7 Top Above-Ground Pools to Enjoy This Summer

The greatest above-ground pools are a terrific solution for keeping your family cool without the commitment of something more permanent. They are just as much fun as traditional pools but significantly more affordable. “Rather than taking weeks or months to make, they can be installed, filled, and ready to use in a matter of days,” says Troy Lindbeck, vice president of functions for Pinch A Penny, an online pool supply store. “Another significant advantage is that they can be disassembled and relocated to another home if the homeowner moves.” However, before you break out the pool floats, conducting your research—or consult ours is a good idea. The Intex Ultra Round Swimming Pool Set offers a gigantic 18 feet of swimming space and fun accessories, is our top selection for 2023.

The best above-ground pools will provide enough space for your kids to play for hours.

There is, however, more than one option: Above-ground pools are classified into three types: inflatable, metal frame, and hard-sided, each with its own set of sizes, durability, and ease of installation. The best style for you ultimately depends on your personal preferences and lifestyle. For example, an inflatable pool may be a fantastic option if you’re on a small budget, but it could be better if you want a durable model that will last a long time. When purchasing an above-ground pool, you should also examine accessories such as ladders and filters and if they are included or must be purchased separately. Find a selected list of our finest alternatives for 2023 ahead, then relax and enjoy all summer.

• Best Above-Ground Pool Overall: Intex Ultra Round Above-Ground Swimming Pool Set
• Best Metal Frame Above-Ground Pool: Bestway Steel Pro Frame Pool Set
• Best Inflatable Above-Ground Pool: Intex 13-Foot Easy Set Pool
• Best Saltwater Above-Ground Pool: Intex 26367EH Ultra XTR Pool Set With Saltwater System
• Best Budget Above-Ground Pool: Intex Rectangular Frame Pool
• Best Above-Ground Pool For Kids: AsterOutdoor Inflatable Swimming Pool
• Best Extra-Large Above-Ground Pool: Ultra XTR Rectangular Swimming Pool Set

2. Bestway Steel Pro Max 14-Foot Metal-Frame Above Ground Swimming Pool

$423

Dimensions: 14ft x 48 inches | Material: Steel frame; PVC lining | Included accessories: Filter pump, ground cloth, pool cover, ladder, garden hose drain adaptor, Chemconnect dispenser, pool vacuum, pool skimmer, 9-foot pole for vacuum/skimmer | Special product features: Flow-controlled drain valve

The pool has a diameter of 20 feet and a depth of 2 feet, and it can hold 7,947 gallons of water. It also includes a variety of important accessories, such as an Intex Krystal clear sand filter pump, pool ladder, ground cloth, and pool cover to maintain debris out.

Above-ground pools with metal structures are significantly more durable than inflatable types, but they are still easy to dismantle during the off-season. A rust-resistant steel frame supports this Bestway 14-foot pool and features a heavy-duty 3-ply PVC liner and a strengthened belt to hold the frame in place. The pool is four feet deep and holds 6,092 gallons of water.

Pros:

• Rust-resistant frame
• Reinforced belt
• Additional sizes available

Cons:

• Shorter warranty period

5. Intex Rectangular Frame Pool

$154$167Save $13 (8%)

Dimensions: 9.8 x 6.6 x 2.5 feet | Material: Metal frame, laminated PVC liner | Included accessories: N/A | Special product features: N/A

Pools can be expensive, but this above-ground option is cost-effective for your yard. The rectangular shape comes in four sizes, is supported by a rust-resistant metal frame, and is lined with laminated PVC.

This above-ground pool is straightforward to set up, but remember that it does not include a filter or other accessories; you must purchase them separately if necessary.

Pros:

• Good value
• Easy to assemble

Cons:

• No accessories included

6. AsterOutdoor Inflatable Swimming Pool

$35$54Save $19 (35%)

Dimensions: 80 x 55 x 23 inches | Material: Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) | Included accessories: N/A | Special product features: N/A

The AsterOutdoor Inflatable Pool is ideal for toddlers and small children and can be ready for play in as little as four minutes. It can hold up to 363 gallons of water and is a little under two feet tall, allowing the kids to enjoy pool time safely.

It features a fun, sea-themed design, and a distinctive bubble floor so kids may play without falling in the water. And because it’s an inflatable pool, deflating and packing for your next road trip is simple.

