Megan's Pool Guide
The Best Above Ground Pools For Summer Fun Without Breaking The Bank!
By Megan Cox | Updated : 07/14/2024
If you want to go swimming this summer without breaking the bank an above ground pool is an excellent choice! Above ground pools are easy to set up! You can be swimming in just a few hours. In our research, we look at the best above ground pools for 2024.
- Pros & Cons
- Super Easy Setup
- Everything You Need Is Included
- Available In Five Different Sizes
Price Value Ratio :
- Why We Picked It
Cool off this summer with this Intex 15ft x 48in easy to set up pool set. This above ground pool set includes everything you need to get started including a filter pump, ladder, ground cloth, and pool cover. If you are looking for something a little bigger this above ground pool is available in five different sizes. This pool holds 3736 gallons of water when 80% full. Setup is easy, you can have this pool ready to fill with water in about 15 minutes. We love the super-tough laminated PVC sidewalls, it makes this pool super durable. This pool includes a convenient drain plug that connects to a garden hose so water can easily be drained away from the pool. You will be glad to know that this above ground pool is equipped with the ground fault interrupter, which is an added safety feature that shuts off the pump if electrical current is exposed to water. Intex easy set is one of the easiest to assemble pools on the market. This above ground pool set has everything you need for fun this summer. Overall, this is a great above ground pool for any backyard!
- Pros & Cons
- Everything You Need Is Included
- 2 Year Manufacturer's Warranty
- Available In Five Different Sizes
Price Value Ratio :
- Why We Picked It
In our opinion, Intex is the gold standard in above ground swimming pools! This 16 ft x 48-inch ultra XTR above ground pool set includes a sand filter pump, ladder, ground cloth, and pool cover. Setup is pretty easy. You can have this pool ready for water in about 45 minutes. This above ground pool also includes a 2-year manufacturer's warranty! At 90% water capacity this above ground pool holds 5061 gallons of water. The sand filter pump included with this pool has a flow rate of 1200 gallons per hour. This pool is approx 4 feet deep at full capacity. The uniquely designed frame combines high quality galvanized steel with a precision engineered locking system to enhance the overall quality, durability, and stability of this above ground pool. We were happy with the overall rust resistance of this above ground pool. The inner and outer powder coating ensures the ultimate resistance to rust. The ladder that is included with the pool is designed and manufactured for a maximum weight capacity of 300 lbs. Overall, this is an awesome choice!
- Pros & Cons
- Everything You Need Is Included
- 2 Year Manufacturer's Warranty
- Available In Five Different Sizes
Price Value Ratio :
- Why We Picked It
Make your backyard the place to be all summer long with this awesome Intex 32ft x 16ft x 52in ultra XTR rectangular above ground salt water pool set. This awesome above ground pool includes a sand filter pump system, ladder, ground cloth, pool cover, maintenance kit, and volleyball set. The water capacity of this swimming pool when 90% full is 14364 gallons. Setup of this pool is fairly simple. It will be ready for water in about 90 minutes. This pool is approx 5 feet deep. We love this awesome salt water above ground pool because it is absolutely giant and super durable! This above ground pool also includes a 2-year manufacturer's warranty! The uniquely designed frame combines high quality galvanized steel with a precision locking system to enhance the overall quality, durability, and stability of this above ground pool. We like the pump on this pool because it is easy to maintain with sand that only needs routine backwashing and replacing every 5-years. If you have a big family this is an awesome choice! It comes with everything you need!
- Pros & Cons
- Awesome Dark Wicker Color
- Ready For Water In Minutes
- 90 Day Warranty
Price Value Ratio :
- Why We Picked It
We love the dark wicker color of this above ground swimming pool. You can splash the day away in the comfort and privacy of your own backyard with this inflatable above ground pool. This pool is approx 3 feet deep and measures 12 feet in diameter. Includes an RX600 filter pump with GFCI circuit for pool safety. We like this pool because you can have it up and ready to fill with water in just a few minutes. This pool is constructed of triple layer durable polylaminate PVC with polyester inner mesh sidewalls. This above ground pool can withstand the elements with a strong and sturdy liner with triple layer material to withstand the summer weather and prevent puncturing. You will love the dark herringbone bask weave wicker pattern. It looks so much better than the stark blue color of some above ground pools. The dark grey basketweave wicker pattern of this pool adds some elegance to your summer fun. This pool comes with a 90 Day warranty. Overall, this pool is an awesome choice!
