Do you dream of cooling off in your own backyard oasis, but think you don’t have enough space? Many homeowners face this exact problem. Big, beautiful pools often seem out of reach when yards are small or budgets are tight. It can feel frustrating when you want that refreshing escape without sacrificing your entire lawn.
Choosing the right small pool for your backyard presents its own set of challenges. You worry about size restrictions, installation headaches, and finding a style that actually fits your lifestyle. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the sheer number of plunge pools, container pools, and swim spas available.
Don’t give up on your backyard dreams just yet! This guide cuts through the confusion. We will explore the best small pool options perfectly suited for limited spaces. You will learn how to match a pool to your yard size and budget, turning that small corner into a private paradise.
Ready to dive into the details? Let’s explore how you can make a big splash, even with a small backyard!
Top Small Pools For Backyard Recommendations
- Durable and Safe Material: Made from high-density fiberboard and premium PVC, our pool is sturdy and resistant to wear. The non-slip bottom ensures your pet’s safety while playing. (Select a flat and level ground free of sharp objects to place the pool. )
- Multiple Sizes Available: Choose from various sizes to suit pets of all breeds. Ideal for small, medium, and large dogs, as well as kids
- Easy to Set Up and Use: No need for an air pump—just unfold, fill with water, and it’s ready. A convenient drain valve allows quick and easy water release
- Foldable and Portable: This collapsible design makes it easy to store and carry. Perfect for home, travel, or camping trips with your pet
- Versatile Use: Ideal as a pet pool, kiddie pool, ball pit, or whelping box. Suitable for indoor and outdoor use, providing fun for both pets and children
- Collapsible and Portable Design: Our dog pool is collapsible design, it’s portable for you to carry. As a wading pool, it can be folded into a small size easy to store and carry with for camping or traveling, and also space-saving for storage at home.
- Durable PVC Material: The pet pool is made of high-quality PVC, thick and high-strength twinwall polypropylene sheets are built-in to support the whole pool stably without easy collapse. The anti-slip bottom can prevent your pets from slipping when they jump around in the bath pool.
- Simple to Use: Due to the simple structure, this foldable bathtub is simple and easy to use. there’s no need to inflate it. You will be able to set it up quickly and easily. You can find a drain at its side, just open the plug that will make it easier for you to drain water.
- Easy to Clean: Cleanup is a easy thing for the pool! To clean, simply wipe with a soft cloth and mild soap, then rinse. (To help your pool last longer, twist off the cap to drain all water after and fold it flat when you need to put the pool in storage.)
- Multi-Purpose: It is widely suitable for cats, dogs or other pets that enjoy paddling or playing in the water. It can be used as a tub to bathe your pet, or as pool for them to lounge or play in during hot summer weather. Cooling a pet down has just got easier It's great for dogs, cats, or any pet; give your pet its own outdoor pool and watch their enjoyment as it splashes around in the water.
- Your baby will have fun splashing their way through summer in this inflatable pool
- 22-gallon water capacity is perfect for kids aged 1-3 years old
- Soft inflatable floor makes for a safe play area
- Walls allow for 6.5 inches of water for a big splash
- Easy to deflate and store when not in use
- Family-Sized Inflatable Pool with Seats: This spacious pools above ground, 102" x 63" x 27" inflatable pool comfortably accommodates the entire family and comes complete with inflatable seats and grip handles. Big enough and deep enough, Enjoy the fun at the pool.
- Durability and High Quality:Our family pools are thicker than standard pools, reducing the risk of punctures and ensuring a long service life. Hassle-free swimming。Prevent the Inflatable pool from deforming violently due to tilting after the pool is filled with water, the inflatable pool is highly inflated and saturated, and the hard floor is balanced to ensure that it is level. We recommend that the fill amount should be less than 75% of the pool capacity.
- Safe and Reliable Material:The product is made of polyvinyl chloride environmentally friendly material, which is non-toxic and harmless, The material thickness has been increased by 0.42mm,it is thicker, safer and more reliable than ordinary swimming pools.and can be used with confidence and enjoy the fun on the water. Not for children under 3 yrs.
