8 Best Non-Toxic Kiddie Pool Options for Cooling Off!

Plastic inflatable pools are a godsend. They are inexpensive and easy to install, AND they can keep my kids entertained for hours, even in the summer heat!

But many parents are concerned about these kiddie pools’ health risks.

Cheaper finds wear out pretty fast, too, ending up at a recycling facility or, worse, the landfill in just one summer’s use.

So I bought a few inflatable kiddie pools, gave them a go with my little ones, and wrote this review about them.

Check out this quick read on the best 8 non-toxic plastic kiddie pools you can purchase in shops today.

Read ’til the end for some tips on how to maintain them too!

8 Non-Toxic Plastic Kiddie Pools

Most kiddie pools are made of Polyvinyl Chloride, also known as “PVC” or “vinyl.”

They give these baby pools their flexibility, but their harmful chemicals can pose risks to the environment and our bodies.

It is important to be mindful of what these baby pools are made of. Here are 8 I recommend:

1. Step 2 Play & Shade Pool

Material: High-density polyethylene (a.k.a #2 hard plastic)

Aside from the pool itself, the set comes with extra goodies like:

• Two molded-in seats
• An umbrella
• Three funnel cups
• A fun spinning water wheel that keeps kids entertained for hours.

The pool is made of HDPE, #2 hard plastic, in size, perfect for little kids.

It’s one of the most DURABLE hard plastic kiddie pools on the market today. My kids have been using this for 3 consistent summers and counting!

Its molded-in seat designs are also great additions for kids to safely rest on. They can take their short breaks from water play without the risk of slipping.

I also love the umbrella that nests on the side of the pool. I leave my kids to play with their water toys and am confident they won’t get sunburned.

Lastly, here’s some more good news for all you mommies and daddies! This Step 2 pool is also SUPER easy to assemble, clean, and keep.

At just under $90, what’s not to love?

2. Little Tikes Slam’ n Curve Slide

Material: Polyester

If you have the yard space, your older kids can enjoy the ultimate summer experience with the Little Tikes Slam’ n Curve Slide!

With safety as a priority, this Little Tikes pool and water slide is no stranger. It is made from materials of non-toxic chemicals.

It is also puncture-resistant to last many summers. Take note that it’s a larger option on the list.

The assembly comes with a fun inflatable rock wall that leads you to a slippery slide! With its gentle curve, the slide is an exhilarating ride that will leave your kids wanting MORE.

It also has a large, roomy splash pool for 3 children to play together. Plus, it has an inflatable basketball hoop and ball that will keep kids entertained for HOURS.

With its size, you’d probably think it would be difficult to assemble. But to my surprise, I could set it up without any help.

Its heavy-duty electric pump with a GFCI plug was to thank for its inflation. Connect to your garden hoses, and you’ll have your refreshing pool in no time.

Disassembling the pool and slide wasn’t too difficult either. Although, I wouldn’t mind an extra pair of hands to help in the draining.

This inflatable backyard water comes with stakes, a repair kit, and a storage bag.

3. EverEarth Beach Blanket and Kiddie Pool

Material: Thermoplastic polyurethane

If you are looking for small non-toxic baby pools you can easily take with you on beach trips, the EverEarth Beach Blanket and Kiddie Pool are your best bet!

This EverEarth pool is SUPER lightweight!

Weighing in at only 1 lb makes it the MOST PORTABLE option on my list. It comes with a portable carrying case that can also be used as a bucket.

It is designed for children ages 3 and up.

Dig a hole, put the blanket in, and fill it with water. Two toddlers can have the time of their life splish-splashing away!

Another reason why I like EverEarth products is that they pay attention to kids’ health and take conscious efforts to protect the environment.

This product is made from thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU material) that is phthalate-free, biodegradable, recyclable, and has a 20% less CO2 footprint than PVC.

Protect your kids and the earth while having your summer fun. That’s the best way to do it!

4. Intex Kiddie Pool Kid’s Summer Sunset Glow

Material: Durable vinyl, heavy-duty PVC

This Intex kiddie pool is one of the smaller options on the list. I like to take this out when only one of my kids wants to play in the sun.

They are pretty easy to set up and empty!

This pool comes in vibrant colors that children will surely love. Mine sure do!

Plus, it features a cushioned floor, so I don’t have to worry much when my kids fall on their bums.

This pool for kids is built for long-term use and is made with durable vinyl. It may not be the safest option on the list.

It is a good alternative for quick dips out in the yard on cool afternoons or on a hot summer day.

