How does the best pool toy Watermelon Ball 9-inch compare in reviews and fun?
How does the best pool toy Watermelon Ball 9-inch compare in reviews and fun?
- Durable and long-lasting: The ball withstands outdoor conditions, rough play, and remains in excellent shape even after extended use in pools and on varied surfaces.
- Unique underwater gameplay: Its ability to sink, bounce, and move underwater adds a creative and exciting twist to pool activities, making it stand out from traditional pool toys.
- Perfect for group fun: Encourages interaction among family and friends in pools or beaches, fostering teamwork and creating memorable moments during gatherings.
- Easy to inflate and transport: Comes with a convenient adapter, allowing for quick setup. Its lightweight design when empty ensures hassle-free portability to any location.
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Description
A Summer with the Watermelon Pool Toys: My Honest Experience
As someone who spends nearly every summer weekend by the pool with family and friends, I’m always on the lookout for something to spice up our time in the water. That’s how I stumbled across these quirky watermelon-themed pool balls. The set includes two sizes, a 6.5-inch and a 9-inch ball, which immediately caught my eye as something unique compared to the usual inflatable toys. I decided to give them a shot, and after weeks of splashing around with these, I have plenty to share about how they performed.
Features and Setup
These pool toys are crafted from durable polyvinyl chloride (PVC), which gives them a sturdy feel without being overly rigid. The balls are designed to be filled with water rather than air. Using the included needle-nose adapter, I was able to fill them up in less than five minutes. Once filled, the smaller ball weighed just under 15 pounds, while the larger one was slightly heavier, so I could tell this wasn’t going to be your average game of pool volleyball.
The instructions provided were simple and straightforward, which I appreciated. The adapter attached seamlessly to my garden hose, and the water-filled balls were ready to go in no time. My nephew, who is eight, was even able to help set up, which made him feel super involved.
Performance in the Pool
Once they were submerged, the real fun began. The larger ball felt surprisingly neutral in the water, while the smaller one was more agile and easier to toss around. My kids and their friends quickly invented games that involved passing the balls underwater or bouncing them off the pool floor. The balls mimic the feel of a basketball underwater, which was oddly satisfying.
What truly stood out was how versatile these are. Whether it was water tag, underwater dribbling, or a chaotic version of water polo, the balls added something fresh to each activity. My teenage cousins even started a game where they tried to score points by passing the ball through a pool float’s hole. The level of creativity these inspired was honestly impressive.
Pros
- Durable Material: Despite being tossed, bounced, and occasionally left out in the sun, the PVC held up well. No punctures or deflation issues so far.
- Encourages Physical Activity: Even the adults (myself included) found ourselves diving for these balls, which made for a surprisingly good workout.
- Easy to Use: The included adapter and instructions made setup a breeze.
- Fun for All Ages: Everyone from my eight-year-old nephew to my 35-year-old brother-in-law enjoyed these.
- Unique Design: The watermelon print is vibrant and easy to spot in the pool, making them as visually appealing as they are functional.
Cons
- Weight Outside Water: Once filled, these are heavy. While that’s fine in the pool, dropping them on the deck can be risky for toes or tiles.
- Sun Sensitivity: Leaving them in direct sunlight for long periods made the surface sticky. I had to start storing them in the shade to avoid this issue.
- Refilling Required: After a couple of months, the balls started losing water and needed a refill, which, while not difficult, was a tad inconvenient.
- Limited Compatibility: The adapter worked well with my hose, but I imagine it might not fit all standard hose types.
- Not Ideal for Small Pools: If you’re working with a small backyard pool, the size and weight of these balls can feel a bit overwhelming.
Comparison to Competitors
Compared to regular inflatable beach balls or pool noodles, these watermelon-themed balls offer a completely different type of fun. Traditional inflatables are more about floating and lounging, whereas these are all about action and movement. I’ve tried similar weighted water toys before, but they often lacked the durability or fun factor that these bring.
One competitor that comes to mind is the Waboba Ball, which also works in water but is much smaller and geared more towards games of catch. The Watermelon Balls outshine Waboba in versatility, offering more ways to play and involving more people at once. However, I’ll admit the Waboba is less cumbersome and easier to toss around in smaller pools.
In terms of durability, these watermelon-themed balls outlasted a cheaper inflatable brand I tried last year. While those deflated and ripped within weeks, these show no signs of wear even after being used almost daily this summer.
Cost Analysis and Value for Money
While the price point is slightly higher than some other pool toys, I genuinely feel the value is there. These aren’t just one-and-done items; they’re built to last. The fact that they encourage active play and group participation makes them worth the investment, especially for families.
Cheaper alternatives might save you a few bucks upfront, but they won’t hold up to regular use or provide the same level of engagement. Considering how much use we’ve gotten out of these, I don’t think I’ll need to replace them anytime soon. For me, that makes these a solid addition to our summer arsenal.
If you’re looking for something that combines durability, creativity, and endless entertainment, these balls are a standout choice for poolside fun. Just don’t forget to put them away when you’re done to avoid that sticky sun issue.
Additional information
Brand | Watermelon Ball |
---|---|
Material | Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) |
Color | Multicolor |
Age Range Description | Adult |
Item Weight | 1.48 pounds |
Sport | Rugby, Volleyball, Soccer, Basketball |
Item Diameter | 9 Inches |
Number of Items | 2 |
UPC | 860002145600 |
Country of Origin | USA |
Manufacturer recommended age | 8 years and up |
Department | boys |
Manufacturer | Watermelon Ball LLC |