10 Best Above Ground Pools
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An above ground pool can be a quick and affordable alternative to an in ground pool. They are not only easy to install, portable, and simple to maintain but also a great way to relax and have fun.
There are many options to consider when choosing the best above ground pools. Things like materials, size, shape, durability, installation, safety, price, and accessories should be researched before making a purchase.
To help you decide, we researched and reviewed the 10 best above ground pools and what each has to offer.
Quick Look at Our Top Picks for Best Above Ground Pools:
- Best Overall Above Ground Pools – Intex Prism Frame Set Above Ground Pool, 15ft X 48in
- Best Budget Above Ground Pools – Intex 10′ x 30″ Metal Frame Set Swimming Pool
- Best Rectangle Above Ground Pools – Intex 16ft X 8ft X 42in Prism Frame Rectangular Pool
- Best 24 Foot Above Ground Pools – Summer Waves 24ft x 52in Elite Wicker Above Ground Pool
- Best Small Above Ground Pools – Intex 8ft X 30in Easy Set Pool Set
How We Researched Best Above Ground Pools
- We spent several weeks researching the 10 best above ground pools.
- We considered over 20 above ground pools and fine tuned it down to the ten reviewed in this article.
- We did this by reading hundreds of reviews, contacting the manufacturers and comparing the features of each above ground pool.
Why You Should Trust Us
For this review, we interviewed certified pool maintenance technicians as well as pool specialists across the country. We also talked to pool parts suppliers, and spent several days in pool retail stores as well as online, researching above ground pools and their features.
For many years, I myself have purchased and maintained in ground and above ground pools. I currently own an in ground pool and maintain it myself.
Best Rated Above Ground Pools Comparison Chart
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The 10 Best Above Ground Pools
#1 Intex Prism Frame Set Above Ground Pool, 15ft X 48in
Product Specifications:
- Capacity: 4440 gallons
- Dimensions: 15 x 48 inches
- Pump: 110-120V cartridge filter pump
- Frame Materials: Powder-coated steel tubing
- Warranty: Manufacturing defective product replaced within 90 days of purchase
This above ground pool with a prism frame measures 15-feet in diameter with a 4-foot height. The prism frame is enhanced with a strong, powder-coated steel tubing. The liner is stylish and constructed with a puncture-resistant, 3-Ply material that lasts for years.
The Intex prism above ground pool comes with a cartridge filter pump, a ladder, ground cloth, and a debris cover. An instruction DVD means its easy to assemble. The 110-120V cartridge filter pump has a pump flow rate of 1,000 gallons per hour.
#2 Intex 10′ x 30″ Metal Frame Set Swimming Pool
Product Specifications:
- Capacity: 1500 gallons
- Dimensions: 10 ft x 30 in
- Pump: 330 GPH Filter Pump
- Frame Materials: High molecular PVC
- Warranty: Manufacturing defective product replaced within 90 days of purchase
Intex’s Metal Frame Set Pool has walls made from Intex’s SUPER-TOUGH material, which is high molecular PVC unaffected by gasoline, oil, and salt water. SUPER-TOUGH PVC is highly resistant to damage from abrasion, impact and sunlight. The 10′ x 30″ pool is held by a metal frame.
The Intex 330 GPH filter pump is included to help keep your water sparkling clean. Pool includes a maintenance kit with 94″ telescoping aluminum pole, vacuum head, skimmer net, and wall brush. Set up is simple and plug accepts a garden hose to drain water away.
#3 Intex 16ft X 8ft X 42in Prism Frame Rectangular Pool
Product Specifications:
- Capacity: 14,000 gallons
- Dimensions: 16ft X 8ft X 42in
- Pump: 1000 GPH cartridge filter pump
- Frame Materials: Powder-coated steel tubing
- Warranty: Manufacturing defective product replaced within 90 days of purchase
Intex Rectangular pools have strong, powder coated steel tubing, mosaic tile printed on the inside liner, unique cool blue gray color with white trim. The pool dimensions are: 16 x 8 x 42.
This pool has hydro aeration technology which is incorporated into the cartridge filter pump, providing improved circulation and filtration, improved water clarity, and increased negative ions at the water surface. The pool set includes: 1000 gal cartridge filter pump, ladder, ground cloth, and pool cover.
