Britain is bracing itself for an early summer heatwave, as some parts of the country could see temperatures reach a balmy 25C in the first week of June.
Just in time for the half-term holiday, Brits will be looking for ways to keep their cool, and what better than a dip in a paddling or swimming pool to keep adults and children feeling nice and fresh this Summer.
As online searches ramp up for the best pools money can buy, we've compared some of the best on the market to give you the biggest splash for your cash.
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A great way to turn your garden into your very own holiday resort, an inexpensive paddling pool will keep little ones and grown-ups entertained for hours.
Easy to inflate, quick to fill and perfect for long, hot sunny days, an inflatable pool offers a cost-effective way to enjoy the warmer weather.
With prices starting from as little as £6.00, there are plenty of options available to order online or pick up from your nearest stockist, and investing in accessories such as electric pumps, repair sets and even cleaning kits will keep your new pool feeling fresh for longer.
Intex Swim Centre Family Pool with Seats
Best paddling pool for families
Just big enough to keep the whole family happy, this pool has a deep dipping area and four inflatable seats for easy lounging.
With the ability to hold 990 litres of water, it will help to keep everyone nice and cool and with two handy drinks holders on the side, you could be sipping in the sun in no time.
Intex Easy Set Swimming Pool
Best paddling pool for super-fast inflation
If you can't wait to dip your toe in the water, this 10-foot by 30-inch pool is almost as good as having your very own plunge pool in the garden.
Quick to set up, you only need to inflate the top ring and when filled with water it will hold its shape. Big enough to fit up to four people, this pool is made with three layers of super tough material and has a secure drain valve for easy emptying.
Summer Waves 3 Ring Pool
Best basic kids pool
This brightly coloured, three-ring paddling pool has a basic but functional design that will keep the younger members of your family happy in the sun.
Made from durable materials, it is easy to inflate using a pump and can be folded down for easy storage when not in use.
Currently on offer at Argos, it has been reduced from £8.00 to £6.00, serving up summer fun on a budget.
Bestway 4ft Fun Odyssey Pool
Best pop-up paddling pool
No need for an air pump with this little paddling pool as the water ensures it holds its shape.
With its fun underwater creature design and 25-litre capacity, it's a great choice for quick cool-downs in smaller spaces.
The Odyssey pool is included in the Argos 2 for £20 promotion, meaning you could save money and double the fun in your garden.
Intex Inflatable Swim Centre Family Lounge Large Paddling Pool
Best for adults
If you are planning on lazing in the water well into the evening, this larger size pool is perfect for enjoying a glass of something cool in the garden.
While the space in the paddling area might be a bit on the modest side, this model does come with an inflatable bench, giving you all the benefits of a seated paddle. It also comes with two handy cup holders on the edge of the pool.
Summer Waves Dinosaur Pool with Sun Shade
Best for babies
Little ones will love this friendly dinosaur with its soft inflatable floor and protective sun shade.
The brightly coloured design will let you play with your baby as they cool down in the water and the dino's shade will help to keep them safe in the sun.
The Summer Wave Dinosaur Pool is suitable for children aged 1 year or older and comes with a repair patch in case accidents happen.
Where to buy: John Lewis (£17.99)
Bestway Sprinkler Splash Pad
Best splash pad
So while this technically isn't a paddling pool as such, this splash pad is the perfect accompaniment to a garden hose and hot, sweaty children.
Small enough for most gardens, it offers hours of fun in the sun as the built-in sprinkler holes push water from the hose out through the sides to create a cooling play area.
Attached to your garden hose it does all the work for you, and when you switch the hose off, the water settles in the middle to create a fun play puddle for kids to enjoy.
Where to buy: Halfords (£17.99)
Polygroup Summer Waves 10ft Paddling Pool
Most durable paddling pool
If you want a pool you can enjoy this year and the next, this 10ft paddling pool is made from super tough, puncture-proof materials for cooling fun all summer long.
Specifically designed to be set up nice and quickly, it is big enough to hold up to five people and is suitable for splashers aged 6 years and older.
It comes with its own filter pump and a cover to help keep the water cleaner for longer.
Chad Valley 8.5ft Activity Play Centre Paddling Pool
Best activity play centre
With a slide, a sprinkler and a ball pit, this activity play centre will keep the kids cool for hours at a time.
Attach the hose and the fun flower acts as a sprinkler, and this pool only takes a few minutes to inflate for eager little ones.
Intex Metal Frame Rectangular Pool
Best investment pool
If you are looking to 'splash out' on an investment pool for your garden, but aren't ready to dig a hole in it, this could be the perfect compromise.
The framed design is easy to assemble and the pool can be filled with water in less than 30 minutes.
Made from puncture-resistant triple-layered material it promises to stand up to regular use, and measuring 300 x 200 x 75 cm, its spacious enough to fit up to four adults.
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