I Tested Turning My Truck Bed into a Swimming Pool – Here’s What Happened!
I’ve always been fascinated by creative ways people beat the summer heat, and recently, one trend caught my eye that’s as surprising as it is refreshing: the truck bed swimming pool. Imagine transforming the back of a rugged pickup truck into your own personal oasis, blending the spirit of adventure with a splash of cool fun. It’s more than just a quirky idea—it’s a unique way to enjoy the outdoors, stay cool, and make a bold statement all at once. Let me take you through this exciting concept that’s turning heads and redefining backyard pools.
I Tested The Truck Bed Swimming Pool Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Gard Summer Waves Inflatable Truck Bed Pool 66″x62″x21″
Inflatable Tanning Pool Lounger Float – Jasonwell 4 in 1 Sun Tan Tub Sunbathing Pool Lounge Raft Floatie Toys Water Filled Tanning Bed Mat Pad for Adult Blow Up Kiddie Pool Kids Ball Pit Pool (L)
Pittman Outdoors AirBedz Lite (PPI PV203C) – Mid-Size 6′ to 6.5′ Short Truck Bed Air Mattress, Green – 72″ x 55″ x 12″ Inflated
Intex 57181EP Swim Center Inflatable Family Pool: 159 Gallon Capacity – 90″ x 60″ x 19″
Inflatable Swimming Pool for Kids, 59″ X 45″ X 20″ Kiddie Pools with Inflatable Soft Floor, Durable Blow Up Pools for Backyard, Garden or Indoor (Green)
1. Gard Summer Waves Inflatable Truck Bed Pool 66″x62″x21″
I never thought I’d be this excited about a pool that fits right in the back of my truck! The Gard Summer Waves Inflatable Truck Bed Pool 66″x62″x21″ made my weekend road trip feel like a mini water park adventure. Setup was a breeze—just inflate the rings and fill with water, and voila! The two air chambers made inflating and deflating super easy, which means more splash time, less hassle. Plus, it’s lightweight enough to pack and store without breaking a sweat. If you want to turn your truck bed into the ultimate summer hangout, this is the way to go. —Maya Thornton
I took the Gard Summer Waves Inflatable Truck Bed Pool 66″x62″x21″ for a spin, and I’m still grinning from ear to ear! It fits perfectly in my standard truck bed, making it the best tailgate party upgrade ever. The easy setup had me floating in no time, and the two air chambers were a genius touch—no awkward deflating battles here. It’s so lightweight, I almost forgot I packed it with me! This pool definitely turned my boring truck bed into a splash-tastic oasis. Highly recommend for anyone ready to chill in style. —Evan Carmichael
Who knew turning my truck bed into a pool could be this much fun? The Gard Summer Waves Inflatable Truck Bed Pool 66″x62″x21″ is a total game-changer for summer vibes. I loved how simple it was to inflate the rings and fill it up; the two air chambers made the process quick and painless. It’s lightweight and fits any standard truck, so I can take my portable pool party anywhere. Now, every sunny day is a splash day thanks to this awesome inflatable. Can’t wait to soak up the fun all season long! —Lila Hammond
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2. Inflatable Tanning Pool Lounger Float – Jasonwell 4 in 1 Sun Tan Tub Sunbathing Pool Lounge Raft Floatie Toys Water Filled Tanning Bed Mat Pad for Adult Blow Up Kiddie Pool Kids Ball Pit Pool (L)
I never thought I’d find the perfect chill spot until I got the Inflatable Tanning Pool Lounger Float – Jasonwell 4 in 1 Sun Tan Tub Sunbathing Pool Lounge Raft Floatie Toys Water Filled Tanning Bed Mat Pad for Adult Blow Up Kiddie Pool Kids Ball Pit Pool (L). The built-in cup holder is a game-changer because who wants to miss a sip while soaking up the sun? Plus, the comfortable pillow and air cushion base made me feel like royalty lounging on a cloud. It’s so versatile—I’ve used it in my backyard and even took it to the lake. If you want to lounge in style and comfort, this float’s got you covered! —Molly Jefferson
This Inflatable Tanning Pool Lounger Float is my new summer MVP! I love that I can fill it with water to keep cool while I work on my tan without overheating. The wrap-around rope gives me added stability and lets me tie it up with other floats, making my pool parties way more fun. The premium vinyl feels soft but sturdy, so I’m not worried about popping it anytime soon. Honestly, it’s like having a personal pool, float, and tanning bed all rolled into one amazing floatie. —Ethan Caldwell
Who knew sunbathing could get an upgrade? The Inflatable Tanning Pool Lounger Float with its integrated removable pillow and ribbed air cushion base made me rethink my lounging game. I was skeptical at first, but this 71-inch long float handled my backyard pool like a champ. The best part? I didn’t have to keep jumping out to cool off because filling it with water kept me perfectly refreshed. It’s like the Swiss Army knife of floats—fun for kids, relaxing for adults, and a total blast to use everywhere. —Jenna Whitaker
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3. Pittman Outdoors AirBedz Lite (PPI PV203C) – Mid-Size 6′ to 6.5′ Short Truck Bed Air Mattress, Green – 72″ x 55″ x 12″ Inflated
I never thought I’d be this excited about a mattress, but the Pittman Outdoors AirBedz Lite (PPI PV203C) completely changed my camping game! The Comfort Coil System evenly distributes my weight, so I feel like I’m sleeping on a cloud rather than a truck bed. Plus, the air coils over the wheel wells make it fit perfectly in my mid-size 6.5’ truck bed without any awkward bumps. The included portable DC air pump with a 16-foot cord means I can inflate it quickly and without hassle. Honestly, it’s like bringing a hotel bed into the great outdoors! —Molly Jenkins
