Is it us, or is it getting hot... everywhere? While we're having a ton of summer fun, there's no doubt the season has brought about rising temperatures, heat waves and humid, muggy days with it. Honestly, there's really only one way we can think of solving this sweat-inducing problem — and that's finding the nearest pool to jump into!
If you're going to spend a day (or the next three months) poolside, the Shop TODAY team is going to make sure you're ready to spend everyone one of those seconds feeling relaxed, comfortable and, most importantly, prepared. Whether that be parents making sure their kiddos are having fun or hosts having the essentials to put on a summer party to remember, our editors found the best toys and accessories to make your next pool day a major success.
Pool toys for kids | Pool toys for adults | Pool and swimming accessories | Above ground and inflatable pools | How we chose
Best pool toys for kids
Sun Squad Classic Beach Ball
- Puncture resistant
- Lightweight
- Easy inflation and deflation
- One air chamber
Material: PVC
The Target dollar spot is a great place to find seasonal items. One that is worthy of belonging in your virtual cart is this classic beach ball. It’s just $1, and these usually last all summer — that is, unless your dog gets ahold of it.
Sun Squad Splash Bombs Water Toys
- Set of 4
- Recommended for ages 6+
Material: Polyethylene foam
Another cheap pool toy are these splash bombs. The sponge-like balls are great to toss in the pool for some extra, impromptu fun. Their foam material also allows them to float, too!
SwimWays Sun Canopy Inflatable Baby Spring Float
- Inflates "3x" faster
- For kids 9-24 months
Dimensions: 14.25”L x 2.25”W | Key specs: Cooling mesh, built-in canopy
"It’s the perfect way to introduce your baby to the water without scaring them, or yourself," says mom to one-year-old Ava, Brianna Amato. "She’s comfortable, feels safe, all while having her independence to splash and play along with everyone around her!"
Slices of Fun Splash Pad Sprinkler
- No air pump needed
- May struggle w/ hose connector
Colors: Four | Dimensions: 70"L x 60"W | Material: Non-toxic 10 phthalate-free PVC
For little kids who can’t swim yet but still love being in the water, you may want to consider this splash pad. The fun design features brightly colored, smiling citrus fruit. Just hook this up to a hose and let your kids splash around!
Poolmaster Swimming Pool Underwater Surf Board
- Versatile pool toy
- Recommended for ages 8+
Colors: Two | Dimensions: 29"L x 10.5"W
Underwater surf boards are another classic pool toy that kids love. This one is made from a durable foam that won’t break or crack after the first couple of uses, according to the brand.
GoSports Splash Pass Floating Pool Football Game
- Instant assembly
- Reviewers argue over stability
Material: Plastic | Assembly: No tools required
If your kids play football at school or love watching it on TV, then why not let them be the star of the pool football league at your house? This pool football game set comes with four water footballs, a goal and a pump. The goal is made like a buoy so it doesn’t tip over or sink as games are being played.
Bunch O Balloons Reusable Water Balloons
- Reusable
- #1 Most Gifted item on Amazon
- May break easily
Material: Silicone | Sizes: Set of 4, 6, 12, 16, 18, 20, 24
Sister to commerce writer Danielle Murphy and mom to a 16-month-old water-loving toddler Nicole Kelleher says these magnetic water balloons were a great find. "They're perfect for little ones that love to get wet," she says. "I love that I can have a little water balloon party with the kids and not have to worry about clean-up afterwards. I remember growing up having to pick up all the water balloon remnants, and it was such a pain. This is so much easier. Once you’re done with them, you just refill them really fast or just pick them up and put them away. Super easy and fun for the summer!"
Best pool toys for adults
Hedstrom Playball
- Affordable
- Easy to clean
- Keep away from sharp objects
Size: 15 inches | Material: PVC
"A group of 10 friends and I recently rented an Airbnb with a pool for a few days. Among noodles, floaties and more pool accessories, the surprise favorite was this impulse-buy 15-inch ball we picked up at Walmart for a whopping $2.50," says production associate Audrey Ekman. "We racked up hours of pool playtime with this thing — it’s buoyant, so fun to volley and super lightweight, so it can’t really do any damage. Great summer boredom buster for all ages (3 & up)!"
Joyin Inflatable Pool Float Set
- Basketball and volleyball
- No. 1 Amazon bestseller
- Doesn't always float in place
Colors: Five | Sizes: L and XL | Material: Polyvinyl chloride
Nets and basketball hoops are fun toys that everyone in the family can use. This set has both and includes an inflatable volleyball and basketball. The volleyball net also comes with two weight bags, so it doesn’t tip over every time it’s touched by someone.
Spikeball Water Spikebuoy Set
- Attaches to original game
- Comes with lifetime guarantee
- Need to buy game first
Pieces: Six | Age: 14+ | Key spec: Portable and adjustable
This game became an instant success for beachgoers a few summers ago, but now, you can enjoy the same game in the comfort of your own pool. The SpikeBuoy attaches to your original set, weighing down the game in the water, so you can play in between swimming laps and cannonball jumps!
