7 BEST NON-TOXIC KIDDIE POOLS FOR SAFE SPLASHING & PLAYING
This blog post is all about the best non-toxic kiddie pools!
There’s nothing more refreshing for kids than cooling off, playing, and splashing around in a kiddie pool during the summer months!
While we love seeing our little ones having so much fun, most of us parents don’t realize that those plastic wading pools are made with toxic materials.
Those can leach harmful chemicals like phthalates, BPA, or heavy metals, especially when the pool sits out in the sun.
While non-plastic kiddie pools are impossible to find, there are thankfully safer options available on the market, which are as much fun as the classic versions!
In this article, I’ve rounded up the 7 best non-toxic kiddie pools with options for every budget.
I’ve also made sure to include a few models designed for both kids AND adults, so you can enjoy the simple pleasures of summer together as a family.
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Are plastic kiddie pools safe? Why choosing a non-toxic kiddie pool matters
Almost all kiddie pools we can buy at the store or online are made of PVC or polyvinyl chloride.
This is a huge problem!
PVC’s precursor chemical, vinyl chloride, is a known carcinogen and is associated with an increased risk of liver, brain, and lung cancers, leukemia, and lymphoma.
PVC also contains phthalates, which are typically used to make plastics more flexible and can lead to a wide range of health issues.
Exposure to phthalates is known to cause endocrine disruption and influence the functioning of different organs.
It can also lead to decreased fertility and adversely impact child development and reproductive systems in young kids and teens.
And that’s not all!
PVC can contain many other harmful chemicals such as lead and cadmium, both of which are toxic heavy metals, as well as various plasticizers and additives.
This is all the more problematic as those chemicals are even more likely to leach out when exposed to the sun and heat.
And we don’t want those anywhere near our kids!
Children’s developing bodies are a lot more vulnerable compared to adults, and they’re more sensitive to environmental toxins.
What’s more, the production and incineration of PVC release significant amounts of dioxin into the air, which is one of the most toxic chemicals ever produced according to Greenpeace.
In short, PVC is seen as the most toxic of all plastics as well as the most environmentally damaging.
Unfortunately, non-plastic kiddie pools don’t exist, or at least from what I could find.
But the good news is that there are healthier, PVC-free kiddie pools made from safer types of plastic.
Read on to discover the best non-toxic kiddie pools available to us!
What to look for when shopping for non-toxic kiddie pools?
To choose a safer, non-toxic kiddie pool, you want to look at the exact material the product is made of.
If a brand states its pool is non-toxic, check for yourself whether it’s true or not!
To do so, either have a look at the product page or directly check the resin code stamped on the bottom of the pool.
The most toxic materials for kiddie pools, which you should avoid buying, are:
- PVC (resin code #3)
- Polyethylene terephthalate or PET (resin code #1)
- Polystyrene (resin code #6)
- Other (resin code #7): This one can include polycarbonate, which can leach BPA.
Instead of those, buy a PVC-free kiddie pool made from one of the following safer materials:
- High-density polyethylene or HDPE (resin code #2)
- Low-density polyethylene or LDPE (resin code #4)
- Polypropylene or PP (resin code #5)
- Thermoplastic polyurethane or TPU: This one doesn’t have its own dedicated resin code and typically falls under resin code #7. So you need to check that the product page clearly says it’s made of TPU.
If you can’t find a model you like and you end up choosing one made from one of the “worst” materials, like PVC, get one from a brand that clearly states it’s free of BPA, phthalates, and lead.
Those will still be better than their traditional counterparts.
7 best non-toxic kiddie pools for safe splashing & playing
The best PVC-free kiddie pools
While non-plastic kiddie pools are impossible to find, our best bet to find healthier options is to avoid the worst, most toxic kind of plastic: PVC.
Here are several PVC-free kiddie pools that are worth investing in!
1. Step2
Materials: HDPE
Looking for a non-toxic kiddie pool with shade to keep your little ones protected from the sun while they play?
Check out the brand Step2, which specializes in sensory tables for sand and water play!
