Technically the seats aren’t recommended for adults weighing over eight stone, but many adult reviewers have used and enjoyed them. Size: 90 x 60 x 60cm | Age suitability: 6 months+ as a pool, from birth as a playpen | Assembly: Instant, no air needed | Drainage plug: Yes | Capacity: 75l | Max user weight: Not stated What we love Size: 229 x 229 x 66 cm | Age suitability: 3 years + | Assembly: 5 to 7 minutes with electric pump | Drainage plug: Yes | Capacity: 990 Litres| Max user weight: Maximum seat weight 8 stone What we love

Keeping the water clean - If you’re planning on reusing the water, or keeping the pool up for a more significant amount of time, it’s worth considering how you will keep it clean, hygienic and free from debris. Do you need to invest in a cover or does it come with a filter and pump? What’s the best way to keep a paddling pool clean?

11. Best hard framed paddling pool: Bestway SteelPro 12ft Round Frame Swimming Pool

Versatility - If you want to get the best value for money, you may want to consider pools that have multiple uses or additional accessories, such as the ability to use as an indoor ball pit. Does the paddling pool come with any extras such as inflatables or slides? These can often prolong the play and work out better value for money, particularly for younger children.

While temperatures soar all over the UK, a paddling pool is one of the best kids' outdoor toys you can have up your sleeve during the current heatwave. Far easier than taking them to the beach, cheaper than visiting the local swimming pool, and with the ability to entertain kids of all ages, the best paddling pools prvide hours of fun and can easily last until your children outgrow them. Sunshade - For younger children and babies, you may want to consider a paddling pool that offers the addition of a canopy or sunshade, helping to protect them from the sun’s harmful UV rays. It’s also worth remembering you should still avoid the midday sun where possible and regularly reapply sunscreen when your children are getting wet. As you can see from our list of best paddling pools, there are lots of different styles of paddling pools to choose from. The most obvious types include:Whilst this pool doesn’t offer the depth of some more traditional paddling pools, there are so many fun elements that will literally keep kids entertained for hours. Who wouldn’t want to slide through a dinosaur’s mouth? Look at dog pools, much more robust and come in various sizes. They fold rather than inflate.” (Recommended by Mumsnet user Megan2018) Our verdict We have this one - felt a bit like I was on holiday and I loved the cupholders! My cousin spotted it on my socials and instantly ‘popped’ around for catch up (just happening to bring her bikini with her!)” (Reviewed by Mumsnet Writer Lucy Cotterill) Our verdict This Bestway Fast Set Swimming Pool is made from durable, puncture-resistant material and takes just 10 minutes to set up, simply needing the top ring inflating before self-standing as the pool is filled. Just bear in mind that you do need a level surface for the inflation to work, so watch out for any sloped areas in your garden. Officially, there is no specific minimum age at which you can use a paddling pool with a baby, however, your child must be supervised at all times. Many paddling pools are recommended for babies aged one year or above, but you may wish to dip your babies' feet in and allow them to splash in the water.

Water temperature in a baby paddling pool should be at least 32 degrees for babies under 3 months and 30 degrees for babies over 3 months. Although you may think 30 degrees is quite warm, anything below this in babies can cause them to be too cold and in a worst-case scenario cause hypothermia.

6. Best paddling pool for toddlers: Summer Waves Pineapple Shade Pool

But we think the best paddling pools to buy for families is the Bestway Steel Pro Paddling Pool. It will last a good few years, feels really robust and once it's filled you can leave it up all summer. Brilliant fun for a gang of school-aged kids on a hot summer’s afternoon. How we chose our recommendations Products tried and tested by real parents It’s worth remembering to stay in the shade and avoid the midday sun due to babies’ sensitive skin and carefully consider the water temperature, ensuring it’s not too hot or too cold. What temperature should a paddling pool be? Size: H46 x W132 x D211cm | Age suitability: 3 years+ | Assembly: Inflate via mouth or pump (not included) | Drainage plug: Yes | Capacity: 350 litres | Max user weight: Not stated What we love I have one. It's brilliant - no punctures and stored away really well over the winter. Just make sure it says suitable for kids.” (Tried and tested by Mumsnetter AbsoluteYawns)