5. H2OGO! Splash-in-Shade Play Pool

Material: Polyvinyl chloride

This is probably my MOST DURABLE find!

The pool has strong, rust-resistant, galvanized metal frames, holding up the kiddie swimming pool even on windy days.

Its walls are made of heavy-duty PVC and polyester 3-ply sides. It’s a kid-friendly design, so I didn’t have to worry much about my kids’ safety.

This non-toxic hard plastic pool features UV-resistant shade and water sprayers for added fun and cooling.

That’s something you won’t find in most pools.

If that’s not enough, the pool also has four different built-in flow control drain valves for efficient filling and draining of water.

Keeping the pool clean should be a breeze!

6. Costzon Inflatable Water Slide

Material: PU and nylon fabric, 420D Oxford + 820D Oxford

Here’s another big one!

It can fit up to FOUR children at a time, so the whole neighborhood will want to join in the fun if you have this inflated pool water running.

This pool doubles as an inflatable bounce house!

It is PVC-free and is made of PU and nylon fabric, making it extra durable and puncture-resistant.

This Costzon inflatable pool features a climbing wall, a curved slide, and a large wading pool area. Tall mesh walls surround its jumping area for EXTRA protection.

It’s not the cheapest, but you got yourself a private water park!

7. Mylle Inflatable Swimming Pool

Material: Heavyweight vinyl

Designed by fashion stylist Kristin Myllenbeck, this rooftop inflatable pool is super cute.

It is a no-frill inflatable pool that is consciously designed to be Instagram-worthy.

More importantly, they’re made from non-toxic heavyweight vinyl, free of BPA, phthalates, and lead.

Adults and children can have fun on your apartment rooftops in the sun. It’s super easy to install and uninstall; it’s bound to be a staple for summer!

8. Jasonwell Foldable Bath Pool for Kids

Material: Polyvinyl chloride

When I plan pool parties for my kids, I get out of our Jasonwell bath pool. It’s spacious enough to hold up to 3 kids AND their favorite bath toys!

If you have a dog at home, he can enjoy it too!

It’s a simple pool with a minimal design. It is also BPA-free and made of eco-friendly PVC materials!

It’s a non-inflatable pool, so that’s less of the hassle of inflation.

Plus, it folds up easily and takes little storage space. It’s a great option if you have a smaller garden space.

Why Choose Non-Toxic Kiddie Pools

Whenever I get my kid’s plastic toys, I ensure they don’t contain harmful chemicals. That’s just how we are as loving, protective parents.

So it is no question that I get them non-toxic and safe kiddie pools for their summer swimming sessions.

Most kiddie pools are made with Polyvinyl Chloride, PVC, bisphenol-A, or BPA. PVC contains phthalates that can pose risks to your child’s health. That’s bad news.

Long exposure to PVC can damage internal organs like kidneys, liver, lungs, and reproductive system. 

It also has cadmium and lead that release chlorine polluting the air.

Always go for BPA-FREE and PVC-FREE pools!

The safest option is to get hard plastic pools. But it does come with a price.

With some research, finding a safe and affordable option for your kids’ inflatable kiddie pools should not be too difficult.

What to Look for in a Non-Toxic Inflatable Pool

Materials

Safety should be your utmost priority!

If you’re worried about exposing your kids to chemicals that disrupt hormones, the general rule is the harder or more rigid the plastic material, the safer it is.

For extra caution, check the labels and make sure it says it is “non-toxic,” “BPA-free,” and “phthalate-free.” 

Go for plastic resin codes 2, 4, or 5 too.

Ease of Cleaning

Naturally, while the kiddie pool is outdoors, it is exposed to A LOT of dirt and other external matter that could make it unsafe to use.

It is SUPER important to find a pool that is easy to clean to get rid of all the gunk from the last use, like leaves, twigs, and used water.

Additionally, you want to disinfect the pool itself to prevent germs and bacteria from being present in time for the next use.

Accessories

When looking for inflatable pool options, I also consider the accessories it comes with.

My kids spend extra hours on an inflatable pool with slides, sprinklers, and even a ring toss game! Some pools also have molded seats.

Naturally, these come at an extra cost.

Extra Things to Consider

• Durability – You want a pool that lasts as long as your child’s younger years and that can accommodate at least one child with minimal wear and tear.
• Portability – If you plan on bringing your pool elsewhere, you want one that is easily foldable. Plus, it’s also better to choose one that is easy to store and put away to reduce clutter.
• Size – These kiddie pools also come in different shapes and sizes. Consider whether its installation would fit your available yard space when looking for inflatable pools to buy.

What Are Plastic Resin Codes?