- Easy to Inflate and Deflate: Say goodbye to cumbersome operation,Blow Up Pools for Adults is equipped with 4 air chambers and the air pump fills the inflatable pool in a matter of minutes(Pump NOT included).If you need to put the inflatable pool away, just deflate the swimming pool for a few minutes and you're done.
- Comfortable use: The bottom of the inflatable pool is smooth and flat, so you won't feel uncomfortable even standing barefoot in it. Not only that, but the edge of the inflatable pool is equipped with handrails and inflatable bench seats where adults can relax and take care of the kids. If you have any questions about the assembly or use of the inflatable pool, please feel free to ask us and we will be happy to answer them。
- 【Family-size Inflatable Pool】: With 120" X 72" X 22" size,SELLOTZ swimming pool with 312 gal water capacity can hold up to 2 adults plus 3-5 kids(Age 3+) to enjoy a splashing pool party in the backyard.This inflatable pool would be a great entertainment for your kids, pet dogs and family.
- 【Safe & Durable Retangular Inflatable Pool】: SELLOTZ swimming pool for kids is made with Phthalate and lead free, Using BPA-free materials that meets the standards of international children’s toys, which is twice thicker than most in the market, reducing the risk of punctures and ensuring a long service life.
- 【Quick and Easy to Use】: The family inflatable pool is easy to set up, you just need to simply spread out on the ground level.The inflatable pool can be inflated in 3-4 minutes by electric pump (not included), built-in 2 curve water valves double the drainage speed.
- 【Sturdy &Stable Pools for Backyard】: Comes with 3 individual air chamber each with double intake and free flow exhaust valve , the swimming pool for adults can withstand extra weight while preventing air leakage. 90° vertical drainpipe of inflatable swimming pool can facilitate the outflow of water, tidying inflatable pool up is no longer an issue.
- 【Great Gift,Swimming Pool and Ball Pit】:SELLOTZ inflatable pool is a great gift for your kids, families, pet dogs and friends. They could not only enjoy the hot summer day time with our inflatable pool in the backyard，but also it would be used as the ball pit indoor when the weather is cool.
- Fun Backyard Pool: Create lasting summer memories with the Bestway Steel Pro MAX 15 ft. x 48 in. above ground swimming pool; holds 4,231 gallons of water (90%); Pool only.
- Durable Metal Frame: The heavy-duty framed pool is constructed with steel that resists corrosion to ensure stability and longevity.
- Easy Setup: ClickConnect System joints featuring quick-click connectors; this large pool is very simple to set up and to take down for off-season storage, with no additional tools required.
- Tritech Pool Liner: The sturdy 3-layer material is reinforced to offer added strength and puncture resistance over standard PVC pool liners.
- Pool Only: Customize your pool with available essential accessories like a 1,000-gallon filter pump, pool ladder, and cover (sold separately) for the perfect pool day; this includes only the pool and pool frame.
- Fun Backyard Pool: Create lasting summer memories with the Bestway Steel Pro MAX 10 ft. x 30 in. above ground swimming pool; holds 1,236 gallons of water (90%).
- Durable Metal Frame: The heavy-duty framed pool is constructed with steel that resists corrosion to ensure stability and longevity.
- Easy Setup: FrameLink System joints offer sturdy and secure frame connection; this pool is very simple to set up and to take down for off-season storage, with no additional tools required.
- Tritech Pool Liner: The sturdy 3-layer material is reinforced to offer added strength and puncture resistance over standard PVC pool liners.
- Essentials Included: 330-gallon filter pump with 2 hoses and (1) Type I filter cartridge are included for a simple setup for a great pool day.
The Ultimate Buying Guide for Small Backyard Pools
Thinking about adding a cool oasis to your yard? Small backyard pools are a fantastic way to beat the heat without needing a huge space. This guide helps you pick the right one for your home.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping, certain features make a big difference in how much you enjoy your pool.
