existing pump setup. You will need one of the sand filters though to run the saltwater system. Changing your pool to a saltwater system has a few really nice advantages:

  • No more chemicals to deal with
  • No faded swimsuits due to chlorine
  • Less irritating to eyes than chlorine
  • No hair discoloration from the chlorine

Benefits Of Upgrading Your Pool Pump

Having the right pool pump for your above ground pools can give you the following benefits:

  • Better circulation of your pool water
  • Improved filtration system for a cleaner and clearer swimming pool
  • Less time required to maintain your pool

When upgrading your pool pump, you should look at it as an investment since you’ll want to use this pool pump for a long time.

Tips For Your Intex Pool Pump Upgrade

Most of the products we mentioned can be used right away with your Intex pool pump’s hoses. So you just have to remove your old pool pump and put the brand new one in its place.

  • Your pool pump must be installed on a solid level and vibration-free base. It should be protected from the weather, rain, and freezing temperatures.
  • You should find a good location for your pump where there is adequate access, space, and lighting for routine maintenance.
  • Your pump motor requires a free circulation of air for cooling.
  • Never put pool chemicals directly into the filter pump. This may damage the pump and void the warranty.
  • Replace your filter cartridges when there’s already too much debris on it.
  • For pumps with sand filters, you should get the No.20 silica sand for a better and more efficient filtration system.

How Long Should You Run Your Pool Pump Each Day?

You might think that the hours per day your pump runs is a number everyone should know and is the same, unfortunately for Intex pool owners, it is not.  Standards for Above Ground pools are very new and each location is different.  The Association of Pool and Spa Professionals (APSP) have developed standards American National Standard for Above ground/On ground Residential Swimming Pools which states the following 

11.1.2 Turnover. The equipment shall be sized to provide turnover of the pool water at least once every 12 hours.  The system shall be designed to give the proper turnover rate based on the manufacturer’s specified maximum flow rate of the filter, in clean media condition of the filter.

Simply stated, your goal should be to have all of your pool water go through the pump and filter twice a day or once every 12 hours.  12 is a standard, a good starting point to calculate how many hours you need to run the pump.

Frequently Asked Questions About Intex Pool Pumps

Where can I buy Intex pool pumps?

The best place to buy Intex pool pumps is Amazon, where you have access to various pool pumps available today. You can also read verified customer reviews before ordering your pool pump so you know what to expect and if you should push through with your purchase.

How much does it cost to run an Intex pool pump?

The cost of running an Intex pool pump differs based on several factors such as your pool usage and where you are located.

For those who have 1 HP pool pump running 8 hours per day, the monthly energy cost for running your pump may range from $25 to $40.

How long do pumps for Intex pools last?

The Intex cartridge filter pumps will usually last between 2-4 years, sometimes longer. The sand filter pumps are built more robust and should last between 6-8 years.

Will an Intex Pool Pump work with other brand pools?

Yes, the Intex pool pumps will work with other brands of temporary above ground pools such as Bestway, Summer Waves, and Coleman. Just make sure to choose the correct inlet size for your pool.

How do you maintain your pool pump?

The first thing you should do is ensure there are no leaks on your pool pump. Everything should be tightened properly.
Avoid placing your pool pump near trees or plants for better air circulation.
Check your pool pump’s O-rings regularly to make sure they’re in good condition.

Intex Pool Accessories – Everything you might need for your new Intex pool

So you just purchased your Intex pool or you are considering it. Congrats, your family will be super excited to enjoy all of the fun it will provide this summer!

You may be wondering “what else do I need for the pool?” There is certainly no shortage of Intex Pool Accessories for maintenance and cleaning, family fun, and even things that can prolong the life of your pool.

We’ve put together this huge guide about Intex pool accessories to help you figure out what you might need to get the most out of your pool. These include above ground pool vacuums, pool chemicals, testing kits, and pumps to fit the varying sizes of each Intex pool set.

Intex pool accessories to clean your swimming pool

Cleaning your Intex pool is a critical part of pool ownership. Pools are fun, but keeping them clean can be a real chore. Here are some of the products that we’ve found that make cleaning your Intex pool easier.

Pool Vacuums for your Intex pool

In addition to regular cleaning of your Intex pool, you will also need to vacuum the pool regularly. Dirt and other debris settle on the bottom of your swimming pool making a pool vacuum a necessary pool accessory to clean your pool liner. Here are some great pool vacuums for Intex pools. For even more information check out our best vacuums for Intex pools article!

Testing Kits for your Intex pool

The best way to maintain your pool is to know what you’re dealing with firsthand, and there’s no better way to do that than having the adequate testing kit to tell you the chemistry of your pool water.

Slides for your Intex pool

You bought your pool so that your family could have FUN! Adding a slide to your pool can be a great way to increase the enjoyment for everyone! Here are our favorite pool slides.

Note: Slides may require a pool deck to be placed on.

Ladders for your Intex pool

Let’s face it, the ladder that came with your Intex pool isn’t the greatest. They are known to be a little on the flimsy side. Here are some upgrades that you may want to consider.

Pump upgrades for your Intex pool

Depending on the size of your swimming pool, an upgraded pump for your Intex pool could be a great investment to keep your pool clean and clearer for longer periods. A good pool pump should be able to filter all the gallons of water in your above ground pool in no more than 8-10 hours.

Chemicals for your Intex pool

Pool chemistry can be tricky for a new pool owner but is one of the most important pool supplies since it keeps your water clean and safe to use. Here are some items that you definitely need just to have the basics on hand. Here is an entire article on chemicals for your Intex pool.

Covers for your Intex pool

A cover can be a useful tool to keep the debris out of your pool, lessening the need for constant vacuuming. Make sure to choose the right size to properly cover your swimming pool. If this is your first time buying this product or you simply want to get a new one, then you should check out some of the best pool covers for Intex pools that we recommend.

Lights for your Intex pool

Nighttime swimming is awesome. Give me a balmy summer’s eve poolside any day of the week. These cool pool lights can add that extra ambiance to your pool time in the dark.

Pool umbrellas for your Intex pool

Similar to pool lights, a good-looking pool umbrella or canopy can help increase the aesthetics of your outdoor living space. It also makes it more comfortable to use your Intex pool during those hot summer days. Here are some of the best pool umbrellas we’ve found to put beside your pool.

Intex Pool Accessories – Everything you might need for your new Intex pool

Safety equipment for your Intex pool

You can never take safety for granted in and around the pool. There are too many examples of accidents that happen around the pool. Here are some pool supplies that we’ve found to be helpful in making your pool safer for everyone.

Thermometers for your Intex pool

Is the pool water warm enough yet? Having a thermometer for your pool is important not just for convenience reasons, but also for chemistry reasons. Keeping your pool at the right temperature is important.

Kids floats for your Intex pool

Your kids and their friends may spend a lot of time in the pool. Here are some pool floats that they can enjoy while playing.

Kids toys for your Intex pool

Kids will come up with all sorts of swimming pool games on their own! Here are some pool toys that will keep the kids busy in the pool for hours upon hours.

Frequently Asked Questions About Intex Pool Accessories

What do you put under Intex inflatable pool?

There are so many options to choose from when it comes to the best flooring for your Intex pool. But we believe using interlocking foam tiles is the best choice for many pool owners.

If that’s too expensive, you can stick with the Intex Ground Cloth that is included with most Intex Pool sets.

What accessories do I need for my Intex pool?

Intex pools are great for those looking to get a pool without spending a fortune. They’re durable, easy to set up, and they come with all of the accessories you might need, except for the pool chemicals, lights, toys, and umbrella that you can purchase easily online.

Do Intex pools need a fence?

Some rules and regulations need to be considered before purchasing an Intex pool. For example, some states require any pools with water more than 18 inches deep to have an enclosure of at least 4 feet high around the area so children can’t easily touch the water from inside or outside of the fence/barrier – this includes above ground or inflatable swimming pools as they too will need appropriate fencing.

Should I put chlorine in my inflatable Intex pool?

Even though inflatable pools don’t need chlorine to be clean, it is one of the most common ways people keep pool water safe. Pool chemicals such as chlorine can effectively kill bacteria in a pool that may make swimmers sick.

Best Vacuums For Intex Pools In 2023 – Top Picks And Reviews

After researching the best vacuums for Intex pools here is what we found:

Choosing the right vacuum is essential since it is one of the most used tools you have for keeping your pool clean. We found that the size of your pool, its location in your yard, how much debris ends up in your pool, and how much time you want to dedicate to vacuuming are the most important considerations. Read on to see our recommendations.

As you probably know by now, having a pool is a great asset to your family but it does come with a bit of maintenance work to keep it clean and running at its best. You are probably looking for the best vacuum for intex pools…

Best Vacuums For Intex Pools At A Glance

Easy to Use
Intex Handheld Rechargeable Vacuum with Telescoping Aluminum Shaft and Two Interchangeable Brush Heads , Gray/Black
Best For Bigger Pools
INTEX 28005E ZX300 Deluxe Pressure-Side Above Ground Automatic Pool Cleaner: For Bigger Pools – Cleans Pool Floors and Walls – Removes Debris – Removable Filter Tray – 21ft Tangle Free Hose
Hassle Free
(2023 Upgrade) AIPER Seagull Pro Cordless Robotic Pool Cleaner, Wall Climbing Pool Vacuum Lasts up to 180 Mins, Quad-Motor System, Smart Navigation, Ideal for Above/In-Ground Pools up to 3200 Sq.ft
Intex Handheld Rechargeable Vacuum with Telescoping Aluminum Shaft and Two Interchangeable Brush Heads , Gray/Black
INTEX 28005E ZX300 Deluxe Pressure-Side Above Ground Automatic Pool Cleaner: For Bigger Pools – Cleans Pool Floors and Walls – Removes Debris – Removable Filter Tray – 21ft Tangle Free Hose
(2023 Upgrade) AIPER Seagull Pro Cordless Robotic Pool Cleaner, Wall Climbing Pool Vacuum Lasts up to 180 Mins, Quad-Motor System, Smart Navigation, Ideal for Above/In-Ground Pools up to 3200 Sq.ft
Handheld Pool Cleaner
Robotic Pool Cleaner
Cordless Robotic Pool Cleaner
Dimensions: 5.5" x 7" x 39"
Dimensions: 20" x 15" x 12"
Dimensions: 15" x 15" x 8"
Weighs 4.7 lbs.
Weighs 15 lbs.
Weighs 6.6 lbs.
1-year warranty
1-year warranty
1-year warranty
Easy to Use
Intex Handheld Rechargeable Vacuum with Telescoping Aluminum Shaft and Two Interchangeable Brush Heads , Gray/Black
Intex Handheld Rechargeable Vacuum with Telescoping Aluminum Shaft and Two Interchangeable Brush Heads , Gray/Black
Handheld Pool Cleaner
Dimensions: 5.5" x 7" x 39"
Weighs 4.7 lbs.
1-year warranty
Best For Bigger Pools
INTEX 28005E ZX300 Deluxe Pressure-Side Above Ground Automatic Pool Cleaner: For Bigger Pools – Cleans Pool Floors and Walls – Removes Debris – Removable Filter Tray – 21ft Tangle Free Hose
INTEX 28005E ZX300 Deluxe Pressure-Side Above Ground Automatic Pool Cleaner: For Bigger Pools – Cleans Pool Floors and Walls – Removes Debris – Removable Filter Tray – 21ft Tangle Free Hose
Robotic Pool Cleaner
Dimensions: 20" x 15" x 12"
Weighs 15 lbs.
1-year warranty
Hassle Free
(2023 Upgrade) AIPER Seagull Pro Cordless Robotic Pool Cleaner, Wall Climbing Pool Vacuum Lasts up to 180 Mins, Quad-Motor System, Smart Navigation, Ideal for Above/In-Ground Pools up to 3200 Sq.ft
(2023 Upgrade) AIPER Seagull Pro Cordless Robotic Pool Cleaner, Wall Climbing Pool Vacuum Lasts up to 180 Mins, Quad-Motor System, Smart Navigation, Ideal for Above/In-Ground Pools up to 3200 Sq.ft
Cordless Robotic Pool Cleaner
Dimensions: 15" x 15" x 8"
Weighs 6.6 lbs.
1-year warranty

Why you need a vacuum for your Intex Pool

The most important maintenance task to keeping your above ground pool clean is vacuuming your pool. This helps to remove the debris that accumulates from dust, dirt, tree debris, and everything else that ends up at the bottom of your pool! Without some type of vacuum, that debris accumulates and eventually affects the water quality of your pool.

If you do not regularly vacuum your pool, that will increase the burden on your pool’s pump and filtration system. We covered the Best Pumps for Intex Pools HERE.

That is one of the good reasons for you to get a pool vacuum for your Intex pool ASAP!

So how do you select the best pool vacuum for your Intex pool?

Our Top Picks – Pool Vacuums For Intex Pools

Best Handheld – Intex Rechargeable Vacuum

On Sale Now!
INTEX 28620EP Rechargeable USB Handheld Pool Vacuum: 94in Telescoping Aluminum Shaft – Waterproof Switch – Two Interchangeable Brush Heads – Shaft Adapter – 50min Battery Life
  • Suitable for use with all pure spas and above ground pools up to 18' Diameter
  • Includes two interchangeable brush heads, USB cable for recharging, 94" Lightweight telescoping Aluminum shaft, & SHAFT adapter to fit longer/wider telescoping aluminum shaf
  • Automatic shutoff feature when vacuum is not submerged in water, IPX8 waterproof switch for added protection against water submersion
  • Keep pool water clean by vacuuming out dirt and debris

Our first pick is the Intex Battery Operated Rechargeable Vacuum. Owners of smaller intex pools overwhelmingly use this vacuum to keep the bottom of their Easy Set Pools clean. We also recommend this vacuum in our article about how to keep kiddie pools clean.

The batteries take around 4-6 hours to charge and owners report a run-time of around 40 minutes which is enough to clean most smaller Intex pools.

This vacuum is completely self-sufficient. That means you do not need to hook it up to your pump and filter at all.

The Handheld Vacuum is Best For:

  • Owners of Easy Set inflatable pools
  • Those on a limited budget

Pros

  • Simple to use, no hoses to attach
  • Two interchangeable heads for different cleaning needs
  • Lightweight

Cons

  • Unsure of how many seasons the rechargeable batteries will last
  • Can take longer to vacuum pool due to smaller size
pumps for intex pools
The Intex Rechargeable Vacuum shown here suctioning debris from the bottom of the pool

Advice from Real World Users:

  • Do not be put off by the size, the telescoping handle makes it possible to reach the middle of the pool easily.
  • The unit does not power on until it is submersed in the water, so don’t worry that your unit is not working if you turn it on outside of the water.
  • If you find it difficult to push this around from the outside of the pool, just hop in and use it while walking around in the pool.

