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Best Above Ground Pool: Top 10 Picks

Sure is hot around here! It seems that every summer we are breaking heat records. I bet you are wishing you had the best above ground pool money could buy. Not to worry, there are some fantastic options out there.

Did you know you can have an above ground pool put up on the same day it is delivered?

Believe it or not, the best above ground pool can be completely constructed within just a few hours, and you can fill it with water within an hour. How amazing does that sound?

What Is the Best Above Ground Pool?

An above ground pool is one that is not dug down into the ground, it sits on a foundation of your choosing. You can either add a ladder to the side or hop over it, depending on the size. The best ones are the ones that suit your family’s needs well and fit in your budget.

Above ground pools are not permanent and by their nature, susceptible to holes and damage. But if taken care of correctly, it can last many years. Many people add support beams on the sides to help keep it sturdy for longer.

The Difference Between Above Ground and Inground Pools

Well, of course, an above ground pool is on top of the foundation, and the inground pool is in the soil or a different foundation. However, there are some differences that play into your decision as to which is best for your family.

The inground pool is permanent, it means giving up yard space for good. The above ground pool can be taken down at any time. There is a lot of preparing when installing an inground pool. Whereas most of the above ground pools, other than preparing a foundation, you simply set them up and fill them.

The biggest difference is undeniably the price! Inground pool pools have a much bigger price tag than an above ground pool. Also, the in ground pool can have many different add ons that above ground pool can not, but those add ons cost a lot more of course.

The YouTube video below explains another significant difference between inground pools and above ground pools, the pump! Please take a moment and watch.

How Long the Best Above Ground Pool Can Last?

Of course, as with most things, if you take care of it and follow instructions, it will last a very long time. The average above ground pool can last anywhere from 7 to 15 years, but the liner will only last up to 9 years. That’s if you do not have too much rough activity in there. Now, the inground pool can last anywhere from 10 to 20 years, depending on which type you have installed.

Do You Need a Permit?

Whether or not you need a permit varies with your city and state. It is always a great idea to double-check before you buy an above ground pool.

There may be forms that have to be filled out and approved before you can start installing your above ground pool. Also, it’s quite common to be required to keep the pool behind a fence. There may also be fees that have to be paid for you to have the best above ground pool in your yard.

Some cities also require specific electrical requirements for certain above ground pool filters. Of course, for property insurance, you will have specific safety requirements around any pool.

How to Install the Best Above Ground Pool?

Now, this is completely up to you, but you can choose to have it professionally installed or put it up with your own two hands. Just try to remember how long it may take to put up and the difficulties you may face in the process. Also, there are safety issues and equipment you may need depending on the size of the pool.

Going the Professional Route.

Having the best above ground pool professionally installed may cost a little extra but help you avoid a headache. Most companies will come out and clean up the area in which the pool will be placed. Then they will level the area, by digging up all the old soil and install some type of draining system.

The company should then frame the foundation with the correct measurements of the pool. After that, they should start to put together the pool and may add extra support items to make sure you get many years out of the pool.

This YouTube video shows an example of how one professional company installs the best above ground pool.

Keeping the work at home. For all of you that have the know-how and can put up your own above ground pool, it’s simpler to do it yourself. When we say “simple,” we’re not talking about the labor, or putting up the pool, but it is a little simpler on your wallet. So, it’s cheaper to do it yourself.

My husband and I have put up and taken down an above ground pool many times. It’s not very difficult, but it can be tedious and annoying. It’s important to remember to set up an area that is level or your pools will not last very long. I know that for a fact, as we have in the past set up above ground pools like many people do, simply on a tarp. It didn’t stand up to our four kids, who were very rough on it, for any longer than 4 years.

The prep you put into your pool foundation and fill will pay off.

How Often You Should Change the Water in an Above Ground Pool?

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What a great question. We always drain our pool after the summer and store it. For those of you who keep your pool up all year, this question can be answered in a few ways.

Most of the best above ground pools should not have to be drained more than every few years. With a good pump, water testing and chemical treatments like chlorine tab, as long as you keep the water clear of debris you shouldn’t have much trouble keeping the water nice.

If all of that is not keeping it clean, then you should contact a professional pool company and see if there is another option before you drain it. Usually, you can use a shock treatment to kill algae, though you will need to stay out of the water for as long as the treatment advises to make sure it’s safe.

