Summer is approaching, and with it, the desire to take a dip in your own garden. The above-ground pool is the perfect solution: quick and easy to install, it transforms any outdoor space into a cool oasis. But between a tubular pool, an inflatable pool, or a simple kiddie pool, making the right choice can be tricky.
Our goal? To help you cut through the confusion. This guide breaks down the essential criteria for finding the garden pool that ticks all the boxes: space, budget, and the whole family's wishes.
Before you take the plunge, here are a few questions to ask yourself to ensure a hassle-free summer and memorable swims.
The type of structure is the first decision you'll make, and it will depend entirely on how you plan to use it.
Measure your space! The location must be perfectly flat, stable, and clean. Remember to allow for a clearance area of at least one metre around the pool for safe and easy access. The size of the pool should obviously suit your garden, but also the number of swimmers.
On this point, there's no room for compromise. Even a kiddie pool with just a few centimetres of water requires constant adult supervision. For deeper pools, a safety ladder with removable steps is an essential accessory. It allows you to block access to the pool after swimming. The golden rule: never leave a child unattended near water, no matter the size of the pool.
To help you choose, here are the models that caught our eye, categorised by use.
Key Feature: This model includes a 20 cm panoramic window in its wall. It's a game-changing detail: parents can keep an eye on their children's aquatic games from outside, making supervision both fun and effective.
What We Like:
Who is it for? Families with young swimmers looking for a sturdy model for the whole summer, who have enough space to install a ? 4.27 m pool.
Key Feature: Its generous dimensions of 262 × 175 cm create a large rectangular play area, ideal for several children to splash around without getting in each other's way. Its simple design makes it an ultra-practical model for the summer.
What We Like:
Who is it for? Families who want a spacious yet temporary swimming solution, perfect for sunny afternoons. Easy to set up, easy to store.
Key Feature: It's impossible to resist its spaceship design, which will instantly transport little ones to another universe. It's the perfect introduction to the joys of water.
What We Like:
Who is it for? Parents of toddlers looking for a safe, fun, and easy-to-use paddling pool for their first swims.
Didn't find what you were looking for in this selection? If you need an ultra-compact model to take to the beach or a friend's house, other options are available.
? Discover our selection of inflatable beach pools to find the model that will go everywhere with you.
For small volumes like paddling pools, the easiest way is to change the water very frequently. For larger pools equipped with a filtration system (like in an Intex pool kit), it's essential to run the pump daily, clean or replace the filter cartridge as recommended by the manufacturer, and check the water's pH level using appropriate treatment products.
The ground must be perfectly level, stable, and clean. Clear it of any stones, roots, or other sharp objects. Using a ground cloth (often included in kits) is highly recommended to protect the liner. Finally, make sure the ground can support the weight of the pool once it's filled with water.
It all depends on the model and the quality of maintenance. A well-maintained inflatable pool that is stored away from frost in winter can last for several summers. A more robust tubular pool is built to last for many years, provided you follow the assembly and winterisation instructions carefully.