Best Alternatives Available

Best Cordless Robotic – Aiper SMART

(2023 Upgrade) AIPER Seagull Pro Cordless Robotic Pool Cleaner, Wall Climbing Pool Vacuum Lasts up to 180 Mins, Quad-Motor System, Smart Navigation, Ideal for Above/In-Ground Pools up to 3200 Sq.ft
  • Meet Aiper’s Most Advanced Pool Cleaner yet, the Aiper Seagull PRO. The pool vacuum that saves you time, saves you money, and makes life easier. Featuring the world’s first quad-motor system,...
  • Clean the Floor, Wall and Waterline: Equipped with 4-Wheel Drive system, the pool cleaner can climb your pool wall effortlessly and scrub the waterline effectively. Three modes of cleaning allow you...
  • World's Strongest Cordless Robotic Pool Cleaner: The powerful quad-motor system utilizes up to 200W of power to filter 130 gallons of your pool’s water per minute allowing it to collect and trap...
  • 10X More Cleaning & Energy Efficient: WavePath Navigation allows the pool vacuum to work under fixed pattern rather than traditional random pattern. More pool coverage, less energy. The cordless...

Robotic pool cleaners come in two main types, suction or pressure. Both types require you to connect your hose to either your pump or to an outlet in your pool. The hose can be quite a hassle to deal with.

A new category of robotic cleaners has emerged, cordless. This robot has a rechargeable battery and has its own suction basket. This means that it does not need to be connected to either power or suction/pressure.

You literally turn it on and drop it in the pool and walk away. That’s it. Intex pool owners really love this simple vacuum. It takes about two hours to charge, and it runs for about an hour on each charge. That is plenty of time to clean even the largest Intex pool.

The Aiper SMART Robot is Best For:

  • Owners who don’t want to worry with hoses or cords
  • Any size above ground pool

Pros

  • Easy to assemble, you can use it within 10 minutes of unboxing
  • Surprising suction power for a small robot
  • Large debris basket

Cons

  • Is frequently out of stock
  • Needs to be emptied frequently if pool is very dirty
pumps for intex pools
The Aiper SMART cleaner does not need any connections to power or your pool equipment

Advice from Real World Users:

  • The cleaner comes with a special hook that you put on the end of your pool pole to retrieve the cleaner once it is done cleaning.
  • There are special settings that make the cleaner better for round or rectangular pools, refer to the manual.
  • When the robot is near the end of the battery it automatically returns to a wall to make it easier to retrieve.

Best Alternatives Available

Best Pressure Side Robotic – Intex Automatic Pool Cleaner

On Sale Now!
INTEX Automatic Above Ground Swimming Pool Vacuum Cleaner | 58948E
  • Cleans your pool without effort!
  • Requires a filter pump with a flow rate between 1,600 - 4,000 GPH (6,056 - 15,140 L/hr)
  • Automatically reverses direction to vacuum the entire pool floor For use with 7.32 m (24 ft) and smaller diameter pools
  • Includes 24 ft. 7 in hose that attaches easily to existing pool inlet

If you are looking for an automatic solution to save time in your pool cleaning schedule, then you need a robotic pool cleaner. We have an article dedicated to the best robotic pool cleaners, but for Intex pools we recommend their own automatic pool cleaner.

It is important to note that this is a pressure side vacuum. This means that it connects to the outlet of your pump and contains the collected sediment in its own filter, not into your sand filter.

This cleaner works on a “set and forget” method. You simply put the cleaner in the pool, and let it run and when you come back the pool is clean.

The Automatic Cleaner Robot is Best For:

  • Owners of larger pools with sand filters
  • Those who don’t want to bother with a handheld cleaner

Pros

  • Easy to assemble, you can use it right away
  • Good suction power to remove larger debris
  • Picks up fine particles better than other vacuums

Cons

  • Is frequently out of stock
  • Needs to be emptied frequently if pool is very dirty
pumps for intex pools
The Intex Automatic Cleaner connects to your outlet in your pool

Advice from Real World Users:

  • The cleaner comes with various length hoses, this is because people have different size pools and need different length hoses.
  • Remember, this vacuum connects to the discharge outlet in your pool not your inlet, this is a common mistake for new owners.
  • You need a sand filter with at least 1500 GPH in order to use this robotic cleaner

Best Alternatives Available

Best Suction Side – Zodiac Ranger

On Sale Now!
Zodiac Ranger Suction Side Automatic Above-Ground Pool Cleaner
  • Effectively cleans above-ground swimming pools (not recommended for Intex/soft-sided pools), including dished-out bottoms up to 72 inches.
  • One moving part technology, eliminates annoying hammer or flapper noise; works quickly, effectively, and quietly.
  • Unique Deflector Wheel helps prevent it from getting caught on steps, ladders and corners!
  • Comes pre-assembled for easy installation and includes 32 feet of feed hose.

Another great pool vacuum to use in your Intex pool is the Zodiac Ranger Suction Side Automatic Pool Cleaner.

It’s been equipped with one moving part technology that eliminates annoying flapper or hammer noise commonly associated with other pool cleaners.

The unique Deflector Wheel helps prevent it from getting caught on steps, ladders, and corners of your Intex pool.

The Zodiac Ranger comes with a 1-year limited manufacturer’s warranty.

What Customers Love

  • It comes pre-assembled, so you can use it right away.
  • It cleans the bottom of their Intex pools well.

Main Customer Complaint

  • Some customers receive the item with some missing parts.

Polaris Vac-Sweep 65 Pressure Side Automatic Pool Cleaner

Polaris Vac-Sweep 65 6-130-00 Pressure Side Automatic Pool Cleaner for Above Ground Vinyl Pools
  • Suitable for all aboveground pools up to 5-feet deep.
  • Installs easily in minutes.
  • Powered by the pressure of clean water returning to your pool, leaving both the filter and skimmer free to eliminate contaminants.
  • Operates with pumps and filtration systems normally found on aboveground pools and vacuums the bottom and sweeps the sides in three hours or less.

The Polaris Vac-Sweep 65 Pressure Side Automatic Pool Cleaner is made specifically for above ground pools and does not need any specialized equipment to work. It can work by just using the pump and filtration system that came with your Intex pool set and does a great job cleaning out debris, insects, dust particles, and algae.

It has a filter bag, so it does not need to utilize your filtration system. And it can easily catch debris, like twigs and leaves, in your pool on its own.

Another unique feature of this device is its patented jet sweep assembly. This blows pool water against your Intex pool’s wall to loosen debris in hard-to-reach places and then sweeps them to its filter bag.

The product comes with a 2-year manufacturer’s warranty.

What Customers Love

  • It offers great value for money.
  • The vacuum can easily reach deep parts of their Intex pools.

Main Customer Complaint

  • The hose gets tied up more often than not.
Best Pool Vacuum For Intex Pools

How To Choose The Best Vacuum For Your Intex Pool

Your pool vacuum is an essential tool to properly maintain your Intex pool. Without it, your pool filtration will have to work harder to provide you with clean and clear pool water.

If you’re having a difficult time selecting the right pool vacuum for your Intex pool, then you might consider answering these questions first:

  • What’s the size of your Intex pool?
  • Do you have an inflatable pool or a framed pool?
  • What type of pool vacuum are you looking for?
  • How much are you willing to spend on your Intex pool vacuum?

Once you’re able to come up with answers to those questions, it’ll be easier for you to decide on what pool vacuum you should purchase.

Pro Tip: By creating a perfectly flat bottom in your pool, vacuuming it will be much easier since there are no crevices where dirt can get trapped. We cover how to use foam tiles under your Intex Pool in this article.

Types of Pool Vacuum Cleaners For Intex Pools

There are four types of pool vacuums available for use on Intex pools. They are…

Suction Pool Vacuums

Suction pool vacuums work by using the suction power of your Intex pool pump to collect dirt and debris in your Intex pool. For this reason, this type of pool vacuum uses the most energy among other pool cleaners. You may need a more powerful pump to run some of these types of vacuums. These also use your pool filter to trap the dirt, which means you will need to change your filter or backwash your sand filter more often.

Pressure Pool Cleaners

Often referred to as pressure-side cleaners, this type of pool vacuum utilizes the water returning to your Intex pool. Unlike suction pool vacuums, pressure pool cleaners do not add any burden to your filtration system. This type of pool vacuum is best for those with medium to large-sized Intex pools that often have large debris in them.

Robotic Pool Cleaners

Robotic pool cleaners are considered the most efficient pool vacuums today. They do not require being attached to your pump or filtration system, as they have their own motor and filter inside them.

They can clean your Intex pool without much work on your part. A robotic pool cleaner is a plug and play device that’ll do all your pool cleaning for you. The main drawback of having one is its high upfront cost.

This pool vacuum is best for Intex Ultra XTR Frame Pool owners.

Handheld Pool Vacuums

Handheld pool vacuums are an inexpensive way to maintain your Intex pool and keeping your pool water clean from dirt and debris.

Using a handheld pool vacuum is similar to the vacuum you used in your home or your car, you have to maneuver it manually throughout your pool area.

It may take a longer time for you to clean your Intex pool using a handheld pool vacuum, despite it being the most affordable. This type of pool vacuum is best for Easy Set pool owners and those who have Intex kiddie pools at home.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pool Vacuums For Intex Pools

What is the best vacuum for Intex pools?

The best pool vacuum depends on your pool size. For large Intex pools, we highly recommend getting a robotic pool cleaner.

If you’re looking for a more affordable pool vacuum, then the best we can recommend is the Zodiac Ranger Suction Side Automatic Pool Cleaner.

How often should I use my Intex pool vacuum?

This highly depends on how many times you use your Intex pool each week. Vacuuming your Intex pool at least once a week should be enough if you’re not using it often.

Now, if you use your pool often, using your pool vacuum twice or thrice a week is advised to keep your pool water clean from dirt and debris.

How long do pool vacuums last?

Pool vacuums can last you for several years. Of course, this depends on how you use it and if you properly clean and store it after every use.

Going with a trusted brand like Hayward, Intex, or Maytronics (for Dolphin pool cleaners) is suggested to endure you are getting a good quality pool cleaner in the first place.

What are the benefits of using a pool vacuum?

Using a pool vacuum in your Intex pool is a great way for you to maintain it and this will help extend the lifespan of your Intex pool.

Also, having an Intex pool vacuum will ease the burden on your filtration system to clean your pool water. This saves you money when it comes to replacing your filter media since you don’t have to do it often compared to not using a pool vacuum.

And of course, using a pool vacuum gives you a better swimming pool experience by letting you have cleaner and clearer water in your Intex pool.

Can I use these vacuums on other pools like Coleman, Summer Waves or Bestway?

Yes, all of the vacuums mentioned in this article can work with the other major brands of above ground pools also. Keep in mind that you may need an adapter.

How can I vacuum my pool without a pump?

Some vacuums connect to a simple garden hose and use the pressure from the water to collect dirt in a sock-trap. A pool pump is not needed to use these types of vacuums.

Do I need to vacuum my pool even if I leave a cover on it?

Many people leave a cover over their pool such as a

Best Pool Vacuum For Intex Pools – Final Thoughts

As you can see, there are many options to choose from when it comes to your pool vacuum or pool cleaner.

We highly recommend getting a robotic pool vacuum for those with a large-sized Intex pool as it’s very energy-efficient and can clean your whole pool in less than 2 hours.

For those with average-sized pools or pools with less than 24 feet in diameter, the Polaris Vac-Sweep 65, Zodiac Ranger Automatic Pool Cleaner, or Hayward W3500 Aquabug Pool Vacuum should be enough to properly maintain your Intex pool. They’re powerful enough to remove the debris in your pool’s interior.

Finally, for those in a budget or have a smaller-sized pool, the Intex Handheld Rechargeable Vacuum should get the job done and give you a clean and clear pool water to swim on.

Did not find the Intex pool vacuum you were looking for? Try these other options.

Best Kiddie Pools For Summer 2023 Top Picks

If you’re searching for the best kiddie pool to keep your kids busy and entertained this summer, then you’ve come to the right place.

Let’s face it, summer is a time for fun and splashing in the pool, but it can be quite expensive to install a pool at your home.  One super alternative is an inflatable kiddie pool to keep the kiddos active and busy all summer long.

However, many parents get frustrated when purchasing the traditional cheap kiddie pool, filling it with water, then watching it sit unused all summer because it is dirty, leaky, and forgotten about.

We came up with some great kiddie pool ideas so that you have a great experience this summer.  You can put a kiddie pool in your yard, on your deck, or even in your driveway.

Here is everything you need to create a memorable and fun experience for your kids this summer!

OUR TOP PICK – Best Kiddie Pool

We Recommend the Homech Inflatable Kiddie Pool as our top pick for this pool season for the following reasons:

  • Most durable kiddie pool we’ve reviewed
  • Large size – easily fits 4 kids
  • Made from BPA-free PVC
  • Has 3 individual air chambers

Read on for more information, or click the link below to read more reviews on Amazon.

No products found.

Jump Right In – Here Are Other Kiddie Pools We Recommend

Best Value
INTEX 58484EP Swim Center Inflatable Family Pool: 277 Gallon Capacity – 120" x 72" x 22" – Blue
Best For Babies
Babymoov Aquani Tent & Pool - 3 in 1 Pop Up Tent, Kiddie Pool and Play Yard
Best For Older Kids
INTEX 28131EH Easy Set Inflatable Swimming Pool Set: 12ft x 30in – Includes 530 GPH Cartridge Filter Pump – Puncture-Resistant Material – 1485 Gallon Capacity – 23in Water Depth Above-Ground Pool
INTEX 58484EP Swim Center Inflatable Family Pool: 277 Gallon Capacity – 120" x 72" x 22" – Blue
Babymoov Aquani Tent & Pool - 3 in 1 Pop Up Tent, Kiddie Pool and Play Yard
INTEX 28131EH Easy Set Inflatable Swimming Pool Set: 12ft x 30in – Includes 530 GPH Cartridge Filter Pump – Puncture-Resistant Material – 1485 Gallon Capacity – 23in Water Depth Above-Ground Pool
264 gallons water capacity
20 gallons water capacity
1485 gallons water capacity
Recommended for kids 6+ years old
Recommended for kids 1+ years old
Recommended for kids 6+ years old
Best Value
INTEX 58484EP Swim Center Inflatable Family Pool: 277 Gallon Capacity – 120" x 72" x 22" – Blue
INTEX 58484EP Swim Center Inflatable Family Pool: 277 Gallon Capacity – 120" x 72" x 22" – Blue
264 gallons water capacity
Recommended for kids 6+ years old
Best For Babies
Babymoov Aquani Tent & Pool - 3 in 1 Pop Up Tent, Kiddie Pool and Play Yard
Babymoov Aquani Tent & Pool - 3 in 1 Pop Up Tent, Kiddie Pool and Play Yard
20 gallons water capacity
Recommended for kids 1+ years old
Best For Older Kids
INTEX 28131EH Easy Set Inflatable Swimming Pool Set: 12ft x 30in – Includes 530 GPH Cartridge Filter Pump – Puncture-Resistant Material – 1485 Gallon Capacity – 23in Water Depth Above-Ground Pool
INTEX 28131EH Easy Set Inflatable Swimming Pool Set: 12ft x 30in – Includes 530 GPH Cartridge Filter Pump – Puncture-Resistant Material – 1485 Gallon Capacity – 23in Water Depth Above-Ground Pool
1485 gallons water capacity
Recommended for kids 6+ years old

Best Value: Intex Swim Center Inflatable Family Lounge Pool

On Sale Now!
INTEX 58484EP Swim Center Inflatable Family Pool: 277 Gallon Capacity – 120" x 72" x 22" – Blue
  • 120"Lx72"Wx22"H inflated
  • 15 gauge vinyl
  • 3 air chambers each with double valve intake and free-flow exhaust valve
  • Water capacity 264 gallons

This Intex Pool is our best pick for those with small kids since it has everything you need for a kiddie pool. It has a place for parents to sit back and watch their kids enjoy some water fun activities. And of course, an adequate space for your children to swim and play around.

