Do you know how to inflate a kiddie pool without using your mouth? Inflating a kiddie pool with lung power is an option, but a more hygienic and less exhausting method is to use a mechanical device that blows air.
There are a few different and surprising devices that you can use if you don’t have a traditional air pump. The key thing to remember is to fill the chambers with the recommended amount of air so you don’t over or under fill them.
The quickest and easiest way to inflate a kiddie pool is to use an electric, battery or manually operated air pump. However, there are less conventional ways like using a bike pump, a shop vac, a foot pump, a leaf blower, a vacuum and an air compressor that can get the job done as well.
There are a lot of different ways to inflate a kiddie pool that does not involve bursting your lungs from overexertion, but some are better than others. Here we go through the easiest and most affordable ways to air up a kiddie pool regardless of the size.
While it’s not difficult to do, there are some things that you need to know if you haven’t done it before. We’re sharing a few tips and tricks that can save you time and frustration. We also offer a review of the best pumps to help you find the right one, the first time.
Table of Contents
Best Way To Inflate Kiddie Pool
The best way to inflate a kiddie pool depends on the size of the pool and how many air chambers it has. Some kiddie pools require more cubic feet of air.
This calls for a powerful air pump that can generate more air faster. Smaller kiddie pools that only have one ring to fill take less air and a smaller pump is likely to be the best solution.
There are a lot of different air pumps on the market today and that makes it hard to know which one to buy. Our guide helps you to know how to choose the right inflation method for the pool model you have.
We offer a variety of different types to give you a range of options. You also need to know which air pump will be the most appropriate for the size of the job you have, so we include important information about each pump on our list.
Here are our suggestions for the top-rated air pumps along with useful details about each.
Electric Air Pump
An electric air pump delivers air quickly for inflating kiddie pools. It’s much faster than a manual pump, but it’s important to find a model that is designed to be user friendly.
I recommend a powerful small electric pump that will do the job quickly and efficiently, yet economically.
We chose the AGPtEK Portable Quick-Fill Air Pump on Amazon because it’s one of the most powerful little air pumps for its size. The pump is economically priced without sacrificing quality.
It inflates kiddie pools quickly and efficiently with a pressure rating of 0.5PSI/3500 Pa. The plug-in requires a standard outlet, or you can use an extension cord to run power to the unit.
This is a small and portable pump that is easy to move from one place to another. It is also easy to store in a small space. You can take it along with you anywhere there is a power source.
This is a versatile pump that not only inflates kiddie pools fast, it also deflates them where it’s time to take them down. In addition to this, you can use this electric air pump to inflate swimming rings, inflatable toys, airbeds, and almost anything that needs to have air pumped inside.
It also comes with 3 different nozzles to choose from so it will fit nearly any inflatable stem.
This pump is not recommended for inflating basketballs, footballs, balloons, tires, or other high-pressure items.
Battery Operated Pump
There are benefits to using a battery-operated pump over an electric. If you plan to inflate your kiddie pool in a place that isn’t near an electrical power source, this is your best option.
When fully charged, a battery-operated pump will have plenty of power to quickly and efficiently fill the air chambers of a standard-sized kiddie pool.
We like the Zacro Portable Electric Air Pump on Amazon because it gives you the option of charging the battery with any standard 12-volt vehicle outlet or with a USB cord. You can charge it from your car or from a laptop or USB power plant when the battery gets low.
This gives you two ways to charge the battery when you’re away from electrical power sources. The battery is built into the pump and it has a long-lasting design. You can inflate 20 average size air mattresses on just one charge.
It’s rechargeable which makes this a great air pump to take along on camping trips or other outdoor excursions.
This pump also quickly inflates kiddie pools with the simple press of a switch. It’s easy to operate for hassle-free inflation. The body design of this pump comes with a non-slip texture that makes it ergonomic and comfortable to hold.
When it’s time to put the pool away, the Zacro portable pump also deflates in just minutes.
