With summer coming it’s time to think about the little ones but which is the best kiddie pool for 4 year old kids? With so many different kiddie pools on the market today it’s hard to know which one to choose.
The kiddie pool must be large enough for enjoyment but made with safety features that help to prevent serious injury or drowning. Look for quality materials and design that is durable. Not all kiddie pools are created equal when it comes to quality and safety. Finally, compare prices to get the best deal for your budget.
We’ve prepared a guide that lets you know which important features to look for and how they give you the best benefits.
We’re going to look at a range of the top-rated kiddie pools that are made for children who are age 4. We’ll discuss all the features including the pros and cons of each, and what makes them great choices along with the things we don’t like about them.
This will give you all the information you need to make an informed decision when making your choice.
Table of Contents
Kiddie Pool For 4 Year Old Buyers Guide
Kiddie pools come in a broad range of brands with a variety of styles, sizes, and depths. When you look at the big array that includes hard plastic, blow up with single or multiple rings, or a combination of these features, some look like they’d be a lot of fun.
While it’s important to choose a pool with features your 4 year old will enjoy, safety and durability are also features that are important.
There are other considerations to make before making your choice. The pool should be age appropriate as well as the right size. Think about how many kids will play in the pool at one time.
If you have more than one or two kids, then you may want to go with a kiddie pool that is large enough to accommodate all of the kids at one time.
It’s also important to be familiar with the different brands, the quality ratings, as well as the prices if you’re budget sensitive. These are just a few of the things to consider before making your final decision.
What Should I Look For When Buying A Kiddie Pool
Age Appropriate
The first thing to look for is the age recommendations. This is provided by the manufacturer and it is found in the description and specifications. This is usually expressed in an age range, e.g. age 12 months to 4 years, etc.
Material Quality
Check the type of material that the pool is made of. Most manufacturers list the types of material that the pool is made of.
It’s wise to go with the most durable plastics or types of vinyl that are made to hold up under repeated use and to resist the effects of ultra-violet rays, which can deteriorate some materials over time.
Non-Skid Bottoms
Kids can slip and fall in kiddie pools and although most falls don’t result in injury, it is possible for them to get hurt. Some kiddie pools have slick bottoms, but others have built-in non-skid liners. This is a safety feature that can make kiddie pools less risky for a 4 year old.
Get The Right Size
Kiddie pools come in different sizes and configurations. Consider how many kids are going to be using the pool and go with the size that is made to accommodate the number of kids who will be swimming in it.
This prevents crowding and makes the activity more enjoyable. This is a huge consideration when looking for the best kiddie pool for 4 year old kids.
Best Brand of Kiddie Pool
It’s always a good idea to go with a well-known and trusted brand when shopping for a kiddie pool for a 4 year old. Name brand pools that have been tested and approved as safe for children are the best choices because they have undergone rigorous testing.
Intex
Intex is one of the better brands on the market today. This brand has consistently received high reviews for material and workmanship quality and durability.
Coconut Float
Coconut Float is a registered trademark of the Salus Company. They make a range of swimming pools, accessories and beach products.
The company has established a reputation for excellent quality as well as for being an innovative and trendy brand that delivers high on novelty and functionality.
Bestway
Bestway is another highly rated brand that specializes in the manufacture of kiddie swimming pools. The designs are innovative and diverse, so you have a lot of different styles and sizes to choose from.
Best Quality Kiddie Pool
When it comes to quality, find out about the construction of the pool along with the materials. Seamless designs are preferred, but most of the best have reinforced seams so they don’t blow out under the weight of the water and the air pressure if it’s a blow-up type.
Quality is measured by durability as well as workmanship. This is why it’s important to go with a brand that is recognized for consistently delivering on quality in the materials used and in how they are constructed. A quality item will hold up under multiple uses.
A good way to assess the quality of a pool is to check out the materials, construction, and check on the pros and cons. We list all the drawbacks for each kiddie pool along with the outstanding features that make it a good choice.
Best Affordable Kiddie Pool
Most of the major brands offer high-end kiddie pools that come packed with special features and a higher price-tag. Usually, the basic models are the most affordable.