Some adults are even purchasing this pool just for themselves. This makes it one of the best selling kiddie pools of Intex.

What Customers Love

  • The pool is very easy to inflate and deflate.
  • It’s a great pool to chill with the kids.
  • Good value for money.

Best Kiddie Pool For Babies and Infants: Babymoov Aquani Tent & Pool

Babymoov Aquani Tent & Pool - 3 in 1 Pop Up Tent, Kiddie Pool and Play Yard
  • UPF 50+ PROTECTION: The dome material has an anti-UV rating of 50+ keeping your child's skin protected from 99% of harmful UV-A and UV-B rays. The tent fabric also helps to block wind and sand if you...
  • COMFORTABLE MATTRESS AND 3 TOYS INCLUDED: A soft and comfy removable mattress ensures comfort during play and nap time. Your little one will love to explore the fun infant toys included.
  • CONVERTS INTO A POOL: Thanks to its durable waterproof bottom fabric, the Aquani can be converted into a paddling pool that can hold up to 20 gallons of water.
  • EASY TO USE POP-UP SYSTEM: Folds and unfolds in seconds. When unfolded, use its four pegs to secure the sun shelter to the ground or sand. When folded, use the carry bag included for easy storage and...

If you want to give your baby the best kiddie pool, then the Babymoov Aquani Tent and Pool will be the perfect gift.

It has a roof to protect your child from harmful UV rays. A zipped mesh netting that will protect your child from bugs. And of course, a durable waterproof bottom fabric that can hold 20 gallons of water.

When you’re not using it as a kiddie pool, you may also convert it to a comfortable mattress for your kid to use.

This product can be a play area, a bed, and a pool for your baby.

What Customers Love

  • It’s very easy to setup.
  • Comfortable for babies to use.
  • The product is portable, so you can take it anywhere.

Best Kiddie Pool For Toddlers and Younger Kids – H2OGO! Splash-in-Shade Play Pool

H2OGO! Splash-in-Shade Play Pool Orange
  • It features its own UV-resistant shade for protecting swimmers from the sun's rays.
  • The Bestway swimming pool has a water sprayer on top of the shade to keep the pool cool.
  • The pool has strong, rust-resistant, galvanized metal frames that hold up to windy days.
  • It also has heavy-duty PVC and polyester 3-ply side walls for durability.

The H2OGO! Splash-in-Shade Play Pool is perfect for families with small kids. The pool does not need much space, so you can easily assemble it anywhere.

The depth of the kiddie pool is just right for small children, and the added shade helps protect your young swimmer from the sun’s UV rays.

The Splash-in-Shade Play Pool is made with durable materials to ensure that your kids will enjoy using this pool for years.

What Customers Love

  • The pool is very easy to setup.
  • It’s very easy to clean and maintain.
  • Perfect size for toddlers & younger kids.

Biggest Kiddie Pool – For The Whole Family: Intex Easy Set

INTEX 28131EH Easy Set Inflatable Swimming Pool Set: 12ft x 30in – Includes 530 GPH Cartridge Filter Pump – Puncture-Resistant Material – 1485 Gallon Capacity – 23in Water Depth Above-Ground Pool
  • EASY SUMMER FUN – Ready for water in just 10 minutes; spread out on level ground preferably on top of the ground cloth, inflate the top ring and the pool will be set up by filling it with water
  • THE PERFECT SIZE – This round pool measures 12 feet in diameter with a 30-inch depth; holding up to 1,485 gallons of water; this above-ground pool is just right to have summer fun while escaping the...
  • SUPER-TOUGH – Made with puncture-resistant 3-Ply PVC material, this pool is built to resist the wear and tear of summer fun; in case of any damage, a patch is included for easy fixes
  • KRYSTAL CLEAR FILTRATION – The included pump filters 530 GPH and incorporates HydroAeration Technology into the cartridge filter pump providing improved circulation and filtration, improved water...

OK, this is a stretch. The Intex Easy Set is more “real pool” than “kiddie pool”. However, we’ve seen many families using it as a kiddie pool since it is so affordable and easy to set up.

The Easy Set pool comes in many sizes, but we consider the smaller sizes (8-10ft) as the “kiddie sizes”.

If your kids are already more than 6 years of age and are looking for a bigger pool to swim on, then this will be the best pool to get them.

The pool comes with a pool cover and pool ladder and is made of a durable 3-ply liner that is puncture-resistant.

Read our entire article dedicated to Intex Pool Reviews Here

What Customers Love

  • The pool can be assembled by just one person.
  • A big but affordable pool.
  • It’s very sturdy.

Best Kiddie Pool with Slide – Banzai Sidewinder Falls Inflatable Water Slide

Banzai Sidewinder Falls Inflatable Outdoor Water Park Swimming Splash Pool, Slides, and Adventure Tunnel with Air Blower, Stakes, and Storage Bag
  • Water park ensures hours of outdoor fun with a climbing wall, curvy slide, secret tunnel, splash pool, and playhouse with a roof at the top of the slide
  • Provides a quick and easy setup process with just a 3 minutes inflation time when using the included airflow blower
  • Built with sturdy Dura-Tech materials for long-lasting, comfortable, and safe usage for maximum fun for all
  • Includes convenient storage bag, ground stakes and bags for ultimate stability, repair patch, and spraying hose

The Banzai Sidewinder Falls Inflatable Water Slide will be a great addition in your backyard as your kids will love using it. It can be set up within three minutes with the included airflow blower. Your kids will be ecstatic to see this one at your place.

The product is also made to last long with its heavy-duty material, so your kids may use this one until they’ve exceeded the weight limits.

If you’re wondering what’s the weight limit for the slide, it’s 150 lbs.

What Customers Love

  • The water slide is very easy to inflate and set up.
  • It’s great for kids’ birthday parties.
  • Great value for money.

Best Kiddie Pool For Adults – Shh…we won’t tell!

On Sale Now!
INTEX 57190EP Swim Center Inflatable Family Lounge Pool: Built-In Bench – Cup Holder – 156 Gallon Capacity – 90" x 86" x 31" – Blue
  • Material Type: Plastic.Batteries Included :no
  • 90" X 86" X 31" H inflated; 13ga vinyl; Parents get comfy on the building bench while the little ones enjoy the water
  • 2 air chambers each with combo; Capacity 12.5" wall height: 169gal
  • Drain plug; Repair patch

OK adults, we know you want in on the fun too! Maybe you’re looking for a simple way to relax on your deck or patio after work with a favorite beverage in hand? Shh….we won’t tell!

You would be shocked at how many adults add a “kiddie” pool to their place for summer cooling off and relaxation.

If that is what you are planning, then this Intex pool is what you are looking for. It’s an inflatable swimming pool for adults!

We like this pool because it is made of 15 gauge vinyl which will hold up for multiple summers if cared for correctly. And the drain plug makes hiding it away when your mother comes over easy peasy!

Best Hard Plastic Kiddie Pool – Never Worry About Punctures

What if you really don’t want an inflatable kiddie pool? Don’t laugh, but we’ve found that the best non-inflatable kiddie pools are marketed both as kids pools and pet pools!

These kiddie/pet pools are collapsable and can stow away easily. If you never want to worry about punctures or leaks, check these out!

Add Shade To Your Kiddie Pool and Keep The Kids Safe From The Sun

Easthills Outdoors Instant Shader Enhanced Deluxe XL Beach Tent Easy Setup 4-6 Person Popup Sun Shelter 99" Wide for Family UPF 50+ Double Silver Coating with Extended Zippered Porch Sky Blue
  • UPF 50+ PROTECTION: You love the beach, but blazing sun and sunburns? Not so much. The Instant Shader is specially designed with a double silver coating that effectively blocks 97.5% of UVA and UVB...
  • FAMILY SIZE: Take shade and comfort wherever you go. With a super-spacious interior of 99" W x 53" D x 57" H and 53” front porch, even 4 adults can sit and lay down comfortably inside. Enjoy as long...
  • PATENT-PENDING OPENING MACHANISM: End the frustration of putting up and taking down large beach tents. The Instant Shader’s patent-pending opening mechanism allows to set up and disassemble with...
  • GREAT AIRFOW: Some outdoor tents can get stuffy and humid on hot days. Not the Instant Shader. Large mesh windows and double guyout points let you enjoy great ventilation and breezes, while staying...

If your kids are really enjoying the kiddie pool setup this summer and you are concerned about sun exposure, then all the sunscreen and basic umbreallas just might not do.  You can step up your sun-protection game with this shade tent.

We recommend setting up the pool so that one-half is in the tent.  Set up the tent in the right direction so that it protects your little ones from the hot afternoon sun!

Looking for more shade ideas? Read our article on shade ideas for your pool.

Keeping Your Kiddie Pool Clean

We have an entire article dedicated to Keeping A Kiddie Pool Clean, but here is a quick glance at some items that will help you keep the water clean.

Did you know that you can use small amounts of Chlorine to keep your water clear?

Having the best kiddie pool for your kids is a great idea. However, it will only be used if the water stays clean!

Chlorine For Kiddie Pools
This picture shows a small chlorine float being used to keep the water clean in a kiddie pool.
Best Kiddie Pools – Top 5 Pools For Kids This 2020

Best Kiddie Pool Accessories

Since you’re already decided on getting a new kiddie pool, we recommend getting some of these pool accessories as well to make sure your kids will have the best of time. Some of these products may also help you maintain and clean your pool to prolong its lifespan.

How To Choose The Right Kiddie Pool

When purchasing a swimming pool for your kids or toddlers there are many important things to consider. Generally speaking, the kiddie pool you want to get depends on the age of the kid/s who’ll be using it.

But before you make your kiddie pool purchase, you should answer some of these questions first.

  • What is the age range of the kids who’ll use the pool?
  • How much use are you planning to get from it?
  • Do you plan on upgrading the pool when they grow up?
  • What kind of budget are you working with?

However you answer these questions will not only increase your purchase satisfaction, but it will also help you choose the right kiddie pool for your kids.

Frequently Asked Questions About Kiddie Pools

How do you keep your kiddie pool safe?

To ensure that your kids are safe when swimming in your pool, make sure that you get the pool with the right depth for your child’s age.

Of course, adult supervision is still the best way to ensure your kids’ safety for any type of pool.

How can I make a kiddie pool more fun?

If you’re getting a feeling that your kiddie pool is too plain and simple. You can easily add toys and accessories that will make it more interesting for your kids to use.

Adding a pool slide or a basketball hoop may do the trick.

How do you keep your kiddie pool clean?

Unlike in-ground pools or large above ground pools, kiddie pools are fairly easy to clean. It takes less time and uses less cleaning products which makes it more affordable to maintain.

We’ve detailed how you can clean your kiddie pool with our “Comprehensive Guide: How To Keep A Kiddie Pool Clean“.

Didn’t Find The Kiddie Pool You Were Looking For? Here Are Some Alternatives

Photo Courtesy of SurferGirl30

5 Best Robotic Pool Cleaners – Our Top Picks and Buying Guide

Keeping your pool clean is a very time-intensive and laborious job. You can easily spend hours each week struggling with pool vacuums and hoses trying to keep the pool clear of debris and dirt.

Robotic pool cleaners have been a great invention for pool owners. The first robotic pool cleaners were invented in the 1990’s and they have improved drastically since then. If you are shopping for a new pool cleaner then we can help you find the best robotic pool cleaner for the money.

Keep reading to find out about the advantages and disadvantages of various types of pool cleaners as well as the best robotic pool cleaners and why they do the best job at cleaning your pool.

Here are some important aspects to keep in mind when shopping:

  • Ease of use
  • Reliability
  • Weight
  • Efficiency
  • Size of your pool
  • Extra features

Here Are The Best Robotic Pool Cleaners We Recommend

Best Overall
Dolphin Premier Robotic Pool Cleaner
Best For Inground Pools
Polaris 9550 Sport Robotic Pool Cleaner, Automatic Vacuum for InGround Pools up to 60ft, 70ft Swivel Cable, Remote Control, Wall Climbing Vac w/Strong Suction & Easy Access Debris Canister
Best Value
PAXCESS Cordless Robotic Pool Cleaner - Wall-Climbing Fuction with Smart Route Plan, Automatic Pool Vacuum, Max Surface Cleaning & Powerful Suction, MAX 90 mins, for 1614 sq ft in/Above Ground Pools
Dolphin Premier Robotic Pool Cleaner
Polaris 9550 Sport Robotic Pool Cleaner, Automatic Vacuum for InGround Pools up to 60ft, 70ft Swivel Cable, Remote Control, Wall Climbing Vac w/Strong Suction & Easy Access Debris Canister
PAXCESS Cordless Robotic Pool Cleaner - Wall-Climbing Fuction with Smart Route Plan, Automatic Pool Vacuum, Max Surface Cleaning & Powerful Suction, MAX 90 mins, for 1614 sq ft in/Above Ground Pools
Ideal for pools up to 50 feet long
Ideal for pools up to 60 feet long
Ideal for pools up to 1614 sq ft
Weighs 22 lbs
Weighs 21 lbs
Weighs 12 lbs
Best Overall
Dolphin Premier Robotic Pool Cleaner
Dolphin Premier Robotic Pool Cleaner
Ideal for pools up to 50 feet long
Weighs 22 lbs
Best For Inground Pools
Polaris 9550 Sport Robotic Pool Cleaner, Automatic Vacuum for InGround Pools up to 60ft, 70ft Swivel Cable, Remote Control, Wall Climbing Vac w/Strong Suction & Easy Access Debris Canister
Polaris 9550 Sport Robotic Pool Cleaner, Automatic Vacuum for InGround Pools up to 60ft, 70ft Swivel Cable, Remote Control, Wall Climbing Vac w/Strong Suction & Easy Access Debris Canister
Ideal for pools up to 60 feet long
Weighs 21 lbs
Best Value
PAXCESS Cordless Robotic Pool Cleaner - Wall-Climbing Fuction with Smart Route Plan, Automatic Pool Vacuum, Max Surface Cleaning & Powerful Suction, MAX 90 mins, for 1614 sq ft in/Above Ground Pools
PAXCESS Cordless Robotic Pool Cleaner - Wall-Climbing Fuction with Smart Route Plan, Automatic Pool Vacuum, Max Surface Cleaning & Powerful Suction, MAX 90 mins, for 1614 sq ft in/Above Ground Pools
Ideal for pools up to 1614 sq ft
Weighs 12 lbs

Various Types Of Pool Cleaners

Manual Pool Cleaners

The least expensive yet most labor-intensive pool cleaner is the manual pool cleaner. With this type of pool cleaner, you must connect the suction hose to the pool skimmer so the waste gets carried through the hose to the waste area. You must also use the long hose of the cleaner to physically push the water vacuum around the floor and walls of the pool until everything is clean.