- Pros & Cons
- Everything You Need Is Included
- Puncture Resistant 3-Ply Material
- 90 Day Warranty
Price Value Ratio :
- Why We Picked It
This awesome Intex prism frame above ground pool set is 15ft X 42in in diameter. The pool comes with a filter pump, ladder, ground cloth, and pool cover. Setup was pretty easy. You can have it ready for water in about 45 minutes. At 90% capacity, this swimming pool holds 3861 gallons of water. This swimming pool includes a 120V Krystal clear cartridge filter pump that has a pump flow rate of 1000 Gph. This above ground swimming pool is constructed with a puncture resistant 3-ply durable material. It features all of the great benefits of metal frame pools. You will love the enhanced strong powder-coated steel tubing and stylish and upscale looking liner color. This swimming pool has an easy 3 step process for setup. First, lay out the liner for your swimming pool on flat level ground. Second, assemble the frame of the pool. Fill your swimming pool with water and enjoy! That's it! This is a great swimming pool by Intex, the gold standard in above ground pools. Overall, a great choice for any backyard!
- Pros & Cons
- Reinforced Steel Frame
- Sturdy 3-Ply Side Walls
- Everything You Need Is Included
Price Value Ratio :
- Why We Picked It
Spend hours of fun in the sun with the Bestway 18 ft x 4.3 ft reinforced power steel frame above the ground swimming pool. This swimming pool set is a great choice for most backyards. The pool features easy setup, enhanced stability, and less wasted space due to the pool's round shape. This swimming pool features sturdy construction with heavy-duty and polyester 3-ply side walls. The nifty built-in flow control drain valve allows for easy draining by attaching the valve to a garden hose to drain away water. We love the reinforced foundation with a 360-degree belt. It provides extra support for the pool's longevity and form. This above ground pool comes with filters, pump, ladder, ground cloth, and a pool cover. Pretty much everything you need to get started. It took us about 45 minutes to set up this pool and about 4.5 hours to fill the pool with water with a standard water hose. Watch out the water is cold! Our water comes from a well so it took us a little sun warming time before we jumped in.
- Pros & Cons
- Rust-Resistant Galvanized Steel Frame
- Snap-In Design For Quick & Easy Setup
- 90 Day Warranty
Price Value Ratio :
- Why We Picked It
You and your family can splash the day away in the comfort and privacy of your own backyard with this awesome above ground pool. The Summer Waves 12ft x 33-in above ground pool comes with a filter pump. We love the dark wicker color of this above ground swimming pool. This round swimming pool measures 12 feet in diameter and is approx 3 feet deep. When this above ground pool is full it has a 1900 gallon water capacity. This pool is made of triple layer polyester mesh and heavy gauge PVC material. The pool is designed for easy setup an installation allowing you to have this swimming pool water ready in minutes. This above ground pool comes with a helpful filtration system and a stylish exterior wicker print that blends seamlessly with your outdoor furniture and decor. The dark grey herringbone wicker pattern of this pool is awesome! No more blue blob eyesore in the back of your yard. Overall, we love this pool and think it is a great choice!
