Above ground swimming pools exist in various shapes, sizes, and prices. The variety of features and options available renders the selection process for the best above ground pool a rather daunting task.
In addition, there are many things that you have to consider before making a decision about the pool you require. For instance, your neighbor or friend’s best above ground pool may not be your choice, depending on your budget and space. So, read below and we will help you find the best above ground pool for your needs.
Table of Contents
- Looking For The TLDR Version?
- 7. Intex 12ft X 30in Metal Frame Pool Set
- 6. Intex 14ft X 42in Ultra Frame Pool Set
- 5. Heritage TA 301552GP-DXP Taos Complete Above Ground Pool
- 4. Intex 18ft X 52in Ultra Frame Pool
- 3. Fitmax iPool D Set
- 2. Intex 24ft X 12ft X 52in Ultra Frame Rectangular Pool Set
- 1. Splash Pools Round Deluxe Pool Package
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Our Team’s Conclusion
Looking For The TLDR Version?
We’ve got you covered! Our #1 overall pick for the best above ground swimming pool is the Splash Pools Round Deluxe Pool Package.
See some of our favorite features and details of our #1 pick below.
Now, let’s get into our comprehensive above ground swimming pool reviews!
7. Intex 12ft X 30in Metal Frame Pool Set
The Intex metal frame pool is among the best pools in the market. This is mainly due to its laminated PVC interior walls. The pump ensures the water that enters the pool is clean and has a ground fault circuit that cuts of the current when exposed to water.
The drainage plug is conveniently placed and can be easily connected to the garden hose pipe. Even though it is not among the biggest pools in the market, it is one of the easiest to set up. In addition, the pool comes with all the required equipment, eliminating the hassle of buying extra parts.
6. Intex 14ft X 42in Ultra Frame Pool Set
This is another amazing product from Intex. The pool is bigger than the previous model to accommodate up to ten adults. It does not require tons of water to fill and is ideal for an average family.
Unlike other above ground pools in the market, it is toughly built with rust resistance and an elegant design. In addition, it has an easy setup routine that you can use without assistance. You only need sufficient space on the sides to attach other necessary equipment such as the ladder.
5. Heritage TA 301552GP-DXP Taos Complete Above Ground Pool
If you have enough space in your backyard and a big family, then you might consider the heritage TA above the ground pool. It is oval in shape, with sturdy material and a good structure. The design is also nice with a vinyl interior liner for added comfort and durability.
The pool is equipped with all the required parts and an easy-to-set-up manual. Due to its size, it might be difficult to set up alone and you might have to consider extra help. One advantage of this pool is that you don’t need to remove it during winter. The sturdy frame enables you to winterize it like conventional pools.
4. Intex 18ft X 52in Ultra Frame Pool
Next on our best above ground pool list, we have this product from Intex. This pool is sturdy and supported by strong steel frames, resistant to frosting and cracking. In addition, it features laminated PVC sidewalls. Due to its large size, setting up the pool takes more time, although it is an easy process.
Unlike other models, the pool comes with a dual suction outlet fitting for cleaner water and also for water circulation. It is among the biggest above ground pools and can contain up to twenty-six thousand liters of water. This is the reason why it comes with a powerful pump enough to fill the pool within a short time and also improves the clarity of the water. The pool comes equipped with a cover, ladder, and an instructional DVD.
3. Fitmax iPool D Set
Unlike most conventional above ground pools the iPool pool has a unique design. It is quite convenient for individual workouts and allows you to cool during the winter season. It is smaller in size too, due to the Velcro harness attached at the top to aid in exercises.
The smaller size does not mean the pool is not well built. In fact, it has a steel frame, and the interior features a vinyl polyester coating. The steel frame, together with the interior coating, makes the pool sturdy and long-lasting. For easier workouts, the pool is fitted with a dual tether system with a knob to adjust the resistance. This pool climbed the list due to its unique design and multiple attachments, but is not the best for a “family pool” or swimming pool used for parties.
2. Intex 24ft X 12ft X 52in Ultra Frame Rectangular Pool Set
This pool is large enough for people who like to party and hold fun games in the pool. The pool is not only strong with an elegant design; it is very large with a capacity of up to thirty thousands of water.
It comes with all the necessary accessories such as a powerful pump, a saltwater system, ladder, debris cover, cleaning accessories and a complete volleyball set. The frame is coated for rust resistance and to enhance beauty.
