The Best Above-Ground Swimming Pools

To determine our top picks for best above-ground pool, we leaned heavily on pool reviews from owners posted on the websites of retailers such as Walmart, Target, Home Depot, Amazon, and elsewhere. Cheap pools don’t attract a great deal of commentary from consumer product experts, but we did find credible feedback on sites like Best Reviews. We also consulted Steve Goodale, a well-regarded technical specialist and educator in the swimming pool and spa industry. The founder of the website Swimming Pool Steve, he provided a wealth of information regarding price, materials, and maintenance that any prospective pool owner will find helpful. In this buying guide, you’ll find excerpts from our interview with Goodale, along with answers to frequently asked questions and tips on what you need to know before buying an above-ground pool.

What type of above-ground pool is best?

Above-ground pools can cost less than $100 or more than $10,000. A variety of factors go into explaining that price difference, but essentially it comes down to the manufacturing materials. According to Goodale, price is a pretty good indicator of quality and longevity. “The expected service life from an above-ground pool will vary dramatically based on the quality of the pool kit and the quality of the installation,” the pool pro said. “Some of the cheapest above-ground pool kits are really only suitable to last a season or two at the most, where on the other end of the spectrum, you can easily have a high-quality above-ground pool last for multiple decades.”

Inflatable pools are the least expensive type of above-ground pool and, of course, have the shortest lifespans. These pools are the easiest to set up, however, and can work with most any surface — just make sure the ground is generally level and devoid of rocks, twigs, and branches. A majority are on the small side and are often thought of as kiddie pools, although inflatables up to 18 feet in diameter are available. While they run the gamut of shapes, round and rectangular are the most common varieties. The cheapest are made of simple vinyl and are filled with air throughout, while “ring pools,” named for the inflatable ring at the top that rises as water is poured in, frequently boast PVC-coated walls. Some are even equipped with features like built-in filters to keep the water clean. As suggested, durability is the main drawback with these types of pools, however, and reviews indicate that anything more than one summer of use is a bonus, although with a ring pool you may get a slighter longer lifespan than with the typical inflatable pool.

Soft-side pools or metal-frame pools consist of a heavy-duty vinyl or PVC pool liner, which serves as the floor and walls, that’s suspended on a frame, usually made of steel. They can be set up and taken down without special tools or required skills and frequently come with filter pumps and other accessories like ladders and covers. Frame pools are medium-term investments; the best last for a few seasons (with proper care). Less expensive pools of this type tend to carry fairly limited warranties — 90 days is common — but better quality frame pools with higher price tags, like the Intex Ultra XTR series we recommend (which comes in both rectangular and round models), offer coverage for up to two years. We even saw owner reports of these Intex pools lasting eight years or more. Better steel frame pools can be left up year-round, especially in milder climates, while budget models should be taken down and stored away between seasons.

Hard-sided pools, made of steel, aluminum, or resin, are the sturdiest of above-ground pools, and also the most expensive, although prices range widely. According to our expert Steve Goodale, whereas lower-end models may be “hastily manufactured,” consumers can expect that with more expensive hard-sided pools “materials like the wall panels will be thicker and more durable, and the fasteners and hardware will be higher-quality metals with better machining.” These types of pools can be winterized and are intended for permanent (or semi-permanent) installation. For setup, they require that the ground be leveled and all grass and sod dug out, and sand may need to be imported, as well. There must be an electrical source close by. Despite a fairly involved set of requirements, however, depending on the purchaser’s skill level and access to willing helpers, they can often be a DIY project. If professional installation is required, expect to add a few hundred dollars, potentially even thousands, to the cost. And several reviews warn that trained installers may balk at setting up pools bought online.

What are the best swimming pool brands?

For homeowners set on a hard-sided pool and willing to pay a bit more, brands like Cornelius and Embassy (owned by Doughboy, a well-regarded manufacturer known for its pricey steel and resin models) are well-recommended and still relatively affordable. But you’ll have to be willing to shop around with independent dealers; sites like Amazon and other general retailers have only a very small assortment available for order. (Note: For delivery, hard-sided pools are packed on a pallet and come by truck, which must be met by the buyer. The driver will not bring the pallet to the door, let alone to the backyard. Shipping costs can also be quite hefty.)