These are still made of high-quality materials and they are well-built, but there are always a few drawbacks over some of the more expensive models.
When you’re looking for the best affordable kiddie pool for a 4 year old, make sure that the quality is up to your personal standards, and that the pool has been tested and approved as being safe.
Keep your eye out for special sales on kiddie pools. Sometimes you can find a pool that would otherwise be expensive at a great discount. Also, shop around at different vendors to get the best possible price for the pool you want.
Top 10 Best Kiddie Pool For 4 Year Old Kids
Now that you know what to look for to find the best kiddie pool for 4 year old kids, it’s time to look at a carefully chosen selection of the top-rated brands and models.
We’ve chosen the top 10 along with a variety of brands, styles, sizes, and models to give you a range of selections in one convenient place.
1. Intex Swim Center – Best Overall
The Intex Swim Center on Amazon is our pick for the best overall kiddie pool for 4 year old kids. It’s big enough for the entire family with its 90 x 86-inch circumference. The depth is just 31 inches which makes it ideal for children 3 years plus through adults.
This is the best choice for families with small children who enjoy spending time together in a large kiddie pool that is safe for everyone to enjoy.
The special feature that stands out is the built-in bench for parents to sit on while watching the kids play in the water.
This pool is made of durable vinyl and plastic. It is an inflatable with 2 air chambers in each combo. It takes 169 gallons of water to fill. It’s easy to drain thanks to the handy drain plug and it comes with a repair patch kit.
What I like:
- The pool inflates easily with an air pump
- Holds up well even with a family and regular use
- Plenty of room for everyone to cool off on a hot day
What I don’t like:
- The drain is awkward to use
Overall, this is one of the best kiddie pools for a 4 year old who also have families who enjoy swimming with them. It’s large enough to hold everyone and there’s even a special bench for parents to sit and monitor kids for safety.
This kiddie pool comes packed with very useful features that enhance everyone’s enjoyment and safety.
2. Intex Crystal Blue – Best Budget
Our choice for the best affordable kiddie pool for a 4 year old is the Intex Crystal Blue on Amazon. This is an inflatable pool that has a great low price.
What makes this an excellent choice is its low price combined with the quality vinyl construction that even comes with a repair patch kit for longer life in the event of an accidental tear.
This pool measures 45 x 10 inches and it’s ideal for kids from the ages of 2 all the way up to older kids and adults who want to splash around to cool off.
This is the ideal kiddie pool for families with preschool children and a small back yard. It’s the ideal depth at just 6.5 inches. This inflatable pool features a 3-ring construction and it is made of durable vinyl material.
What I like:
- It has multiple air chambers and if one deflates the rest stay inflated
- This pool is built very well and it’s solid
- Just deep enough for smaller kids to have fun and cool off in the summer heat
What I don’t like:
- This pool comes with a strong smell and needs to be aired out prior to use
The Intex Crystal Blue Inflatable Kiddie Pool is our choice for the best budget pool. It’s reasonably priced and it’s ideal for kids between 2 to 4.
It’s just the right depth so kids can splash around and it’s large enough for them to play games and move around without feeling cramped.
3. Intex Ocean Reef Snapset – Runner Up
Intex Ocean Reef Snapset on Amazon is an inflatable pool that is designed for kids age 3 and up. It’s moderately priced and it offers some great features.
The pool measures 8 feet in diameter to give kids plenty of room to stretch out and play games. It’s 18 inches deep which makes it ideal for parents to jump in and cool off, or even teach kids to swim and to float.
The pool can accommodate between 4 and 7 people and this makes it a good choice for families with kids or for parents who enjoy inviting friends to come and join in on the fun.
The pool is a snap set type that features an inflatable portion with additional reinforcements to make it stronger and more reliable when kids are splashing and having fun. It also comes with a repair patch kit to take care of any small pokes or tears.