If they advise you to drain it, then you may want to invest in a better pump which can help keep it clean longer.

Places to Buy the Best Above Ground Pool

The best above ground pool can be purchased at any local store that sells pools, but it may be cheaper or at least give you a lot more options if you buy online. That way you will be able to see many different options of pools.

How We Chose These Above Ground Pools

pool with water

Image source: Flickr

We reviewed by checking real customer feedback, professional, and retail purchaser reviews. Nothing is quite as good as the information from people who have actually used these pools. So, we dug through and found the best, based on user feedback, specifications, and reliability.

Benefits of Above Ground Pools

moter and child swimming in a pool

Image source: Flickr

There are so many benefits of having the best above ground pool at your home. A huge benefit is the price, above ground pools, are much cheaper than an inground pool. Above ground pools are much easier to install and quicker. The above ground pool can also come with slides and waterfalls, just like an inground pool.

An above ground pool is less maintenance, and it is safer than an inground pool. This is because it is unlikely the small children will fall in and drown in the above ground pool, and in many cases you can remove the ladder.

It is also much easier to remove an above ground pool if you no longer want a pool on your property. The best benefit of having above ground pool is swimming. I mean, who does not love to take a dip after a long day? Not to mention the low-impact cardio.

Some of the Best Above Ground Pools out There

The best above ground pool comes in many different shape and sizes. We have compiled you a list of some great above ground pools. We did not put the list in any particular order. Please take a moment and go through our pool options.

Intex Metal Frame Pool Set


Intex Metal Frame Pool Set, 10-Feet x 30-Inch

  • Easy-to-assemble
  • 110-120 voltage DFCI
  • Metal frame pool set with filter pump

This Intex metal frame above ground pool is easy to assemble and comes in a circle shape. The company includes a filter pump, and it can hold up to 1,185 gallons of water. This company states this above ground pool can be filled up in as little as ten minutes. The dimensions are 30 inches tall and 10 feet in diameter.

This product has a rating of 4.3 out of 5.0- stars on Amazon. Many customers are delighted with their purchase. They say this above ground pool is the perfect height and very easy to install. A few customers say customer service is awful, and the pump stopped working after a few uses.

Intex Prism Frame Rectangular Pool


Intex 16ft X 8ft X 42in Prism Frame Rectangular Pool Set with Filter…

  • Prism frame pools feature strong powder coated metal frames combined with the strong 3-ply material liner and a…
  • Enhanced floor thickness for more durability
  • Includes 110-120V cartridge filter pump with a pump flow Rate of 1, 000 gallons per hour, pool ladder, ground cloth and…

The Intex Prism oval frame pool set includes a pump with filter, removable ladder, debris cover, and a cloth for under the pool. The company claims the pool will be ready within 60 minutes and holds 2,873 gallons of water. This company makes this above ground pool with a 3-ply material liner to help keep this pool durable. The Prism pool comes in a rectangular shape and is 16 feet long and 42 inches deep.

The Intex Prism pool has a rating of 4.2 out of 5.0 stars. Customers are delighted with how easy it is to set up, and they love the durability. Unfortunately, enough customers to mention found leaks on the main seams right out of the box.

Cornelius Pools Phoenix


Cornelius Phoenix 18′ x 52″ Above Ground Swimming Pool w/Pump, Ladder…

  • Create your own backyard swimming pool paradise with this easy-to-assemble above-ground pool kit
  • Round above-ground pool features a 18-foot diameter and is 52 inches deep
  • Fully-integrated sand pump filters 2,400 gallons per hour and features a high-quality, transparent debris trap so you…

The Cornelius company sends the Phoenix pool with a pool net, phosphate removal chemical, a chemical kit, pool ladder, thru-wall skimmer, pool loner, and a sand filter pump. The shape of this pool is a circle, and it is 52-inches deep and 18-foot in diameter.

This pool has a rating of 4.3 out of 5.0 stars. Customers are very pleased with how easy this pool was to put together and how sturdy it is. A few customers were upset the pool was delivered to either a driveway or curb, and the driver would not deliver to the location in the yard, where they needed it.