What size swimming pool should you buy?

Larger, heavier swimming pools require more extensive ground preparation, as well, including some type of support (ranging from treated lumber to a concrete pad) capable of carrying the pool’s weight. Neglecting to follow manufacturer guidelines regarding the pool’s site and ground preparation will likely void any warranty, at the minimum, and could be a recipe for disaster should the pool fail because of improper support.

What do you need for an above-ground pool?

A pump and filter system are imperative for all but the simplest of blow-up kiddie pools (and experts still recommend some sort of chlorination setup to keep water clean in those). Many cheap backyard pools come with a replaceable cartridge filter system that should be changed as often as weekly; make sure to read the instructions. In reviews of most of these pools, however, there are owners who gripe about the undersized pumps and filters included in kits, citing pumps that fail within days of purchase or filters that clog quickly and don’t circulate water sufficiently. Several consumers say hosing down the filter every few hours or even daily helps ensure clean water and can extend the filter's useful life.

Many pool owners insist that buying a heftier pump and better filter is a worthwhile investment, although it can represent a significant chunk of the original purchase price. But you can also step up to a different type of filter system. Sand filter pumps, starting in the neighborhood of $150, are costlier than the standard filtration systems on cheap pools, but a sand filter will not require as much maintenance as regular cartridge filters — Intex says the sand in its pumps needs to be replaced every five years. (Note: This is a schedule that could outlast your cheap backyard pool.)

Pricier equipment doesn't release you from the need to add all the chemicals required to get and keep things right. One alternative to the chemical-based routine is a low-maintenance, eco-friendly saltwater system that relies on salt, rather than chlorine, to keep swimming pool water sparkling. While Intex offers some pool models already outfitted with saltwater systems, it also sells a saltwater system separately. Intex says the system can be used on any make of above-ground pool and doesn't leave the water feeling or tasting like the sea. Based on the user reviews that we read, saltwater systems have won numerous converts.

Aside from a pump and filter system, a pool ladder, a pool cover, and a skimmer are some of the other main accessories you’ll probably want to have. A vacuum might also be in order, particularly if there are a lot of leafy trees in the area. Many, but not all, pool kits include some or all of these items for free (or at least as part of the price of the pool). However, we saw lots of feedback in user reviews for pools in all price ranges that said that the included accessories often feel flimsy and leave a little — or a lot — to be desired. A ground cover to protect the pool's underside from stones and pebbles and other debris that could puncture the pool liner is critical, and often provided in kits. Some risk-averse pool owners suggest putting down a heavy-duty tarp, foam pad, or even old carpet as an extra barrier.

Essential accessories aside, many prospective pool owners jump right ahead to thinking of the many toys and floats they’ll “need” to make a splash with summer pool fun, but it’s imperative that you don’t forget the gear that may be required to keep your pool safe. Many communities require fencing with a latched gate for swimming pools, so be sure to check local regulations. Regardless what the laws say — or don’t — there are safeguards that always should be taken. Remove ladders and secure covers tightly when the pool is not in use, and always have adults present when it is.

How do you maintain an above-ground pool?

“The single greatest factor that will impact the service life of an above-ground pool is how well the chemistry is balanced in the water,” expert Steve Goodale says. “Poorly balanced pool water is the No. 1 cause for early component failure in pools. Just because the water looks clear does not mean the water is safe. Poorly balanced sanitizer levels, pH, alkalinity, and calcium hardness levels can all cause advanced deterioration of integral pool components.” Dirty water can pose health hazards, as well.

Goodale’s advice: “If you want your above-ground pool to last as long as possible, then pick a high quality kit, have it installed professionally, and then work very hard to monitor and maintain your water chemistry. This will result in the longest possible service life for an above-ground pool.” Maintaining proper water chemistry will also cut the cost of multiple pool refills, which can significantly increase your water bill: A modest-size swimming pool measuring 15 feet in diameter and 48 inches deep can hold more than 4,400 gallons. That’s a lot of water wasted if it has to be replaced due to improper care.