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An above-ground pool is a great way to cool off in the summer for a fraction of the price of an in-ground pool. In addition, above ground pools can be installed in a matter of hours, come with filtering equipment that consumes less energy, and come in a wide range of sizes to suit any yard.
To help you choose the best above ground pool for your outdoor space, we’ve looked at many options considering the size, material and capacity of each model. We also consulted with Malina Brough, President of Blackthorne Pools & Spas.
Why you should get it: It includes a pre-set sand filter pump so you don’t have to remember to start it. Plus, no tools are required for assembly.
For a durable option that’s easy to install, consider the Intex Rectangular Ultra XTR In Ground Pool Frame. Assembly is tool-free as the frame and filter system snap and lock into place. In addition, only two people are required to assemble the device.
In addition to a ladder, pool cover, and sand filter, the pool has 52-inch walls so you can splash in four feet of water, making it our overall choice for the best above ground pool. The liner has a blue tile print and is topped with a white finish, giving it some of the aesthetic of an in-ground pool.
The frame is made of galvanized steel and the hollow tubes of the frame are powder coated inside and out to prevent rust. The triple liner is made from polyester mesh and PVC, a combination that Intex claims is 50% stronger than other liners. In addition, the included sand filter has an above-average flow rate of 2,100 gph.
Although the price of this pool is higher than others on this list, we think the quality and included accessories are worth the money. The frame, liner and filter pump are also covered by a two-year manufacturer’s warranty, so this pool will last you a long time.
Dimensions: 24 x 12 x 52 inches | Water volume: 8,403 gallons | Materials: steel, polyester and PVC.
The Bestway Power Above Ground Rectangular Steel Frame Swimming Pool features corrosion resistant machined steel frame tubes that snap together for easy assembly and require minimal tools. The best above ground pools with accessories come with chemical dispensers, sand filter pumps, filter elements, ladders and a floor cloth so you have everything you need assembled.
The above-ground pool has a triple skin with lithography, which makes it look like an above-ground pool. It is 52 inches high, but be aware that it requires a little less water than some of the other similar options. It is equipped with a sand filter pump with a capacity of 1500 gallons per hour.
The kit also includes a pool ladder and cover, as well as a chlorine chemical dispenser attached to the pool. However, it’s worth noting that Bestway doesn’t make a canopy that’s compatible with its rectangular pools, so you’ll have to forgo shade.
Dimensions: 24′ x 12′ x 52′ | Water capacity: 7,937 gallons | Materials: steel, vinyl and plastic
Why you should buy it: It’s cheaper than other options and available in a variety of sizes so you can find the best one for your yard.
For less permanent backyard structures, an inflatable pool like the Intex Easy Set is a great option. The above-ground pool inflates in 30 minutes and can accommodate 8 or more people.
To install the pool, you will need an air pump and a screwdriver to install the filtration system. The drain plugs are on the outside so you can drain the water to adjust the depth as needed. It is equipped with a cartridge filter pump with a capacity of 1500 gallons per hour.
The lining is triple vinyl and should not be pierced, but since the top ring is inflatable, you should still keep pets away from it. You may also need to add additional air periodically to keep the pool fully inflated.
Above ground pools come with pool covers, floor coverings and ladders so you can keep them inflated for longer without debris building up. But if you want to remove it, you can connect your garden hose to a drain plug and place the other end of the hose near a storm drain or near an area of your yard that can handle that amount of water.
Why you should buy it: The resin countertops stay cool to the touch, and the overlapping liners are great for adding decking around your pool.
The Wilbar Weekender II round above-ground pool is a pool with hard edges and galvanized steel walls. You can half bury this pool in the ground (great for sloping backyards) and the vinyl liner overlaps, which is perfect if you want to lay deck around it.
It is worth noting that above-ground pools do not have ladders and covers, however, you can install ladders not on the sides, but at the bottom. The Weekender II comes with a 45 GPM sand filter pump, an A-frame ladder, and a wall-mounted skimmer so you don’t need to buy extra accessories.
Why you should buy: In addition to the salt water system, the pool includes a cover, stairs, flooring, sand filter, maintenance kit, and a set of volleyballs.
Remember: sea water filters and systems cannot be used with large pools if you decide to increase the size in the future.
If you prefer saltwater pools to chlorine models, consider the Intex Ultra XTR Frame with Saltwater System, our pick of the best above ground saltwater pools. The seawater system creates a softer swim for your eyes and hair.
The Intex pool is equipped with a 1600 GPH sand filter pump. Sand replacement is only required every five years, saving time and effort. But keep in mind that this filtration system cannot be used on large pools.
The above-ground pool, with a larger water capacity than other pools, is made of durable steel with a PVC liner and can accommodate up to 12 swimmers at a time. In addition, the manufacturer promises that the pool can be installed and prepared for water in just 60 minutes. The pool comes with everything you need to keep it organized, including covers, ladders, filters, maintenance kits, floor coverings, and even a volleyball set to play with.
