Best Above-Ground Pools of 2023

Above-ground swimming pools are a middle-of-the-road option for those who don’t want the expense or installation hassle of an in-ground pool or the fragility of an inflatable pool. To help you find the best above-ground pool for your home, the This Old House Reviews Team put together this review. Keep reading to learn about our top picks from Amazon as well as factors to consider before making a purchase.

Top 4 Above-Ground Pools

• Best Capacity: Intex Ultra XTR Rectangular Pool
• Best Large Round Pool: Intex Ultra XTR Round Pool
• Best Small Round Pool: Summer Waves Above-Ground Swimming Pool
• Best Oval Pool: Bestway Above-Ground Swimming Pool

Best Capacity: Intex Ultra XTR Rectangular Pool

Courtesy Amazon

Intex Ultra XTR Rectangular Pool

• $1964.89
• $4669.99
• 58% off

Prices taken at time of publishing.

This large above-ground pool can accommodate six people and comes with a variety of accessories, including everything you need to run, use, and maintain your pool. It also has eight U-shaped beams on each of its longer sides and four on each of its shorter sides for support.

• $1964.89 at Amazon

Best Large Round Pool: Intex Ultra XTR Round Pool

Courtesy Amazon

Intex Ultra XTR Round Pool

• $922.99
• $1999.99
• 54% off

Prices taken at time of publishing.

This above-ground pool fits about four people and comes with a filter pump, a ladder, a ground cloth, and a debris cover for protecting it when it’s not in use. The pool also comes with Hydro Aeration technology to keep your water clean without requiring much maintenance.

• $922.99 at Amazon

Best Small Round Pool: Summer Waves Above-Ground Swimming Pool

Courtesy Amazon

Summer Waves Above-Ground Swimming Pool

• $336.99
• $989.59
• 66% off

Prices taken at time of publishing.

This small above-ground pool has a round shape and can hold a few people at once. It also has a tile-like design on its interior walls and a basket-weave design on its exterior walls to make it more decorative. With an easy snap-in design, you can assemble it in as little as 60 minutes.

• $336.99 at Amazon

Best Oval Pool: Bestway Above-Ground Swimming Pool

Courtesy Amazon

Bestway Above-Ground Swimming Pool

• $654.99
• $1599.99
• 60% off

Prices taken at time of publishing.

This oval pool combines rectangular and circular shapes to give it the large capacity of a rectangular pool and the unique appearance of a circular pool. For support, it has three U-shaped support beams on each of its long sides and four stick-like beams around its rounded short sides.

• $654.99 at Amazon

Buying Guide for Above-Ground Pools

Each above-ground pool varies in terms of size, shape, depth, included pool accessories, and more. Read our buying guide below to learn about all of your options before making a purchasing decision.

Size/Shape

Above-ground pools come in a variety of sizes and shapes. Consider where you plan to install your pool, and choose a model that fits that space.

Pool Depth

Above-ground pool walls are usually between 42 and 54 inches high. If you want a deep pool, choose a pool height around 54 inches. If you have young children and want to minimize the risk of drowning, choose a pool height around 42 inches.

Frame Type

The frames on above-ground pools are usually made of resin, steel, or both. Resin is a popular frame choice because it is resistant to the elements, can withstand minor damage, and remains cool to the touch. However, it’s heavy and expensive. Galvanized steel frames are also used in above-ground pools because of their lightweight nature, affordability, and ability to bend into different shapes. These metal frames usually have a powder coating for rust resistance. Some above-ground pools use a mix of both resin and steel to give you the best qualities of both.

Accessories

Most models come with the accessories you need to set up and maintain your pool. Common accessories include a pool ladder, filter pump, pool liner, ground cloth, and debris cover.

Assembly

Above-ground pools have an easy setup compared to in-ground pools, taking about one or two days to assemble as opposed to a few months to build. Your above-ground pool will come with detailed assembly instructions that include steps on how to choose a level plot of land, how to assemble the frame, how to install the liner, and how to fill the pool.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a radiant pool?

Radiant pools are a mix between above-ground and in-ground pools. They’re partially installed into a slope or hill, giving you the appearance of an in-ground pool with all of the benefits of an above-ground pool, including affordability and ease of installation.

Do I have to disassemble my above-ground pool during the winter?

No, but you need to protect it. The process of preparing your pool for winter is called winterization. It involves the following several steps:

• Perform a deep clean of the pool.
• Adjust the water’s pH level, alkalinity, calcium hardness, and chlorine level.
• Add chemicals from a winter closing kit.
• Clear and store the water lines and accessories.
• Install a pool pillow and pool cover.

How do I clean my above-ground pool?

You can clean your above-ground pool in the same way you would clean an in-ground pool. This may include using a net that manually removes large debris from the water’s surface or a vacuum that walks along the bottom and sides of the pool to scrub grime and remove debris.

Why Trust The This Old House Reviews Team

This Old House has empowered homeowners for more than four decades with top-notch home improvement content in the form of television programs, print media, and digital content on its website and social media platforms. The This Old House Reviews Team focuses on creating in-depth product and service review content to help inform your purchasing decision for just about any item or resource that you might need for your home. The This Old House Reviews Team has written over 1,000 reviews on products in the home space, from cordless drills to kitchen trash cans, lawn mowers, and dining room decorations.

We recommend products in each review using an intensive research process, spending hours combing through the best available models on Amazon. For a product to make our list of top picks, it must hold a solid sales record on Amazon, have consistently positive customer reviews, and offer unique features, among other factors. After narrowing down our list of recommendations, we conduct additional research and sometimes in-person testing to ensure that the products meet our standards. Once we conclude the research phase, we craft a well-rounded, user-friendly article that includes our recommended products and additional information to help homeowners like you make the right purchase.

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