What I like:
- This pool holds a lot of water and kids can swim in it with supervision
- Lots of room for a lot of kids or the whole family
- This is a tough pool that can last for years if you put it up for the winter
What I don’t like:
- The sides cave in if you don’t prop up the sides when filling
This pool has very few drawbacks. The sides tend to lean in when filling, but a few chairs around the edge gets you past the hump. After the pool is about 1/4 of the way full, the sides stand up straight.
This is a reasonably priced pool that is made to hold up for years of use and it can hold up to 7 kids for summertime fun.
4. Intex Swim Center Paradise Inflatable Pool
The Intex Swim Center Paradise Inflatable Pool on Amazon is an interesting pool that is made for kids ages 3 up. The paradise theme around the outside is novel and cute.
This is a great pool for families with kids age 3 and over because it is big enough for everyone to get inside and cool down. It’s 103 x 63 inches in diameter in a kidney shape.
The depth of 12 inches is deep enough for playing and cooling off, but it’s still safe for small children under adult supervision.
The pool is made of strong vinyl and it holds up well. It also comes with a repair patch and a shelf box for convenient storage. It is a remarkable value for the quality.
What I like:
- This is a sturdy pool made of strong material
- The valves keep the air in when it’s inflated, even when the top pops open
- There is a lot of room to play in this pool
- Low price
What I don’t like:
- The valves are hard to close when it’s inflated
- You need to use a pump to inflate this pool
This is our choice for the best inflatable pool for a 4 year old because of its quality build and the spaciousness of the interior. It’s great for one child or for several, or even the whole family.
This is a pool that can be used for families raising several kids because it will hold up for several years if taken care of properly.
5. Step2 Play & Shade Pool
Our top pick for the best-molded plastic kiddie pool for a 4 year old is the Step2 Play & Shade Pool on Amazon. This is a great value and it comes with a variety of water toy accessories and an umbrella.
This is ideal for families with kids age 24-months through 6 years old. It comes with an umbrella to keep dangerous sun rays off the kids while they play on a hot summer day.
The pool features a molded-in design at the bottom that gives small kids traction to avoid slipping and falling
There are also two molded seats in this kiddie pool so kids will have a place to sit while playing and having fun in the water.
What I like:
- This is a strong pool that is made of thick plastic and it’s longer lasting than most inflatables
- There is very little setup needed
- This pool is good for kids and dogs
What I don’t like:
- The umbrella is flimsy and it’s hard to attach to the pole
This is a molded plastic pool that is packed with fun features for kids. We love the additional bonus toys that come along with it. The umbrella is a nice safety feature to help shade kids’ heads from too much sunlight. It’s a deluxe kiddie pool for a reasonable price.
6. Intex Rainbow Ring Inflatable Play Center
Intex Rainbow Ring Inflatable Play Center is a kiddie pool comes complete with a play center and a water slide that dumps into a wading pool. This is perfect for families with kids age 2 through 6 years old.
This kiddie pool comes with a lot of great features including a water sprayer that attaches to a garden hose, and a ring toss game. There is also a ball roller game and a toss ball game with six plastic play balls in the set.
This is a great combination inflatable kiddie pool and play center at an affordable price.
What I like:
- There are two connected pools, so kids have plenty of room to play
- Kids love the circular rings that make noise when you step on them
- It inflates easily with an air pump
What I don’t like:
- Draining the pool takes a long time
- The rainbow starts to lean after a few uses
7. Homech Family Inflatable Swimming Pool
Our pick for the best rectangular kiddie pool that is suitable for a 4 year old is the Homech Family Inflatable Swimming Pool on Amazon. This is one of the most durable inflatable pools on the market today because the material is 50% thicker than most. It’s puncture resistant.
This pool is best for families with a 4 year old who like to join them in the fun. This pool can hold 2 adults and 3 to 5 kids from babies up.
The pool is made of Naphthalene which is a soft material that is free from all toxic materials so it’s safe. The pool is constructed with 3 individual air chambers so it can withstand a great deal of weight without leaking air or water.
What I like:
- This pool doesn’t have the chemical smell that most inflatables do
- The rectangular shape is better for young kids because the sides are easier to hold on to vs a round pool
- It’s easy to inflate if you have an air pump
What I don’t like:
- The drain is located on the bottom of the pool and it’s hard to reach.
