4 Best Above-Ground Pools (2023 Guide)

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 temporary feel of an inflatable pool. To help you find the best above-ground pool for your home, our Reviews Team put together this review.

Keep reading to learn about our top picks 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

Courtesy Amazon

Intex Ultra XTR Rectangular Pool

• $1,964.89
• $4,669.99
• 58% off

Prices taken at time of publishing.

We like that 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 and has a large water capacity of over 14,000 gallons.

• $1,964.89 at Amazon

Pros and Cons

✔ Comes in multiple sizes
✔ Includes a pump for easy cleaning
✔ Can be set up in only one hour

✘ Has a high price point
✘ Pool ladder can be wobbly for larger adults

What Customers Are Saying

Overall, customers we found that left positive reviews for this product liked that installation was straightforward and liked its large capacity and durable design. On the other hand, there were -some customers who felt this pool’s pump was too small to work effectively, and others had issues with getting the pool to remain level during installation.

Best Large Round Pool

Courtesy Amazon

Intex Ultra XTR Round Pool

• $922.99
• $1,999.99
• 54% off

Prices taken at time of publishing.

This Intex 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. We like that the pool also comes with Hydro Aeration technology to keep your water clean without requiring much pool maintenance.

• $922.99 at Amazon

Pros and Cons

✔ Comes with a removable ladder
✔ Has easy installation that sets up in 60 minutes
✔ Is available in various size options

✘ Not big enough for large gatherings or pool parties
✘ Several customers found the pump to be ineffective

What Customers Are Saying

Our team found that several customers highlighted this pool’s easy installation, sturdy design, and excellent depth. On the other hand, we did note that several customers had issues with this pool pump, and some also said they had issues with the pool leaking.

Best Small Round 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 swimming pool set has a round shape and can hold a few people at once. Our team liked that 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

Pros and Cons

✔ Has a stylish exterior that’s available in multiple colors
✔ Comes with a pool filter pump
✔ Is made from durable triple polyester

✘ Has a smaller size than some other pools listed
✘ Warranty information is not listed

What Customers Are Saying

Customers we found who liked this product noted that the pool had low maintenance and was easy to fill. Several others also liked its size, saying that it was perfect for small families. However, several customers did have issues with this pool’s ladder, saying it seemed less than sturdy, and others claimed it leaked easily.

Best Oval Pool

Courtesy Amazon

Bestway Above-Ground Swimming Pool

• $654.99
• $1,599.99
• 60% off

Prices taken at time of publishing.

This oval pool set 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, we liked that 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

Pros and Cons

✔ Comes with a filter pump, ladder, and pool cover
✔ Does not require any extra tools for assembly
✔ Is available in various sizes

✘ Ladder is not always secure
✘ Can hold a limited amount of gallons of water

What Customers Are Saying

Our research showed that customers who gave this product positive reviews often pointed to its easy setup, durable design, and various size choices as features they were impressed by. On the other hand, some others said they had issues with the poles rusting over time, and some said the pump didn’t work efficiently.

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

There are various types of above-ground pools, as well as a variety of shapes and sizes. 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 of around 54 inches. If you have young children and want to minimize the risk of drowning, choose a pool height of around 42 inches.

Frame Type

The frames on above-ground pools are usually made of resin, steel, or both. Resin frame above-ground pools are a popular choice because they are 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 frame pools usually have a powder coating for corrosion and rust protection.

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, skimmer, filter pump, pool liner, ground cloth, and debris cover.

Assembly

Above-ground pools are easier to install than 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.

Ways to Keep an Above-Ground Pool Safe for Swimming

Above-ground pools provide summer fun for the whole family. However, they also require a lot of work to fully maintain. Here are some steps you should take on your above-ground pool to ensure it’s safe for your family to swim in.

• Treat with pool shock: Using pool shock can help eliminate harmful materials like algae and bacteria. They are typically easy to use and can treat pools of any size.
• Use a high-quality filter: A filtration system is essential for removing debris, dirt, and contaminants from your pool water. A good filter, such as a sand filter pump, cartridge filter pump, or DE (diatomaceous earth) filter pump, will help keep the water clean and safe for swimming.
• Install a safety fence or barrier: Installing a safety fence or barrier around the pool is important, especially if you have children or pets. A pool fence helps prevent accidental falls, reduce the risk of drowning, and prevent unauthorized access from people or animals.
• Use a pool cover when not in use: Pool covers can help retain heat, reduce evaporation, and keep debris out of the water when you’re not using the pool.
• Keep safety equipment nearby: Having safety equipment near your pool, like lifebuoys, life jackets, or reaching poles is always smart, especially if you are swimming with children or inexperienced swimmers.

Frequently Asked Questions About Above-Ground Pools

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.

How We Selected the Best Above-Ground Pools

To provide our readers with the best recommendations possible, we rely on several key sources of information to help guide our selection process.

Initial Research: Our research process began by generating a list of swimming pools with a significant number of verified-buyer reviews and an average customer review rating of 4–5 stars. We looked at positive and negative reviews alike, focusing on information from both satisfied and critical buyers. 

Expert Insights: Through our years of experience, we’ve learned that listening to what others have to say is key to building accurate, well-rounded articles. To complement our in-house expertise, our team looked at reviews and videos from trusted publications and independent testers, spoke with subject matter experts, and drew insights from reader contributions.

Final Product Selection: We then began fine-tuning our list by replacing older models with the latest versions and eliminating any discontinued models. From there, we pared the list down further by comparing each model’s feature set and selecting the best-in-class options for a variety of buyers, budgets, and scenarios.

Why You Can Trust Us

This Old House has empowered homeowners and DIYers for more than four decades with top-notch home improvement advice in the form of television programs, print media, and digital content. 

Our team focuses on creating in-depth product and service review content. To date, we’ve published countless reviews of garden, lawn, and outdoor products—from fertilizer and garden hoses to patio furniture and snow blowers.

Once we conclude our research, we craft a comprehensive, user-friendly article of recommended products and additional information to help our readers make the right purchase.

Questions or Comments?

To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.