With Britain set to bask in the heat this weekend, some parts of the country could enjoy highs of 30C as a hot air mass pushes its way across the English Channel bringing with it higher-than-average temperatures.
While sun-loving Brits will be delighted to hear that summer's back, finding ways to keep cool will be a hot topic as shoppers scramble to pick up fans, air conditioning units and paddling pools to try and stay on top of the heat.
Paddling pools are also ideal if you can't afford to take your little ones on holiday or to your local swimming pool, delivering a cost-friendly way to keep the whole family entertained this summer.
Prices start from just £8 and there are heaps of long-lasting options available from Argos, Amazon and many more. Find the perfect paddling pool to keep cool during the summer heatwave with our guide.
Best paddling pools 2023
We've selected some of the best cheap paddling pools around so you don't have to, from cute baby pools to large seated options.
1. Bestway 8ft Fast Set Pool
Best overall paddling pool
This is the no-fuss swimming pool for those who don't want to spend hours setting up, when you inflate the top ring and fill the pool with water, it will stand up by itself.
The spacious pool is also made with Bestway's 'Tri-Tech' construction, meaning it has enhanced strength and durability.
- Age: 3+
- Dimensions: 2.44 x 2.44 x 0.66m
Buy now from Amazon ( £33.95 )
2. Intex 57190NP Pool
Best paddling pool for adults
If you plan to buy a paddling pool for little more than sitting in your garden with a nice cold drink and staying there for as long as possible, then this is the pool for you.
Complete with comfy inflatable bench, you might not have much room for movement, but you do get a chair and a paddling pool in one. Genius.
- Age: 3+
- Dimensions: 5.3 x 45.8 x 40.3cm
Buy now from Amazon ( £45.89 )
3. Intex Swim Centre Family Pool With Seats
Best family paddling pool
Featuring four air-filled seats and holding a whopping 990 litres of water, this Intex pool provides enough room for the whole family to relax and have fun in. It also comes with two handy drink holders.
At less than £50, you'll be getting plenty of great features for an affordable price.
- Age: 3+
- Dimensions: 229 x 229 x 66cm
Buy now from Amazon ( £34.99 )
4. Bestway Tug Boat Inflatable Play Pool
Best paddling pool for toddlers
This wonderfully themed paddling pool has plenty of fun features that will no doubt keep children busy this summer.
It features inflatable fishing rods and fish so little ones can pretend to go fishing.
The pool is also easy to empty once all the fun is over, thanks to the handy drain valve.
- Age: 24 months+
- Dimensions: L140 x W130 x H104cm
Buy now from Amazon ( £21.95 )
5. Intex Easy Set Swimming Pool
Best paddling pool for fast inflation
Whether you want a quick dip or to lounge about all day, this 10 foot x 30 inch pool also works on the premise of blowing up the top ring only, and then filling the rest of it with water - and voilà.
The sidewalls are made with three separate layers of material for extra strength and durability.
- Age: 6+
- Dimensions: 305cm x 76cm
Buy now from Amazon ( £39.99 )
6. Chad Valley Unicorn Water Activity Pool
Best paddling pool with a slide
If you're after something a little more exciting than just your average paddling pool, Argos currently have an exceptional deal on this, potentially a little over the top number, that includes a rainbow slide, a unicorn and a rubber ring.
Inflating in just ten minutes, this fits around three or four children and keeps them entertained for hours, rather than the minutes some get from being in a bog standard circular pool.
- Age: 2+
- Dimensions: 297 x 145 x 107cm.
7. Summer Waves Inflatable Multi-Coloured Pool
Best cheap paddling pool
Not only is this multi-coloured pool a treat for the eyes, but also provides a decent space for enjoying the sunshine with your favourite loved ones.
- Age: 3+
- Dimensions: 147 x 33 x 147cm
Buy now from John Lewis ( £11.69 )
8. Chad Valley Inflatable Dino Baby Pool
Best baby paddling pool
If you're looking for a paddling pool solely for your little one, this fun dino option may just be the one.
Suitable for ages two and above, it includes a clever shade cover to keep your child cool as they splash around.
- Age: 2+
- Dimensions: 124 x 102 x 94cm.
9. Bestway Fill-N-Fun Paddling Pool
Best small paddling pool
Little kids can make the most of the warm weather in this delightful Bestway pool, which features a colourful underwater scene design and stands at only 12 inches tall. It's also an absolute bargain!
- Age: 3+
- Dimensions: 101 x 25cm
10. Polygroup Summer Waves 10ft Quick Up Paddling Pool
Best durable paddling pool
This durable and puncture-resistant pool has been specially designed for a quick set-up, making it easy for you and your loved ones to have a splash about in the sun.
It comes in the perfect size for around five people. This one's selling fast though, so be quick if you're keen.
- Age: 6+
- Dimensions: 10 x 10 x 2.5 feet
11. Chad Valley Shark Spray Pool
Best paddling pool with toys
As well as a pool, this option from Chad Valley also has a cool spray shark that squirts water when attached to a hose, making it nice and interactive for smaller children.
The two-tier construction makes sure you can get plenty of water in it for plenty of splashing fun.
- Age: 3+
- Dimensions: 216 x 203 x 109cm.