Worried about salt? Salt water pools are one-tenth as salty as sea water, so you shouldn’t taste, smell, or feel like you’re on a beach.
If you’re looking for an above ground pool that’s both durable and affordable, the Bestway Steel Pro Max Frame Pool Set offers enough room for up to eight swimmers at an affordable price. The 18ft pool comes with a ladder, cartridge filter pump and pool cover so you don’t have to spend extra money to equip your pool with these items. In addition, it is cheaper than other existing options.
No tools are required to assemble this above ground pool. The steel pipes are connected together with the included pins to form the frame and the side supports are fully attached to the frame. The frame tubes are first screwed onto the liner and then connected, which saves space. In addition, the lining is made from 3-ply vinyl for added durability against potential rips and punctures.
The cartridge filter pump has a flow rate of 1500 gallons per hour and can be reused after spraying the cartridge with a hose. However, it is worth noting that the manufacturer still recommends replacing cartridges regularly, so you will have to pay extra for new ones.
Why you should get one: The shallow depth and strong walls make it a safer choice for families with young children.
The Intex metal framed pool has 30″ high walls, providing a comfortable depth for kids who are still learning to swim on their own. According to the CDC, the average height of a 3-year-old child is 37 inches, so at depths less than 30 inches, your child should be able to reach the bottom without straining their head to keep their head above the water. However, children should always be supervised by an adult when using the pool.
The 12-foot diameter is also wide enough for kids to take a few hits without finding the distance too intimidating. In addition, the strong walls are ideal for rolling without shaking the pool, which makes children feel safe.
The metal frame is powder coated to prevent rust, while the interior is covered in 3-ply vinyl for added durability. The frame pieces slide together and connect with included pins for easy assembly, and the legs are tucked into straps to keep them upright rather than sticking out at an angle that you can trip over.
This pool includes a 530 GPH cartridge filter pump and is also compatible with Intex seawater systems. Keep in mind, however, that there is no ladder included, so you will have to purchase one separately.
Why you should buy: This inflatable water park has slides, an obstacle course, and a relay race game that can keep multiple kids entertained at once.
If you want your kids to have fun and be cool, Bestway H2OGO! Splash classes are what you need. It has a climbing wall, two slides side by side and an obstacle course with a water wall, spray cans and dodge punching bags so kids can play all day without getting bored.
The pool in front of the slide is large enough for the kids to sit and cool off, but be aware that this model does not offer the depth of a traditional above ground pool.
The included blower inflates the splash in less than two minutes for quick fun, and a water park storage bag is included when not in use. The lining of the inflatable court is made of PVC coated polyester and reinforced with double stitching so that your child can play with peace of mind.
Overall, we recommend the Intex Rectangular Ultra XTR Frame above ground pool with sand filter pump as the best above ground pool. The pools are easy to assemble, have a large volume of water and can comfortably accommodate multiple adults at the same time, making them ideal for entertaining.
Above ground pools usually consist of two main components: the frame and the liner. The frame can be made from aluminum, steel, or resin, which is a type of plastic. Resin is more resistant to rust than steel and does not get hot in the summer sun. If you choose a steel frame, which is considered the most durable frame material, make sure it is powder coated to prevent rust.
Hard rim pools have steel or polymer walls with a separate vinyl cover. Films secured with overlapping frames are the easiest to remove and replace, making them ideal for pools with hard edges and surrounding decking.
Soft rim pools have a vinyl bladder that serves as the wall and liner. When the pool is filled with water, the water reinforces the structure of the pool so that the bladder does not move while swimming.
Above ground pools can be as shallow as 20 inches or as deep as 4.5 feet. Regardless, there will always be a few inches between the waterline and the top of the pool, so keep that in mind when choosing your pool depth.
When choosing the best above ground pool for your backyard, keep in mind that this style does not have built-in steps or benches like in the underground pools. Conversely, above ground pools often have stairs to enter and exit the pool. You can also buy a ladder with a rung on one side for easier access.
Above ground pools use the same filtration system as underground pools, except at half power they plug into your existing GFCI protected outlets. The two main types of filters are sand filter systems and cartridge filter systems. Bro says there is no single correct filter type, but cartridge filter systems are often sold with smaller pools.
The cartridge filter system collects debris into a removable and reusable cartridge. The sand filtration system traps debris in the spinning sand. Sand filters are easy to clean but need to be rinsed. Cartridge filters are harder to clean but don’t need to be cleaned as often, Brough said. All filters must run long enough to filter the entire capacity of the pool per day.
Above ground pool prices vary depending on style, size, materials and accessories. All of the options on our list of the best above ground pools range from $500 to $1,900, depending on the size and size you’re looking for. However, you can save money if you choose a smaller pool or an inflatable option. Building a terrace around an above-ground pool can cost anywhere from $15 to $30 per square foot. The final price is still well below the $35,000 average.
If you live in a colder climate with frequent snowfalls, icing and freezing temperatures, dismantling and storing an above ground pool for the winter is the best way to avoid damage to your pool structure.
Post time: Apr-17-2023