The Step 2 kiddie pool is designed to encourage hands-on exploration, creativity, problem-solving, and fine motor skills.
It provides enough room for several kids to play together and helps them learn about cause and effect.
This water activity center has an HDPE plastic pool base featuring a textured bottom with cute sea creatures to prevent slipping and provide traction.
It also boasts two molded-in seats and comes with an umbrella and a 7-piece accessory set that includes different funnel cups and a spinning water wheel.
Another great thing about the Step 2 kiddie pool is that you can also use it as a sandbox, for instance during the colder months.
Did I mention that it’s made in the USA and that the durable material won’t crack, chip, fade, or peel over time?
2. EverEarth
Materials: TPU & Polyester
EverEarth has this versatile beach blanket that turns into a cool wading pool in just minutes.
You just need to dig a hole in the sand, flip the blanket over, and fill the pool with water using the convenient storage bag that doubles as a bucket.
This non-toxic kiddie pool for toddlers, babies, and kids has a non-slip surface and features a fun underwear scene to keep your children entertained.
It’s also very lightweight and can be easily folded and stored in a bag.
EverEarth makes it from high-quality TPU, which is completely phthalate-free, biodegradable, and recyclable.
According to the brand, the carbon footprint of this material is 20% smaller than that of traditional PVC kiddie pools.
Prefer something with more structure that you can use in your backyard or without digging in the sand?
The brand also offers this BPA-free TPU pool that’s suitable for both indoor and outdoor use and can be used as a classic kiddie pool, but also as a baby ball pit.
This one has a quilted bottom and comes with a handy pump.
I also like that the brand manages its own forest and contributes to nature conservation!
3. Tubtrugs
Materials: Polyethylene
Another great option and one of the best hard plastic kiddie pools you can get is this tub from the brand Tubtrugs.
While it was not originally designed to be a kiddie or wading pool, its construction, size, and shape make it perfect for water play.
Very versatile and multi-purpose, you can also use it as a dog/cat bed, for storing toys, gardening and harvesting your homegrown veggies, or carrying anything you want.
The possibilities are endless!
This tub is made from phthalate-free, food-grade polyethylene, which is safe for kids and pets and has reinforced ribbing to make it extra durable.
It also features two strong grip handles, and its flexible body can be twisted or bent without breaking.
Plus, it’s UV-resistant and frost-proof, and you can choose from many different colors and sizes available!
Safer PVC kiddie pools (free of BPA and phthalates)
The three PVC-free kiddie pools I mentioned above are the best non-toxic options you can get as they’re made with safer types of plastic.
However, if for some reason you didn’t end up choosing them and prefer going for a PVC model, there are still better products out there.
The following ones are free of BPA and phthalates, making them less toxic than most others on the market!
4. Pool Buoy
Materials: PVC Free Of Phthalates, BPA & Lead
If you’re looking for a non-toxic kiddie pool for adults and kids, you’ll love this one by Pool Buoy!
This inflatable pool can accommodate about two to three adults but is also suitable for kids as it has the perfect height for them to play safely.
It’s made from high-quality, extra-thick PVC that is completely free of BPA, phthalates, and lead.
It is also built to last with its durable double-ring construction and multiple air chambers, which can be inflated individually.
Very quick to set up, the Pool Buoy kiddie pool can be inflated in just a few minutes and has convenient drain plugs to make removing the water easier.
It’s also lightweight and can be used both in your backyard and at the beach.
Not to mention it’s available in many different colors and fun patterns, and it comes with a matching storage bag!
5. XFlated
Materials: PVC Free Of BPA & Phthalates
Here is another non-toxic kiddie pool with shade to keep your little ones cool.
It’s also the most affordable option on this list!
This inflatable model by XFlated has an incredibly cute duck face design and will keep your baby or toddler protected from the sun.
Very versatile, it’s a great kiddie pool, but you can also use it as a bathtub for pets or babies, a pool float, and even a baby ball pit for both indoors and outdoors.
This kiddie pool is made from BPA- and phthalate-free PVC, so it’s a safer alternative to other PVC options.
