Purchased as a present for a very active little boy, this is a great paddling pool and looks like it is one that really will stand test of time. The inflatable base is brilliant for small children and adults! Nice to have something a little more comfortable to sit on.
The wall panels are both attractive and very sturdy. Nice to have a pool that won't spill water everywhere each time a child launches themselves out of the pool on their stomach! As someone who hates soggy lawns or wet slippery patios thanks to pools sloshing water everywhere, this feature is really important to me. The shape is not just a nice alternative design feature. It seems to add some decent structure to the pool and holds the shape well despite very rough play when there are 4 children jumping in and out.
Thanks to relatively cool weather, this pool has been used as a ball pit so far and the sides are high enough that this option also works well. While there is not a canopy like many, don't let that put you off. Slides and swings don't have canopies either! Just position it in the shade or with an umberella. I have had collapsing canopy pools and ones with roofs and they are a hassle to keep inflated properly as well as dry out and stop mould. Never again!
All in all, worth the extra money. I know you can purchase a pool at a fraction of the cost - and I have done so many times. However, this is not your average "dispose after a half season" pool. Made of nice thick plastic, this should last a lot longer than one season - more environmentally friendly option and should even save money in the long term.
In fact, I think I will order a second one for my own children.