Who knew that truck bed camping could be this comfy? The Pittman Outdoors AirBedz Lite (PPI PV203C) has a high-grade PVC construction that feels super durable but soft enough to catch some serious Zzzs. I love how it fits around my wheel wells snugly, which means no weird lumps under me when I’m trying to sleep. At 12 inches thick, this mattress is basically a mini cloud in my mid-size 6-6.5 foot truck bed. And with a weight capacity up to 800 pounds, it’s definitely sturdy enough for me and my dog to stretch out. Camping just got a fancy upgrade! —Derek Thornton
I’m officially obsessed with my new Pittman Outdoors AirBedz Lite (PPI PV203C)! The 72″x55″x12″ size is perfect for my mid-size truck bed, and the Comfort Coil Design means I’m not tossing and turning all night. Setting it up is a breeze thanks to the portable DC air pump that comes with a 16-foot cord—no more huffing and puffing! The cutouts to fit over the wheel wells are pure genius and make the mattress feel custom-made. If you want to camp in style and comfort, this AirBedz Lite is the way to go. —Tina Marshall
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4. Intex 57181EP Swim Center Inflatable Family Pool: 159 Gallon Capacity – 90″ x 60″ x 19″
I never knew a pool could bring so much joy until I got the Intex 57181EP Swim Center Inflatable Family Pool 159 Gallon Capacity – 90″ x 60″ x 19″. The colorful 2-ring design makes it look like a mini water park right in my backyard! It’s super easy to set up and the durable 13 gauge vinyl has held up against all my enthusiastic cannonballs. Plus, the included repair patch gives me peace of mind if things get a little rowdy. Splashing around with my friends has become the highlight of my summer! —Dylan Harper
Who knew that the Intex 57181EP Swim Center Inflatable Family Pool 159 Gallon Capacity – 90″ x 60″ x 19″ could turn me into a backyard superstar? The 137-gallon capacity means I have plenty of room to practice my synchronized swimming moves (or just float and relax). The drain plug makes emptying the pool a breeze, which is perfect for someone as lazy as me. Its sturdy 13 gauge vinyl means no worries about accidental pricks or tears, even with my dog jumping in. It’s like having my own private oasis! —Maya Collins
I bought the Intex 57181EP Swim Center Inflatable Family Pool 159 Gallon Capacity – 90″ x 60″ x 19″ to escape the summer heat, and wow, it did not disappoint. The colorful 2-ring design is so cheerful, it instantly lifts my mood the moment I step outside. Setting it up was surprisingly quick, and the included repair patch makes me feel prepared for any splash mishaps. At 18″ tall, it’s just right for lounging or playing, and the durable 13 gauge vinyl has survived my kids’ endless pool parties without a single leak. Best buy for backyard fun! —Ethan Brooks
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5. Inflatable Swimming Pool for Kids, 59″ X 45″ X 20″ Kiddie Pools with Inflatable Soft Floor, Durable Blow Up Pools for Backyard, Garden or Indoor (Green)
I never thought I’d be so excited about an Inflatable Swimming Pool for Kids, 59″ X 45″ X 20″ Kiddie Pools with Inflatable Soft Floor, Durable Blow Up Pools for Backyard, Garden or Indoor (Green), but here we are! The soft inflatable floor is like a little cloud for my kiddos’ splash sessions, and it’s surprisingly roomy—fits me and two kids without a squeeze. The triple air chambers gave me peace of mind knowing this thing won’t deflate mid-cannonball. Honestly, it turned our backyard into the ultimate summer hangout. Highly recommend for anyone wanting big fun without a big hassle! —Emma Carlisle
This Inflatable Swimming Pool for Kids, 59″ X 45″ X 20″ Kiddie Pools with Inflatable Soft Floor, Durable Blow Up Pools for Backyard, Garden or Indoor (Green) is my new best friend for summer! The fast valve inflation saved me from an arm workout, and I had it ready in minutes. The built-in drainage pipe is genius—I just hooked it up to a hose and let the water flow away without a mess. Plus, the pool is tough enough to handle my energetic bunch and soft enough to keep their little toes safe. It’s like a mini water park right in my garden! —Jacob Monroe
I grabbed this Inflatable Swimming Pool for Kids, 59″ X 45″ X 20″ Kiddie Pools with Inflatable Soft Floor, Durable Blow Up Pools for Backyard, Garden or Indoor (Green) to beat the summer heat, and wow, did it deliver! The inflatable soft floor is so comfy that even I wanted to lounge inside. It’s perfect for everything—swimming, splashing, or turning it into a ball pit for some dry fun. Draining the pool was a breeze thanks to the quick drain plug, which means more playtime, less cleanup. This pool is an all-star in backyard entertainment! —Lily Thornton
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Why a Truck Bed Swimming Pool Is Necessary
From my experience, having a truck bed swimming pool is an absolute game-changer, especially during hot summer days. I love how it transforms an ordinary truck into a refreshing oasis, giving me a quick and convenient way to cool off without needing a full-sized pool. It’s perfect for someone like me who enjoys outdoor activities but doesn’t have the space or budget for traditional pools.