Pressure-Side Pool Cleaners

Pressure-side cleaners are a step above the manual cleaners because they are automatic. Another benefit to these cleaners above manual cleaners is the collection of debris doesn’t happen in your pool filter but rather a filter bag on the cleaner itself. These pool cleaners are great with larger debris and do a decent job with smaller debris as well.

Suction-Side Pool Cleaners

Some people prefer a suction-side pool cleaner rather than a pressure-side pool cleaner because of the rate at which it cleans your pool. It will move around your pool on the ground and walls to move debris into your pools’ filter system. While it does a decent job at cleaning, suction-side pool cleaners require your pool’s pump and filter system to make it work, which means just like a manual cleaner, your pool’s filter will be collecting the debris which you might not like.

Robotic Pool Cleaners

The favorite pool cleaner among pool owners is the robotic pool cleaner. With robotic pool cleaners, you get a fully self-contained unit which means no need to use your pool’s pump or filter system for collecting debris. After using their low-voltage plug to connect to an outlet, it becomes push-button simple. Robotic pool cleaners use their motor for the wheels and movement around the pool, their pump for lifting large and small debris from the floor and walls, and their filter for containment of debris. If you want an easy and complete way of cleaning your pool, a robotic pool cleaner is the way to go.

Does It Make Sense To Purchase A Robotic Pool Cleaner?

Robotic pool cleaners are cool but are they worth it? If you’re trying to make sense of purchasing a robotic pool cleaner, think about the following advantages.

Self-contained system: Robotic pool cleaners are completely self-contained and don’t require your pools skimmer, pump, or filter for operation.

Plug-and-play: These cleaners are simple to use. Just plug it into an outlet and press a button. Your pool will be clean with no additional work.

Money savings: Although robotic pool cleaners are more expensive than most other pool cleaners, you will save money in the long run. Many don’t realize how much money other pool cleaners cost until their energy bill comes in. Robotic pool cleaners will cost an average of 5 cents per hour to operate which makes a huge difference.

Energy efficiency: Robotic pool cleaners are up to 90% more energy-efficient, which not only saves you money but also puts no additional load on your pool’s system.

Easy maintenance: After your robot cleans your pool, just remove the filter and wash it out with a hose. Snap it back in and it’s ready for the next cleaning.

Calculate How Much Is It To Maintain A Pool: The Average Pool Maintenance Cost

The maintenance cost of your swimming pool can easily increase without having the right tools to use, so it will be much better if you invest in those early on.

Factors To Consider With Robotic Pool Cleaners

Ease of use: Some robotic pool cleaners are easier to use than others. When thinking about purchasing a pool cleaner, take into consideration how easy it will be to operate. Every robotic pool cleaner should be easier to operate than other pool cleaners, but remember that some are easier to use than others.

Reliability: Take into consideration how reliable each robotic pool cleaner brand is. No one wants to spend money to make pool cleaning easier if it doesn’t work every time. Get a robotic pool cleaner that is reliable enough to work for many pool seasons.

Weight: Some robotic pool cleaners are extremely heavy. Luckily, with the constant improvements made in the pool cleaning industry each year, you will find robotic cleaners to be lighter while still producing the same high-quality cleaning work. If you’re going to go for a heavy robot, make sure you are going to be able to lift it out of the pool.

Efficiency: As with any industry, some products and brands are going to be more efficient than others. Will your robotic pool cleaner be able to clean all the walls of your pool? Does your pool have stairs that you want to be cleaned as well? Some robotic pool cleaners do a great job of cleaning an area once and not going through it again.

Length and Depth Of Pool: Consider the size of your pool, both length and depth. Certain sizes and specific robotic pool cleaners will only be able to handle so much. There are varieties with every brand, so make sure you get a cleaner that is going to be able to reach every corner of your pool with ease.

Extra Features: Some robotic pool cleaners have extremely worthwhile features like remote controls, scheduling, and Bluetooth capabilities. Some don’t need the extra features, but for those of us who like the additional perks, you can find them in many robotic pool cleaners.

5 Best Robotic Pool Cleaners

You’ve made a great decision in choosing to purchase a robotic pool cleaner. But with all the different pool cleaners on the market, which one is best for you? We’ve narrowed it down to these choices that work great for various sizes of pools. Take a look at each of these choices and based on the size of your pool and the features you’re looking for, we’re sure one of these options will work perfectly for you. 

Dolphin Nautilus CC

Dolphin Nautilus CC Robotic Pool Vacuum Cleaner —  Wall Climbing Capability — Powerful Active Scrubbing Brush — Ideal for Above/In-Ground Pools up to 33 FT in Length
  • The Dolphin Nautilus CC robotic pool vacuum cleaner features powerful wall climbing capabilities to scrub the floor and walls of your pool no matter the pool shape or surface type.
  • With the Dolphin's active scrubbing brush design, your pool surface gets incredibly clean. Each performance cleaning gives you an exceptional pool experience with less work.
  • Get your pool exceptionally clean with the easy-access, top load fine filter basket. The fine filters remove debris from your pool for crystal-clear water. Its powerful filtration keeps your pool...
  • Cleaning your pool has never been easier. With the Dolphin's plug-and-play system, just plug your robot in, drop it into the pool, and turn on the power supply for a spotless pool in 2 hours.

The Dolphin Nautilus CC automatic robotic pool cleaner is an easy-to-use, lightweight, single-button operation robotic pool cleaner that is sure to wow you.

  • Ideal for pools up to 33 feet long
  • Weighs 13.8 pounds
  • Schedule your cleaning times with 3 settings
  • Consistent active brushing collects large debris and scrubs the debris you don’t see
  • Quick payback on investment with 8X less energy consumption than other pool cleaners
  • It comes with a 1-year warranty

What Real World Users Say…

“This unit is perfect for my 20×40 pool.”

“The pool is crystal clean all the time. No more nagging from the wife to clean the pool.”

“We’ve had this a week. So far so great! Picks up small rocks & the finest dirt.”

Dolphin Nautilus CC PLUS

Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus Robotic Pool Vacuum Cleaner — Wall Climbing Capability — Top Load Filters for Easy Maintenance — Ideal for Above/In-Ground Pools up to 50 FT in Length
  • The Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus robotic pool vacuum cleaner features powerful wall climbing capabilities to scrub the floor and walls of your pool no matter the pool shape or surface type.
  • Get your pool exceptionally clean with the easy-access, top load fine filter basket. The fine filters remove debris from your pool for crystal-clear water. Its powerful filtration keeps your pool...
  • Cleaning your pool has never been easier. With the Dolphin's plug-and-play system, just plug your robot in, drop it into the pool, and turn on the power supply for a spotless pool in 2 hours.
  • With the Dolphin's Smart Navigation Technology, your robot strategically cleans by scanning your pool to determine the most efficient path. Get an ultimate clean no matter your pool shape or surface...

The Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus automatic robotic pool cleaner is a step above its predecessor. It’s larger and can handle the bigger jobs, and comes with some nice features as well.

  • Ideal for pools up to 50 feet long
  • Weighs 19 pounds
  • Schedule your cleaning times with 3 settings
  • Dual scrubbing brushes for large and small debris
  • Large top-load cartridge filters for complete cleaning within 2 hours
  • “CleverClean” algorithm for smart and efficient navigational cleaning
  • Anti-tangle swivel cable for ease of movement around your pool
  • The same 8X less energy consumption saves you energy and money
  • It comes with a 2.5-year warranty

What Real World Users Say…

“Outstanding robotic inground pool cleaner.

“It’s a powerful scrubber cleaner that pretty much does what it’s advertised to do.”

“Life-changing purchase after cleaning manually for years. 2 years old and going strong.

Best Overall: Dolphin Premier Robotic Pool Cleaner

Dolphin Premier Robotic Pool Cleaner
  • Smart Nav scans the pool shape and calculates the optimal path for faster, more efficient cleaning
  • HyperGrip dual tracks for 40% less slippage while climbing walls and stairs
  • Power scrubs and vacuums doors, steps, walls, and water line
  • Reduces energy costs up to 90% (5 per hour) over AC-powered cleaners by running on DC motors

The Dolphin Premier robotic pool cleaner is superior compared to other machines on this list when it comes to its features and abilities. It has been deemed by many as the “best pool cleaner on the market”. Check out the features of this robotic pool cleaner.

  • Ideal for pools up to 50 feet long
  • Weighs 22 pounds
  • Schedule your cleaning at your desired interval with Smart Control
  • Dual scrubbing brushes with dual 24-volt motors clean and scrubs every inch of floor, wall, tile, and waterline
  • Includes micro-cartridges, standard cartridges, and oversized leaf and debris bags
  • It comes with Smart Nav software that uses advanced algorithms for optimized scanning and full coverage cleaning
  • Anti-tangle swivel cable for ease of movement around your pool
  • 90% less energy gives you better energy efficiency and saves you money
  • A full media indicator light lets you know when it’s time to empty the filter
  • You can optionally use the Dolphin remote for the advanced cleaning of specific pool areas you want to focus more on
  • It comes with a 3-year warranty

What Real World Users Say…

“Their best robotic pool cleaner in the market.

“It is an investment but well worth the money spent and cleaning time eliminated to have a spotless pool.”

“The answer to all things pool! I was really worried about purchasing this because it seems so expensive, but trust me, it is worth every last penny.”

Best Value: PAXCESS Cordless 8600 Robotic Pool Cleaner

PAXCESS Cordless Robotic Pool Cleaner - Wall-Climbing Fuction with Smart Route Plan, Automatic Pool Vacuum, Max Surface Cleaning & Powerful Suction, MAX 90 mins, for 1614 sq ft in/Above Ground Pools
  • 【Cordless & Wall Climbing Function】Global premier cordless wall-climbing automatic pool cleaner. PAXCESS robot pool vacuum equipped with the advanced brush, which can provide a strong adsorption...
  • 【Excellent Cleaning Performance】PAXCESS cordless automatic pool cleaner is the most innovative pool robot cleaner.It can clean inground pools/above ground pools for Max.1614 sq ft. Put aside the...
  • 【Comprehensive & Efficient Cleaning】The pre-installed smart gyroscope, accelerometer and advanced three-axis motor provide strong suction and efficient cleaning to achieve complete cleaning...
  • 【Intelligent Detection Technology】With advanced detection technology, PAXCESS cordless pool cleaner can detect different working situation by itself and these working situations will be displayed...

With a preinstalled smart gyroscope, accelerometer, and advanced three-axis motor this clever device will ensure your pool is cleaned using the most efficient route. The PAXCESS Cordless Robotic Pool Cleaner is perfect for people who don’t want to spend their valuable time cleaning the swimming pool by hand because this robot will do it all on its own.

  • 8600 mAh Lithium Battery
  • 1614 square feet maximum cleaning surface
  • Up to 90 minutes of working time
  • Has twin extra-large top access filter baskets
  • Comes with a 2-year warranty

What Real World Users Say…

“Super easy to use & set up. Does a good job!”

“If you want more time enjoying your pool this year than cleaning it, this is a must!”

“Highly recommend this pool cleaner if you want to air back and let it clean the pool for you!”

Best For Inground Pools: Polaris F9550 Sport Robotic In-Ground Pool Cleaner

Polaris 9550 Sport Robotic Pool Cleaner, Automatic Vacuum for InGround Pools up to 60ft, 70ft Swivel Cable, Remote Control, Wall Climbing Vac w/Strong Suction & Easy Access Debris Canister
  • AUTO POOL CLEANER: The 9550 Sport 4WD provides best-in-class performance and 5 cleaning modes.
  • IN GROUND: Compatible with in ground swimming pools up to 60 ft.
  • POLARIS: For more than 40 years, Polaris has been known worldwide for its quality and best-in-class automatic pool cleaners.
  • PREMIUM CLEANING PERFORMANCE: The 4WD robotic pool cleaner featuring motion-sensing handheld remote, Easy Lift System, dirty canister indicator, and Vortex Vacuum technology for best-in-class cleaning...

The Polaris F9550 Sport Robotic In-Ground Pool Cleaner has a range of features that make it the perfect choice for any pool owner. One of its distinct advantages is the 7-day programmable timer which allows you to set it and forget it.

  • Motion-sensing remote control
  • Easy lift system
  • 7-day programmable timer
  • 4 Wheel Drive (4WD) technology
  • Easy to clean filter canister
  • Works on pools up to 60 feet long
  • ActivMotion Sensor Technology
  • Comes with a 2-year warranty.

What Real World Users Say…

Unbelievable pool cleaner.

The cleaning algorithm is superior as it covers the whole pool reliably.”

“The entire robot and cabling fit nicely on the compact carriage with wheels. This thing is a must.”

Whichever robotic pool cleaner you decide to purchase, one thing is for certain: Robotic pool cleaners save you money, energy, and time. Whether you opt for the cleaner with more features or the lighter weight options, you can be certain of an efficient clean without having to spend any extra time or effort cleaning the pool yourself. Look at this as an investment that will pay itself back in time, and enjoy your robotic pool cleaner.

Frequently Asked Questions About Robotic Pool Cleaners

Are robotic pool cleaners worth it?

Yes, they are worth it. Robotic pool cleaners can effectively clean your pool better than any other type of pool cleaner out there. The best thing about robotic pool cleaners is they can do the cleaning automatically and saves you the time you need to spend manually cleaning your pool.