This is a versatile battery-operated air pump that comes with 3 nozzles that will fit the stems of most inflatables. It can be used for kiddie pools, pool floats, air beds and loungers, and more. It also comes with a waterproof bag for safe and easy storage.
Manual Air Pump
If you have a small kiddie pool or one with a single ring, then you may not need to generate as much air pressure. A manual air pump is recommended when the inflation task doesn’t require as much air.
It’s also the best device for anyone who prefers to have an extremely portable pump and get a small workout in the process.
Our top choice is the Aqua Double Quick Air Pump on Amazon because it’s one of the best manual pumps available. It’s well-made and it delivers double the output of air when compared with most other manual air pumps.
It comes with 3 nozzles that cover the gamut of small, medium, and large size inflation valves.
This pump is easy to use. A footplate is provided for easy pumping. You can hold it on the ground with one foot or with both and simply pull the handle upwards and push it down to generate a high volume of airflow for both up and down strokes.
This is a double-delivery system that makes pumping up a kiddie pool go twice as fast as standard manual pumps that only generate airflow in one direction.
We also like the versatility of this pump because it can be used for kiddie pools, air mattresses, air toys, and other inflatables. It also works with needle valves so you can use it to pump air into soccer balls, basketballs, and more. It’s best for smaller inflation tasks.
The portability of this pump is another feature that is useful. You can take it with you wherever you go. You won’t need to worry about an electrical power source or charging batteries. You can also use it for inflatable boats which makes it great for camping and river rafting.
Foot Pump
A foot pump is easy to operate, and it doesn’t require batteries or electricity to function. It’s a simple air pump that operates on a bellows system that pulls air in and pushes it out as you step on the pedal.
These pumps are economical and compact in size for easy storage. They’re great for campers or backpackers, or for taking on outdoor excursions that require the use of inflatables.
We recommend the Intex Bellows Foot Pump on Amazon when you have a small inflation task to complete. This is ideal for small to medium-sized kiddie pool inflation. It gets the job done faster and with less effort.
This is a versatile foot pump that is designed for ease of use. It’s stable on the ground because of its oversize round design. You can use it to inflate almost any inflatable device with fewer strokes than most other foot pumps.
The Bellows Foot Pump comes with multiple nozzles to ensure a good fit with most inflatable valve stems. This makes it a universal foot pump that can be used for kiddie pools, beach balls, air mattresses, inflatable rafts, and much more.
We also love the convenience of this foot pump because it not only inflates devices quickly, it can also be used to deflate them when it’s time to put them away. It’s compact and collapses easily for storage in small spaces.
This pump is good for taking to the lake, the beach, camping, hiking, and any other place you may need an air pump.
How To Inflate a Kiddie Pool Without A Pump
Air pumps are not the only methods you can use to inflate a kiddie pool. There are other devices and appliances that you can use that you might have lying around the house.
Some of them might surprise you but they are proven methods that have been discovered through trial and error. They may not be as fast or efficient, but they will still get the job done faster than using lung power.
If you don’t have access to an air pump, but you have other devices around the place that generates air, you might be in luck. Each of these appliances has more versatile uses than the average person considers.
To give you a few more ideas about how to inflate a kiddie pool, here are six more ways to get it done.
How Do You Inflate A Kiddie Pool With A Bike Pump
Although most bike pumps are not the best option for inflating kiddie pools you can make them work. The best way to make this work is to buy a small adaptor for your bike pump that will make it work for inflatables such as kiddie pools, air mattresses, and so forth.
You can also duct tape a straw or other kind of tube to the end of the bike pump nozzle to make it fit into the valve stem of the kiddie pool.
We recommend the Zukka Mini Bike Pump on Amazon. This is a bicycle pump that is compatible with a variety of bicycles, plus it works for kiddie pools and other inflatables.
This is a versatile bike pump that comes with multiple nozzles so it will more easily fit everything from bikes to balloons, balls, and inflatable toys and pools.