What sets this one apart from others is that it features a water sprinkler, which you can connect to a garden hose!
This pool comes with a repair patch, but the brand also offers a free replacement if it breaks.
6. Mylle
Materials: Vinyl Free Of Lead, Phthalates & BPA
Mylle offers this non-toxic kiddie pool for adults and kids, designed to fit two adults or a few kids.
If you want something good-looking, this is the one for you!
It’s available in 8 different colors and stylish patterns and all the options have a modern, minimalist design.
The brand’s inflatable pool is made from heavyweight, durable vinyl that doesn’t contain any lead, phthalates, or BPA.
It’s also built to last and features a valve that’s easy to inflate and a convenient bottom drain.
Plus, it comes with a matching storage envelope and is shipped in plastic-free, recyclable kraft boxes.
Bonus: Phthalate-free PVC splash pad as a kiddie pool alternative
If you’re looking for a good kiddie pool alternative, you may want to try out a splash pad, which is a water play mat with sprinklers all around.
It offers an engaging way for children to play and cool off during the summer.
I couldn’t find any that is PVC-free, but found a great one made with safer PVC!
7. Hello Little Honey
Materials: Lead- & Phthalate-Free PVC
Hello Little Honey is a small mom-owned business that sells this splash pad with an adorable sea animal pattern.
Made with safety and durability in mind, it features a highly textured bottom to prevent slips and falls as well as durable reinforced seams.
Your kids will love the water sprinklers that spray water all around!
You just need to attach the pad to a standard garden hose, and you’ll even be able to adjust the water height.
Not only will this splash pad keep your kids refreshed, but it will also enhance their motor skills, coordination, balance, and sensory development.
And like all the products sold by Hello Little Honey, it’s made without phthalates, lead, and many other harmful chemicals.
How to keep a kiddie pool clean without chemicals?
If you’ve chosen to buy a non-toxic wading pool for your kids, you probably also don’t want to use harsh chemicals to keep it clean.
The good news is that you can keep it clean with a little daily maintenance and a few natural, non-toxic cleaners.
First, I recommend using a pool cover when the pool is not in use to help keep dirt, bugs, and leaves at bay.
If you have a bigger pool, remove floating debris regularly.
For smaller ones, emptying it and refilling it every day is best.
Also, before refilling it, make sure to clean all the surfaces using white vinegar, natural dish soap, or a non-toxic all-purpose cleaner.
Then, rinse everything, and wipe down.
Final thoughts on the best non-toxic kiddie pools
I hope you’ve found this article about the best non-toxic kiddie pools helpful and that you could find a model your kids will love playing in this summer!
Not only will these keep your children entertained and cool, but they’re also made with safer materials, so you’ll be able to enjoy the warm weather with peace of mind.
If you liked this article, you may also want to read:
- 10 best non-toxic, eco-friendly beach toys for little beachgoers
- 12 best sustainable swimwear brands for a fun, eco-friendly summer
- 9 sustainable & organic beach towels for an eco-friendly beach trip
- 10 best sustainable sunglasses brands that protect your eyes & the environment
- 10 best non-toxic & natural sunscreen brands for healthy sun protection
- 7 best reef-safe sunscreen brands that protect your skin & the ocean
- 6 best non-toxic ice cream makers for healthier scoops
- 7 best BPA-free, non-toxic popsicle molds for your frozen treats
- 8 best non-plastic, non-toxic ice cube trays that are BPA-free & safe
- 8 best sustainable outdoor furniture brands for your dream patio
- 18 eco-friendly alternatives to balloons for sustainable parties
- 12 sustainable summer essentials to have fun under the sun
- 7 best PFAS-free, non-toxic sleeping bags to sleep safely under the stars
Which non-toxic kiddie pool have you decided to get?
Did you opt for a PVC-free kiddie pool?
Please leave a comment!
Don’t forget to share this blog post with your friends so they can find a safe wading pool for their kids too.
Looking for more non-toxic & sustainable brands? Check out the Ethical & Sustainable Brand Directory!
It features conscious brands in various categories, from home goods and furniture to fashion and clean beauty!
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