#4 Summer Waves 24ft x 52in Elite Wicker Above Ground Pool
Product Specifications:
- Capacity: 16,000 gallons
- Dimensions: 24 ft x 52 ft
- Pump: 12″ Sand Filter Pump
- Frame Materials: Durable steel and PVC
- Warranty: 90 day limited warranty
Summer Waves Elite 24 Foot Above Ground Frame Pool can be set up in as little as 60 minutes, and with its durable steel and PVC design, it handles up to 12,948 gallons of water. It is constructed of triple layer polyester mesh and heavy gauge PVC materials as well as rust-resistant, galvanized steel frame stands up to heavy use and the elements.
This complete pool kit has everything you need and comes with a sand filter pump, pool cover, ladder, ground cloth, and deluxe maintenance kit. The pump is a 1,600 gallon, 12-inch sand filter pump system.
#5 Intex 8ft X 30in Easy Set Pool Set
Product Specifications:
- Capacity: 639 gallons
- Dimensions: 8 ft x 30 in
- Pump: 110 – 120 Volt Filter Pump with 330 GPH
- Frame Materials: Durable laminated PVC walls
- Warranty: Manufacturing defective product replaced within 90 days of purchase
The Intex Easy Set comes with SUPER-TOUGH laminated PVC sidewalls. It can be ready for water in 10 minutes, simply spread out on level ground, inflate the top ring, and fill the pool with water. It holds 639 gallons of water at 80% capacity.
It comes with a 110 – 120 volt filter pump with 330 gallon per hour flow rate. It also includes a set-up and maintenance DVD. The convenient drain plug that connects to a garden hose means water can be drained away from the pool or house area.
#6 Bestway Steel Pro 15′ x 48″ Frame Pool
Product Specifications:
- Capacity: 4,231 gallons
- Dimensions: 15 feet x 48 inches
- Pump: None included
- Frame Materials: High-quality rust, corrosion-resistant frame
- Warranty: 90 day limited warranty
The Bestway above round pool comes with Tri-Tech material that provides rigidity and strength. The high-quality frame is applied with a rust and corrosion-resistant coating to make your pool strong and lasting. This pools dimensions are: 15′ x 48″ and the water capacity is 4,231 gallons at 90% capacity.
The drain valve makes it easy to drain your above ground pool. this pool is a frame pool set only and does not include a pump.
#7 Bestway 9.8ft x 6.6 ft x 79 x 26in Deluxe Splash Steel Pool
Product Specifications:
- Capacity: 872 gallons
- Dimensions: 9′ 8″ x 79″ x 26″
- Pump: None included
- Frame Materials: Durable PVC with a dense layer of polyester mesh.
- Warranty: 90 day limited warranty
This Bestway Rectangular Splash Frame Pool is a great size with shallow depth which is a great swimming pool for kids who are becoming more adept at paddling. The frame of this above ground pool is made by joining steel poles together with ‘T’ connectors and ‘C’ clips. These hold the pool liner, tough PVC and polyester outer wall in place, creating the rectangular shape of the above ground pool. Reinforced rope wraps around the bottom of the pool liner to keep the legs firmly in position.
One of the finest features of this rectangular pool is how incredibly quick and easy it is to put together. This Bestway Pool also has a built-in flow control drain valve, which can be attached to a garden hose to fill the pool or drain it of water. This pool does not include a pump.
#8 Intex Ultra XTR Rectangular Above Ground Swimming Pool
Product Specifications:
- Capacity: 15,000 gallons
- Dimensions: 32 ft x 16 ft x 52 in
- Pump: 800 GPH sand filter pump
- Frame Materials: Puncture-resistant 3-ply material, galvanized steel frame
- Warranty: 2 year limited warranty
The Intex 32-foot x 16-foot x 52-inch Ultra XTR Rectangular Frame Pool is perfect for narrow backyards, lap swimmers, and pool games. The Ultra Frame design provides excellent durability and a sleek gray finish. The gray outer liner and blue tile-print inner liner gives a classic, clean look, encapsulating inner and outer powder coating to prevent rusting.