- Pros & Cons
- Everything You Need Is Included
- Durable Powder Coated Steel Frame
- Includes Maintenance Kit
Price Value Ratio :
- Why We Picked It
Invite the whole neighborhood over for a pool party in this large above ground pool! The Intex 26ft x 52in ultra frame above ground swimming pool set comes with everything you need to get the fun started including the pool, cartridge filter pump, pool ladder, maintenance kit, pool debris cover, and a pool ground cloth. This super reliable pool is made of laminated PVC siding with 3 separate material layers for strength and durability. It has a durable powder coated steel frame. The high-quality above ground pool measures 26 feet in diameter and 4 foot in height. This pool comes complete with a powerful Krystal Clear 120 volt 2100 gallon per hour filter pump that keeps your pool clean for endless hours. The size of this above ground pool is perfect for this price range. We recommend draining this pool in the winter. You can just remove the strainers and hoses is this is easier for you. This is another great above ground pool from Intex. An awesome choice for any yard!
- Pros & Cons
- Beautiful Dark Wicker Color
- Everything Is Included With Pool
- Rust Resistant Steel Galvanized Frame
Price Value Ratio :
- Why We Picked It
If you are tired of that blue color that most above ground pools come with this is a great choice! We love the dark wicker color of this above ground swimming pool. The Summer Waves elite wicker 18ft x 48in above ground frame pool set comes with everything you need to get started with summer fun. This awesome above ground pool set includes the pool, cartridge filter pump, pool ladder, maintenance kit, pool debris cover, and a pool ground cloth. We are very happy that this pool is constructed of triple layer polyester mesh and heavy gauge PVC material. It really makes this pool durable and long lasting! The rust-resistant, steel galvanized frame stands up to heavy use and the elements! Setup is easy and you can have this pool ready for water in as little as 60 minutes. The 18-foot diameter round frame of the above ground pool has 4-foot pool walls. If you are looking for a high-quality swimming pool this could be the one for you! Great price!
- Pros & Cons
- Beautiful Bolder Swirl Pattern Liner
- Everything Is Included With Pool Kit
- Available In Six Different Sizes
Price Value Ratio :
- Why We Picked It
This above ground pool kit includes everything you need to start swimming! You get the pool, an A-frame ladder with a barrier, a wide-mouth skimmer, a 25 gauge overlap liner, a Patriot one horsepower sand filter system, and 3 bags of Rx clear luster filter media. The best temperature to set up this above ground pool would be between 70-80 degrees. Before installing, you should lay the liner out in the sun for a minimum of one hour to warm up the vinyl ensuring it is able to stretch when adding water. We love the blue rock top the swirling water backdrop with the boulder swirl pattern, it looks totally awesome. The pool liner is hand folded to prevent permanent creasing and excess wrinkling. Interlocking stabilizer rails and coping strips fit tightly over your liner and the top of the pool wall locking the liner in place. This features a super strong steel wall that has been hot-dip galvanized for protection. The copper-bearing steel wall is resin coated both on the inside and outside offering great protection against premature rusting while offering maximum longevity. Great choice!
- Pros & Cons
- Available In 3 Different Colors
- Rust Resistant Galvanized Steel Frame
- Includes Everything Needed For Setup
Price Value Ratio :
- Why We Picked It
Spend the summer cooling off in this high-quality above ground swimming pool. This above ground pool is absolutely huge! We love the brown wicker color of the Summer Waves 24ft x 12ft x 52in above ground rectangle frame pool set. It looks awesome and the whole family will easily fit! This above ground pool is rust resistant and has a galvanized steel frame. We like the triple layer polyester mesh and heavy gauge PVC material construction of this pool. The durable metal frame stands up to heavy use and the elements. This swimming pool has everything you need to get started including an SFX1500 skimmer, a 120-volt filter pump, a pool cover, a ladder, and a ground cloth. This generously sized pool features stylish wicker print that matches your outdoor furniture. Your neighbors will be jealous of the superior quality of this pool. Setup and maintenance of this swimming pool is a breeze. It took us longer to fill this pool with water than it did to set up the frame and install the liner. The water capacity of this swimming pool is 8393 gallons when full. This is an awesome choice!