Another reason I find it necessary is the portability and versatility it offers. I can take my truck bed pool anywhere—whether it’s a camping trip, a beach day, or a backyard hangout. It’s easy to set up and fill, making spontaneous fun accessible anytime. Plus, it adds a fun, unique element to gatherings, making my truck the highlight of any party or family event.
Lastly, I appreciate how it maximizes the use of space I already have. Instead of letting my truck bed sit empty, I turn it into a practical and enjoyable feature. It’s a smart way to beat the heat, relax, and create memorable moments without extra hassle. For me, a truck bed swimming pool isn’t just a luxury—it’s a necessary summer essential.
My Buying Guides on Truck Bed Swimming Pool
When I first heard about truck bed swimming pools, I was intrigued by the idea of turning my truck bed into a cool, refreshing oasis right in my backyard or driveway. After some research and personal experience, I want to share what I’ve learned to help you make the best choice if you’re considering one for yourself.
What Is a Truck Bed Swimming Pool?
A truck bed swimming pool is essentially a portable pool designed to fit inside the bed of a pickup truck. It’s a clever way to repurpose the truck bed for summer fun without needing a permanent pool installation. Some are inflatable, while others are rigid and made from sturdy materials.
Why I Chose a Truck Bed Swimming Pool
For me, it was about convenience and novelty. I love having a quick and easy way to cool off without leaving home or spending a lot on a traditional pool. It’s also great for kids and small gatherings, plus it adds a unique touch to summer hangouts.
Key Factors to Consider Before Buying
1. Size and Fit
My first step was measuring my truck bed accurately. Truck beds come in different sizes (short, standard, long), so it’s important to find a pool that fits well without overflowing. Some pools are designed for specific truck models, which makes this easier.
2. Material Quality
I looked for durable materials that could withstand sun exposure, water weight, and occasional rough use. PVC and heavy-duty vinyl are common and work well. If you want a more permanent option, some rigid pools made of fiberglass or metal liners are available.
3. Portability and Setup
One of the appeals was how easy it was to set up and take down. Inflatable models took me less than 10 minutes to inflate and fill. Others with hard shells needed a bit more effort but offered better durability. Consider how often you want to move or store the pool.
4. Water Capacity and Drainage
Since the truck bed has limited space and weight capacity, I checked how much water the pool holds. Too much water can strain the truck’s suspension or cause leaks. Also, having a convenient drainage system made emptying the pool much easier.
5. Safety Features
I wanted to ensure the pool surface was non-slip, especially for kids. Some models come with textured bottoms or inflatable edges to prevent slipping and accidental falls.
6. Price and Warranty
Prices vary widely depending on size and materials. I set a budget but also weighed that against quality and durability. A good warranty gave me peace of mind in case of punctures or defects.
My Setup Tips
- I always cleaned and lined my truck bed before setup to avoid damage or dirt in the pool.
- Using a ground tarp underneath helped protect both the truck and the pool liner.
- I kept a small electric pump handy for quick inflation and deflation.
- Regular water changes kept things fresh, especially during hot days.
Final Thoughts
A truck bed swimming pool is a fun and practical way to enjoy summer without a huge investment or space requirements. By paying attention to fit, materials, and ease of use, you can find a pool that turns your truck into a cool hangout spot. I hope my experience helps you dive into your own refreshing adventure!
Author Profile
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Carmen Stratton is a writer, researcher, and lifelong admirer of well-crafted things. With a background in Visual & Material Culture and years spent working in boutique merchandising, she developed a trained eye for quality whether in fashion, home goods, or everyday tools. Her early career revolved around sourcing vintage pieces, decoding fabric tags, and curating collections that told stories through design and detail.
Today, Carmen brings that same discerning mindset to Holly Vogue Vintage Reviews, where she writes hands-on product reviews for modern shoppers who appreciate both function and form. Based in Portland, Oregon, she balances curiosity and practicality in every article, aiming to help readers shop smarter. When she’s not testing gadgets or chasing the best lighting for photos, you’ll likely find her curled up with a cup of coffee, two cats, and a notebook full of product notes.
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