Pool Toys

Best Pool Toys for Summer: Intex Fun Goals and Top Picks to Transform Your Pool

Why the Right Pool Toys Make All the Difference

Summer by the pool can feel like a lazy postcard or an action movie, depending on the toys you bring. The right pool toys turn a simple dip into hours of laughter, friendly competition, and family memories. Whether you have a small above-ground pool or a backyard oasis that’s 12 feet across, choosing toys that match your space and group size keeps everyone engaged and safe.

Spotlight: Intex Fun Goals Game

If you’ve seen the Intex Fun Goals Game, you know it’s a terrific way to add sporty energy to the pool. This inflatable water soccer-style goal setup typically measures around 6 feet wide and is light enough to move, yet stable enough for splashy play. It’s perfect for kids and adults who want a simple competitive game without complex rules or hard equipment.

Why the Intex Fun Goals Stands Out

What makes the Intex Fun Goals special is its ease of use: inflate it in minutes with a standard pump, float it in shallow water of about 2 to 4 feet deep, and you’re ready for a match. The bright colors make it easy to spot in the water, and the soft inflatable frame minimizes the risk of bumps and bruises. It’s essentially a floating goalpost—think soccer meets pool party.

Best Ways to Play with Intex Fun Goals

Use soft foam balls or lightweight inflatable balls about 8 to 10 inches across to avoid heavy impacts. You can play 1-on-1, 2-on-2, or even set up a mini-tournament with bracketed rounds. Add timed rounds or trick-shot challenges to keep the game fresh. It’s a great choice for family gatherings and poolside birthdays where you want active play with low setup fuss.

Inflatable Loungers and Family Floats

Loungers and family floats are the chill side of pool toys, ideal for reading, sunbathing, or drifting under a summer sky. Look for floats that are at least 6 feet long for single loungers or 6 to 8 feet across for couple and family floats. Weight capacities usually range from 200 to 500 pounds depending on materials and design, so always check the label before you climb on.

Types of Inflatable Loungers

Classic vinyl loungers are affordable and lightweight, but upgrade to reinforced PVC or dual-layer constructions if you want longer life and better puncture resistance. Mesh seats are a nice feature for staying cool—imagine a hammock for the water, letting you float with your legs trailing beneath the surface. Some loungers even include cup holders and headrests for full comfort.

Family Floats That Hold the Crowd

Family floats often look like a floating island and can comfortably seat 3 to 6 people. Some models resemble mini rafts with built-in shade canopies and snack trays—perfect for long lazy afternoons. If your backyard pool is around 12 to 18 feet long, a compact family float keeps things social without hogging every inch of swimming space.

Pool Games and Sport Accessories

If you want to turn your pool into an arena, there’s an accessory for that. Think water basketball hoops, volleyball nets that stretch 10 to 15 feet, and floating goal sets like the Intex Fun Goals. These toys encourage active play and are great for improving hand-eye coordination, especially in kids ages 5 and up.

Water Basketball and Volleyball

Floating hoops typically stand about 3 feet above the waterline and use soft basketballs around 7 to 9 inches in diameter. Volleyball nets can be installed across medium to large pools and are usually adjustable to heights of 4 to 6 feet—lower for kids and higher for adults. These games are often the heart of pool parties because they invite everyone to join in, no fancy skills required.

Diving Toys and Treasure Hunts

Diving rings and weighted toys encourage underwater exploration and build confidence for kids learning to submerge. Look for sets that include several rings about 6 inches across and weights that sink gently to the deep end—safe for pools about 5 to 8 feet deep. Treasure hunt games can be scaled up into competitive relays or used for simple swim-practice sessions.

Inflatable Water Slides and Splash Islands

Want to bring the waterpark vibe home? Inflatable slides and splash islands are bold upgrades. Smaller slides are usually designed for pools with a shallow end at least 3 feet deep, while larger units that include ramps and multiple lanes might work best in pools that are 6 feet or longer. These toys are show-stoppers and can transform a small space into a carnival of slides and splashes.

Safety Tips for Slides and Large Inflatables

Always secure large inflatables to the pool deck or ground using anchor points—wind can turn a fun day into a dangerous one if the toy drifts. Limit sliding to one person at a time and enforce feet-first use. If the inflatable has a ladder, make sure it’s properly inflated and free of tears. For surfaces and decks, place a soft mat where users enter and exit the pool to prevent slips.

Water Blasters, Foam Toys, and Play Sets

Small toys like foam noodles, water blasters, and pool rafts are the swiss-army knives of pool play—versatile, inexpensive, and endlessly fun. A standard foam noodle is about 54 inches long and can double as a swim trainer, water sword, or floating bench for kids. Water blasters come in sizes from compact 12-inch pistols to 36-inch pump blasters for longer range and bigger splashes.

Creative Uses for Simple Toys

Use noodles as lane dividers for races or as safety aids during swim lessons. Foam disks and throwable toys can create obstacle courses or targets for accuracy drills. These simple toys encourage imaginative play and are easy to pack away when the season ends.