How long do robotic pool cleaners last?

Robotic pool cleaners have a lifespan of about 4 to 5 years depending on the brand and how well you take care of your equipment. Cheaper models typically have a shorter lifespan of about 3 years.

How often should I run my robotic pool cleaner?

The answer to this question heavily depends on how much you use your swimming pool. You can run your robotic pool cleaner daily if you use your pool every day. If you’re only using it once or twice a week, you can just run your robotic pool cleaner once weekly or every two weeks.

Photo by Martin Cooper Ipswich pumps for intex pools

Didn’t Find The Robotic Pool Cleaner You Were Looking For?

The Best Robotic Pool Cleaners

How To Keep A Kiddie Pool Clean – 6 Secrets for Summer Fun

We have identified 6 secrets to keeping a kiddie pool clean and here they are. Keep reading to learn how each tip can help ensure your kiddos have a clean splash pool all summer long! Here they are:

Also be sure to see our Frequently Asked Questions and a BONUS Tip for the longevity of your kiddie pool.

See the quick reference table below for a glance at what we recommend and where you can get the products you need.

How To Keep A Kiddie Pool Clean

No time to read the article? Here is our product picks.

What to Do

What to Get

Where to Buy

Use Chlorine

Clorox Pool&Spa Small Pool 1' Chlorinating Tablets 1.5 lb

Chlorine Dispenser

GAME 17201-BB Derby Duck Spa Chemical Dispenser, Yellow

Use a Small Pool Vac

INTEX 28620EP Rechargeable USB Handheld Pool Vacuum: 94in Telescoping Aluminum Shaft – Waterproof Switch – Two Interchangeable Brush Heads – Shaft Adapter – 50min Battery Life

Skimmer Net

SWIMLINE HYDROTOOLS Aluminum Handle Pool and Spa Skimmer

Cover the pool

OUTOUR Garden Pond Cover Pool Cover Protector with Netting Tent Dome Netting 13x17 Feet, 3/8 Inch Mesh -Protection from Debris and Pests

Remove Sunscreen Build-up

Horizon HV-SB2PK Scumball Pool and Spa Scum Eliminating Ball (2 Packs of 2)

Keep Feet Clean

Poolmaster Anti-Skid Swimming Pool or Spa Textured Foot Bath Foot Wash Medium, Neutral

Read our best kiddie pools roundup here. Heck, you might even be using your kiddie pool for the adults this summer!

How to keep kiddie pool water clean? Use chlorine

You may be surprised to know that you can use chlorine for kiddie pools! In small quantities of course, chlorine tablets are great to fight bacteria and algae in your baby pool. 

Chlorine is a natural chemical element. It is one of the most potent elements we have to destroy and deactivate infections, viruses, and other illness-causing bacteria, according to the American Chemistry Council. We’ve been using it for over 150 years, and it’s one of the only things that can be used to fight things like E. Coli and Salmonella.

How to keep a kiddie pool clean, use these chlorine tablets
These small chlorine tablets can be used to help
keep your kiddie pool clean.

You can use small chlorine tabs that are meant for a spa tub or small pools.  They are 1″ in size and you can use these chlorine tablets for kiddie pools.  These should only be used in pools that hold 100 or more gallons of water.

You should use one tablet per week for a kiddie pool of 200 gallons or less, and two tablets weekly for kiddie pools of over 200 gallons.

An additional benefit of using chlorine in the kiddie pool is to prevent mosquitoes from laying eggs in the pool.

The correct way to use these chlorine tabs in your kiddie pool is to use a chlorine float dispenser.  The dispenser below will hold one or two tablets and you simply let it float in the pool when the kids are not using it.  Do NOT just throw the tablets directly into the pool.

Here are some chlorine and dispenser options for kiddie pools

Clorox Pool&Spa Small Pool 1" Chlorinating Tablets 1.5 lb
HTH 42031 1" Chlorinating Tablets Swimming Pool Chlorine, 5 lbs
U.S. Pool Supply Pool & Spa Floating Chlorine & Bromine 1" Tablet Chemical Dispenser, 5" Diameter, Collapsible Floater
GAME 17201-BB Derby Duck Spa Chemical Dispenser, Yellow
Clorox Pool&Spa Small Pool 1" Chlorinating Tablets 1.5 lb
HTH 42031 1" Chlorinating Tablets Swimming Pool Chlorine, 5 lbs
U.S. Pool Supply Pool & Spa Floating Chlorine & Bromine 1" Tablet Chemical Dispenser, 5" Diameter, Collapsible Floater
GAME 17201-BB Derby Duck Spa Chemical Dispenser, Yellow
-
Amazon Prime
-
Amazon Prime
$99.99
$59.20
$7.50
$10.82
Clorox Pool&Spa Small Pool 1" Chlorinating Tablets 1.5 lb
Clorox Pool&Spa Small Pool 1" Chlorinating Tablets 1.5 lb
-
$99.99
HTH 42031 1" Chlorinating Tablets Swimming Pool Chlorine, 5 lbs
HTH 42031 1" Chlorinating Tablets Swimming Pool Chlorine, 5 lbs
Amazon Prime
$59.20
U.S. Pool Supply Pool & Spa Floating Chlorine & Bromine 1" Tablet Chemical Dispenser, 5" Diameter, Collapsible Floater
U.S. Pool Supply Pool & Spa Floating Chlorine & Bromine 1" Tablet Chemical Dispenser, 5" Diameter, Collapsible Floater
-
$7.50
GAME 17201-BB Derby Duck Spa Chemical Dispenser, Yellow
GAME 17201-BB Derby Duck Spa Chemical Dispenser, Yellow
Amazon Prime
$10.82

Keep the kiddie pool covered

There is no better way to keep your kiddie pool clean than by covering it to protect it from airborne debris.

There are a few different ways to accomplish this. One way is to use a special kiddie pool cover or tarp to protect the pool when it is not in use. Another way is to set up your kiddie pool under a shelter to protect it from debris.

If you have a small plastic pool, then you can use a camping-style tarp to cover the pool when it is not in use.  Don’t forget to use some bricks or pavers to weigh the tarp down so that it does not blow away. Just like a full-sized pool, a cover can really help in keeping leaves, bugs, bees, and other debris out of your kiddie pool. 

Here is one of our favorite kiddie pools that has its own fitted cover that makes putting in on super easy. Also, a tarp for any other kiddie pool that needs covering.

Another great kiddie pool parent hack is to set the kiddie pool up within a protected area that is covered. Using a screen canopy can both help to keep the pool clean and also provide much-needed shade for the children to play for extended hours. This is hands-down the best way to keep your kiddie pool clean and free of debris. Be sure to get the appropriate size for your kiddie pool to fit within.

Keep the kiddie pool free from floating debris

One easy way to ensure the kiddie pool water stays clean is to remove the floating debris like bugs, leaves, and other dirt.  Simply use a handheld net each day to remove the debris. Remember, there is no pool skimmer like a bigger pool, so this must be done by hand.

On Sale Now!
SWIMLINE HYDROTOOLS Aluminum Handle Pool and Spa Skimmer
  • Comes with a 12" aluminum handle
  • Ideal for use in small pools and spas
  • Ideal for skimming leaves, insects as well as other trash from surface of water
  • Keeps your pool thoroughly clean

Keep the kids feet clean before entering

How many times do the kids get in and out of the kiddie pool? Lots! And each time they exit and enter the pool they bring new debris on their feet. Simply set this feet cleaner outside the pool and have the kids step thru it before getting into the pool! Make it a pool party game!

Summer Waves P5E001500 Outdoor Backyard 22.5 x 20 x 3.5 Inch Non Slip Pool Foot Bath Tray Accessory for In Ground and Above Ground Swimming Pools and Spas, Blue
  • DEBRIS-FREE POOL: Get a debris-free pool with this foot bath, an essential accessory to wash off your feet prior to entering your pool and perfect for in-ground or above-ground pools
  • 2.8-GALLON CAPACITY: Holds up to 2.8 gallons of water so you can be sure to wash off any unwanted grass, leaves, or sand
  • NON-SLIP DESIGN: Textured, anti-slip embossed bottom provides stability and minimizes slips or falls
  • HOOKS IN PLACE: Top portion hooks in-between pool ladder to keep in place while in use

Regularly clean debris from the bottom of the kiddie pool

We took care of the floating debris with the net above, but eventually, there will be debris accumulated on the bottom of the kiddie pool.  You can try using the net to clean the bottom, but it is likely that it will not completely suffice.

We found this really awesome mini pool vacuum that works great.  We suggest using this weekly (if using the pool cover) or more often (if you are not using a pool cover).

On Sale Now!
INTEX 28620EP Rechargeable USB Handheld Pool Vacuum: 94in Telescoping Aluminum Shaft – Waterproof Switch – Two Interchangeable Brush Heads – Shaft Adapter – 50min Battery Life
  • Suitable for use with all pure spas and above ground pools up to 18' Diameter
  • Includes two interchangeable brush heads, USB cable for recharging, 94" Lightweight telescoping Aluminum shaft, & SHAFT adapter to fit longer/wider telescoping aluminum shaf
  • Automatic shutoff feature when vacuum is not submerged in water, IPX8 waterproof switch for added protection against water submersion
  • Keep pool water clean by vacuuming out dirt and debris

Keep sunscreen build up off the sides

What do you do right before the kids head outside to splash?  Cover them in sunscreen of course!

The damage caused to our skin from the sun and summer heat is well documented, so using the best sunscreen is important.  No matter what sunscreen you use, you will surely see an oily film on the top of the water surface soon after the kids enter the pool.

There is nothing inherently bad about this, but over time you will see a build-up of sunscreen oils on the sides of the pool.

There are two ways to combat this build-up.  You can either scrub it off when you are draining the pool, or prevent the build-up in the first place.  To prevent the build-up, we recommend the “Scum Ball” which is a special sponge-like ball that absorbs the oil before it can build up on the sides!

How To Keep A Kiddie Pool Clean - Own The Pool

Make sure the kids are clean before entering the pool

Another way how to keep a kiddie pool clean is to first make sure the kids are clean!

The CDC says that one of the most beneficial ways to reduce the spread of viruses and bacteria is to wash your kids off BEFORE they swim.

Years ago, summer camps and public pools would have a shower room you had to walk through to get to the pool. These rooms rinsed you off before you got in, which helped reduced the spread of many germs. 

Now, showering before entering is almost always optional, but it’s a great idea if you’re swimming with other families to hose kids down with a light body wash before they hop in the pool. 

When to drain the kiddie pool and scrub it down?

Remember, your kiddie pool is a stagnant pool of standing water. Eventually, no matter how well you use these tips to keep it clean, you will need to occasionally drain the pool, scrub it down, and refill it. There is nothing wrong with this, it is simply a side effect of the fact that there is no pump or filter to circulate the water. It is just a fact of life!

This makes it especially important to choose a kiddie pool with a built-in drain plug.  Without a drain, you need to find a way to dump the water, or even worse, bucket it out! Grab your sponge and soap and make it a fun family activity.

BONUS: How to make your kiddie pool last longer

Your kids LOVE that splash pool, right? They would stay out there all day long if you let them. We also know that these cheap pools can sometimes “spring a leak” or otherwise end up failing before the summer season is over.

Most kiddie pool leaks are from punctures on the bottom of the pool. Stones, pebbles, and anything else that is trapped under the pool, can puncture the bottom.

One way to avoid this is to put something smooth under the pool to protect it. We suggest using interlocking foam tiles for this.

If you have an Intex kiddie pool, then you should check out our guide on what to put under your Intex pool.

Here are some that will work great. You will likely need about 40-60 square feet depending on how big the kiddie pool is.

No products found.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cleaning Kiddie Pools

Why Do Kiddie Pools Need Cleaning?

How to keep a kiddie pool clean

Since backyard kiddie pools do not have a pump and filter or a skimmer like larger pools do, the water tends to get dirty and cloudy more often. Standing water is always going to get dirty, especially in the hot summer months, unless it is treated correctly. Tree debris, sunscreen buildup, and bugs in the water are just a few of the reasons that you need to clean kiddie pools often. Hopefully, with the tips you have learned in this article, you will have a cleaner kiddie pool this summer.

Can I use bleach in a kiddie pool?

The short answer is YES, you can use bleach to help keep your kiddie pool clean.  We recommend using very basic bleach.  Be careful when using the Clorox brand, as many now contain additives such as scents. Use generic bleach or Clorox Regular Bleach.  Use 1/8 cup for every 100 gallons in your kiddie pool.

How do I get rid of Algae in a kiddie pool?

There are a few ways to try to rid your kiddie pool of algae using chemicals.  However, we recommend simply draining and cleaning the pool which can be easier than fooling with the chemicals. Drain the pool, then create a cleaning mixture of 5 parts water and 1 part bleach to scrub the pool.  Allow the pool to dry completely before re-filling.

How do I keep a kiddie pool clean without chemicals?

If you simply do not want to use chemicals to keep your kiddie pool clean, there is an alternative. Rather than chlorine, use Distilled White Vinegar. Add 1/2 Cup for every 100 gallons of water in your pool. If you choose to use this method to keep your pool clean, then it is important to note that Vinegar is a known weed killer.  If you drain your pool in your grass, expect your grass to yellow severely.  Alternatively, drain the pool in the driveway.

How long can you keep water in a kiddie pool?

If you use the advice given in our guide, using a chlorine dispenser float and keeping the pool covered from debris then we recommend changing the water every 3-6 weeks. If you do not use this advice, then you will likely need to change the pool water every few days.

How can I test the water in my kiddie pool?

You can use simple pool water test kits, the same types that are used for larger pools. These are inexpensive and can be a great way to have peace of mind that your little ones are spending the summer in a safe and clean kiddie pool. Check out our article on the best pool test kits for more information.

Do you need expensive pool chemicals for a kiddie pool?

Generally, NO. Kiddie pools have significantly less water volume than a full-size swimming pool. Therefore, you can drain and refill the pool if needed rather than mess with pool chemicals for weeks trying to fix the problem.

Additional Information

OK, So What is The Scoop on Poop (in the Pool)

1 out of 4 adults say that they’d go swimming even if they have diarrhea, according to this survey. It’s pretty certain that if those adults have kids, they’d go swimming if sick, too.

If you or your child have any diarrhea, the answer to that question needs to be no.

Swim diapers are made to keep solid waste in while not soaking up all the water in the pool. However, they do not keep bacteria from poop from getting into the water, whether the poop is of the normal variety or filled with a virus or bad bacteria. The only thing that works well for containing that mess is covering a swim diaper with tight-fitting plastic underwear. 

In the case of an “accident” in the kiddie pool, the only solution is to drain and clean the pool.

