The best paddling pools can help keep the kids cool and entertained from the comfort of your own garden. There are pros and cons with each type so it’s best to weigh up what’s most important on the size, cost and durability front for you and your family. This brightly coloured, three-ring paddling pool has a basic but functional design that will keep the younger members of your family happy in the sun.

Designed for groups of four, it features built-in seats with backrests in each corner of its curvy square design, as well as two drink holders. Made from puncture-resistant triple-layered material it promises to stand up to regular use, and measuring 300 x 200 x 75 cm, its spacious enough to fit up to four adults. Bacteria and algae can create slippery sections, so make sure you pay particular attention to those when cleaning. For two-year-olds and younger, the best paddling pools are relatively small and shallow and ideally offer some protection from the sun.You’ll definitely need a pump (not included) to get this one up and running but it should take less than 15 minutes to inflate with an electric model. It's suitable from birth as a playpen or tent, and comes with a soft circular mattress, sun-blocking arch canopy and mosquito net, making it perfect for al fresco naps. It attaches to a hose and the low sides fill with water, and once full they start to spray water out in an arch. If you need to check the temperature of your baby paddling pool, take a look at these baby pool thermometers.

The pool walls are constructed with DuraPlus™, a material reinforced with a polyester mesh core and two layers of high gauge PVC for superior strength and durability. Make sure children are suitably dressed for warm weather and protected from the sun with sun cream, clothing, and especially with a sunshade.Product Information:• Intex inflatable pool• Extra-wide sidewalls• Built-in inflatable seats• Convenient drain plug• Repair patch included• Two drinks holders• Ages 3+• Measures: 2. For little more than a tenner, this cheap and cheerful pool will provide little ones with a whole summer’s worth of fun.

As parents we liked that, although this packs in fun, it’s not incredibly deep meaning we could let younger kids have a bit of freedom in it while we watched from the side lines.With a slide, a sprinkler and a ball pit, this activity play centre will keep the kids cool for hours at a time. The Aussie-founded company has installed an inflatable, undulating bottom on this paddling pool, which means it’s comfy for kids to sit and splash about it. It’s small, but therefore takes a minute to inflate and not much water to fill – you can even get away with not having to invest in an air pump for this one.