The best above ground pool makes an excellent case for a lot of homeowners due to their practicality and versatility. They’re suitable for homes in colder climates, budget-friendly, quick to set up, and wouldn’t be as dangerous as in-ground pools when left unused in winter. And if you’re not a big fan of how they look, you have the option to go for semi above ground pools instead.
While there are still a few setbacks to owning above ground pools, they can still be better options than the in-ground variety in many situations. So if you’re thinking of getting one, this guide might be of help to you. We’ve rounded up 9 excellent options and a few shopping tips that can point you in the right direction when shopping for these backyard additions.
Intex above ground pools are possibly the most popular options when it comes to such structures so it shouldn’t be surprising that we’re starting our list with one. The Intex 12 Foot x 30 Inches Metal Frame 1718 Gallon Capacity Above Ground Pool sits nicely in between inflatable pools and metal-sided above ground pools, making it the most practical pick among the three.
Since it’s made of a triple-laminated sidewall material and a heavy-duty metal frame, it proves to be more durable than inflatable pools and easier to set up than metal-sided pools. It’s more practical because it won’t require you to completely commit to a pool but will let you enjoy many of the perks of having a small one in your backyard.
- Durable heavy-duty materials.
- Easy to fill and drain.
- Additional accessories are available separately.
- Doesn’t come with a pump.
For something slightly bigger than the previous item, check out the Bestway 56597E Steel Pro MAX Above Ground Pool. It also uses heavy-duty 3-ply PVC and polyester material with Tritech for its walls and a steel frame, same as the previous Intes above ground pool so it can also be a practical choice for many homes.
What makes it different from the previous item is its list of inclusions. It already comes with a filter pump, cartridge, and repair patches. As a result, you can quickly set up this pool as soon as it gets to you. It also has built-in pipes to make draining and filling simpler and more efficient. It features the Seal & Lock System™ so you’re guaranteed that water won’t leak from them.
- Comes with a pump, filter cartridge, and repair patch.
- Well-thought-out design.
- Easy to set up.
- Doesn’t come with a ladder.
If you’re not a big fan of the blue plasticky coloring of the pools listed above, then the Intex 10ft x 30 in Prism Frame Pool Set might be the perfect pick for you. It sports a gray color instead, so it slightly resembles metal-sided above ground pools instead.
Like the Intex product listed above, this Prism Frame pool also promises great durability that can last you a number of summers. It’s also made with a puncture-resistant 3-ply material so it won’t easily tear and leak.
This item can also be a great choice for bargain hunters as it already comes with the 110-120V Krystal Clear cartridge filter pump. No more separate purchases are needed to start using this pool.
- Highly durable materials and construction.
- Comes with a filter pump.
- Sets up quickly.
- Instruction manual feels too complicated for some.
A nice option for an above ground pool that the whole family can enjoy is the Bestway Steel Pro 15’ x 48” Frame Pool Set. This is a massive option and will already accommodate adults nicely, so it can be the perfect pick for homes with relatively large backyards.
If you’re worried about its side walls buckling under the weight of the water it contains, don’t be. It has an additional 3-ply band that provide additional wall support by securing the frame to the fabric material. It results in a more rigid frame that will ensure that your pool won’t fall apart when filled with water.
- Friendly price tag.
- Durable and sturdy design, materials, and construction.
- Easy to put together.
- Doesn’t come with a pump or ladder.
Don’t want to deal with additional purchases? The Intex 15ft X 48in Metal Frame Pool Set with Filter Pump, Ladder, Ground Cloth & Pool Cover has everything you need for a complete above ground pool setup, so it’s definitely worth looking into.
While it might not be the cheapest option, the convenience this product offers is well worth the extra cost. As accessories from other brands aren’t necessarily compatible with Intex products, you might want to just get everything in one go so you don’t need to waste time and money in finding something that might work. This is already a complete setup, so it can be the most practical pick for everyone.
- No separate purchases are necessary.
- Durable materials and construction.
- Easy to set up.
- Some reports of warranty concerns.
You can also check out the Intex 12 Foot x 30 Inches Durable Prism Steel Frame Above Ground Swimming Pool if you’re looking for a nicely-sized above ground pool that will look nice and not break the bank. Being from the Prism line, it offers a more stylish appearance with a nice inner liner so it looks more appealing than other temporary above ground pools.
- Good size.
- Durable construction.
- Friendly price tag.
- No pump included.
For a rectangular option, check out the Intex 16ft X 8ft X 42in Prism Frame Rectangular Pool Set. It can work like a tiny lap pool for your kids or a fun wading pool for the whole family. With its 36” depth, adults can definitely already have a great time in this above ground pool.
Aside from its size and design, it’s also a complete set. This makes it a convenient pick as you don’t have to make additional purchases if you opted for this item.