Have a great summer in your splash pool

We sure hope that this guide was helpful in making your summer with kids a little less stressful this year. Splash pools are a great way to allow the kids to cool off in the intense summer heat and now you can keep it clean with these helpful hints and hacks.

Photo by larrywkoester pumps for intex pools

How to Keep Above Ground Pools Clean: Tips for New Pool Owners

Owning an above ground pool comes with responsibilities, and the most significant responsibility is keeping your pool clean.  After all, how can you enjoy fun & games in your pool if it is not clean?

Maintaining the cleanliness of your pool happens on a daily, weekly, and monthly period, and knowing how to keep your pool clean is vital to help avoid more expensive maintenance or dangerous swimming conditions. In this article, we discuss the main reasons for cleaning your pool and the variety of ways how to keep above ground pools clean.

Must-Haves For Cleaning Your Above Ground Pool

POOL BLASTER Max Cordless Pool Vacuum for Deep Cleaning & Strong Suction, Handheld Rechargeable Swimming Pool Cleaner for Inground and Above Ground Pools, Hoseless Pool Vac by Water Tech
Taylor K-2005 Complete DPD High Range, 9-in-1 Pool & Spa Test Kit for Free & Total Chlorine, Bromine, pH, Acid & Base Demand, Total Alkalinity, Calcium Hardness, Cyanuric Acid | Made in The USA
HTH 52026 Super Shock Treatment Swimming Pool Chlorine Cleaner, 1 lb (Pack of 12)
POOL BLASTER Max Cordless Pool Vacuum for Deep Cleaning & Strong Suction, Handheld Rechargeable Swimming Pool Cleaner for Inground and Above Ground Pools, Hoseless Pool Vac by Water Tech
Taylor K-2005 Complete DPD High Range, 9-in-1 Pool & Spa Test Kit for Free & Total Chlorine, Bromine, pH, Acid & Base Demand, Total Alkalinity, Calcium Hardness, Cyanuric Acid | Made in The USA
HTH 52026 Super Shock Treatment Swimming Pool Chlorine Cleaner, 1 lb (Pack of 12)
-
Amazon Prime
-
POOL BLASTER Max Cordless Pool Vacuum for Deep Cleaning & Strong Suction, Handheld Rechargeable Swimming Pool Cleaner for Inground and Above Ground Pools, Hoseless Pool Vac by Water Tech
POOL BLASTER Max Cordless Pool Vacuum for Deep Cleaning & Strong Suction, Handheld Rechargeable Swimming Pool Cleaner for Inground and Above Ground Pools, Hoseless Pool Vac by Water Tech
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Taylor K-2005 Complete DPD High Range, 9-in-1 Pool & Spa Test Kit for Free & Total Chlorine, Bromine, pH, Acid & Base Demand, Total Alkalinity, Calcium Hardness, Cyanuric Acid | Made in The USA
Taylor K-2005 Complete DPD High Range, 9-in-1 Pool & Spa Test Kit for Free & Total Chlorine, Bromine, pH, Acid & Base Demand, Total Alkalinity, Calcium Hardness, Cyanuric Acid | Made in The USA
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HTH 52026 Super Shock Treatment Swimming Pool Chlorine Cleaner, 1 lb (Pack of 12)
HTH 52026 Super Shock Treatment Swimming Pool Chlorine Cleaner, 1 lb (Pack of 12)
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Reasons for cleaning your pool

It’s beneficial to understand why you need to clean your pool. Before discussing everything you can do to keep your above ground pool clean, here are the top 5 reasons for cleaning your pool:

  1. Keeping your pool water circulated: One of the reasons for cleaning your pool is to keep your pool water flowing. Water circulation is essential when cleaning your pool because it lowers the chance of unwanted debris from accumulating.
  2. One-time debris cleaning: You might want to clean large debris from your pool that you can visibly notice before swimming.
  3. Pool water chemistry: You might want to adjust your pool chemistry so that you are swimming in water that is balanced at safe levels.
  4. On-going maintenance: You may need to provide on-going maintenance on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis to keep your pool staying clean.
  5. Interior surface cleaning: Even with clean water and no visible debris in your pool, your walls and floor of your pool might need extra cleaning.
How To Keep Above Ground Pools Clean - Own The Pool

How to keep above ground pools clean

Whether you are cleaning debris, managing water chemistry, providing on-going maintenance, or just cleaning the surfaces of your pool, there are a variety of ways to make this happen. The following lists the different actions you can take to make sure you keep your above ground pool cleaner.

1. Get a good filter and pump

Your filter and pump are critical parts of pool cleanliness. Without a filter and pump, you will be left with debris and possibly unsafe swimming conditions because of the chemicals that can be introduced to your water. A pump will circulate the water and will push the water through a filter that cleans your water before it enters back into your pool.

Your pool filter and pump should ideally be running 24 hours a day to maintain proper water flow and circulation. However, if you can’t leave on your pump all night, consider keeping it on for at least 12 hours each day to maintain proper flow.

Tip: When installing your output jets, adjust them to help move the water in a circular motion around your pool. This adjustment further helps with pool water circulation.

2. Use a good pool vacuum cleaner

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POOL BLASTER Max Cordless Pool Vacuum for Deep Cleaning & Strong Suction, Handheld Rechargeable Swimming Pool Cleaner for Inground and Above Ground Pools, Hoseless Pool Vac by Water Tech
  • INCREASED POWER: The Max offers increased vacuum suction with the Water Tech P30 Motor design engineered for quick & efficient debris pick-up.
  • WHOLE POOL CLEANER: Clean entire pool or Spot-Clean in seconds. Includes a removeable 10.5” vacuum head for general cleaning or simple remove to expose nose cone head for hard to get areas. Ideal...
  • CAPTURE MORE DIRT: The Max features a large debris capture chamber and strong suction for a variety of cleaning; acorns, twigs, leaves dirt and sand.
  • CORDLESS CLEANING: Perfect for quick and easy cleaning in the Swimming pool and Hot Tub or Spa. No hoses or cords needed.

There are many good pool cleaners on the market, as well as a variety of pool vacuums that can clean multiple areas of your pool. Some vacuums require you to manually position and clean the different areas of your pool, while others can work autonomously. Cleaning your pool thoroughly with a pool vacuum cleaner will help maintain cleanliness and avoid having to perform significant cleanings in the future.

3. Frequent cleaning of pool interior

To avoid having to perform substantial cleaning of the walls and floor of your pool in the future, clean your pool interior with pool surface cleaning brushes and natural cleaning solutions. There are times when a pool may have too much calcium or have a buildup of copper, or even excessive algae at one point or another. All of these scenarios can cause staining to the walls and floor of your pool interior.

The staining usually doesn’t happen overnight, and you can avoid staining from starting or continuing by scrubbing and vacuuming the walls and floor of your pool.

4. Test your water regularly

Pool water is greatly affected by factors like weather, chemicals, how often you use your pool, and many other factors. Understanding how these factors change your pool water will help you choose how to fix it. You can test your water by using either test strips or a digital test strip reader.

Your pool chemicals are as effective as the current circumstance. If the weather and external chemicals cause your pool’s pH to rise too high or get too low, you may need to use a pH reducer or pH increaser to ensure you have a proper range of pH. Testing your water and adjusting the pH accordingly can assure you that your chemicals will work properly, which makes your pool water safe to swim in.

5. Balance your pool water

Testing your pool water can help you decide to adjust your levels accordingly. But how do you regulate these levels? It happens by balancing the pool water chemistry. There are three crucial parts to your pool water chemistry.

  1. pH level: Your pH level shows you how acidic or alkaline your pool water is. The ideal pH range is 7.4 to 7.6, and going above or below this range could require the addition of pH reducer or pH increaser.
  2. Alkalinity level: Alkalinity is what avoids spikes one way or the other in your pH level. The ideal alkalinity range is between 100 to 150 ppm (parts per million).
  3. Sanitizer level: Your sanitizer level is how much sanitizing material you add to your pool to maintain proper levels. The most popular type of sanitizer is chlorine, and knowing how much chlorine should be in your pool depending on its size can determine whether or not you need to add more.

Knowing these three levels is vital in balancing your water. There are chemicals you can add to your pool to create a safe balance of cleanliness in your water.

6. Shock your pool water

Shocking is a term that means adding a concentrated amount of chlorine or other chemicals to your pool to destroy the chloramines that have built up in your pool. Shocking is also known as super-chlorination, and essentially means you are super-chlorinating your pool when needed.

On Sale Now!
HTH 52026 Super Shock Treatment Swimming Pool Chlorine Cleaner, 1 lb (Pack of 12)
  • BENEFITS: Increases the chlorine level in swimming pools to kill bacteria and algae to keep your pool water clear and ready for fun all season long
  • USE: Apply directly to pool water as needed; Test pool water and shock weekly to keep free available chlorine levels between 1 and 4ppm
  • COMPATIBILITY: Effective for all swimming pool types including pools with liners and Gunite pools, and saltwater pool systems
  • FEATURES: Increases chlorine levels; Kills and prevents bacteria and algae; Keeps water clear; See results in 24 hours; 1 bag treats 13, 500 gallons; Won’t fade vinyl pool liners

You only need to shock your pool water if it hasn’t been maintained well enough or adequately treated with the right amount of chemicals. Your water could need a shock treatment solely for excess use of your pool. Too many people in a pool can cause products and chemicals from suntan lotion, sunscreen, face cream, makeup, hairspray, oils from your hair and skin, to be added to your pool. These unnatural additives can quickly lead to excess bacteria and other chemicals that can cause algae buildup and can cause your pool to become unbalanced.

Testing your pool for chlorine and chloramine can help you decide whether or not it needs a shock treatment. Shock treatments might be necessary every week or hardly ever depending on how well you maintain your pool and how often it is used.

7. Sanitize your pool water

Sanitizing your water means exterminating the bacteria and bad chloramines in your pool with the addition of chlorine or other chemicals. Chlorine is the primary additive in pool water and can be the best and only sanitizer you need. You can decide how you add the chlorine, but one of the most popular ways of adding chlorine to a pool in a safe way is to use chlorine tablets.

Chlorine tablets are efficient because of how compressed they are. They don’t fully dissolve into the pool water right away, and instead, they help add small amounts of chlorine to your pool a little at a time. This slower approach gives you a longer-lasting chlorine treatment, so you don’t have to keep adding chlorine or shocking your pool unnecessarily.

8. Keep your water clear

Keeping your pool water clear can become a massive task if you don’t take care of it before it happens. You want water that you can see through, and at the very least, you don’t want your pool water to be colored with a green or brown tint. Any tint of yellow, brown, green, or even shades of blue can be a sign of algae formation, and you will have to purchase additional algaecides to remove already-formed algae.

The best thing you can do is get a pool clarifier liquid that you add to your pool to help maintain its clarity and clearness. These pool clarifiers help remove substances like hairspray, makeup, natural oils, and lotions so that algae and other bacteria don’t form as quickly.

If you already have a formation of algae in your pool, you will have to use an algaecide to get rid of the algae and wait until the algae is removed before entering your pool safely again.

9. Clean your pool filter

There will be times where you will need to clean your pool filter. This filter cleaning is also known as backwashing your filter. Because the filter is used to remove small debris and substances from circulating in your pool, an excess of these substances in your pool could mean your filter is full. You can check the pressure gauge of your filter to see if you need to clean the filter. Use the numbers and advice from your filter’s instructions to determine whether or not you need to clean your filter.

Some filter systems have backwashing modes that can handle cleaning in the push of a button, but many filters will require you to empty or replace the filter to be able to continue using it effectively. A dirty or full filter system could turn into the equivalent of not having one at all, so make sure it is clean at all times before you use your pool.

10. Maintain your pool during winter

If you are closing your above-ground pool during winter or any cold months, there is a way to clean your pool and get it ready for winter so that you don’t have to continue to maintain it as stringently as you would during the heat of summer and swimming season. This winter pool maintenance is referred to as “winterizing” your pool.

Here are some major steps to follow when winterizing your above-ground pool:

  1. Remove equipment: The first step is removing every piece of equipment from your pool. Remove ladders, hoses, filters, and pumps from your pool.
  2. Trash old filter cartridge: Get rid of the old filter cartridge so you can use a new one at the start of the next pool season.
  3. Clean equipment: Thoroughly clean all of your pool equipment. Some equipment can be hosed off while other pieces of equipment like hoses might need to be submerged in soapy water to remove chemicals.
  4. Drain hoses and filter tank: Make sure your hoses don’t have any leftover water in them, and drain the entire filter tank to avoid sitting water.
  5. Balance pool water: Balance your pool water as you would before you would safely swim in your pool. Test the water and add chemicals until your water is balanced.
  6. Add winter chemical kit: There are select chemicals you can add to your pool when you won’t be using it for more than a month. These chemicals will help keep your pool maintained while it is not in use without having to continue maintaining it. Get yourself a pool winter chemical kit and add these chemicals to your pool water.
  7. Cover your pool: To avoid any debris from falling into your pool and the weather from affecting your pool’s water balance and chemistry, using a pool cover to cover your pool is recommended.

Create a pool maintenance schedule

The implementation of a pool maintenance schedule will help you keep your pool as clean as it should be. Adhering to your schedule can also help avoid larger maintenance costs in the future. There are three pool maintenance schedules you can create – a “before each use” schedule, a weekly schedule, and a monthly schedule. Based on the maintenance tasks you learned about previously, here we discuss each schedule and list the maintenance tasks that should be included.

“Before each use” pool maintenance schedule

  1. Run the pool filter at least 12 hours a day (consistently).
  2. Ensure the water level is not too high or too low.
  3. Test the pH level to ensure it is within the safe range.
  4. Test the chlorine level to ensure it is within the safe range.
  5. Empty the skimmer and the pump baskets if needed.
  6. Ensure filter pressure is within the safe range.
  7. Ensure the pump is operating effectively.

Weekly pool maintenance schedule

  1. Skim the surface of the water.
  2. Brush the walls and floor of the pool.
  3. Vacuum the pool.
  4. Test for alkalinity to ensure it is within the safe range.
  5. Add algaecide, clarifier, or chlorine shock if needed.
  6. Add chlorine tablets if needed.
  7. Backwash or clean the filter if needed.

Monthly pool maintenance schedule

  1. Test for calcium hardness level to ensure it is within the safe range.
  2. Test the cyanuric acid level to ensure it is within the safe range.
  3. Add algaecide, clarifier, or chlorine shock if needed.
  4. Ensure that all equipment is performing correctly.

Your individual pool maintenance schedule could vary a little bit depending on the climate in which you live, the frequency of pool use, and how well you maintain your pool. One person might not need to shock their pool for over a month while another person might need to shock their pool every week. Some pools never have problems with algae, while other pools see a buildup of algae every couple weeks.