The Zukka mini bike pump is ideal for taking to the lake or the beach. It is lightweight and compact in size. This makes it easy to carry with you wherever you go. It only weighs 9 ounces, so it is great for carrying with you on a hiking trip, camping, or just for the back yard.
This is a durable pump that is made of high-quality aluminum alloy. It is easy to use, and it features a dual pumping action that moves double the amount of air for fast inflation. The handle and foot pedal are foldable, so it is easy to store when you’re done using it.
How Do You Inflate A Pool With An Air Compressor
You can also use an air compressor to inflate a kiddie pool. There are a few simple steps to follow. First, find the correct attachment for the air compressor that fits the valve on the kiddie pool.
Open the air inlet valve on the pool and connect the nozzle. If the inlet valve has a plastic obstruction to prevent air from escaping you may need to open the vent so the air can enter into the pool from the compressor.
Some people break this barrier, but this is not recommended because this component prevents air from leaking out of the valve.
Turn on the compressor and make sure that the nozzle is firmly attached to the inlet valve of the pool. If it is a poor fit, you may need to hold it firmly in place to ensure that the air does not escape on the outside.
Monitor the fulness of the pool to ensure that you do not over inflate it. This could cause it to burst. Fill until the inflatable feels firm and tight. Turn off the compressor, remove the valve being careful to cap the valve before the air escapes.
This is how to inflate a kiddie pool using an air compressor.
If you’re looking for a good air compressor, Craftsman makes a versatile unit that will inflate kiddie pools along with other inflatables. This is a portable unit that stores air. It’s virtually maintenance-free because it is designed with an oil-free pump.
The airflow can be adjusted for different applications and it comes with a 13-piece accessory kit including three inflator adaptors.
Inflate A Kiddie Pool With A Hair Dryer
You can also use a common hair dryer to inflate a kiddie pool. Before you begin, check to make sure that the hairdryer you plan to use has a cool air setting.
Blowing hot air into an inflatable pool can weaken the material and even melt the fabric if it is made of plastic. An adaptor can easily be made by taking a bottle with a tip to funnel the air into the air intake valve of the pool.
You can either hold it firmly in place or tape the connection so no air escapes. Hold the dryer with the air blowing directly into the funnel and make sure that it is tight against the open end of the bottle so no air blows through the back.
This works especially well with hairdryers that have a hose, but any type of hairdryer can be used.
If you’re looking for a hairdryer that can be used for drying your hair as well as blowing up inflatables, then we recommend the Wasor Professional Negative Ionic Ceramic Hairdryer on Amazon.
This model comes with 3 different heat settings including a cool shot button. This allows you to eliminate all the heat for safely inflating plastic pools and other inflatables.
This dryer has a professional DC motor that produces a strong flow of air. It also comes with a removable lint filter that makes it easy to clean, and a salon cable with a hang loop for storing it.
The Negative Ionic style is better for your hair and it produces less static than many other hairdryers.
Inflate A Pool With A Leaf Blower
You can also use a leaf blower to inflate your kiddie pool. This method isn’t much different than using a hairdryer, except the leaf blower is longer and harder to handle. If it’s what you have, you can make it work.
Begin by acquiring a squeeze bottle that has a tapered top, or you can use a funnel if you don’t have a squeeze bottle. You’re also going to need some strong duct tape.
You could hold the bottle or funnel in place with your hands, but leaf blowers are larger in size and without duct tape, you’ll need to have a second person helping.
Make sure that the funnel or bottle is firmly taped to the air valve. Place the leaf blower tube against the funnel or bottle and press firmly so no air escapes from the back and inflate the pool.
Black and Decker makes an electric leaf blower that is smaller in size and easy to handle. This is an affordable version that features a built-in cord retention system for ease of use. This prevents interruptions while you’re using it for cleanup.
This leaf blower is incredibly lightweight. It’s just 4.4 pounds which makes it easy to handle. What we really like about it is that it has the capacity to reach an airspeed of up to 180 mph.