1. Splash Pools Round Deluxe Pool Package
Finally, our number one product in our search for the best above ground pool is this Splash Pools product that is available in a variety of sizes, ideal for any family size. It is an all-inclusive package for easier setup. However, the larger sizes might require extra help. All the variants are coated with a vinyl liner and have a strong steel frame for maximum support. Compatible with vacuums and skimmers, Sturdy galvanized steel frames
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Check out our team’s answers on the most frequently asked questions we get on a monthly basis around above ground swimming pools below!
How Much Are Above Ground Pools?
In regards to how much above ground swimming pools cost, there is quite a range, based on quality and durability of course. Just within the above ground pools our team reviewed above, there are options around $400 and options around $6000. This allows above-ground pools to be available to pretty much any homeowner’s budget, however, if you want the pool to last long-term we do recommend one of the options above 2k.
How Long Do Above Ground Pools Last?
Of course, the quality pools that are more expensive will generally last longer, and the above-ground pools that are less than $500 may only last a couple of years, but in general, you can expect the average life of an above-ground pool to be about 6-15 years. If you decide to purchase one of our top 2 recommended options we reviewed above and you are ok dropping more than a couple of grand on your pool, it should last closer to the 15 year+ time frame as long as it is properly installed and taken care of.
Can An Above Ground Pool Be Partially Buried?
If you are burying less than 50% of the pool and know how to properly excavate and secure your above ground swimming pool, the answer is yes. You do need to make sure your above ground pool is built to be buried before even considering it, and our team recommends that you never bury a pool 100% like you would an inground pool. Many above ground pools that have one individual pool wall, that’s essentially a thin sheet of metal, are not designed to withstand the force of the ground against the pool wall, which can lead to the pool walls collapsing in, destroying your pool.
How To Winterize An Above Ground Pool?
While you can hire a professional to help you winterize your above-ground pool, if you would like to DIY it, we have overviewed the 12 main steps to properly winterize below-
- Maintain phosphate level by using PHOSfree or similar product.
- Clean the swimming pool surfaces thoroughly
- Use A Pool Water Testing Kit To Check The Chemical Levels
- Balance the pH level As Needed (7.4 to 7.6)
- Adjust the Total Alkalinity level As Needed (100ppm to 150 ppm)
- Adjust the Calcium Hardness level As Needed (175 ppm to 225 ppm)
- Help prevent algae growth with a Quality Algaecide
- Add A Quality Pool Shock To Your Above Ground Pool
- Remove Drain Plugs & Filter Hose Lines, Let Dry & Properly Store
- Lower The Pool Water, But Don’t Drain It Completely
- Install Pool Air Pillows That Are Around 50% Inflation
- Install A Quality Winter Pool Cover
How Do You Keep An Above Ground Pool Clean?
The absolute best thing you can do to help keep your above ground pool clean is to get a decent pool filter and pump system, as this will do most of the hard work for you. We also recommend getting a pool cleaner or pool vaccuum, there are many options for this, including autonomous robot cleaners. Lastly, perform routine water tests to make sure the ph and chlorine levels are where they should be.
Where Do You Buy Above Ground Swimming Pools?
Above ground swimming pools are honestly not hard to find, you can easily purchase them online on sites like Amazon or The Pool Factory, or if you would prefer to buy in-store, Home Depot, Lowe’s, and Walmart usually have some options stocked that you can browse in person.
What Are Above Ground Pools Made Of?
There are a few different materials above ground pools can be made of, and depending on what your pool is made of you will need to know different chemical levels and maintenance, so it is important to know. The three main materials above ground pools can be made of are steel, resin, and aluminum
What Chemicals Should You Use In Above Ground Swimming Pools?
Our team recommends always having at least the following- chlorine, pool shock, calcium chloride, cyanuric acid, algaecide, and alkaline. You can also check out our full guide on the chemicals you need for an above ground pool. Also, we strongly encourage you to always read directions carefully when adding any chemicals to your pool!
What Above Ground Pool Is Best?
While everyone’s budget and preferences are different, our team’s personal favorite considering quality and price, was the Splash Pools Round Deluxe Pool Package. If you are looking for the most luxurious option (and don’t mind spending an extra 2k or so), the Intex 24ft X 12ft X 52in Ultra Frame Rectangular Pool Set is a solid pick as well.
Our Team’s Conclusion
Due to innovations and advanced technology, vendors are producing new and better products every year. The best above ground pool that you enjoyed in your childhood might not be in use by now. So, finding the best pool among the ones we presented above is the best thing to do.
You can also look at our best above the ground pool ladders recommendations. Have you tried any of these pools? Let us know below!
Hello! I am a swimming pool contractor with over 10 years of experience helping homeowners install and repair both inground swimming pools and above-ground swimming pools. I enjoy barbecue, Star Wars, blogging, and spending time outside enjoying the backyard with my family.
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