Use the above maintenance schedules as a guide. Find out the necessary “safe ranges” specific to your pool and circumstances, and understand how much chemicals to add based on the size of your pool and the numbers that your tests reveal. Tweak these maintenance schedules to fit your own pool maintenance needs.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cleaning An Above Ground Pool

What is the best way to clean above ground pool?

You’ll need a pool skimmer, clean filter, and scrubbing brush to properly maintain your swimming pool. These minimal tools will remove leaves from the surface of the water as well as other debris that might have found its way into it and make sure that the water is clear for all when you go for your next swim.

How often should I clean my pool?

If you want to keep your pool clean and uncontaminated, it is recommended that you have it cleaned at least once per week.

There are various tools and equipment available on the market which will make this process easier like getting your robotic pool cleaner.

What happens if you don’t clean your swimming pool?

A dirty swimming pool won’t just ruin your day; improper pool maintenance or care could lead to recreational water illnesses like diarrhea, ear infections, respiratory infection, rashes, inflamed eyes, and lungs.

This is why it’s important to keep up on pool maintenance and make sure the pool chemistry is balanced so everything stays safe and clean.

Final Thoughts

Keeping a pool clean through continuous maintenance can seem like a lot of work, but it can be simplified when you create and adhere to a strict schedule. Maintaining your pool can be rewarding when you consistently have clear, shining waters that contain no bacteria, algae, or other substances that cause unsafe swimming.

Each pool is different and will require a different set of maintenance tasks. You won’t know exactly how your pool will react to chemicals, frequent use, or the climate in which you live until you start testing. As long as you understand the safe levels of chemicals and the chemical balance or chemistry that is needed in your pool to keep clean, you can adjust your maintenance as required for your unique situation.

Final tip: Keeping a handle on your pool cleanliness and maintenance schedules will help save you time and money when you don’t have to fix major problems that can happen without it.

Keep your pool clean and have fun swimming!

Photo by anjanettew pumps for intex pools

Swimming Pool Games and Activities – 99 Best Party Ideas for Kids, Adults, and Family Fun

Summer is in full swing, your pool is a place for fun for the entire family, and you need some ideas for games you can play in and around the pool

Whether you are planning a pool party, a family get-together, or just summer days in the backyard pool – we have a super list of games and activity ideas for everyone.

We have a ton of games for kids that will keep everyone busy for hours upon hours.

We also have swimming pool games for adults that the entire family will enjoy too. We have ideas for all ages on this list of swimming pool games.

Here is our giant list of 99 Swimming Pool Games and Activities

Table Of Contents
  1. Here is our giant list of 99 Swimming Pool Games and Activities
  2. Water Balloon Volleyball
  3. Floating Basketball
  4. Floating Ping Pong
  5. Rubber Duck Race
  6. Floating Cornhole / Beanbag Toss
  7. Marco Polo
  8. Diving Rings And Toys
  9. Swimming Relay Race
  10. Inflatable Volleyball
  11. Handstand Contest
  12. Inflatable Chicken Fight
  13. Musical Chairs
  14. Floating Ring Toss
  15. Ping Pong Ball Collect
  16. Hotdog Battle Floating Jousting Set
  17. (Human) Submarine Races
  18. Floating Water Frisbee
  19. Floating Tic Tac Toe Toss
  20. Water Football
  21. Belly Flop Contest
  22. Lawn / Floor Darts
  23. Inflatable Bowling
  24. Categories
  25. Underwater Singing (or humming)
  26. Giant Checkers
  27. Giant Connect 4 Game
  28. Giant Jenga / Tumbling Timbers
  29. Tug Of War
  30. Bobbing Heads
  31. Limbo
  32. Yardzee (dice)
  33. Swimming Pool Scrabble
  34. YoYa Toss And Catch
  35. Outdoor Giant Dominoes
  36. Leaky Balloon Toss
  37. Potato Sack Races
  38. Floaty Pong
  39. Freeze Tag / Popsicle
  40. Capture The Flag
  41. Water Balloon Fight
  42. Slammo Spikeball Game
  43. Pop ‘N Catch Game
  44. Paddle Ball Game
  45. RC Boat Races
  46. Underwater Glider Games
  47. Cannonball Championship
  48. Colors
  49. Deep-Sea Treasure Hunt (with coins)
  50. Beachball Race
  51. F-I-S-H (similar to HORSE)
  52. Inflatable Water Slide
  53. Floatie Race
  54. Frozen T-Shirt Contest
  55. Find The Water Bottle
  56. Foam Water Blaster Soaker Water Fight
  57. Octopus
  58. Scavenger Hunt
  59. Red Light Green Light
  60. Floating Beanbag Toss
  61. Simon Says
  62. Keep Away
  63. Swim Through Rings
  64. Nerf Guns
  65. Hacky Sack
  66. Ladder Toss
  67. Hookey Ring Toss
  68. Watermelon Relay
  69. Dolphin Relay
  70. Floating Water Polo
  71. Paper Boat Race
  72. Atomic Whirlpool
  73. Inflatable Water Wheel Races
  74. Jump Rope Cup Of Water
  75. Swimming Obstacle Course
  76. Putt-Putt Golf
  77. Rollors Backyard Game
  78. Egg Spoon Race
  79. Swimming Pairs
  80. Chuck The Duck
  81. Waterproof UNO Splash
  82. Number Crunch
  83. 3-Legged Race
  84. 4-Legged Race
  85. Step Stones
  86. Balancing Game
  87. Pling Plong Game
  88. Floating Bucket Ball
  89. Keep The Cotton Ball Dry
  90. Diving For Words
  91. Velcro Ball Dart Board
  92. Rubber Horseshoes
  93. Noodle Raft Race
  94. Flying Frisbee Aim Game
  95. Ping Pong Splash Herding
  96. Knock Down The Cans
  97. Underwater Swim Ring Competition
  98. Pirate Ships
  99. Molkky Wooden Stick Throwing Game
  100. Cardboard Boat Race
  101. Get some games going at your next pool party!
Best Swimming Pool Games - Own The Pool

Water Balloon Volleyball

You’ve probably played a regular game of volleyball, but maybe not water balloon volleyball! This volleyball variation requires you to use a team of 2 people holding opposite sides of a towel to catch and fling the water balloon to the other side without bursting the balloon!

Floating Basketball

It’s just like a regular game of basketball, but with a twist! This giant basketball net floats, and you can choose to add up points like a regular game or use the point system displayed on the giant shootball floatie. There are a ton of basketball style games you can play in the pool!

Check out our best pool basketball hoops review for more great ideas!

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SWIMLINE Inflatable Pool Basketball Hoop Floating Or Poolside Game Giant Shootball Multiple Scoring Ports For Kids & Adults Swimming Splash Hoops With Water Basketball Pools Toy Outdoor Summer Hoops
  • MULTIPLE SCORING PORTS- Test your basketball skills and shoot the ball through the middle hoop or shoot through the various side compartments with various scoring options. Scores include 10, 25, 50,...
  • VERSATILE PLAY- Perfect for all basketball games - challenge your friends to a game of 2 on 2, play some H.O.R.S.E, or get creative with a slam dunk contest. The possibilities are endless with...
  • ORIGINAL GIANT DESIGN- The Giant Shootball is a classic original developed by Swimline and has set the standard for floating pool toys for years. The gigantic game measures 36 inches tall and 48...
  • DURABLE INFLATABLE DESIGN- Constructed with high quality durable UV resistant vinyl with a patch kit included. It’s easy to wipe down inflate deflate and store.

Floating Ping Pong

Have you ever played ping pong in the pool? This table tennis game floats right on top of the water, and you are provided with two waterproof ping pong paddles that make it easy to play your favorite game in the pool.

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Poolmaster Floating Table Tennis Game Toy
  • Floating ping-pong table is constructed with a non-corrosive EPS foam base and ABS top surface for swimming pool or backyard play
  • Game table connects easily and includes molded compartments built into the underside of the table for easy storage of your game components
  • Set includes 2 oversize paddles, net with uprights, and 3 regulation ping pong balls
  • 54" x 27" (approximate size)

Rubber Duck Race

It’s a rubber duck race from one end of the pool to the other. However, you can’t use your hands, and only your breath to blow the rubber duck across the pool surface. Whoever gets their rubber duck to touch the other end of the pool first wins!

Floating Cornhole / Beanbag Toss

That’s right, your favorite game of cornhole has been made for the pool, and now floats right on the surface. Use the provided waterproof beanbags to toss across the pool trying to make them into the cornhole.

Drive Way Games Floating Cornhole Set. Inflatable Corn-Toss Board & Floating Bean Bags for Pool, Lake, Water
  • FLOATING CORNHOLE GAME SET -- Play cornhole in the water with floating pool cornhole game! This outdoor water game for kids and adults brings the fun of corn-toss right into the swimming pool or lake!
  • TOSS GAME INCLUDES -- This cornhole game set includes 1 inflatable corn-hole game board (36 x 24 x 7 inches), 8 waterproof buoyant bean bags (4 yellow and 4 blue), and 1 mesh carry bag
  • WATERPROOF CORNHOLE BAGS -- Floating bean bags measure 4 ½ X 4 ½ inches. Buoyant waterproof bean bags are made of durable PVC fabric and filled with moisture/pest-proof plastic pellets
  • DURABLE -- Inflatable cornhole board is constructed of heavy gauge PVC with a speed safety valve for fast and easy inflation.

Marco Polo

It’s the classic swimming pool game, Marco Polo! One player is “IT,” and closes their eyes while swimming around. Each time they yell, “Marco!” all the other swimmers must yell, “Polo!” and the “IT” player must use their ears to find and tag all of the other players.

Diving Rings And Toys

If you want to provide a fun time for kids of all ages, try these diving rings and toys. You can create many variations of this game, but essentially the goal is for the kids to dive underwater and collect as many rings and toys as they can.

Swimming Relay Race

In this swimming race, players will split up into even-numbered teams (2, 4, 6, 8) and will swim from one side of the pool to the other. Once they touch the other side, their teammate will jump in and swim to the other side. The last player who touches the edge of the pool first wins the race.

Inflatable Volleyball

Instead of setting up a huge volleyball area across the entire length of the pool, use this floating volleyball net (with weighted anchors for each side) to play a fun game of volleyball in the pool without taking up the whole pool.

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Intex Pool Volleyball Game
  • The dimensions are 94" x 25" x 36"
  • Comes with an inflatable volleyball and the pole bases are grommeted to add anchor weights of desired
  • Includes a repair kit
  • Also has a shelf box

Handstand Contest

While difficult for many to achieve a handstand on land, it’s easy for anyone to do in the water! See who can hold a handstand in the pool the longest. The player who can keep their hands on the floor and feet above the surface the longest is the winner.

Inflatable Chicken Fight

You may have had a chicken fight before where the fighters get on the shoulders of their teammates and work to knock the opposing team into the water, but this one uses actual chicken floaties which makes it easy for even just two people to play. This also makes the classic chicken fight a safer alternative for kids and adults.

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Chicken Fight Inflatable Pool Float Game Set - Includes 2 Giant Battle Ride-Ons - Flip Your Friends to Win! - Perfect for Outdoor Swimming Party Activity or Fun w/Kids, Family, Adults
  • EASY TO PLAY: Flip Your Friends into the water! Mount your chicken ride-on water float and wrestle your friend off theirs!
  • FUN FOR EVERYONE: For Kids and Adults Ages 7+; Summer pool game fun for the whole family!
  • SUPER STURDY: Heavy-duty durable 6P-free PVC plastic resists tears and punctures
  • Package Dimensions: 13.77 inch L x 11.06 inch W x 5.15 inch H

Musical Chairs

“Musical chairs” is one of those classic games that never gets old. Play this by the pool or on the lawn. Set up a circle of 5 chairs and 6 players (one more player than chairs), and start the music. When the music stops, the player who doesn’t sit in a chair is out. Keep removing chairs until there is one chair and two players left for the final round!

Floating Ring Toss

This ring toss game is fun in the pool and can be played with players in the pool or just outside the pool. Use this flamingo target and 3 floating rings to see who can toss the ring around the neck of the flamingo.

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Ping Pong Ball Collect

This game is fun for anyone, and especially for young children who want a simple game with not a lot of rules. Simply take a large number of ping pong balls and dump them in the pool. On “GO!” the players jump in the pool and try to collect as many ping pong balls as they can. Use buckets for collecting or see how many the players can hold.

Hotdog Battle Floating Jousting Set

Jousting games can be fun, but many find it difficult to play on noodles or floating logs, so use these floating hotdogs where the jousts are massive blow-up ketchup and mustard “bottles.” Whack the opposing player and the one who remains on the hotdog, in the end, is the winner.

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Swimline Hotdog Battle Pool Float , Brown
  • Mustard and ketchup Dispenser-style boppers
  • Opponents sit on two inflatable logs
  • Knock one another I not the water with the boppers
  • High-quality vinyl construction with easy inflate valves

(Human) Submarine Races

For this game, players will act as submarines and from one side of the pool, will swim underwater as long as they can. When they come up for air, they must remain in their place. The player who swam the furthest underwater wins!

Floating Water Frisbee

These Flying Frisbee Rings don’t hurt and fly straight. They are 80% lighter than your standard frisbee and can provide hours of fun with a variety of frisbee water games. Play a simple game of catch or use them for other aiming games as well.

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Activ Life Kid’s Flying Rings, 2 Pack, White/Black, Toy List for Kids Age 3+, Beach Water Games Gear Items, Outdoor Stuff and Family Backyard Essentials
  • Whether you're playing catch on the beach or in the backyard, our unique flyers fly straight and can be caught with ease, even by the smallest of hands. And with the ability to catch them on your...
  • Don't let heavy and uncomfortable flying discs ruin your fun! Activ Flyers are 80% lighter than standard flying discs. Weighing just 33g, these flying rings provide comfortable catches every time....
  • Take a break from tech! Embrace the great outdoors with your loved ones. Whether it's a game of catch or frisbee there's no shortage of fun activities to choose from. For all ages and abilities, these...
  • These fun, high-quality flying discs are sure to provide hours of entertainment for kids of all ages. Not just for children but for adults too, making them a great addition to any outdoor party or...

Floating Tic Tac Toe Toss

With this floating tic tac splash set, you will use waterproof beanbags to toss over to a floating tic tac toe board. The aim of the game is to use the beanbags to spin the board to either an X or an O to get three-in-a-row!

Poolcandy Inflatable Waterproof Jumbo Tic Tac Toe Game
  • It's a new, summer-friendly spin on a classic game!
  • Inflatable Tic Tac Toe from PoolCandy is a fun, fresh way to play in the pool or in the lawn! It's perfect for kids or adults of any age!
  • Great in or out of the pool
  • Set includes board and 10 reversible X's and O's

Water Football

If you’ve ever played football or tossed around a standard football in the pool, you’ve come across how waterlogged the ball becomes. Remove your worries when you use the swimming pool football that is equipped with an inflatable inside with water-resistant fabric for an entire day of football fun in the pool.