Our pick for the best rectangular kiddie pool for a 4 year old is the Homech Family Inflatable Swimming Pool because it is big enough for the entire family to join in the fun.
This is shallow enough for a 4 year old but sometimes it’s more fun to have others join in the fun. It’s great for backyard swimming parties with preschool through elementary-aged kids.
8. Intex Recreation Pool Ground Level Pool Set
The best kiddie pool for 4 year old kids in the ground level category is the Intex Recreation Pool Ground Level Pool Set on Amazon. What makes this pool such a good choice is its puncture-resistant construction. It’s made of 3-ply fabric that is strong and durable.
This is ideal for families with several kids between the ages of 18 months and 8 years old, or with small back yards.
This pool is easy to set up. All you need to do is spread it out on flat ground, then inflate the top ring. Next, fill it with water and the pool rises as it fills with water.
This pool is 10 x 30 feet so there is room for several kids and adults. It’s rated for children between 18 months and 8 years old.
What I like:
- This pool is really easy to clean
- Perfect for small back yards
- Great for families with young kids
What I don’t like:
- The top ring was defective on some of these units and deflated quickly
This is one of the best ground level kiddie pools for a 4 year old on the market today. We love the fact that it’s so easy to set up and take down. It’s great for a range of kids up to 8 years old so the entire family can enjoy playing in the pool together on a hot day.
9. Intex Dinoland Inflatable Play Center
The Intex Dinoland Inflatable Play Center on Amazon is our choice for the best kiddie pool with a play center. It’s reasonably priced and it provides kids with a range of choices for playing in the water.
This is ideal for families with kids from 18 months through 8 years old. There is a soft slide with a landing pad for extra safety and fun.
This pool can hold several small kids at one time because it’s 131 x 90 x 44 inches which give kids extra space to play and have fun. The Dino Arch water spray is attached to a water hose for even more fun.
What I like:
- Nice age range for kids
- Kids love playing on different toys that come with the pool
- The dinosaur theme is really cute and it’s exciting for kids
What I don’t like:
- It takes a long time to set up
This is one of the best combination sets for kids from toddlers through the early grades of school. It’s a kiddie pool that they can grow with and enjoy. There are a lot of different toys to play with and it provides kids with hours of interesting fun.
10. Bestway H20Go
Our choice for the best kiddie pool for a 4 year old with shade is the Bestway H20Go on Amazon. The UV-resistant shade protects kids from overexposure to potentially harmful UV rays. This means kids can spend more time outside.
This is ideal for kids ages 4+ as well as entire families because it’s large enough for several people to get in at the same time. It’s also good for use in windy regions because the metal frames are galvanized and rust resistant.
They’re strong enough to hold the shade in place even when the wind is blowing. There is also a built-in water sprayer that keeps the top shade cool.
This is a strong pool made of heavy-duty PVC and polyester with 3-ply sidewalls. It will hold up for years to come.
What I like:
- It’s just deep enough for kids and adults to relax and cool off
- This pool is worth the money because it holds up for years
- It’s good for smaller children because of the shallow depth
What I don’t like:
- Some of the misters came with leaks, but not a deal-breaker
This is the ideal kiddie pool for parents who are concerned about too much exposure to the sun. The convenient shade makes it safer to stay out in the sun longer.
Although the price is a little pricey, this shaded pool is one of the most unique and functional on the market, it’s well-built, and it’s a great investment for families with kids.
Helpful Tips To Find The Best Kiddie Pool For 4 Year Old
- Consider how many kids will use the pool and get the appropriate size
- Look for quality materials and design for durability
- Compare prices to get the best deal
Final Thoughts
Finding the best kiddie pool for 4 year old kids doesn’t have to be a difficult task when you know what to look for. We’ve provided the 10 top-rated kiddie pools that are made for pre-school children on up.
What is best for one person may not be for another, so to find the right pool, compare the reviews of the kiddie pools in our selections to find those within your budget.
Next, choose the kiddie pool that offers the features that will fit your individual situation and you will have the best kiddie pool for 4 year old kids.