- Pros & Cons
- Bedrock Pattern Inner Liner
- Available In Ten Different Sizes
- Galvanized Steel Wall Construction
Price Value Ratio :
- Why We Picked It
This elegantly designed 15ft above ground pool features a super strong steel wall that has been hot-dip galvanized for protection. Take a dip into the glistening waters of bedrock and experience the visual of pebbles and seashells at your feet. The copper-bearing steel wall is resin coated both on the inside and outside offering great protection against premature rusting while offering maximum longevity. This awesome pool is available in 10 different sizes. The pool liner material is hand folded to prevent permanent creasing and excess wrinkling. Before setting up this swimming pool lay the liner out in the sun for a minimum of one hour to warm up the vinyl ensuring it is able to stretch when adding water. Make sure it is a warm day between 70-80 degrees. Why miss out this summer, your house could be the center of all the fun? We like owning a swimming pool because it enhances family time, promotes fitness, and it is a social magnet! Your family and friends will be begging to come over. An above ground pool makes for the ideal gathering place to stay cool.
- Pros & Cons
- Easy Setup - 30 Minutes Or Less
- Sturdy Rust-Resistant Pool Frame
- Includes Easy Draining Control Valve
Price Value Ratio :
- Why We Picked It
This above ground pool kit includes everything you need to start swimming! You get the pool, an A-frame ladder with a barrier, a wide-mouth skimmer, a 25 gauge overlap liner, a Patriot one horsepower sand filter system, and 3 bags of Rx clear luster filter media. This awesome above ground swimming pool is great outdoor fun for ages 6 and up! Setup is super easy! It only takes 30 minutes or less. You will also love the flow control valve for easy draining. It saves a lot of time when the summer fun is over. This above ground swimming pool features a rust-resistant frame and PVC side walls. You will love this little pool because it is the perfect size for those hot summer days!
- Pros & Cons
- Available In Six Different Sizes
- Beautiful Bolder Swirl Pattern Liner
- Everything Is Included With Pool Kit
Price Value Ratio :
- Why We Picked It
Are you ready for the kids to throw down the phones and go outside this summer? Well, this above ground pool might just do the trick. You will love this pool kit because it includes everything you need to start swimming! The blue rocks top has a swirling water backdrop with a boulder swirl pattern. This elegantly designed above ground pool features a super strong steel wall that has been hot-dip galvanized for protection. The interlocking stabilizer rails and coping strips fit tightly over your liner and the top of the pool wall locking the liner in place. This is an awesome above ground pool. The neutral gray tone color of this swimming pool will add a touch of beauty to any backyard.
- Pros & Cons
- Elegant Dark Wicker Color
- Heavy Gauge PVC Construction
- Great Gift For The Whole Family
Price Value Ratio :
- Why We Picked It
This awesome above ground swimming pool is available in 2 different colors. You can have this pool ready for water in as little as 60 minutes. We love the elegant dark wicker color. The rust-resistant, galvanized steel frame stands up to heavy use and the elements. This above ground pool is constructed of triple layer mesh polyester and heavy gauge PVC material. This complete pool kit has everything you need to set up and maintain your above ground pool so you spend more time chilling in the water and less time buying accessories and supplies. This giant pool can hold 8241 gallons of water and as much fun as you can throw at it. Overall, a great above ground swimming pool!
- Pros & Cons
- Quick Easy Setup
- Available In 3 Different Sizes
- Easy Draining Control Drain Valve
Price Value Ratio :
- Why We Picked It
Available in 3 different sizes the Steel Pro 15ft x 48in frame above ground pool set is an awesome choice! It is easy to set up and features an easy draining control drain valve. It is important to note that this pool does not include a pump. Setup was easy. No tools are required. When this pool is at 90% capacity it holds 4231 gallons of water. This pool is an awesomely affordable way to have the fun in your backyard! Your kids will love you! The high-quality frame is applied with a rust and corrosion-resistant coating to make your pool strong and lasting. We like this above ground pool because it features a strong steel frame for increased durability and rigidity. Overall, a great pool!
