10 Best Gear Picks to Keep Kids Active in a Backyard Pool

Hot summer days can quickly turn a backyard pool from an exciting oasis into a static soaking tub if the kids run out of engaging things to do. Keeping children active and moving in the water requires more than just throwing them a cheap foam noodle and hoping for the best. The right mix of high-energy gear, skill-building toys, and team sports equipment can transform any backyard pool into a dynamic, safe, and exhausting arena of active play.

Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, this site earns from qualifying purchases. Thank you!

How to Keep Kids Safe and Active in the Water

Water safety is the foundation of any successful pool day, and active play actually supports this by building stamina and water confidence. Tired swimmers are more prone to accidents, so structured games with built-in rest periods are essential. Establish clear pool rules before anyone gets wet, ensuring that running on the deck is strictly forbidden and supervision is always active and undistracted.

To balance high-energy play with safety, match the gear to the skill level of the youngest or least confident swimmer in the water. Avoid relying on inflatable toys as life-saving devices, as flotation aids should only supplement active adult supervision. Keep hydration nearby on the deck, as kids often forget they are sweating when they are surrounded by cool water.

Pool Basketball Hoop – Dunnrite PoolSport Hoop

A poolside basketball hoop instantly turns the water into a high-energy court, encouraging continuous jumping, swimming, and coordination. Instead of passive floating, kids actively tread water and swim to chase down rebounds, building cardiovascular endurance without realizing they are working out. It bridges the gap between land-based team sports and water play, making it a staple for competitive kids.

The Dunnrite PoolSport Hoop stands out because of its rugged, commercial-grade construction that resists both rust and aggressive water play. It features a heavy-duty, water-filled base weighing over 100 pounds when full, ensuring it remains stable when kids go up for a shot. The polyethylene backboard and vinyl-coated stainless steel rim are built to withstand harsh pool chemicals and intense UV exposure year after year.

Before buying, measure the pool deck footprint to ensure there is enough flat space for the large base without blocking pedestrian walkways. Assembly requires some patience, and once the base is filled with water, moving the unit becomes a two-person job.

Best for: Active kids, teens, and families who love competitive, high-energy team games and have a sturdy concrete or paver pool deck.

Not ideal for: Toddlers, above-ground pools with narrow top rails, or yards with very limited deck space.

• Base Dimensions: 17″ W x 19″ L x 22″ H
• Rim Material: Vinyl-coated stainless steel
• Included Accessories: 13-inch dual-color basketball, solid brass hardware

Inflatable Slide – Intex Kool Splash Water Slide

A water slide brings water-park-level excitement to a standard backyard pool, turning entry into the water into a high-octane event. Climbing up the slide repeatedly provides a surprisingly intense full-body workout, targeting leg strength and balance. It keeps kids moving in a continuous loop of climbing, sliding, and swimming back to the pool steps.

The Intex Kool Splash Water Slide is constructed from heavy-duty 20-gauge vinyl, which resists punctures far better than cheap, thin pool toys. It features built-in sprayers that connect directly to a standard garden hose to keep the sliding surface slick, fast, and cool under the hot sun. The design includes five separate air chambers and heavy-duty climbing handles to ensure safety and stability during ascension.

This slide requires a significant amount of deck space and a completely flat surface to sit securely at the edge of the pool. Always verify that the water depth at the drop-off point is at least four feet deep to prevent kids from hitting the pool floor.

Best for: Mid-sized kids who want the thrill of a water park at home and pools with wide, flat concrete decks.

Not ideal for: Very small toddlers, teenagers over 176 pounds, or pools with narrow coping and zero deck clearance.

• Weight Capacity: 176 lbs
• Material: 20-gauge UV-resistant vinyl
• Dimensions: 131″ L x 81″ W x 46″ H

Kids Swim Goggles – Speedo Hydrospex Classic

Without clear vision and eye protection from chlorine, kids will cut their pool time short due to burning, red eyes. Reliable goggles encourage kids to submerge their heads, search for dive toys, and practice proper swim strokes without fear of water irritation. They are the single most important accessory for building genuine underwater confidence.

The Speedo Hydrospex Classic features a soft, one-piece silicone frame that conforms comfortably to various face shapes, preventing painful pressure points. The lenses offer anti-fog coating and UV protection, making them highly effective for both bright outdoor pools and indoor swim sessions. The split silicone strap distributes pressure evenly around the head, staying secure during active diving and cannonballs.

Getting the seal right requires adjusting the strap before the child enters the water; overtightening can cause discomfort, while a loose fit leads to leaks. Keep the lenses free of sunscreen residue, as oils can quickly degrade the anti-fog treatment over time.

Best for: Daily recreational swimmers, swim learners, and kids who spend hours underwater searching for toys.