- Large size.
- Rectangular shape can fit more easily in many backyards.
- Comes with everything you need to use and maintain your above ground pool.
- Assembly can be a bit tricky.
Taking things up a notch is the Intex 18ft X 52in Ultra XTR Pool Set. The Ultra XTR range offers higher durability than the regular and Prism lines so if you’re thinking of investing in a temporary above ground pool set, this can be a solid option.
How different is the Ultra XTR line from the other products of Intex? For starters, its liners are 50% tougher than the other lines. Its frame is also engineered to be more rust-resistant than the regular variety, so you can count on it to be a lot more durable.
- More solid and durable materials and construction than the other Intex lines.
- Comes with all of the accessories you’ll need to complete a pool set up.
- Large size.
- Quite pricey.
Completing this list is the most basic but also possibly the most popular pick from Intex, the Intex Metal Frame Pool Set, 10-Feet x 30-Inch. With its size, it can already fit in most home’s backyards. It’s also very affordable, so families with growing kids will find it a practical pick.
- Good size will fit in most homes.
- Sturdy and durable materials and construction.
- Quick and easy set up.
- Some buyers have qualms with the filter pump.
Buying Guide: 3 Things You Need to Know to Choose the Best Above Ground Pool
After reading our product recommendations above, you might already have realized that a lot of these products are very similar in terms of design, materials, and construction. While it might seem like it can simplify your search, it also complicates a few things.
Sure, it lessens product variety but it also means that you have to work harder to find the right product for you. There are still a number of factors that you have to be very particular about if you don’t want to waste your time and money on the wrong item. So to help you avoid that, here are three very important things you should keep in mind when shopping for an above ground pool:
Be very particular about the materials’ quality and durability.
The pool liner and frame will make or break an above ground pool so you shouldn’t be lax when looking at such components. Be very particular about the kinds of materials used as they can indicate how good the quality and how durable the pool will be.
How do you determine these things? Reading a lot of reviews will help you out. Previous buyers are very likely to comment on how long their units lasted and the kinds of problems they experienced. If the item you’re eyeing has a lot of reviews saying that their units got holes and tears, you might want to reconsider your choice. Make sure to look up rust issues in the feedbacks as well as such details shouldn’t inspire confidence in a buyer like you.
Consider your budget.
It’s normal for temporary above ground pools to be pricier than inflatable pools as they’re larger and more durable. They’re still way cheaper than most metal-sided options, however. They also don’t need professional installation so they’re still a lot more desirable, especially if you’re not keen on having a large water feature in your property anyway. Because of this, it would be ideal if you set aside a reasonable budget for a good unit.
Going cheap doesn’t always bode well for a lot of people as they end up having to get a new one in just a year or two. So if you want to make sure that you’ll get a reliable and durable item, it’s best to spend wisely on these products.
Size matters greatly.
There’s a good chance that you the reason why you’re getting a temporary above ground pool is that you don’t have enough room in your backyard for a more permanent option. If this is your case, make sure to be very particular with the size of the product you’ll get.
Make sure to choose a product that is not too big that it will already take up the entirety of your backyard. Such a choice might require you to dismantle the pool very often and that’s not exactly a good thing. It might affect the durability of your unit as constant dismantling will put it the lining material risk of tearing.
Getting an above ground pool that’s too big can also be very wasteful. It will keep you from doing more things in your backyard and it will use up more resources to maintain the pool in good shape.
How do you choose the right size? Take the users and the size of your yard into consideration. If you only intend it for your kids’ use, then you don’t have to get something that’s too big. The smaller varieties of these products can already nicely accommodate very small kids. However, if you want the whole family to enjoy your purchase and if you have enough space, you don’t have to hesitate in getting a big unit.
Conclusion
Adding fun elements in your home isn’t that difficult or expensive if you know what are the things available to you. Hopefully, this guide in finding the best above ground pools gets to help you find a nice, albeit, temporary, water element for your backyard.
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Contents
- 9. Intex 12 Foot x 30 Inches Metal Frame 1718 Gallon Capacity Above Ground Pool
- 8. Bestway 56597E Steel Pro MAX Above Ground Pool
- 7. Intex 10ft X 30in Prism Frame Pool Set
- 6. Bestway Steel Pro 15′ x 48″ Frame Pool Set
- 5. Intex 15ft X 48in Metal Frame Pool Set with Filter Pump, Ladder, Ground Cloth; Pool Cover
- 4. Intex 12 Foot x 30 Inches Durable Prism Steel Frame Above Ground Swimming Pool
- 3. Intex 16ft X 8ft X 42in Prism Frame Rectangular Pool Set
- 2. Intex 18ft X 52in Ultra XTR Pool Set
- 1. Intex Metal Frame Pool Set, 10-Feet x 30-Inch