1. Size and Depth
- Footprint: Measure your space carefully. Small pools often range from 8 feet wide up to 16 feet. Make sure you leave room to walk around safely.
- Depth: Most small pools are shallow, often around 3 to 4 feet deep. This is great for cooling off and supervising kids. Deeper options exist but are less common in smaller kits.
2. Filtration System
The filter keeps your water clean. Look for a system that matches the pool’s size. A good pump and filter combo prevents you from cleaning the pool constantly.
3. Entry and Exit
How will you get in and out? Some small pools use simple ladders. Others come with built-in steps, which feel much safer and easier for everyone to use.
Important Materials Used in Small Pools
The material determines how long your pool lasts and how much work you need to do to maintain it.
Above-Ground Kits
- Steel Walls: These offer strong support. They are usually coated to resist rust.
- Resin/Vinyl Components: Many modern small pools use resin for the top rails and vertical supports. This material resists weather well and does not get hot in the sun.
- Vinyl Liner: This is the waterproof skin inside the pool. Thicker liners are much harder to puncture.
In-Ground and Semi-Inground Options
These often use durable materials like fiberglass or concrete. They cost more upfront but offer a very long lifespan.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Pool Quality
Not all small pools are built the same. Pay attention to these details.
Quality Boosters
- Warranty: A longer warranty, especially on the wall structure or the liner, shows the manufacturer trusts their product.
- UV Protection: If plastic parts have UV protection, they will not become brittle and crack as quickly when the sun hits them.
- Skimmer Quality: A good skimmer pulls debris off the surface efficiently, leading to clearer water with less effort from you.
Quality Reducers
Cheap, thin vinyl liners tear easily. Plastic fittings that feel brittle when you squeeze them often break after one season. Poorly designed ladders can wobble, making entry unsafe.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you plan to use your new pool.
Cooling Off vs. Swimming Laps
Small pools are perfect for dipping your feet and relaxing. They are generally too small for serious swimming laps. If you want to float on a raft, ensure the diameter is wide enough for that.
Installation Effort
Above-ground kits require you to prepare the ground first. Some can be set up in a weekend. In-ground pools require professional digging and installation, which takes much longer.
Maintenance Load
A smaller surface area means less water to heat and clean. However, if the filtration system is too weak, you might spend more time skimming manually.
Small Backyard Pools: 10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How much space do I really need for a small pool?
A: You need enough space for the pool itself plus about 2 to 3 feet of clear working space around the entire perimeter for maintenance and safety.
Q: Can I install a small pool myself?
A: Many above-ground kits allow for DIY installation, but you must follow the instructions exactly. In-ground options always need professional help.
Q: How long does the water usually last before needing replacement?
A: With a good filter and proper chemical balance, you rarely need to replace all the water. You only top it off as water splashes out.
Q: Are small pools safe for young children?
A: While they are shallower, constant adult supervision is always necessary. Always use a safety cover when the pool is not in use.
Q: What is the average cost of a small above-ground pool kit?
A: Prices vary widely, but basic, smaller kits often start in the few hundred dollar range, going up to a couple of thousand for higher-quality models.
Q: Do I need a permit to put a small pool in my yard?
A: Many cities require permits for any body of water over a certain depth, even small ones. Check with your local town hall first.
Q: How quickly can I heat the water?
A: Small pools heat up faster than large ones, especially if you use a solar cover. Electric heaters might take longer to warm the whole volume.
Q: What is the difference between a soft-sided and a hard-sided small pool?
A: Soft-sided pools use flexible vinyl supported by air or water pressure. Hard-sided pools use rigid metal or resin frames for structure.
Q: Can I add features like jets or lights to a small pool?
A: Yes, many accessory kits let you add small water features or LED lighting, but check if the pool’s existing pump can handle the extra load.
Q: When is the best time of year to buy a small pool?
A: You often find the best deals right before or right after the peak summer season, like early spring or late fall.