Not ideal for: Toddlers with very small faces who need specialized toddler-sized goggles, or competitive racers looking for low-profile racing sockets.

• Material: Hypoallergenic silicone frame
• Lens Features: Anti-fog and UV protection
• Size: Youth (typically fits ages 6–14)

Pool Dive Toys – SwimWays Toypedo Bandits

Dive toys are the ultimate tool for teaching kids to hold their breath, open their eyes underwater, and swim efficiently beneath the surface. They turn swim training into a game, forcing kids to dive deep, streamline their bodies, and swim with purpose. The constant diving and surfacing cycle is one of the best ways to build lung capacity and exhaust energetic kids.

The SwimWays Toypedo Bandits are designed with a hydrodynamic shape that allows them to glide up to 20 feet underwater when thrown. Their weighted construction ensures they sink quickly, but their bright colors and numbered point values make them easy to spot on the pool floor. This design encourages kids to swim after them rather than just picking them up from a stationary spot.

While they glide beautifully, they can easily slide into hard-to-reach areas like under pool ladders or drains. Ensure kids do not step on them on the pool floor, as the hard plastic can hurt bare feet.

Best for: Confident swimmers looking to improve underwater distance, lung capacity, and diving skills.

Not ideal for: Non-swimmers, toddlers who cannot submerge their heads, or dark-bottomed pools where dark-colored toys are hard to see.

• Pack Count: 4 brightly colored bandits per pack
• Glide Range: Up to 20 feet
• Recommended Age: 5 years and up

Pool Volleyball Net – Intex Pool Volleyball Game

Volleyball is a classic social sport that keeps multiple kids active, moving, and communicating simultaneously in the shallow end. It encourages lateral movement, jumping, and hand-eye coordination while keeping the impact on joints extremely low. Because it is a team game, it can keep a large group of kids occupied for hours without anyone getting bored.

The Intex Pool Volleyball Game is a highly portable, inflatable set made of 10-gauge vinyl that can be set up in minutes. It includes grommeted pole bases that accept anchor weights, preventing the net from drifting away during intense rallies. The set comes complete with an inflatable volleyball and shelf box for easy storage when the game is over.

Because it is inflatable, wind can blow it across the pool if the anchor bags are not filled with heavy rocks or dive weights. It requires a wide section of the pool to stretch out fully, so check your pool’s width before purchasing.

Best for: Casual pool parties, family gatherings, and active play in shallow water.

Not ideal for: Aggressive, competitive play where players might pull down hard on the net, or very small pools.

• Dimensions: 94″ L x 25″ W x 34″ H
• Material: 10-gauge vinyl
• Includes: Inflatable volleyball, anchor bags

Kids Kickboard – Speedo Begin to Swim Board

A kickboard isolates the lower body, helping kids build leg strength, practice kicking techniques, and gain independence in deeper water. It provides a stable platform for kids who are transitioning from doggy-paddling to proper swim strokes. It allows them to rest their upper body while maintaining active, calorie-burning movement.

The Speedo Begin to Swim Board is made from high-density EVA foam that offers excellent buoyancy without absorbing water or crumbling over time. Its kid-sized dimensions are tailored to smaller shoulders, allowing children to grip the sides comfortably without overextending their arms. The textured surface ensures a secure grip even when the board is completely wet and soapy with sunscreen.

This is a swim aid, not a lifesaving flotation device, and children using it must still be monitored closely. Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can cause the foam to fade and degrade, so store it in the shade when not in use.

Best for: Early-stage swimmers practicing their kicking form and building water confidence in the shallow end.

Not ideal for: Advanced swimmers who require adult-sized resistance, or kids who want a toy to sit on.

• Material: High-density EVA foam
• Dimensions: 14.25″ L x 10″ W x 1″ H
• Recommended Age: 2 to 6 years (under adult supervision)

Swim-Through Rings – SwimWays Swim-Thru Rings

Swim-through rings turn the pool floor into an underwater obstacle course, challenging kids to navigate tight spaces and control their buoyancy. They encourage kids to plan their underwater routes, which improves spatial awareness and builds deep-water confidence. It is a fantastic way to transition kids from basic swimming to advanced underwater maneuverability.

The SwimWays Swim-Thru Rings feature adjustable buoy chambers that allow you to change the depth at which the rings hover. You can set them to float just below the surface for beginners or sink close to the bottom for experienced divers. The collapsible design makes them easy to twist, fold, and store away without taking up valuable garage space.

Setting the depth requires filling the small plastic chambers with the right balance of air and water, which can take some trial and error. Ensure the rings are spaced far enough apart that kids do not run out of breath mid-course.

Best for: Intermediate to advanced swimmers who love underwater games, obstacle courses, and diving challenges.

Not ideal for: Toddlers who cannot swim underwater, or shallow pools with less than three feet of depth.