This pool includes everything you need including the powerful Intex 2,800-gallon per hour sand filter pump, ladder, debris cover, and ground cloth. The sand filter pump saves you time, money, and frustration, and replaces the need to buy expensive filters by only needing routine back washing and replacement sand every 5 years.
#9 Lake Effect Meadows Reprieve 12′ Above Ground Swimming Pool
Product Specifications:
- Capacity: 3000 gallons
- Dimensions: 12 feet x 52 inches
- Pump: None included
- Frame Materials: Resin coated steel
- Warranty: 5 years on materials
This elegantly designed above ground pool features a super strong steel wall that has been hot dip galvanized for protection. The copper bearing steel wall is resin coated both on the inside and outside offering great protection against premature rusting while offering maximum longevity. The interlocking stabilizer rails and coping strips fit tightly over your liner, and the top of the pool wall, locking the bedrock liner in place.
This pool does not come with an included pump and the liner and skimmer will ship separately from the pool.
#10 Intex 12 Foot x 30 Inches Metal Frame Above Ground Pool
Product Specifications:
- Capacity: 1,718 gallons
- Dimensions: 12 feet x 30 inches
- Pump: None included
- Frame Materials: Sturdy metal frame
- Warranty: Manufacturing defective product replaced within 90 days of purchase
This above-ground swimming pool is made with a sturdy metal frame, and is easy-to-set-up in comparison to more complicated steel walled pools. Measuring 12-Feet by 30-Inches and able to hold up to 1,718 gallons of water, this pool is the perfect size for many backyards.
The drain plug accepts a garden hose to drain water away from the pool area as desired. This pool does not come with a filter pump.
What to Consider When Buying an Above Ground Pool
Size – Depending on the size of your family or the number of neighborhood kids who will be swimming, you may want a larger size pool. Consider the bigger the pool the more space, water and maintenance it will need. Also consider the amount of space you have in your yard for the pool.
Design – Most above ground pools come is shapes like rectangular, round, and oval. Depending on the shape of your yard one maybe better than the other. Also if you want to use the pool for swimming laps, you may consider a rectangular shape.
Above ground pools also come with inflatable, or solid frames. Inflatables are easier to set up and much more affordable. While solid frame pools maybe more work to set up.
The Material – Quality materials mean your pool will last longer whether it be a ring shape inflatable or a frame pool. Bigger pools usually requires more firm and sturdy materials to hold much more water. Frame pools are best with legs made of steel while the walls are PVC or aluminum. Any metals like steel or aluminum should be powder coated to prevent rusting.
Price – Above ground pools come in different price ranges for different sizes and shapes. Normally the major difference is the materials used and the size of the pool. Buying an above ground pool is cheaper than an in ground pool and can be set up quickly.
Safety – Safety with an above ground pool is part of the appeal. Children are not likely to fall in but a lockable ladder is important to have. Many above ground pools have covers which makes falling in much harder as well. Most above ground pools have reinforced walls which add to its safety.
Accessories – Above ground pools often come with accessories like a ladder, ground cloth, maintenance kit and cover. Many of the larger sized pools also come with a filter pump. If you do not want to purchase these items separately, be sure to check what is included with your pool.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I maintain an above ground pool?
Above ground pools usually come with chlorine or salt water filter systems that leave little room for error. You will also need to add chemicals like chlorine and keep the levels consistent. Above ground pool maintenance schedules are important to keeping your pool clean and clear, and preventing struggles with algae, cloudy water or unsafe swimming conditions.
How much does an above ground pool cost?
High end above ground pools can cost between $600 and $3,000 while smaller play pools can cost anywhere from $90 to $300. If you opt for professional installation you can expect to add from $1,000 to $3,000 to the total price, which includes labor for leveling the ground, adding sand, and running the electricity.
How much does an above ground pool cost to run?
On average swimming pools can cost $65 to $100 per month or around $800 to $1,200 a year just for electricity.
How long do above ground pools last?
Most above ground pools can last 7 to 15 years before the structure gives out. The pool liners can last 5–9 years before they need to be replaced.
Where can I buy above ground pools?
Depending on your preference in size and style you can find above ground pools at local department stores, hardware stores, or for a bigger selection you can check out Amazon.
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