How to Set Up a Sloosh Inflatable Tanning Pool in Your Backyard

# How to Set Up a Sloosh Inflatable Tanning Pool in Your Backyard

If you've seen the viral sloosh inflatable tanning pool all over your social feed, you already know why everyone wants one: it's an affordable, oversized lounger that lets you soak up the sun while staying cool in a few inches of water. Whether you're eyeing the standard size or the roomy sloosh tanning pool XL, setting one up is genuinely easy — but a few smart steps will make the difference between a pool that lasts one summer and one that becomes your backyard's main attraction for years.

In this guide, I'll walk you through everything from choosing the right spot to inflating, filling, and maintaining your tanning pool, plus a few product pairings that take the experience to the next level.

Why the Sloosh Inflatable Tanning Pool Is Worth the Hype

A tanning pool for adults hits a sweet spot that regular kiddie pools and expensive hard-shell options miss. It's shallow enough to stay refreshingly cool in the sun, big enough to stretch out fully, and inflated in minutes. CNN Underscored put it to the test too — I tested the Sloosh tanning pool to try to find cooling bliss — and came away impressed with how well it balances comfort, durability, and price.

Before you buy, check the current Sloosh discount code page — there's a 27% OFF sitewide offer running right now, which makes it an even better value.

Step 1: Choose the Right Location

Where you set up your inflatable tanning pool matters more than you'd think.

Look for:

• A flat, level surface. Grass is ideal. Avoid slopes — water will pool to one side and stress the seams unevenly.
• Morning or midday sun. Position the pool where it gets direct sun during your tanning hours, ideally 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Soft ground. Clear away sticks, rocks, and pet debris. A small puncture kit (most Sloosh pools include patch material) works, but prevention is better.
• Proximity to a water source. You'll fill it with a garden hose, so don't set up 100 feet from the spigot.

Avoid: concrete or asphalt (retains heat and can be abrasive), and areas under trees (leaves, sap, and bird droppings).

If your backyard setup is more ambitious, some people place their tanning pool inside or beside one of the larger rectangular above ground swimming pools for a layered lounging setup — but for most people, a flat patch of grass is all you need.

Step 2: Unbox and Prep

When your Sloosh pool arrives, follow this quick prep routine:

1. Unroll it fully in the sun for 10–15 minutes. Warm vinyl is more pliable and inflates faster with fewer creases.
2. Inspect for damage — check seams and the valve areas before your first inflation.
3. Locate the valves. Most Sloosh tanning pools have two or three separate air chambers (rim, base, and sometimes a backrest section).

Step 3: How to Inflate Your Sloosh Tanning Pool

This is the most common question: *sloosh tanning pool how to inflate?* Here's the process:

1. Open the valves by twisting or pinching them open, depending on the valve style.
2. Use an electric air pump (the fastest option — most pools inflate in under 5 minutes) or a hand/foot pump. Most pumps come with nozzle attachments that fit standard wide-body valves.
3. Inflate the floor first, then the rim. A firm base makes the pool stable and easier to shape.
4. Inflate to about 90% firmness. Vinyl expands in the sun, so leave a little give — over-inflation in direct heat is the #1 cause of seam stress.
5. Close the valves securely and check for air loss after 30 minutes.

Pro tip: Never use a high-pressure compressor or the nozzle-only setting on a shop vac — these can over-inflate and blow out seams.

Step 4: Fill With Water

Add just a few inches of water — that's the whole point of a tanning pool. Two to four inches is the sweet spot:

• Enough to keep your body cool while you tan
• Shallow enough that the sun warms it up fast (no shocking cold dips)
• Light enough that the pool stays comfortable and doesn't strain the seams

Use lukewarm water if your hose runs cold — cold water in a shallow pool takes a while to warm up. Slip in a floating thermometer if you're particular about your tanning temp.

Step 5: Set Up Your Tanning Station

Now for the fun part. A few accessories turn a simple pool into a full backyard spa experience:

• A tanning pool lounger — an inflatable lounger designed to sit in shallow water keeps you slightly elevated while still cooling you off.
• An inflatable pool lounger works great if you want a backrest for reading or scrolling.
• Floaties for pool like drink holders and cup floats keep refreshments within arm's reach.
• A floating chair gives you a second seat so a friend can join — most Sloosh XL pools easily fit two adults.

For days when you want to upgrade from backyard to lake or pool day, Sloosh's broader range of inflatable pool floats and the inflatable floating dock are worth a look — the dock is fantastic for deeper water lounging. And if paddleboarding is more your speed, the pink sup paddle board and pink paddle board pair beautifully with a full day on the water followed by a cool-down in your tanning pool.

Step 6: Maintenance and Care

Want your pool to last more than one season? Follow these habits:

• Rinse after use. Sunscreen, body oils, and chlorinated water degrade vinyl over time. A quick hose rinse and wipe-down after each session keeps it fresh.
• Empty and dry completely between long gaps in use. Standing water breeds mildew and attracts mosquitoes.
• Store deflated, dry, and folded loosely in a cool, shaded spot — never leave it inflated in the sun overnight, and never store it damp.
• Patch small punctures immediately with the included repair kit. Clean and dry the area first for a strong bond.
• Watch water quality. For multi-day setups, drain and refill every 1–2 days. Shallow water heats up fast, and warm stagnant water is a bacteria playground.

Frequently Asked Setup Questions

How long does inflation take? With an electric pump, about 3–5 minutes. A hand pump takes 10–15.

Does the sloosh tanning pool Amazon listing include a pump? Check the specific listing — some bundles include a pump, others don't. If yours doesn't, any electric pool pump with a standard nozzle set works fine. (Tip: the Sloosh discount code page lists current bundle deals with 27% off sitewide.)

Is it big enough for two adults? The standard size fits one adult comfortably; the sloosh tanning pool XL comfortably fits two adults lounging side by side.

Can kids use it? Yes, with constant adult supervision — remember that even a few inches of water poses a drowning risk for young children. Never leave kids unattended.

Can I leave it set up all summer? You can, but rinse it regularly, keep it out of over-inflation risk, and drain it during storms or heavy wind.

Final Thoughts

Setting up a sloosh inflatable tanning pool takes less than 20 minutes from box to lounging, and with a flat spot, an electric pump, and a few inches of water, you've got an at-home tanning oasis that rivals any pool club day pass. Add a tanning pool lounger, grab your sunscreen, and don't forget to check the current Sloosh coupon before you buy — 27% off sitewide makes this one of the best-value backyard upgrades of the summer.