• Diameter: 31 inches
• Pack Count: 3 rings per set
• Features: Adjustable depth chambers, collapsible frames

Giant Pool Float – Intex White Shark Ride-On

A giant ride-on float is more than just a lounge chair; it serves as a moving platform that challenges a child’s core strength and balance. Kids will spend hours trying to climb aboard, balance on the center of gravity, and paddle around the pool using their arms. This active climbing and balancing provides a rigorous, low-impact workout for the entire body.

The Intex White Shark Ride-On is constructed with heavy-duty 10-gauge vinyl designed to handle the rough-and-tumble play of multiple kids. It features two heavy-duty grab handles positioned perfectly to help riders maintain their grip as they battle the waves. The highly detailed, photorealistic shark design adds a visual element that sparks imaginative water play.

Because of its large profile, it takes up substantial pool space and can block the line of sight for supervisors on the deck. It is highly susceptible to wind, so it must be secured or removed from the pool when a storm approaches.

Best for: Active kids aged 3 and up who love climbing, balancing, and imaginative water play in larger pools.

Not ideal for: Small splash pools, non-swimmers who might fall off in deep water, or windy days.

• Dimensions: 68″ L x 42″ W
• Material: 10-gauge vinyl
• Includes: Heavy-duty grab handles, repair patch

Water Blaster – Stream Machine Water Launcher

Water blasters turn the entire pool area into a high-stakes tag game, keeping kids swimming, ducking under the surface, and dodging streams of water. The physical effort of running, diving to evade a blast, and quickly reloading keeps kids in a state of constant, aerobic movement. It is a highly interactive toy that gets everyone in the pool involved.

The Stream Machine Water Launcher is built with high-quality polymer plastics that withstand rough handling and saltwater or chlorinated environments. Unlike cheap pump guns, its simple syringe design allows for an instant reload directly from the pool in under two seconds. It can blast water up to 70 feet, allowing for long-range tactical games across the largest backyard pools.

The high-pressure stream can hurt if shot directly into a player’s eyes at close range, so clear safety rules must be established. Remind kids to avoid drawing in pool debris or sand from the bottom, which can clog the internal seals.

Best for: Kids, teens, and adults who want high-powered, long-range water battles and rapid-fire play.

Not ideal for: Toddlers who lack the arm strength to pull and push the plunger, or quiet pools where splashing is discouraged.

• Length: 22 inches (extends to 36 inches)
• Shooting Range: Up to 70 feet
• Construction: High-impact thermoplastic

Water Polo Goal – GoSports Water Polo Game Set

Water polo is one of the most physically demanding aquatic sports, requiring players to tread water continuously while throwing and catching. Introducing a water polo goal to the pool encourages kids to develop their eggbeater kick and upper body strength. It organizes unstructured pool time into a competitive, high-cardio sport that keeps kids moving until sunset.

The GoSports Water Polo Game Set features a frame built from shatterproof PVC that can take a beating from heavy throws without bending or breaking. The net is constructed from thick, weather-resistant nylon, and the set includes three grip-textured water polo balls and an inflation pump. Red and blue team trackers on the top crossbar make it easy for players to keep score during intense matches.

The net frame floats freely, which means it will drift around the pool unless anchored to the pool edge or weighted down. It has a relatively large footprint, so it will occupy a significant portion of a medium-sized pool.

Best for: Strong swimmers, competitive athletes, and families looking for a structured, high-endurance team sport.

Not ideal for: Small plunge pools, weak swimmers who cannot tread water for extended periods, or solo play.

• Dimensions: 4 feet wide by 2 feet tall
• Frame Material: UV-treated PVC
• Includes: 3 water polo balls, hand pump, score trackers

How to Store and Protect Pool Gear All Season

Leaving pool toys, floats, and sports gear baked in the sun or floating in chemically treated water is the fastest way to ruin them. Chlorine, bromine, and intense UV rays break down plastics, fade colors, and cause vinyl to become brittle and prone to popping. To protect your investment, establish a daily routine of removing gear from the water and rinsing it with fresh water from a garden hose.

Once rinsed, all gear must dry completely before being packed away to prevent the growth of mold, mildew, and bacteria. Invest in a ventilated mesh storage bin or a heavy-duty resin deck box that allows airflow while keeping the items off the damp ground. Store inflatable items slightly deflated in a cool, shaded area to prevent the air inside from expanding in the midday heat and bursting the seams.

With the right selection of active pool gear, your backyard pool will become the ultimate summer destination for high-energy play and skill-building. By investing in durable, safety-conscious equipment, you ensure endless hours of healthy exercise and screen-free entertainment. Keep the water clean, the rules clear, and the gear properly stored, and your family will enjoy a safe, active swimming season year after year.