In their pursuit of greater luxury and comfort, many people vacation to the ocean and beaches where they can lounge beside and cool off in the water. Of course, when they return home, all that is possible is to dream of those idyllic, leisure-filled days. At this point, it becomes clear, something must be done, and since a return to the coastal water is impossible, the adept problem solver brings the water to the home. Compared to the high costs and land requirements of a below-ground pool, one of the best ways to do accomplish this is with an above-ground pool. However, before purchasing the best above ground pool, there are four specific things you must consider.
Best Above Ground Pool Mini-Guide
Size
The size of the pool is one thing to consider because some above-ground pools are for wading or splashing. Others, however, are full-size pools fit for adults. The size also impacts assembly time and filling time. In terms of size, the volume impacts how expensive it is to fill the pool. If you fill it several times in a season, you want to ensure you get the correct size for your needs.
Construction
The construction quality of the above-ground pool involves the frame, the lining, and the accessories. You should look for a non-rust frame. Additionally, the lining should be durable, puncture-resistant mesh capable of withstanding the abuse it gets from heels and elbows. Additionally, to accommodate different depths, you might also need the lining to be expandable. For instance, expandable linings will expand to fill in a depression made for the deep end of the pool.
Shape
The shape of the pool impacts assembly. For instance, a square pool might remain in place, allowing once person to get it ready for filling. However, a curved pool might fall in on itself, requiring two or more people.
Pump
Most pools require a water hose. However, you should look for the best above ground pool that comes with a filtered pump. Filtered pumps are able to attach right to the hose. Then they filter out dirt or debris that might exist within your pipes. Without the filter, you might introduce debris into your pool that could scratch or scrape the lining.
10 Best Above Ground Pool Reviews
1. Intex 32ft X 16ft X 52in Ultra XTR Rectangular Pool
Features
The Intex above-ground pool is a 48-inch, do-it-yourself pool that will have you and your family in the water within approximately five hours of unpacking all the components. It unfolds into a rectangular shape, and it is framed with powder-coated, non-rust, ladder-style frame.
In terms of setup, the easy-lock mechanism for each segment allows you to snap the frame together. All you have to do next is twist, and the frame segments are locked into place.
Because it sets up quickly and comes apart quickly, you can set it up and take it down as needed, storing it away in a compact manner.
Extras
The included pump is capable of handling up to 2,650 gallons per hour. The pool, itself, holds just over 14,000 gallons. As the pool is designed to be filled up to 90-percent capacity, you will be done filling the pool in approximately six hours. As a bonus, the pump is a sand filter pump that will filter debris, keeping your pool water clean and free of silt.
When the pool is not being used, you can use the included debris cover to cover the pool. It will keep leaves and insects out of the pool, reducing the time you spend skimming.
Finally, it comes with a non-slip ladder that props over the outer edge.
Pros
- large pool accommodates an entire family
- sand-filter
- includes debris cover and ladder
- rust-resistant frame
Cons
- might not be tall enough for taller people
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2. Intex 18ft X 9ft X 52in Ultra XTR Rectangular Pool Set with Sand Filter Pump, Ladder, Ground Cloth & Pool Cover
Features
Similar to the Intex 32-foot pool, the Intex 18-foot, above-ground pool provides all the luxury as its big sister while providing a smaller footprint for smaller yards or for fewer occupants.
The frame is galvanized steel, and each segment fits together with a sturdy, snap-and-twist locking mechanism that secures everything into place. The powder coating is baked on and nearly impossible to scratch. As such, the frame is highly resistant to rust because the water simply cannot get to the metal. The quality is so high that Intex provides a two-year warranty, ensuring your investment is as protected as you are comfortable in your new pool.
Extras
It comes with a sand-filter pump capable of handling 1,200 gallons of water per hour. The pool is designed to hold 4,545 gallons, so you will be done filling the water in approximately 4.5 hours. Installation is a snap, so it will be ready for the pump in approximately 60 minutes.
Additional accessories include a ground cloth to keep the lining off the ground, a debris tarp, and a pool ladder.
Pros
- sets up in 60 minutes
- fast pump
- small size for compact yards
Cons
- pool ladder does not fit over the side like an A-frame ladder
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3. Summer Waves 12′ x 33″ Above Ground Pool Set
Features
The Summer Waves above-ground pool is 12-feet in diameter and 33 inches in depth. As such, it is perfect for children looking for a safe, chest-deep swim. In terms of setup, the pool allows assembly in approximately 15 minutes. The wicker, herring-bone-style material is tough and extremely resistant to punctures or tears.
Extras
The accompanying SFX600 pump is capable of meeting the 1,900-gallon capacity in approximately 40 minutes. Because the pump is affixed with a sand filter, it will keep sediment from entering the pool and potentially puncturing the lining.
In terms of the lining’s durability, it consists of a triple-mesh construction. Even if the outer layer is scratched, the inner layers will protect the pool from leaking.
Pros
- easy setup
- perfect for children
Cons
- not large enough for average-sized adults
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4. Brazil Premium 27′ x 52″ Round Above Ground Swimming Pool Package
Features
The Brazil Premium above-ground pool is a round pool with a steel-wall frame and an inner swirl-wall lining. As such, the lining is completely enclosed within the frame, creating one of the most solid, lasting types of above-ground pools on the market.
For larger children and average-size adults, the 52-inch pool will provide chest-high swimming. Because pools often involve quite a bit of lounging, the frame offers 7-inch ledges and 6-inch uprights. As such, you can lean on the pool’s edges without feeling as if the frame is cutting into your skin.
Extras
An A-frame ladder makes entering and exiting the pool easy and safe, and it is rated for up to 300 pounds. The included through-wall water skimmer will suck up debris that falls into the pool, and the accompanying 1.5HP pump is 19-inches in height and capable of filtering sand-sized particles.
Pros
- sturdy frame
- powerful pump
- sturdy ladder with 300-pound capacity
- tall enough for people of different heights
Cons
- might be too short for people 72-inches or taller
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5. Intex 16ft X 48in Ultra XTR Pool Set
Features
The Intex 16-feet pool is a mid-size pool that offers all the high-quality features for which Intex is known. For instance, the frame employs a powder-coated paint that is electro-statically baked on, providing extreme resistance to scratches and scrapes.
Additionally, the easy-lock system can be assembled in less than 60 minutes, and the high-volume pump is capable of pushing through up to 1,200 gallons per hour. Since the pool is rated for 5,061 gallons, you can have the entire pool filled in approximately 4.5 hours.
Extras
The ladder is an A-frame-style ladder capable of holding up to 300 pounds. It ensures solid footing for swimmers as they climb in or out of the water. The accompanying debris cover ensures leaves and debris are kept out of the water when the pool is not in use, and the pump is easily stored in a pool house when not in use.
Finally, the warranty covers your financial investment for 24-months, so you can always feel safe that your money is not at risk.
Pros
- 24-month warranty
- includes ladder, debris cover, and pump
Cons
- ideal for only three to four people
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6. Bestway Power Steel Oval Frame Above Ground Swimming Pool
Features
The Bestway above-ground swimming pool is just under 10-feet in length. In terms of width, it measures 6.5 feet, and it offers a height of 33 inches. As such, it is a good choice for small yards or for families with children looking for fun soaking in the heat of the day or the cooling evening.
The three-ply material is highly resistant to tears or stretching, and the laminated PVC frame is easy to setup and take apart.
Extras
The pump is capable of handling approximately 330 gallons per hour. The pool, itself, can hold up to 969 gallons, so you can fill it to 90-percent capacity in approximately 3 hours.
Pros
- easy setup
- perfect for small yards
Cons
- no ladder
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7. Madagascar Complete
Features
The Madagascar swimming pool is more than sufficient for any small family or group of friends to get together in the water. Ranking in at 18 feet in diameter, it is one of the larger pools available. Additionally, it provides a depth of 52 inches, allowing chest-deep wading, playing, and swimming. The wall is a stainless steel wall with a liner overlay, making it extremely sturdy and rust resistant.
Extras
It comes with a 1HP pump capable of filling the pool in approximately 4.5 hours. Additionally, the sand filter will keep the pool crystal clear. The accompanying A-frame ladder ensures safe entry and exit, and wide-mouth skimmer continuously filters the water, keeping it clean and debris free.
Finally, as a testament to the pool’s quality, you receive a 20-year limited warranty on build. To say the least, this type of warranty for above-ground pools is rare.
Pros
- large pool for large families or gatherings
- 52-inch depth
Cons
- no debris cover
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8. Bestway Steel Pro 102 x 67 x 24 Rectangular Frame Above Ground Swimming Pool
Features
The Bestway swimming pool is another steel-framed pool with a durable mesh. The mesh is a proprietary, tri-tech mesh that wraps two layers of PVC materiel around an inner polyester material. The result is a stiff lining that is highly resistant to punctures, scrapes, or scratches.
The steel frame is rust resistant, and the easy-snap assembly allows for setup within 10 to 30 minutes, depending on how many people you have to assist. The pool, itself, measures 8.5 feet in length x 5.6 feet in width. At a depth of 2.5 feet, the pool is perfectly designed for smaller, supervised children to splash, play, and learn to swim. It is designed to be filled with a water hose, and you can have the entire pool filled within 90 minutes.
Extras
none
Pros
- provides a safe splash pool for young children
- easy setup
- connects straight to water hose
Cons
- no accompanying pump
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9. Intex 24ft X 12ft X 52in Ultra XTR Rectangular Pool Set
Features
This pool is designed for luxurious swimming, wading, and relaxing. At a length and width of 24 feet and 12 feet, respectively, it requires a larger yard. The 52-inch depth provides enough water depth for comfortable swimming–even for taller people. Because of the pool’s easy-snap design, you can assemble the pool in a mere 60 minutes.
Extras
The sand-filter pump rates at 2,100 gallons per hour. Being that the pool, itself, holds 8,403 gallons, you can have the entire pool filled to 90 percent capacity within 4.5 hours.
As with all Intex pools, the electrostatic paint is baked on and is nearly impervious to damage. The accompanying ground cloth ensures the lining does not come into contact with the ground, and the A-frame ladder ensures each swimmer has sure-footed entry and exit into the water.
Finally, the 24-month warranty ensures your investment is protected against any mishaps.
Pros
- large
- rust-resistant frame
- includes sand-filter water pump
Cons
- might not be appropriate for very small children
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10. Intex 28125EH 10ft X 30in Ocean Reef Easy Set Pool
Features
This durable wading pool is perfect for families with small children. The durable PVC sidewalls are tear and puncture resistant. Additionally, the material is printed with a fun, ocean-style them, making for a festive, 30-inch wading pool. Because the pool is 10 feet in diameter, parents can also cool off in the pool as their children play.
Extras
The water pump handles 330 gallons per hour. As the pool holds 1,018 gallons, you can have the entire pool ready for splashing about within 180 minutes. When you are finished, the drain hose connects to a water hose, allowing you to drain the water and channel it to a sewer grate or vacant part of your yard.
In terms of filtration, the pool features a Hydro-Aeration technology that keeps the water crystal clear. This type of feature is often unheard of in these types of smaller pools.
Pros
- perfect size for small children
- accommodates supervising parent
Cons
- no ground cover cloth
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