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Poolmaster Active Xtreme Cyclone 8.5-Inch Swimming Pool Waterproof Football
  • First choice for water footballs to use for pool games, outdoor games or in-door games
  • Constructed with inflatable bladder and lightweight foam layer covered in water-resistant tricot fabric
  • Double laced for strong grip when throwing and catching; perfect for pool games, beach games, picnics, camping and more
  • Water football comes in SURPRISE color; you will receive either fun design in blue and green or red and yellow

Belly Flop Contest

There’s always someone who can do a belly flop better than everyone else. You can judge the belly flops on style, sound, or which belly flop gets the biggest splash.

Lawn / Floor Darts

For those who come to the pool party but don’t want to stay in the pool all day, here’s a lawn darts game called “Flarts” that you can play right near the pool. Just toss the floor darts at the mat on the ground and try to get the best score you can.

Giggle N Go Outdoor Games for Kids, Adults & Family - The Original Flarts Floor and Yard Darts Game with Inflatable Pins, Lawn Pegs and Mat - Monster Theme 
  • ENDLESS FUN FOR ALL - Kid-friendly yet challenging enough for adults, Flarts provides hours of entertainment for any age. Bring people together for quality time playing this fun yard game.
  • INDOORS OR OUT - Flarts works anywhere, weather permitting or not. When the sun's out, set up in the backyard, at the beach or your campsite. If stuck inside, bring the fun indoors for a lively party...
  • STYLISH DESIGNS - Choose between a classic darts mat or whimsical monster and unicorn characters. No matter which motif you pick, fun and playability are guaranteed.
  • QUICK SETUP - In minutes you'll be ready to play! Simply inflate the 3 soft fabric darts and lay out the mat. Stake down the mat for outdoor use. It's that easy to get in on the fun.

Inflatable Bowling

This inflatable bowling set is sure to put smiles on the faces of all the kids at your next pool party. Set up the bottom-weighted inflatable pins on one side of the yard, and use the huge inflatable bowling ball to try to knock them all down!

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Giggle N Go Kids Bowling Set Indoor Games or Outdoor Games for Kids. Hilariously Fun Giant Yard Games for Kids and Adults. Fun Sports Games, Outside Games or Indoor Games for Kids
  • HILARIOUS OUTDOOR GAMES FOR KIDS, perfect indoor or outdoor games for family or kids party games. it's lightweight and easy to carry. wonderful games for kids to play and uses no electricity. this...
  • SAND WEIGHTED BOTTOM, yes, thats right, our flat sand weighted base provides just enough weight to keep the pins standing even in light wind while playing some lawn games, but not too much to prevent...
  • MADE IN A STRONGER QUALITY PVC, customer satisfaction is always our number 1 priority, so a high quality PVC was chosen to make our giant bowling set. whether you love to play indoor games or outdoor...
  • BOWLING SET INCLUDES 6 giant inflatable bowling pins measuring 27" tall, and one inflatable bowling ball measuring 24 " in diameter, all made of durable PVC plastic. our kids outdoor toys also...

Categories

In this swimming game, one player stays in the center of the pool and chooses a category. The other players outside the pool on one side choose something within the category (like animals or colors or numbers from 1-10). When their animal or number or color is called, players will try to jump in the pool and swim to the other side before being tagged.

Underwater Singing (or humming)

Have you ever tried to sing or hum a tune underwater? With at least 2 players, everyone goes underwater, and one player sings or hums a song. Go back up to the surface, and whoever guesses correctly first wins and becomes the next singer.

Giant Checkers

This giant checkers game is sure to bring lots of joy to children and adults. Set this up near the pool and provide a game of checkers for those taking a break from swimming.

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Brybelly Large Checkers Set - Giant Checkers Game for Indoor/Outdoor - Jumbo Classic Board Games for Friends and Family - 3-in-1 Checkers and Mega Tic Tac Toe
  • Multiple Game Set - Three Games. Two Players. One Great Time. Includes Checkers Pieces, Tic Tac Toe and MEGA Tic Tac Toe
  • Reversible Rug - The soft, woven rug measures 26 x 26 in and features a checkerboard on one side. Flip it over for the Tic-Tac-Toe board. Can also be used for chess or as a classy décor for a table....
  • Jumbo Kids Checkers - The 24 giant checkers are nearly 3 in wide. Fun and easy to hold in the palm of your hand. Perfect for checkers with the kids and family
  • Indoor and Outdoor Checkers: Bring along on camping trips, to picnics or parties or roll out the game at home on a rainy day. Play school stuff for kids is a perfect gift idea for the holiday season

Giant Connect 4 Game

Another giant version of a classic game. Use this giant wooden 4-in-a-row game to provide some fun for those taking a break from the pool.

GoSports 3 Foot Width Giant Wooden 4 in a Row Game - Choose Between Classic White or Dark Stain - Jumbo 4 Connect Family Fun with Coins, Case and Rules
  • GIANT SIZE FUN: Game measures over 3 feet wide and 32 inches tall and can be setup in seconds
  • 100% WOODEN CONSTRUCTION: Each game is crafted from wood and painted white for our signature look
  • GAME PIECES INCLUDED: 42 GoSports Plastic Coins (21 red + 21 blue) - The coins are made from extremely durable plastic and will never break
  • TRAVEL CASE: Includes premium carrying case for neat storage or taking the game on the go

Giant Jenga / Tumbling Timbers

Have you ever wanted to build a Jenga tower to taller heights? Here’s a giant set of Tumbling Timbers that starts at 2.5 feet which you can build to 4 feet tall or higher!

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Yard Games Giant Tumbling Timbers with carrying case starts at 2.5-feet tall and builds to 5-feet
  • Giant size timbers include 56 timber blocks measuring 7.5 x 2.5 x 1.5 inches and stacks 19 levels high! Includes two extra blocks for added height and best packing arrangement.
  • Fully set up game starts at 7.5 x 7.5 inches and is 2.5 feet tall! Game can grow to over 5 feet while playing based on skill level.
  • Comes with 56 sustainable sourced New Zealand Pine wood blocks hand sanded smooth for easy setup and game play. Perfect for indoor or outdoor events such as parties, BBQ's, tailgating, group events,...
  • Includes high-quality and high-strength nylon carrying case for easy storage and transport and makes the perfect sized gift! Provides hours of fun and entertainment for the entire family. Anyone can...

Tug Of War

Use this tug of war rope for inside the pool or out. Get an equal number of players on each side and pull the opposing players across the middle marker in the pool or on the lawn to win.

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Bobbing Heads

Have you ever played whack-a-mole? This game is played where one player holds a beach ball in the pool while other players can be underwater or above water. But when their heads bob above the water, the “hammer” player throws a beach ball at the players. If a beach ball hits a player, they are out. The last player standing (or swimming) is the hammer next.

Limbo

Here’s a classic game that never gets old. Use this wooden limbo set to see how low you can go, and the player who can go the lowest wins.

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Get Out! Wooden Limbo Game for Kids Adults, 5ft Tall Limbo Stick Set Limbo Kit, Limbo Pole and Base for Luau Party Games
  • HAVE FUN & GET EXERCISE: The Get Out! New & Improved Wooden Limbo Set Adults and Kids Limbo Game is a fun novelty item for luau games and festive games for parties for kids and adults; This limbo bar...
  • ALL AGES (4+): Enjoy as Hawaiian party decorations, luau games, birthday party games, relay race games for kids or relay race games for adults, beach party decorations, carnival games for kids party,...
  • NEW & IMPROVED WITH NO DIGGING HOLES FOR SIDE POLES: The two 14.25-inch (36.2cm) wide bases are large in size and are threaded together during assembly for a sturdy stance even when bumped into; You...
  • LIGHT ASSEMBLY: Easy assembly and disassembly – No tools required and instructions are included; Set comes in 5 pieces and everything you need (1 limbo stick, 2 poles with pegs, 2 bases); Place 1...

Yardzee (dice)

Another giant version of an all-time favorite game, “Yardzee” instead of Yahtzee. Use these 6 giant dice to play the classic game near the pool and see who wins.

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SWOOC Games - Yardzee, Farkle & 20+ Games - Giant Yard Dice Set (All Weather) with Wooden Bucket, 5 Big Laminated Score Cards, and Dry Erase Marker - Jumbo Backyard Lawn Games
  • ✅ ALL-IN-ONE - All equipment included for Yardzee & Yard Farkle for up to 5 players. Includes 6 solid wood jumbo dice, 5 large reusable score cards, wooden bucket, & marker for a complete yard dice...
  • 🎲 INCLUDES 20+ GAMES - Never get bored with this lifesize game. Includes everything you need to play over 20 different huge dice games. Whether indoors or outdoors, you will never get tired of the...
  • 💦 WEATHER & WATER RESISTANT - Polished and sealed to withstand the elements. Perfect to use whenever, wherever. Take to the beach, pool, camping, picnic or to the lake. Great for indoor and outdoor...
  • 🌲 SUSTAINABLY SOURCED NEW ZEALAND PINE - These extra large wooden dice are guaranteed not to split, crack, twist or warp. And no more bags that rip and tear with our durable wooden bucket.

Swimming Pool Scrabble

This pool alternative to the classic scrabble game can be played with the normal scrabble tiles or your own larger self-made tiles using permanent markers and sponges. Players search the pool for letters and use their letters to craft as many words as they can either on the classic scrabble board or on their own.

YoYa Toss And Catch

Here’s a fun game that can be played inside or outside the pool. It’s the family favorite toss and catch game with tennis balls and velcro disc paddles. These velcro paddles from YoYa are the highest quality paddles that keep the ball stuck the best.

YoYa Toys Toss and Catch Ball Set Game - Outdoor Kids Activities - Summer Fun Toy for Backyard, Park, Camping - Ages 4-12, for Children and Family - 2 Catch Paddles, 2 Balls
  • FUN-FILLED OUTDOOR ACTIVITY: Keep your kids engaged and active with our premium YoYa Toys Toss and Catch Ball Set. This classic ball and catch game guarantees hours of summer fun, perfect for outdoor...
  • DURABLE CONSTRUCTION for ENDLESS PLAY: Say goodbye to flimsy touch fastener discs! Our circular mitt pads are crafted with top-notch materials, ensuring superior durability and a secure grip....
  • TWO BALL SIZES for ALL AGES: We understand the importance of catering to different players. That's why our set includes two balls in different sizes. The smaller ball is ideal for little kids and...
  • CONVENIENT and COMFORTABLE DESIGN: Our ball catcher features a resilient plastic black back with an ergonomic handle. Enjoy a comfortable grip and effortless tossing and catching. With vibrant green...

Outdoor Giant Dominoes

With a load of different games you can play, use this outdoor giant dominoes set to play whatever dominoes games you can think of. This is sure to put a smile on many faces.

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Triumph 28-Piece Wood Lawn Outdoor Large-Format Domino Set Includes Storage Carry Bag
  • PERFECT INDOORS AND OUT - Play large format domino games outdoors for even more fun
  • 28 PIECE SET - 28-piece wooden domino set with each domino measuring 3.5" x 7" x .5"
  • COLOR CODED - Dominoes feature varnish finished and color-coded pips
  • PERFECT ADDITION TO ANY OUTDOOR EVENT - Best for use outside at parties, tailgates, camping, and more

Leaky Balloon Toss

Similar to hot potato, fill up a water balloon and use a pin to poke a few tiny holes in the balloon. As the water continues to leak out, toss the balloon from player to player until one player catches a fully deflated balloon.

Potato Sack Races

Sometimes the classics never get old. Use these burlap bags to start a potato sack race. With up to 6 players, see who can hop their way to victory the fastest.

JOYIN 6 PCs Burlap Bags; 40” x 24" Potato Sacks Racing Bags for All Ages Kids & Family, Carnival Games Party Favor, Outdoor Game Activity, Outside Lawn Games Party Supplies Décor Props Decorations.
  • Easter Race Game Playset includes 6 Pieces Jumping Burlap Potato Sacks Bags.
  • Superior Quality. High Quality. Size is approximately 40” x 24”.
  • Super Value Pack for Easter Games. Perfect for Easter Theme Decoration, School Classroom Supply, Easter Party Favor Supplies, Easter Basket Stuffers Fillers, Easter Goodie/ Goody, Easter Toy and...
  • Enjoy Burlap Potato Sacks Race Bags for Hours of fun at Easter Egg Hunting Party!

Floaty Pong

This floaty pong set can be played by adults or kids, and uses 6 attachable floating rings on each side with points on them. Kids can toss ping pong balls into the rings to get the best score, and adults can use these perfectly crafted rings to insert drink cups inside to play the classic beer-pong game in the pool.

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Water Sports Itza Floaty Pool Pong Backyard and Pool Game - Floating Ping Pong Pool Games for Adults and Family
  • Grab a handful of friends, a few drinks and prepare for an entirely new spin on a party favorite
  • Includes all of the essentials needed to transform your pool into the ultimate party destination
  • This collection of floating multi-colored rings and foam balls is an ideal fit for standard sized plastic cups, providing an exciting new twist on classic beer pong
  • Twelve interlocking rings feature numbers to keep score, and they can be rearranged into a design of your choosing

Freeze Tag / Popsicle

This classic freeze tag game is converted to “Popsicle” when in the pool. One player is “IT” and when another player is tagged, they must freeze and put their hands in the sky like a popsicle. Other players can tag them to unfreeze them. When all players are frozen, a new player is chosen to be “IT.”

Capture The Flag

You can play an all-time favorite of capture the flag right inside the pool. Put two flags at opposite ends of the pool. Players from each team try to capture the other team’s flag and bring it across the center line before getting tagged. To make this more challenging, players who are tagged while having the flag are “out” until the next game.

Water Balloon Fight

What would a pool party be without a water balloon fight? Use these 400+ instant self-sealing water balloons to make it easy to fill up water balloons quickly and easily. No more spending hours tying up the ends of water balloons, finally!

water balloon fight photo
Photo by Mark Surman pumps for intex pools
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Bunch O Balloons Zuru 420 Instant Self Sealing Water Balloons, Multicolor…
  • Fill & Tie 100 water balloons in less than 60 seconds!
  • Self-sealing water balloons
  • 12 Bunch O Balloons included
  • New vibrant colors

Slammo Spikeball Game

Spikeball has become a worldwide sensation, and this “Slammo” game set includes 3 balls, a net, a carrying case and the rules of the game. Use the net to bounce the ball to other players using only the palms of your hands.