Having your own swimming pool makes a lot of sense if, currently, you can't get to the beach or down to your local gym or leisure centre. Therefore, with warmer sunny days arriving, the potential of some actual heat to contend with and time on your hands there’s no better time to get a portable pool. The beauty of these is you can take them down in winter, and they don’t require you to dig an absolutely massive hole in your garden. With hot tub deals now ‘drying up’ - ho ho - a pool is THE must-have lockdown must-have.
These models are a step up from your average paddling pool, with proper sides and lots of capacity. While you won't be doing any lengths before breakfast, these pools are perfect for lazy days in the garden and for providing the ideal backdrop to your next barbecue.
You'll find that Wayfair has an awesome collection of pools, from the rather pricey likes of the £2129.99 Freeport Spa (opens in new tab) down to the more humble, but no less neat, Intex 5-Person 1-Jet Inflatable Spa (opens in new tab) for just £99.99. We're not sure why they call what seems to be a pool a spa, but they have those and hot tubs too as you can see from our comprehensive guide elsewhere.
If you're after a bit of a splashabout fun then Argos is a good bet for budget water-based fun, as it's got the likes of the Bestway Quick Up Round Family Pool (opens in new tab) for just £40 or the even tastier Bestway Quick Up Pool Set and Cover (opens in new tab) for a very decent £60.
And, as a nation of dog lovers, you’ll be glad to hear that it’s also possible to buy pet paddling pools too, so your beloved pooch can take a dip in its own water, rather than plunging into your freshly-filled tank of aqua. Wise move we think.
So, if you're tired of playing swingball and have done as much as you can to keep fit at home, go and have a dip instead.
Pools for all pockets in the UK
- Shop all pools at Argos (opens in new tab)
- Shop all pools at Wayfair (opens in new tab)
- Shop all pools at Amazon (opens in new tab)
Are you in the USA?
• Home Depot has a fine selection of above ground pools (opens in new tab)
• As does Lowe's (opens in new tab)although they kind of hide it on their site