Frame pool vs inflatable pool: which one suits you?

Steel frame pool vs inflatable pool: which one suits you? 

A warm summer’s day, children who can’t wait to jump into the water and a garden that suddenly feels like a holiday spot. But what suits your family best: a simple inflatable pool for occasional use, or a sturdy steel frame pool that has a fixed place in the garden all summer? 

Both types of pool bring cooling water fun to your own garden. Still, there are clear differences in use, maintenance, sturdiness and space. In this blog, we help you choose, so you end up not just with a pool, but with a pool that fits the way you want to use it. 

Curious which pool suits your garden? Explore the EXIT steel frame pools 

 

What is an inflatable pool? 

An inflatable pool is a pool that you fill with air. You often inflate the rim or several parts of the pool before filling it with water. This type of pool is popular for young children, small gardens or families who mainly want to cool off now and then. 

The biggest advantage is convenience. You take the pool out when it is warm, inflate it and, after use, you can empty it and store it again. That makes an inflatable pool useful if you have little space or do not want to leave a pool standing during the summer. 

An inflatable pool is usually more sensitive to wear than a pool with a frame. It is also often less suitable for intensive use, active play or leaving in the garden for longer periods. 

 

What is a steel frame pool? 

You set up a steel frame pool with a frame or sturdy construction. Then you fit the pool liner and fill the pool with water. At EXIT Toys, you’ll find steel frame pools in round and rectangular shapes, with different sizes, depths and versions. Depending on the model and version, you can also choose handy pool accessories from EXIT Toys, such as a filter pump, dome, shade cloth, heat pump, pool ladder or maintenance accessories. 

A steel frame pool is especially interesting when you want to use the pool more often and leave it in the garden for a longer period. Think of summer weeks when the children want a quick swim after school, or weekends when the whole family is looking to cool off. 

Because a steel frame pool has more parts than an inflatable pool, setting it up takes a little more preparation. In return, you get a pool that is better suited to regular use. 

 

The main differences at a glance

Still unsure? It helps to look at how you want to use the pool.

An inflatable pool often suits:	A steel frame pool is often better for:
Occasional use on warm days	Families who use the pool regularly
Young children who mainly want to splash	Children who want more space to play
Small gardens, balconies or patios	Gardens where the pool gets a fixed summer spot
Families who want to store the pool quickly	Parents who want to add accessories
A simple solution for temporary cooling off	Families who want to choose more carefully by shape, size, depth and look

Does a steel frame pool suit your summer plans better? Then take a look at the EXIT steel frame pools and discover which version fits your garden. Are you mainly unsure about the right size or shape? Then also read our blog which type of pool is suitable for my garden for extra help choosing.

 

Space in the garden: fixed spot or flexible use?

Do you have little space, or do you want to clear the garden again quickly after swimming? Then an inflatable pool can be practical. You use it when the sun is shining and store it again afterwards. 

Do you have a place in the garden where the pool can stay for several weeks? Then a steel frame pool is often more convenient. You do not have to prepare it again each time, and the children can get into the water more spontaneously. Pay close attention to the surface. Choose a flat, sturdy spot and keep enough space around the pool to get in and out safely. 

With a larger pool, it is also smart to think in advance about the walking route through the garden, the position of the pump and the distance from trees or shrubs. This keeps the pool more pleasant to use and maintain.

 

Maintenance: how long do you want to use the water? 

A small inflatable pool is often used for a short time. The water is then changed regularly, especially in warm weather or with intensive use. That is easy, but with larger inflatable pools, changing the water can use a lot of water and become less practical. 

A steel frame pool is designed to stay up for longer. Then maintenance becomes more important to keep the water clean. Think of filtering, covering and checking the water quality. Want to know exactly how to do this? Read our blog how do I keep my frame pool clean for useful tips. EXIT Toys offers various pool accessories for this, such as filter pumps, covers, maintenance kits and heat pumps. These help keep the pool water more pleasant to use. 

If you want to spend little time on maintenance, you will usually choose a smaller pool. If you want to swim throughout the summer, a steel frame pool with suitable accessories is a better fit. 
Want to keep the pool water clean and pleasant for longer? Then explore the pool accessories from EXIT Toys. 

 

Play space: splashing or really swimming? 

For toddlers and young children, a small inflatable pool is often enough. A shallow layer of water, a few cups and toys, and the fun can begin. Of course, you always stay nearby when children play in or around water. 

Are the children older, or do they want to move around more in the water? Then a steel frame pool often offers more possibilities. Depending on the size and depth, children can play, float and cool off together. A larger pool is also more pleasant for parents when you want to get into the water yourself. 

So do not only look at the garden, but also at the age and wishes of the children. What is enough now may already feel tight next year. 

 

Look and feel: how does the pool fit into your garden? 

In summer, a pool is often in a visible spot. That means its look also matters. An inflatable pool is usually mainly functional and temporary. That is fine if you tidy the pool away after use. 

A steel frame pool is more likely to stay up. Then you want the pool to suit the rest of your garden. The EXIT steel frame pools come in different designs and colours, so you can choose what best matches your outdoor space. This way, the pool is not only a place to cool off, but also part of your garden. 

 

Which one will you choose? 

Choose an inflatable pool if you mainly want quick, temporary and compact water fun. It is a good choice for young children, small outdoor spaces and spontaneous summer days. 

Choose a steel frame pool if you want to swim more often, need more space and are happy for the pool to have a fixed place in the garden. Especially for families who want to enjoy water in their own garden throughout the summer, a steel frame pool is a practical choice. 

Want a pool that suits your garden and family? Then explore the steel frame pools from EXIT Toys and easily compare the shapes, sizes, depths, colours and accessories. This helps you choose a pool that fits your garden and how often you want to swim. That way, you turn your garden into a lovely place for summer water fun. 

Explore the steel frame pools from EXIT Toys and easily compare the shapes, sizes, depths, colours and pool accessories.