- Pros & Cons
- Everything For Setup Is Included
- Ready For Water In 30 Minutes
- Available In 5 Different Sizes
Price Value Ratio :
- Why We Picked It
This above ground pool set includes everything you need to get started including a filter pump, ladder, ground cloth, and pool cover. Setup is easy and you can have it ready for water in about 30 minutes. This awesome above ground pool is available in 5 different sizes. We love the super-tough laminated PVC sidewalls, it makes this pool super durable. This pool includes a convenient drain plug that connects to a garden hose so water can easily be drained away from the swimming pool. When this above ground pool is at 80% capacity it holds 5455 gallons of water. We like the added safety feature that shuts off the pump if electrical current is exposed to water.
- Pros & Cons
- Available In Five Different Sizes
- A Great Low Cost Option For Fun
- Easy To Clean Heavy-Duty Vinyl Liner
Price Value Ratio :
- Why We Picked It
Intex easy set is one of the easiest to assemble pools on the market. This above ground pool set has everything you need for fun this summer. This pool holds 639 gallons of water when 80% full. Setup is easy, you can have this pool ready to fill with water in about 10 minutes. It is important to note that this pool does not include a filter pump. This pool is easy to clean and has a heavy-duty liner made of vinyl. This is an awesome above ground pool for the kids but if you have cats we would not recommend it. Cats can easily puncture the top ring sometimes beyond repair. It took us about 3 hours to fill the pool. This above ground pool is a great low-cost option! Great choice!
Above Ground Pool Comparison
| Above Ground Pool | Brand | Weight | Color | Material | Dimensions | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Intex 15ft X 48in Easy Set Pool Set With Filter Pump, Ladder, Ground Cloth & Pool Cover | Intex | 95 lbs | Blue | Vinyl | 15 Ft x 48 In | ||
| Intex 16 ft. X 48 in. Ultra XTR Pool Set With Sand Filter Pump, Ladder, Ground Cloth & Pool Cover | Intex | 216 lbs | Grey | Steel/PVC | 16 Ft x 48 In | ||
| Intex 32ft X 16ft X 52in Ultra XTR Rectangular Saltwater System Above Ground Pool Set | Intex | 589 lbs | Grey | Steel/PVC | 32 Ft x 16 Ft | ||
| Summer Waves 12ft x 36in Quick Set Ring Above Ground Pool With Pump, Dark Wicker | Summer Waves | 31.90 lbs | Dark Grey | PVC/Polyester | 12 Ft x 36 In | ||
| Intex 15ft X 42in Prism Frame Above Ground Pool Set With Filter Pump, Ladder And Cover | Intex | 46 lbs | Grey | Steel/PVC | 15 Ft x 42 In |
Related Pool Upgrades
Make a splash all summer long with fun swimming pool games! Your kids will have a great time and you will too. In our research, we look at this years best swimming pool games.
Did your old swimming pool float make it through the winter? Don't worry just get an awesome new one. In our research, we look at the best swimming pool floats for fun this summer!
Make cleaning your swimming pool convenient with a robotic pool cleaner! Why spend all summer trying to keep your pool clean when you can just let a robotic pool cleaner do the work.
Pool Shock will quickly eliminate algae, bacteria, and other harmful contaminants from your pool water. Keep your pool water crystal clear by using pool shock weekly. See our picks for best pool shock.
Avoid the inconvenience of plugging and unplugging your pool pump with a pool pump timer. Most pool pump timers are waterproof and can save you money on your next power bill.
Sometimes, your pool filter needs help getting rid of small particles. A good pool clarifier binds these small particles into larger ones, allowing your filter to remove them easier.
Above Ground Pool Safety
It is important to secure your swimming pool at all times. Never take your eyes off children while swimming! Drowning can be prevented. Always remove or secure the ladder when the pool is not in use. You should properly fence all swimming pools. Help prevent children from wandering into unsupervised pool areas by installing a non-climbable fence and self-closing and self-latching gates. A door alarm is also a good idea. Just because a pool is above ground it will not prevent drowning. Learn basic safety tips and make sure everyone knows how to swim. Hope you have an excellent safe summer!
How do I choose an above ground pool?