Floating Speakers, Lights, and Poolside Comfort

Enhance the ambiance with floating speakers and LED lights. Bluetooth waterproof speakers designed for pools often float upright and run for 6 to 12 hours on a single charge. LED floating lights or color-changing orbs can be scattered across the water at night to create a magical scene—think of them as tiny lighthouses guiding your midnight swims.

Planning Evening Pool Sessions

When the sun sets and temperatures drop to the mid-60s Fahrenheit, a floating LED or a heater-safe throw blanket by the deck keeps the vibes cozy. Pair lighting with a waterproof speaker playing summer playlists, and a simple evening swims turns into a cinematic backyard experience.

Materials, Durability and Safety Standards

The best pool toys are made from thick, UV-resistant PVC or high-density polyethylene that can withstand sun exposure and playful abuse. Look for toys with reinforced seams and double welds if you want longevity. Certifications and safety labels—such as phthalate-free material and ASTM-compliant ratings—are good signs that a product meets safety standards.

Inspecting Your Toys Regularly

Before each season, inspect inflatables for pinholes, seam separation, and valve damage. Small punctures can often be fixed with repair patches that come with most inflatables. Inflate a toy fully and listen for hissing, or submerge parts in water to spot bubble trails—simple but effective diagnostics.

Age Recommendations and Group Suitability

Not every pool toy is for every age. Toys labeled for ages 3 and up usually have sturdier pieces and fewer choking hazards. For toddlers, consider floatation seats and small, soft toys that float close to the edge. Older kids and adults can enjoy sport sets, slides, and loungers rated for higher weight capacities—some family rafts hold up to 500 pounds.

How to Match Toys to Your Crowd

Plan for mixed-age groups by offering both active game options and chill floats. If you’re hosting kids ages 4 to 10 and a few adults, set up separate zones: a shallow play area with small toys and a deeper area for games like basketball or Intex-style goals. This keeps traffic flowing and reduces congestion in any one spot.

Maintenance, Inflation and Storage Tips

Proper care extends the life of your pool toys. Inflate to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure—overinflating can stress seams while underinflating makes toys sag and wear faster. Use a pump with a pressure gauge when possible; for most inflatables, that’s about 1 to 2 psi for larger floats and slightly higher for more rigid components.

End-of-Season Care

Clean toys with mild soap and fresh water to remove chlorine and sunscreen residue, then dry them completely to avoid mildew. Deflate and fold loosely—never cram them into a tiny box—and store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. A breathable storage bag or a plastic bin kept in a garage or shed works well for year-round protection.

Budget Picks vs. Premium Choices

On a budget? You can still get great fun from simple items like foam noodles, small floating rings, and basic inflatable loungers—often priced under $20 for individual pieces. Premium options—like heavy-duty family floats, multi-lane slides, and branded sport sets—can cost $100 or more but offer better durability and additional features like cup holders, shade canopies, and reinforced valves.

How to Decide What to Buy

Think about how often you’ll use the toy and who will use it. If you host weekly pool parties, investing in higher-quality inflatables pays off. For occasional weekend use or small kids, economical options are perfectly fine. Also, watch for package deals that bundle repair kits, pumps, and storage bags—small extras that boost long-term value.

Where to Compare Prices and Read Reviews

Before you buy, compare prices across multiple retailers and read user reviews focused on durability and real-world use. Look for photos in reviews that show the toy in action—these often reveal practical details like how much space a float actually takes up or how stable an inflatable goal stays in rough play.

Timing Your Purchases

Shop early in the season for the widest selection, or snag late-season clearance deals when retailers want to clear stock. Keep in mind that mid-summer restocks can happen, so if a specific item like the Intex Fun Goals is out of stock, checking back in a few weeks might pay off.

Eco-Friendly and Innovative New Options

Looking for greener choices? Some brands now use recycled plastics and reduced-phthalate materials. There are also solar-powered LED orbs and biodegradable water toys that minimize environmental impact. Choosing longer-lasting items over single-season novelties is another simple way to be eco-conscious.

Innovations to Watch

Keep an eye out for hybrid products—loungers with built-in coolers, inflatables with reinforced anti-puncture cores, and smart speakers with longer battery life and anti-float caps. These small innovations can make your pool days easier and more enjoyable.

Final Buying Checklist

Before you click “buy,” run through a quick checklist: Is the toy suited to your pool size in feet? Does it match the users’ ages and weight capacities in pounds? Is the material durable and UV-resistant? Does it include a repair kit and clear inflation instructions? Answering these questions helps ensure your purchase will be a hit, not a hassle.

With the right mix of active games like the Intex Fun Goals and relaxing loungers, your pool can become the neighborhood’s go-to summer spot. Choose toys that fit your space, safety needs, and the type of fun you want—whether that’s wild water games or relaxed floating and sun-soaked conversation.

Conclusion: Investing in thoughtful pool toys transforms your backyard into a versatile playground that can entertain toddlers, teens, and adults alike. Keep safety and quality in mind, and don’t be afraid to mix budget-friendly items with a few premium pieces to get the best of both worlds.