Jasmine Birtles
Your money-making expert. Financial journalist, TV and radio personality.

With temperatures climbing across the UK and parents scrambling to prep for half-term garden fun, paddling pools are already selling out in some supermarkets. The good news? There are still some genuinely cheap deals available this week — but prices vary massively depending on where you shop.
We’ve checked current supermarket listings, discount chains and major retailers to find the cheapest paddling pools you can actually buy right now.
Lidl UK — LUPILU Paddling Pool — £4.99
This is currently the cheapest paddling pool we could find from a major UK retailer this week. Lidl’s sea-themed inflatable pool costs just £4.99 and is aimed at toddlers and younger children.
Lidl UK — CRIVIT Rectangular Jumbo Pool — £14.99
For families wanting something bigger without spending £30+, Lidl is again one of the strongest options. Its jumbo rectangular pool is £14.99 and significantly larger than the basic toddler versions.
A similar jumbo model in Lidl Northern Ireland stores has also recently been discounted further with Lidl Plus.
Argos — Bestway 7ft Rectangular Pool — £10
Argos has cut one of its most popular pools to just £10 — half price — ahead of the latest warm spell.
For anyone wanting a proper family-sized paddling pool without spending £40+, this is probably the standout national deal this week.
| Retailer | Cheapest Pool | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Lidl | LUPILU Paddling Pool | £4.99 |
| Tesco | Bestway Kiddie Pool | £7.09 |
| Argos | Bestway 7ft Pool | £10 |
| Tesco | Bestway Standard Pool | £15.15 |
Recent budget roundups praised the Hapello Rectangular Classic Pool as one of the best cheap buys available online right now thanks to its quick inflation and surprisingly large size.
Other highly-rated affordable pools include:
Searches spike every time the UK gets a heatwave — and this week is no different.
Retailers are already using the forecasted hot weather and school half-term to push discounts, with several pools selling at half price or better.
Home Bargains has also slashed the price of a huge inflatable aquarium-themed play centre from £74.99 to £24.99 this week.
Buying the pool is only part of the cost.
The average large paddling pool can cost several pounds to fill if you’re on a water meter.
Money-saving tricks parents are using this week include:
Historically, Lidl and Aldi pools disappear fastest during UK heatwaves because they’re often priced under £15 and sold as limited seasonal stock.
Argos usually restocks more frequently, but the cheapest models often vanish from Click & Collect first during hot weekends.
If temperatures stay high into the weekend, expect: