Plus, these pools have come a long way. Advancements in the polyester and PVC used to make the liner walls have made them significantly more puncture and tear-resistant. Today’s above-ground pool frames usually get created using rust and corrosion-resitant heavy-duty material like steel, too. In other words, these pools are built to last. Beyond that, the latest above-ground pools come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Maybe you want an expansive one to host pool parties or you’re looking for something more kid-friendly. Either way, with the broad range of options available, you shouldn’t have any trouble finding the right above-ground pool to fit your lifestyle, yard design and family. But which option is best for your outdoor space? To help you find the perfect pool for this summer, we rounded up five of the top choices on the market today. Must read:
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DuraPlus™ liner wall material reinforced with a polyester mesh core sandwiched between two layers of high-gauge PVCRust and corrosion-resistant steel frame3-ply PVC support band for extra stabilityStarts at $332
This Steel Pro MAX from Bestway earned the spot as our top pick because it blends a reasonable price, durable design and plenty of space. This above-ground pool includes a DuraPlus™ liner wall, which uses fade and tear-resistant material, but it also features a 3-ply PVC band that wraps around the pool to provide an additional layer of reinforcement. The pool’s oval frame is manufactured from steel with Seal & Lock System T-connectors to make it easy to assemble. And because it uses a pin-clip design, you won’t need any tools to assemble your pool. On top of all of this, you’ll get a cartridge-based pool filter, along with a ladder and cover, with this Bestway pool. That way, you can enjoy this pool long-term while keeping it protected and keeping your water clear.
Kid-friendly designAdjustable heightIncludes storage bag, repair patches and a water inlet connected with steel clampsStarts at $39.99
If you’re looking for a place for your little ones to splash around this summer, consider this kiddie pool with a lot to offer. Not only does it deliver an impressive length of more than eight feet, but it also includes lots to keep young ones entertained, from the fun design to the spraying elephant head. With three individual air chambers, you can adjust the height of this pool based on your kids’ ages. You might only inflate the bottom chamber for toddlers but fill it further for bigger kids. This lets you build in a layer of safety – although you should always supervise your kids when they’re in the water. When filled all the way, this pool isn’t just for kiddies. It can accommodate two adults and several kids, too. In fact, it’s big enough you could put your own pool float in there and get some me-time.
More than 450 square feet of swimming spaceGalvanized, rust-resistant steel frame60-minute setupStarts at $1,299
If you’re planning to buy an above-ground pool to host pool parties with your friends and family, you’re going to want ample capacity. This huge pool has a diameter of 24 feet, which means you get more than 450 square feet of water surface inside. You won’t need to trim down your pool party guest list with this one. Filling this sizeable pool requires a lot of water, so you probably won’t want to drain it and take it down very frequently. Fortunately, the INTEX Ultra XTR pool comes with the accessories to keep the pool water clear and swimmable. Not only does it feature dual-suction outlet fittings, but it also includes the INTEX Krystal Clear Sand Filter Pump. To keep debris out, you also get a tie-down cover, and to protect the bottom of your pool, INTEX includes a ground cloth. On top of all of this, you get a ladder to make it easy to get in and out of your 52-inch high pool.
Triple-layer polyester mesh and heavy gauge PVC materialGalvanized metal frameSFX600 filter pump with skimmer functionalityStarts at $146
Most lower-cost above-ground pools have a telltale look: a white frame with a blue lining. That means that these above-ground pools are a highly visible addition to your outdoor space and scream “bargain,” which probably isn’t your go-to look for your front or backyard. Fortunately, you have other options. If you want an affordable above-ground pool that can integrate with your yard’s design, Summer Waves offers this alternative. Rather than using the signature above-ground pool blue, they finish the exterior walls of this round pool’s liner with something that looks like wicker. You can choose tan or gray to match it to your outdoor furniture, too. Setting up this Summer Waves pool is easy, and maintaining it is, too, since it includes a filter pump that doubles as a skimmer.
AffordableHeavy-duty PVC and polyester 3-ply sidewallsRecommended for ages 6 and upStarts at $104.99
If you want a way to create a backyard oasis without taking a financial hit, consider this low-cost option from Intex. For the price of a nice dinner out, you could be soaking up the sun while submerged in water this summer. Not only is it easy on your wallet, but setup’s easy, too. Intex says you can pop this pool up in just 30 minutes. If you’re not looking to have your pool set up year-round, you can also easily break this one down. It includes a drain plug that connects to a garden hose so you can direct the draining water wherever you want. All this said, what you save in money you lose in style with this above-ground pool. It has that telltale bright blue look we mentioned earlier, which does make it look cheaper than a lot of other options on this list. That said, it is – and if budget is your top concern, it’s a solid option. To help you get an idea of the best option for you, let’s quickly look at the key features of each of our picks.
The Bestway Steel Pro MAX Pool has 4.3 stars from 3,676 ratingsThe Hamdol Inflatable Swimming Pool has 4.5 stars from 1,169 ratingsThe INTEX Ultra XTR Pool has 4.5 stars from 4,190 ratingsThe Summer Waves Outdoor Round Frame Swimming Pool has 4.3 stars from 991 ratingsThe INTEX Rectangular Frame Swimming Pool has 4.6 stars from 26,261 ratings
Finally, we thought through the appearance of these pools. When you’re setting up something sizeable in your front or backyard, you want it to look nice. With the exception of the last INTEX pool, which we chose purely for its price, we picked ones that have good-looking finishes. Some of the manufacturers even advertise a setup time of about 30 minutes. All that said, you can absolutely leave your pool in place. You’ll probably want to invest in a cover, but the latest materials are resistant to corrosion, fading, rust, tears, and the other issues that would shorten the lifespan of your swimming space. You could choose:
