10 Best Non-Toxic Pools and Splash Pads for Kids
Why Non-Toxics Pools & Splash Pads Matter
On a hot summer day, nothing feels better than giving your little ones a great way to cool off in the backyard. Plastic kiddie pools have been around since the 1950s, and they’ve been a go-to type of pool for families ever since. Whether it’s a wading pool filled from the garden hose or a simple splash pad set up on the lawn, these little backyard water play setups are such a lifesaver during the summer heat—especially if you have younger children who aren’t quite ready for a swimming pool or in-ground pools.
But here’s the part that no one tells you: most inflatable kiddie pools and plastic pools are made with harmful chemicals like phthalates and polyvinyl chloride. When your child is splashing around, their skin is in direct contact with these materials, and on hot days the sun can cause even more toxic chemicals to leach into the kiddie pool water. That’s not exactly the fun memory we’re trying to create, right?
For more information on health risks associated with exposure to phthalates, read Phthalates and Children’s Products on the National Center for Health Research website.
As parents, we already put so much effort into keeping our kids safe from health issues, and sometimes it feels like even the most basic baby products come with hidden risks. The good news? There are safer plastic options out there—including non-toxic kiddie pool designs and splash pad alternatives made with phthalate-free PVC and other non-toxic materials. Choosing a safer option doesn’t have to be stressful; it just means knowing what to look for.
That’s why I’ve rounded up the best non-toxic kiddie pools and splash pads that I would actually feel comfortable setting up in my own backyard. Because summer fun should mean dip dip hooray—not worrying about harmful chemicals.
1. POOL BUOY Inflatable Pool in Luigi Lovegood
In the number one spot on our list, the POOL BUOY, in Luigi Lovegood. This inflatable pool checks our boxes for being BPA and phthalate free, and is ridiculously cute! This baby pool even comes with a bag for easy storage!
BPA-free
Lead-free
Phthalate-free
Multiple air chambers, so no blow-outs!
2. THE COLORFUL CABANA LUXE INFLATABLE POOL by MINNIDIP
THE COLORFUL CABANA LUXE INFLATABLE POOL by MINNIDIP screams summer fun! The shape of the pool is so unique and the alternating patterns they use in this print is my absolute favorite!
Phthalate-Free PVC material
Lead and heavy metal-free
Drain plug to release water with ease
Ethically sourced
Ethically produced
3. The SUNNYLiFE Inflatable Kids Pool
This cutesy SUNNYLiFE inflatable pool is perfect for little tots. It comes in either a princess rainbow style or a silly crocodile style, depending on your preference - both are adorable! Like really adorable!!
Made from phthalate-free PVC
Drain plug to release water with ease
4. Mylle Inflatable Pools - Lines
This is another great non-toxic blow-up pool option! It is on the bigger side, so you could lounge in here with your littles if you’re up for getting splashed!
Made from phthalate-free vinyl
Shipping materials are 100% recyclable
5. The REBELSTORK Inflatable Pool
The REBELSTORK Inflatable Pool is another great non-toxic kiddie pool option! This company puts out on-trend designs that are super cute and fun for those hot summer months!
Phthalate-free
Lead-free
BPA-free
FSC-approved packaging, extra points for being eco-friendly!
6. The Kidly Label Cushioned Swimming Pool
The Kidly Label Cushioned Swimming Pool is great for endless splashing fun with deep inflated sides!
Phthalate-free
7. The Kidly Label Swimming Pool with Canopy
The Kidly Label Swimming Pool with Canopy is a very cute small kiddie pool option for littles! It has a pool cover canopy, great for protecting your little’s sensitive skin on those hot days!
Phthalate-free
8. The Petites Pommes HENRY 160cm - CALLIE Inflatable Swimming Pool
The Petites Pommes HENRY 160cm - CALLIE inflatable swimming pool is very cute! It even comes in an organic cotton bag for storing when not in use!
BPA-free
Phthalate-free
9. The MINNIDIP Citrus Wave Splash Pad
The MINNIDIP Citrus Wave Splash Pad is a great option if you’re looking for a non-toxic splash pad! Just attach a garden hose for an easy inflate and hours of splash pad fun to beat that summer heat!
Phthalate-Free PVC material
Lead and heavy metal-free
Ethically sourced
Ethically produced
10. The SUNNYLiFE Slip, Slide and Body Board Set
The SUNNYLiFE Slip, Slide and Body Board Set is what kids' summer dreams are made of! It’s slip n slide meets boogie boarding for endless backyard summer fun! I can’t think of a better way to beat that summer heat!
Phthalate free PVC
Tips for Choosing the Safest Kiddie Pool or Splash Pad
If you’re still on the hunt for the perfect non-toxic kiddie pool or splash pad, here are a few easy ways to narrow down the best option for your family:
Look for phthalate-free PVC or non-toxic PVC. This simple swap helps minimize direct contact with harmful chemicals.
Choose designs with a drain plug. It makes emptying and cleaning so much easier (and helps you maintain clean water each day).
A pool cover is a good idea if you plan to leave the pool out in between uses—it keeps out debris and cuts down on gallons of pool water wasted from constant refills.
Think about easy storage—blow-up pool options with a wide air valve are quick to set up and pack away at the end of the summer months.
Little shifts like these can make a big difference in reducing exposure to toxic chemicals while still giving your kids the joy of splashing in the pool on hot summer days.
Check out the 10 Best Organic Cotton Sun Hats (Baby + Toddler)
How to Keep Your Kiddie Pool or Splash Pad Clean and Safe
One of the trickiest parts of having a baby pool or splash pad in the backyard is keeping the water safe for your kids. When younger children are splashing around, dirt, grass, sunscreen, and snack crumbs somehow always end up at the bottom of the pool. The good news is that with a few easy habits, you can keep the water fresh without turning to toxic chemicals.
The simplest method is to drain the pool daily, give it a quick rinse, and then refill it with clean water from the garden hose. Yes, it might feel like a lot of water to replace, but it’s the safest way to avoid health issues and bacteria growth—especially on hot days. If you’re using a larger pool that takes more time to fill, look for a model with a built-in drain plug. This makes emptying so much easier and helps you remove debris quickly.
Warm water is another factor to think about—if your pool sits in the sun, it can heat up quickly and become a breeding ground for bacteria, so a daily drain-and-refill is usually the best option.
No matter what type of pool or splash pad you choose, a little daily maintenance goes a long way. Clean water means more fun and peace of mind for you!
Check out the CDC’s recommendations on What You Can Do to Stay Healthy in Kiddie Pools.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, choosing a non-toxic kiddie pool or splash pad is about finding safe options that let your kids enjoy the fun of water play—without unnecessary toxic chemicals. Whether you go for a blow-up pool with an easy inflate wide air valve, a small kiddie pool with a drain plug for easy storage, or even a hard plastic pool, the best option is the one that balances safety, fun, and practicality for your family.
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when you learn about health risks from harmful chemicals like phthalates and heavy metals. I’ve been there—I used to stress over every little detail. But here’s what I’ve learned: balance is everything. It’s not about creating a perfectly toxin-free home (that’s nearly impossible). It’s about making mindful choices where we can—like choosing safer plastic materials for kiddie pools, or choosing splash pads that use phthalate-free PVC.
Just taking the time to research safer options shows how much you love your kids. Remember, your best is always good enough. Every small step we take toward non-toxic living adds up—not just for our children, but for future generations too. So go ahead and set up that water splash pool or backyard splash pad, grab some pool toys, and let your littles enjoy some summer fun. You’ll feel good knowing you’ve found a safer option, and they’ll remember the joy of those hot summer days spent splashing, laughing, and making memories.
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