Well, the first thing to consider is how much space do you have to install an above ground pool. Second, decide how much money you want to spend. Third, think about how large a pool you want to maintain. Larger pools cost more to maintain but provide hours of fun for the entire family. Smaller pools can be fun if you only have a few people that will be swimming at any given time.
How long do above ground pools last?
It really depends on how you maintain your swimming pool. A high-quality above swimming ground pool that is well maintained can last up to 15 years. Most above ground pools last around 7 years or less depending on the construction of the pool. Pool liners will last up to seven years. We prefer above ground pools that have galvanized frames. A galvanized frame really helps reduce rusting that is common on some older above ground pools.
How much will my electric bill go up with a pool?
Your power bill will definitely go up but how much depends on many factors. Some of the things that will affect your power bill is how long you run your filter pump each day, your local power rates, the type of pump you have, and if you installed an electric pool heater. It cost a lot of money to heat a swimming pool even if you decide to use gas. We have an electric water heater, but it cost way too much operate.
Which brand above ground pool is best?
In our opinion, Intex makes the most dependable above ground pool. Intex has been making above ground swimming pools for over 20 years and has a great reputation for quality.
Should I get an above ground pool?
Sure, if you want one. It is a great way to find out if the pool life is for you without spending too much money. Above ground pools are great if you have limited space or a limited budget. They are easy to set up and you can be swimming the same day in most cases.
What is a good size above ground pool?
It really depends on how much space you have available and how much money you want to spend. Round above ground pools is the most popular. The most common size above ground pool is the round 24' or 27'. So a good size pool really depends on your situation.
How much is an above ground pool?
Most round above ground pools are less than $1000. Oval above ground pools cost much more and can cost well over $3000 to install. But just like anything else you can spend as much as you want.
How much does it cost to maintain an above ground pool?
On average it can cost up to $300 a month to maintain an above ground pool. It really depends on how long you run your pump filter and the size of your swimming pool. While filters and chemicals add to the cost of maintenance, electricity is by far the largest monthly expense. With smaller above ground swimming pools maintenance cost could be as little as $50 a month.
Which is better inground or above ground pool?
In our opinion, an inground pool made of fiberglass or concrete is the most dependable. Inground pools that use a liner tend to last only a few years before you need to replace the liner. In most cases above ground pools are much less expensive and are easier to repair or replace.
Can above ground pools be salt water?
Yes, low maintenance salt water above ground pools are available from many manufacturers. You can also convert your freshwater pool system to saltwater by installing a saltwater generator. In our opinion, it is better just to buy a pool that is designed for saltwater.
Conclusion
If you are looking for an awesome above ground pool we recommend our # 1 pick the Intex 15ft X 48in Easy Set Pool Set With Filter Pump, Ladder, Ground Cloth & Pool Cover. This above ground pool set includes everything you need to get started including a filter pump, ladder, ground cloth, and pool cover. If you are looking for something a little bigger this above ground pool is available in five different sizes. This pool holds 3736 gallons of water when 80% full. Setup is easy, you can have this pool ready to fill with water in about 15 minutes.
The next above ground pool we recommend is the Intex 16 ft x 48 in Ultra XTR Pool Set With Sand Filter Pump, Ladder, Ground Cloth & Pool Cover. In our opinion, Intex is the gold standard in above ground swimming pools! This 16 ft x 48-inch ultra XTR above ground pool set includes a sand filter pump, ladder, ground cloth, and pool cover. Setup is pretty easy. You can have this pool ready for water in about 45 minutes. This above ground pool also includes a 2-year manufacturer's warranty! At 90% water capacity this above ground pool holds 5061 gallons of water.
Our third pick is the Summer Waves 12ft x 36in Quick Set Ring Above Ground Pool With Pump, Dark Wicker. We love the dark wicker color of this above ground swimming pool. You can splash the day away in the comfort and privacy of your own backyard with this inflatable above ground pool. This pool is approx 3 feet deep and measures 12 feet in diameter. Includes an RX600 filter pump with GFCI circuit for pool safety.
Thank you for taking the time to read our above ground swimming pool research!