Pros:

• Padded bubble floor for kids
• Easy to assemble

Cons:

• Electric air pump not included

7. Intex Ultra Xtr Rectangular Swimming Pool Set

$2324$2687Save $363 (14%)

Dimensions: 32 x 16 x 4.3 feet | Material: Galvanized steel frame, PVC liner | Included accessories: Pool ladder, ground cloth, sand filter, pool cover, deluxe pool maintenance kit, volleyball set | Special product features: Volleyball set, salt water system

If you have a large yard, consider investing in an extra-sized above-ground pool like this one from Intex. It is 32 × 16 feet and holds 14,364 gallons of water. It is certainly large enough for your largest pool parties.

A galvanized steel frame supports this pool and includes a combination sand filter and saltwater system pump if you prefer to avoid standard chlorine upkeep. Other accessories have a ground cloth, debris cover, pool ladder, and a volleyball set for some friendly competition.

Pros:

• Saltwater system
• Volleyball set

Cons:

• Extra-large size may not fit in all yards

How To Choose The Best Above-Ground Pool

choices, such as the size of the pool and the amount of money you’re ready to spend. These are the variables to consider when deciding which above-ground pool is best for you and your yard.

Size

Above-ground pools come in different shapes and sizes, and the ideal option for you depends on your requirements. “You’ll want to consider the space you have open and how much of it you’re willing to fill with the pool,” Lindbeck adds. In addition, you’ll need to consider how many people will be using the pool and their ages. For example, some of the larger alternatives are 50 inches deep (or more), which may be too serious for younger children.

Type

Above-ground pools are classified into three types: inflatable, metal frame, and hard-sided. Inflatable solutions are the most affordable and simple to set up, but they lack durability due to the lack of a firm frame. Consider a metal frame pool, which can be removed during the cooler months if you want something more sturdy. While they take a little longer to set up than inflatable pools, they typically include a rust-resistant steel frame with a PVC liner. This sturdy, flexible liner keeps the water in your pool contained to minimize leaks, mold, and chemical waste. Hard-sided pools, which are also the most expensive, are the most durable.

Materials

Above-ground pools are typically constructed with a metal frame and PVC liners, though this is not the sole material utilized. Some pools have more durable multi-ply liners, which are frequently rip and puncture resistant. Pools with plastic frames are also available and frequently cheaper than their more durable versions. Just remember that they will only hold up a little to heavy use.

Features

Above-ground pools have features such as easy-to-connect frame sections, flow-controlled drains, and strengthened belts. Many pools also have essential accessories like filter pumps, ladders, and covers.

Ease Of Assembly

One great thing about above-ground pools: Typically, they don’t require professional installation. That being said, these pools aren’t always easy to assemble, meaning you probably don’t want to put one together on your own. More hands on deck will lead to an easier, quicker installation process.

How Do You Install An Above-Ground Pool?

Before setting up your above-ground pool, level off where it will sit by placing a layer of sand for cushioning or a ground cover (if your pool came with one). Then, assemble the frame and attach the liner according to the manufacturer’s instructions. “Be sure to read your pool’s warranty,” Lindbeck recommends, because incorrect installation can “void your manufacturer’s warranty.” (If you chose an inflatable pool, utilize an electric air pump to fill the sides with air.) Go ahead and fill your pool with water after it is completely assembled.

How Do You Clean An Above-Ground Pool?

You’ll need a few tools to maintain your above-ground pool clean. The most crucial is a filter pump. Connect it to the water line to assist in filtering away debris such as dirt, bugs, and leaves. It would help if you ideally ran it for several hours every day.

Lindbeck also suggests putting a flat skimmer net “on the pool’s surface to remove floating leaves and debris.” “Use a soft-bristled brush to remove algae or debris from the walls and ladder steps.” “Remove the skimmer and pump baskets.”

Then, use a pool vacuum to clear algae and other debris from the pool. “Unless you have an automatic pool cleaner (a robot vacuum cleaner that automatically sweeps your pool floor), you will need to manually vacuum your pool to clean up any remaining debris from the pool floor,” Lindbeck advises. “Be sure to use equipment designed for vinyl liners to avoid damaging the pool while performing routine maintenance.”

How Do You Disassemble An Above-Ground Pool?

Except hard-sided versions, most above-ground pools should be removed after the end of the swimming season. First, you’ll want to clean the pool and drain the water through the drain valve. Remove the inside liner and break the frame into pieces, which you can store any way you like.

Is It Cheaper To Build An Above-Ground Pool?

Compared to an in-ground pool, it is significantly cheaper to build an above-ground pool. Homeguide.com says large above-ground pools cost $1,000-$2,000 on average, whereas in-ground pool construction costs $28,000-$55,000 on average.