It’s perfect for blowing leaves and other debris from sidewalks, decks, driveways, and lawns, and it can also be used to inflate a kiddie pool.
How To Inflate A Pool With A Shop Vac
If you have a Shop-Vac you can use it to inflate your kiddie pool. Some Shop Vacs have a reverse button that changes the action from suction to blowing. It works much like a leaf blower.
Make an air funnel that you can tape to the air intake vent of your swimming pool. Hold the tube firmly to the funnel and turn the Shop-Vac on with its blower button and you have an instant inflation tool.
The Vacmaster on Amazon comes with a 12-gallon capacity and it also has a detachable blower. This makes it ideal for cleaning through the power of suction to remove debris and it also functions as a leaf blower to clean out crevices, to blow leaves and debris off of decks, driveways, lawns, and sidewalks.
This Shop Vaccum converts quickly from a wet/dry vacuum to a handheld blower. We like the 19 feet of cleaning reach it offers thanks to a long hose and power cord.
The Vacmaster comes with an integrated accessory storage component. This makes it more portable and it’s easier to securely store all of the attachments, so they don’t get misplaced or lost.
It also comes with an extra-large drain port, extension wands, a crevice tool, a utility nozzle, a car nozzle, a concentrator nozzle, a blower adapter, and an air and noise diffuser.
How To Reverse A Vaccum Cleaner To Inflate
You can also use an upright vacuum cleaner to inflate your kiddie pool. Here is how to reverse the suction action and convert it to a blower. Find the fitting where the bag attaches to the vacuum. Remove the bag then detach the hose from the vacuum.
Move the hose to an outdoor area and make sure that it’s pointing away from your face. Plug in the vacuum and turn it on. This will blow all the dust and particles out of it. Clean it thoroughly this way for a couple of minutes.
Next, use duct tape to firmly secure the hose to the opening that you would normally attach the dust bag to. Make sure that it is tightly sealed. Cut the bottom off of a plastic water bottle. Also, remove the cap.
Attach the bottom of the water bottle to the end of the vacuum cleaner hose with duct tape and seal. Use the bottleneck for the adapter and if necessary, tape to the air intake valve or hold it in place. Turn on the vacuum cleaner and fill it until the pool is firm and tight.
Turn off the vacuum and remove the tape and bottle, taking care not to let the air escape from the air intake valve.
We recommend the Eureka PowerSpeed Bagless Upright on Amazon. This unit is affordable, and it comes with a 5-floor selection dial for cleaning a variety of floor surfaces including area rugs and carpets.
It’s lightweight and comes with an extra-large dust cup for fast and easy cleaning and maintenance.
To use this bagless version, find the area of the dust cup that connects to the vacuum. This is the blower that forces debris into the cup.
Remove the cup and follow the steps for the Bagged vacuum cleaner, only use the air return emptying into the dust cup to take advantage of its powerful airflow.
Helpful Tips For How To Inflate A Kiddie Pool
We’ve covered most of the different ways that you can inflate a kiddie pool without using your lungs to do it. To go along with our recommendations, we have a few useful tips that can help to make your task go smoother with less hassle.
- Choose the best air pump for the job.
- If you don’t have an air pump, check around the house and garage for anything that blows air.
- Avoid overfilling the kiddie pool with too much air. Monitor filling and stop when it is firm and tight.
Final Thoughts
Kiddie pools are great for people of all ages, particularly when it’s not possible to go to the beach or to a public swimming area. Some kiddie pools need to be inflated and if this is the case your yours, we’ve provided you with the facts about how to inflate a kiddie pool.
There are several different kinds of air pumps including a foot pump, a bike pump, an electric pump, and a manual pump. These offer the fastest and easiest ways to inflate your pool, but if you don’t have one, there are many other ways to successfully complete the task.
You can use a hairdryer, a leaf blower, a Shop-Vac, an upright vacuum, a bike pump, or an air compressor. All you need is a little ingenuity and a few tips to point you in the right direction.