Cool Off This Summer With One of These Top-Rated Above-Ground Swimming Pools

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There's no doubt that attractive new patio furniture is an excellent way to refresh your outdoor space. But for an upgrade that can keep you and your family active during the summer, your best bet is an above-ground swimming pool. Plus, they can add value to your home—particularly if you build a deck around yours. At a fraction of the cost of installing an in-ground pool and way less work than a DIY stock tank pool project, above-ground pools are a worthwhile investment that requires research and thought before buying.

Whether you want an inflatable pool that sets up in minutes or a more permanent steel frame option, here are our recommendations for the best above-ground swimming pools on the market.

Looking for the best pool accessories? Check out the best pool ladders and pool floats.

The Best Above-Ground Swimming Pools

What to Consider

After measuring the square footage you have to accommodate an above-ground swimming pool, it’s crucial to be honest with yourself about the amount of time you’re willing to put into maintaining it. Don’t make the mistake of thinking that all above-ground pools are a cinch to take care of in comparison to in-ground pools—many options require filters, pumps, and regular cleanings.

Whether you want to fill up your pool with the garden hose or you’re installing a more permanent setup, you should install any above-ground pool on level ground, which can mean extra time and money put into readying your property. That may be worth it if you want a metal-frame pool, though perhaps less so for inflatable pool buyers. Also, note that capacity represents pools at 80 to 90 percent full.

How We Selected

Our selection includes inflatable and semi-permanent above-ground pools of every type and size. Quality of materials, ease of setup, and added features were top considerations, and our selection covers a range of options that work with a variety of outdoor setups. Some pools come with filter pumps, covers, ground cloths, ladders, and even cup holders to attach to the rim, but others don’t throw in any extras. We took those features into account and weighed them against price to highlight pools that offer the best value.

Shop the best above-ground swimming pool Prime Day deals on Amazon.

Steel Pro Max Above-Ground Pool

It’s tough to beat a high-quality 14-foot-wide above-ground pool for this price. Bestway’s Steel Pro Max is large enough to accommodate adults and kids, and comes with everything you need for a fast setup. It has a corrosion-resistant steel frame and a reinforced three-ply liner to prevent punctures.

The set comes with a filter pump and cartridge, plus filling and draining it is a snap, thanks to a built-in valve that connects to a garden hose.

Meadows Reprieve Above-Ground Pool

This solidly constructed pool has galvanized steel walls that are coated with resin to prevent rust and provide extra durability.

The pool’s liner, with a bedrock pattern on the bottom and brilliant blue wave print running up the side walls, is hand-cut to keep it from wrinkling. Also, the above-ground pool's dove gray outer walls are neutral enough to blend in with backyard decor.

Pro tip: Before installing, set the liner in the sun for an hour so the vinyl stretches to cover the pool’s floor and walls. After installation, interlocking rails and strips keep it from shifting.

The main drawback is that there's no filter pump or cover included, which is disappointing for a pool at this price point.

Metal Frame Pool

This Intex metal-frame pool is large enough for several swimmers to wade around. It’s 18 feet wide, constructed of aluminum and steel, and relatively easy to assemble. It's also easy to maintain and comes with a 10-inch overhang and nylon rope ties to prevent any debris from falling in. Because of its sturdy build, this pool should last longer than inflatable options.

Mid-Size Easy Set Pool (15 x 4 Feet)

It takes a mere 15 minutes to set up this medium-size, 4-foot-deep swimming pool. Simply spread it out on a level patch of grass, inflate it via the top ring, and attach a garden hose to the drain plug to fill it up. The sidewalls are made from laminated PVC, and the pool set includes a cartridge filter pump, ground cloth, ladder, and pool cover.

This pool is also designed with safety in mind, thanks to its removable ladder and its automatic pump shutoff, which activates if the water comes in contact with the electrical current.

Ultra XTR Pool Set with Sand Filter Pump

This sharp-looking, expansive pool from Intex is large enough for several swimmers to stretch out on rafts. It’s constructed of galvanized steel and powder-coated inside and out to prevent rust, there’s a three-ply liner, plus it comes with a sand filter pump. Also included is a durable ground cloth, a pool cover with rope ties to secure it, and a removable pool ladder.

Setup is said to take about an hour (though some reviewers say it's much longer), and it’s easy to maintain, with routine backwashing needed only every five years.

Plastic Frame Set Pool

If you have a tiny backyard and are looking for something more substantial than an inflatable model, this above-ground pool is an excellent choice. It doesn’t come with a lot of bells and whistles, but that’s reflected in the price. It’s perfect for a dip with a few friends on a scorching day and it’s a cinch to set up.

The pool is made of plastic and has a galvanized metal frame to keep it sturdy. It includes a filter pump and has capacity for up to 1,600 gallons of water. The pool accommodates several adults and requires just 144 square feet of space, so it’s a great pick for small backyards.

Small Easy Set Pool (12 x 2.5 Feet)

Parents with young children appreciate kiddie pools that are also comfortable for adults. This Intex pool is a superb value for what you get—especially if you’re planning to use it often this summer.

It’s made from PVC, with walls built to withstand little feet kicking the sides. Like other top-ring pools, you have to spread it out to inflate it and attach a garden hose to fill it up.

The only drawback is that it doesn’t come with a filter pump, but its price is low enough that buying one separately won’t break the bank.

Read More About Pools and Pool Accessories

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Things to Know Before Installing Pool | Get Your Pool Ready For Summer | How to Winterize Your Pool | How to Build a Stock Tank Pool | How to Build a Pool Deck

Pool Accessories

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