Pool Candy Inflatable Cornhole
- Includes eight toss bags
- Deflates for easy storage
- Only comes with one target
Material: Heavy-duty PVC
How good is your aim? Find out during a fun round of cornhole, now made even more enjoyable as a pool game! This floatable version inflates into a full-size board and comes with eight bags that can be weighed down by water or sand.
Best pool and swimming accessories
The Beach Glass Original Floating Acrylic Wine Glass
- Floatable
- Break resistant
- Set of 2
Colors: 12 | Material: Acrylic | Key specs: Reusable, BPA free, dishwasher safe
No matter if you're enjoying a poolside daiquiri or keep hydrated with good ole' H2O while sitting on the beach, these specially made glasses are designed to stay upright in water or even sand!
Chillbo Shwaggins Inflatable Couch
- No pump required
- Portable
- Unconventional inflation
Colors: 12 | Sizes: L and XL | Material: Ripstop Polyester
You might have to do a little running to get this lounger inflated, but the brand promises an easy setup. Once it's filled with air, you'll have a comfy couch to rest on while poolside ... or camping, enjoying a concert, or having a beach day.
Funboy Floating Cabana Bar
- Comes with sun shade
- Canopy should be longer
Colors: Four | Dimensions: 6' long, 3' high
"This bar float is perfect for holding drinks and food while enjoying the pool," raves Kelleher. "I even put my speaker on the float and let it set the mood around the pool!"
The float boasts two 12-inch circular coolers for multiple drinks or food plates, as well as four singular cup holders.
Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 4 Speaker
- 360-degree sound
- Made with recycled plastic
Colors: Four | Playtime: 14 hours | Key specs: Outdoor boost mode, 131-feet range, waterproof
Using any technology near a large body of water is risky, but when it's the only way to play music at your pool party, it's a risk many of us are willing to take. Or, just let Ultimate Ears take away the risk completely. This portable speaker is not only waterproof, but it's also drop proof, dirt resistant and is designed for outdoor use!
Funboy Chaise Lounger
- Inflates in under two minutes
- Has ergonomic design
- Cup holder is on smaller side
Dimensions: 70”L x 45”W | Material: Soft-touch vinyl
Funboy also sent Murphy its chaise lounger, which has been a game-changer during her pool time. "I've never found an inflatable lounge chair that keeps me so separated from the water," she says. "Finally, I'm not scared to bring my Kindle into the water because I know I'll stay elevated and dry. My sister, who is seven months pregnant, also utilized the float when she needed a relaxing moment off of her feet."
Original Bogg Bag
- Endless colors and patterns
- Can stand on its own
- Open-top design
Colors: 53 (including limited-edition prints) | Sizes: Original (L/XL), Baby (M), Bitty (S) | Material: Rubber
You can't scroll through social media without seeing this ready-for-summer tote being used (or raved about) by a number of users. What puts this bag above the rest? We'd have to say its waterproof and washable design, durable EVA material, tip-proof construction and non-slip bottom does just that.
Ninja FrostVault Hard Cooler
- Insulated
- Wet and dry storage
- No. 1 new camp cooler release
- No wheels
Sizes: 30 qt. and 50 qt. | Colors: Four
Murphy received Ninja's new cooler release from the brand just in time for summer — and for her father to steal it away from her. He's been using it to store food and drink during backyard get-togethers and barbecues. According to the brand, it can keep ice for up to five days and the smallest size can hold up to 48 cans. However, the only feature he says is missing: wheels!
Best above-ground and inflatable pools
Intex Kids Outdoor Inflatable Swimming Pool
- Holds three people
- Affordable
- Capacity: 86 gallons
- Holds nine inches of water
Dimensions: 58 ”L x 58”W x 13”H | Age range: 2+
When you need a quick cool down (and a few hours of fun!) this inflatable pool is great to have on hand. It's a great size for the kiddos to splash around and keep cool — and it's less than $20!
Minnidip Inflatable Pool
- Premium soft touch vinyl
- Women-owned company
- Fits 2-3 adults
Dimensions: 18"H x 66"W x 66"D
Kick your swim time up a notch with one of Minnidip's stylish pools — this one showing off a "jungle oasis" design. Other prints include pastel banana leaves, bright yellow lemons and a terracotta sun design.
Funsicle Above Ground Swimming Pool Set
- Efficient setup
- Includes filter pump
- May leak near pump
Sizes: 8ft x 30 in, 10ft x 30in, 12ft x 30in, 15ft x 36in | Capacity: 801 gallons
According to the brand, you can have this above-ground pool ready "in as little as 30 minutes," a blessing when met with rising summer temperatures. It's designed with a quick, snap-in set, and it comes with a pump and pool liner.
How we chose
The Shop TODAY editors and writers search the internet to find the best products out there. We scoured product reviews and used our own personal experiences to select the best pool toys and accessories.