A plastic resin code determines the chemical composition of a product’s plastic material and whether they are safe and can be made into recycled materials.

Here’s a summary of the different plastic resin code numbers:

• 1 – Polyethylene terephthalate or “PET”: used to make plastic cups, water bottles, and other forms of packaging.
• 2 – High-density polyethylene or “HDPE”: found in milk jugs, plastic bottles, and cups.
• 3 – Polyvinyl chloride or “PVC”: used to make various plastic products, including raincoats, credit cards, and pipes.
• 4 – Low-density polyethylene or “LDPE”: the plastic rings keeping 6-pack beverages in place and tubing.
• 5 – Polypropylene or “PP”: found in many food containers and automobile parts.
• 6 – Polystyrene or “PS”: also falling under the styrofoam category, this is also found in plastic utensils and cafeteria trays
• 7 – “Other plastics”: plastics made from acrylic, nylon, polycarbonate, and polylactic acid.

With a general knowledge of these resin codes, here’s what you should consider when choosing the best kiddie pools:

Whether they are for kiddie pools or not, you should AVOID the resin code numbers 1, 3, 6, and 7.

These resin code numbers as pool materials can harm human health and the environment.

PRIORITIZE kiddie pool options with the following resin codes, 2, 4, and 5. These are the safer plastics for plastic items your children would normally use, including kiddie pools.

Frequently Asked Questions

Check out the following relevant questions about maintaining a non-toxic kiddie pool.

What Is The Safe Way To Disinfect A Traditional Kiddie Pool?

First, keep your pool in a shaded space and out of direct sunlight. When plastics are heated up, it releases more harmful chemicals into the environment.

Phthalates are also released into the water, which your kids can absorb. You don’t want this to happen!

Make sure to fill the kiddie pool with FRESH water with every use. To prevent mold and to keep a kiddie pool clean, empty the water and scrub the whole surface with soapy water.

Avoid using chlorine and other chemicals to disinfect your small pool. This can also cause some risks.

How Do You Store A Plastic Kiddie Pool?

Follow these simple steps to keep your plastic kiddie pool clean and ready to use for the next summer:

Drain and Dry

When summer is over and it’s time to give your inflatable pools a rest, it is important to make sure it is COMPLETELY drained and dry.

Use a mop, sponge, rag, or towel to remove excess water.

Stagnant water can breed bacteria, fungi, and mosquitos. If it’s still wet, mold and mildew can grow too. Ewww!

Sterilize and Disinfect

After drying, wash the pool with soap, then sterilize it with some disinfectant. A bleach solution should do the trick!

Vinegar works too, but it may not be as effective.

Dry and Store

You’ll then want to leave this under the sun to dry before rolling them up to store in a plastic sealed container.

If it has other parts that make up the structure, store them separately in plastic bags and containers.

Is It Safe To Leave Water In A Kiddie Pool, and for How Long?

Leaving pool water overnight is unsafe. 

It can cause potential drowning or waterborne disease. It is highly advised to empty the pool after every use.

Can Non-Toxic Kiddie Pools Be Used Indoors?

Technically, kiddie pools can be used indoors, but I wouldn’t recommend it.

Unless you get rid of ALL electric devices plus anything else that you don’t want getting wet, swimming indoors may not be the best idea.

Not to mention the water all over the place!

My Favorite Picks

That was quite a long guide!

Before we wrap up, let me recap my TOP 3 picks to help you narrow down your options!

Best Budget Pick: EverEarth Beach Blanket and Kiddie Pool

Affordable, portable, and eco-friendly, what’s not to love about EverEarth’s beach blanket and a kiddie pool?

Take it with you to the beach, and your children will have the best summers ever!

Best Value: Little Tikes Slam’ n Curve Slide

Even if this option requires more yard space and a few extra bucks than most options, it is still worth every penny!

Kids can have their ULTIMATE summer experience playing in this water slide and pool, which is also equipped with an inflatable rock wall and basketball ring.

Best Overall: Step 2 Play & Shade Pool

This super affordable pool set comes with an umbrella, 2 molded-in seats, 3 funnel cups, and a spinning water wheel.

Made with ultra-durable, non-toxic plastic, little swimmers will enjoy splashing around in this pool for many summers!

Conclusion

Hard plastic kiddie pools may be your safest bet, but they are not always the most convenient.

Don’t let the health risks of plastics deprive you of having your summer fun!

Apart from these best non-toxic baby pools on my list, I’m sure there are many more safe options to choose from that will fit your budget.

What are you waiting for? Indulge in that summer heat!