Lake Effect Meadows Reprieve


Lake Effect Meadows Reprieve 24′ Round Above Ground Swimming Pool |…

  • RESIN COATED STEEL – This elegantly designed above ground pool features a super strong steel wall that has been hot dip…
  • BEAUTIFUL BEDROCK PATTERN LINER – Take a dip into the glistening waters of Bedrock and experience the visual of pebbles…
  • ALL YEAR READY – The Meadows Reprieve above ground swimming pool is designed to remain in place all year round. It…

Lake Effect Pools make its pool in a 24 foot round shape and 52 inches deep. The galvanized steel is for protection to keep it sturdy. The company makes this product with an overlap liner. You will receive a 25-year manufacturer warranty with this product.

The Lake Effect Meadows Reprieve pool has a rating of 4.1 out of 5.0 stars. Many customers say the quality of the pool is fantastic. There are a few customers that say it is too hard to set up, and pieces were missing.

Bestway Steel Pro


Bestway Steel Pro 9.8ft x 5.6ft x 26in Frame Above Ground Pool Set…

  • Includes 1 pool, #58382US filter pump (110 120V) 330-gallon pump water flow rate, 280-gallon integrated pool system…
  • Extra-strong side walls made with 3 separate layers of material. The inner layer of polyester mesh is laminated to the 2…
  • Easy to set up and take down for off-season storage

The ​Bestway company makes a rectangle shape pool. It comes with a filter and three layers of materials for sturdy walls. The company claims the pool is easy for set up and tear down. This product also has corrosion-resistant metal frames.

This above ground pool has a rating of 4.3 out of 5.0 stars. So many customers are happy with the size of the pool and how easy it is to put together. Customers are upset that the pool came already damaged and missing parts.

Bestway Power Steel


Power Steel 16′ x 48″ Frame Pool Set

  • Extra strength side walls are made with advanced TriTech material with 3 separate layers
  • Heavy-duty rust-resistant metal frames
  • Reinforced rope wraps around the bottom of the pool liner to keep the legs firmly in position

This is another pool by the Bestway company, but it is round. This Power steel pool comes with a ladder, pump, pool cover, and ground cover. The pool has reinforced straps to hold the legs in place.

This product has a rating of 4.1 out of 5.0 stars on Amazon. Customers love how sturdy this pool is and how easy it is to keep up with. Some customers are disappointed with the pump, saying it is not strong enough.

Summer Waves


Summer Waves 8ft x 30in Round Metal Frame Above Ground Swimming Pool &…

  • 8 foot diameter metal frame pool with included filter system
  • Durable metal frame stands up to heavy use and the elements
  • Ready for water in as little as 30 minutes

This Summer Waves pool is round and 8 feet in diameter and 30 inches deep. The company makes this pool with metal frames and with a filter system. The Summer Wave company claims it can be ready within 30 minutes. The company recommends this pool for anyone over six-years-old.

This product has a rating of 4.0 out of 5.0 stars. Customers say this pool needs little maintenance, and it is a perfect size. Many customers complain of leaks in the seams.

Summer Waves Elite Wicker 18ft x 48in Round Above Ground


Summer Waves Elite Wicker 18ft x 48in Round Above Ground Frame Pool…

  • 18-foot diameter round frame above-ground pool with 48-inch pool walls
  • Rust resistant, galvanized steel frame stands up to heavy use and the elements
  • Constructed of triple layer polyester mesh and heavy gauge PVC material

This Summer Waves Elite Wicker pool is round and 18 feet in diameter and 48 inches deep. This pool has a galvanized steel frame and is rust-resistant. The Summer Waves company claims this pool can be ready within 60 minutes. The company also sends a deluxe maintenance kit with your purchase.

Elite Wicker pool has a rating of 4.1 out of 5.0 stars. Customers love the wicker design and say it is easy to set up. A couple of customers are upset; the filter does not work well.

Intex 12′ x 30″ Metal Frame


Intex 12′ x 30″ Metal Frame Set Above Ground Swimming Pool with Filter…

  • Intex Manufacturer warranty: 30 Day Warranty against Factory Defects. Warranty does not cover tears, rips or holes
  • Part number: 28031E
  • Intex 12 x 2.5 Foot Metal Frame Above Ground Pool and Filter

This Intex metal frame is round and is 12 feet in diameter and 30 inches deep. The company sends you a filter and cover for this pool. The Intex claims you can fill this pool up in 30 minutes and the company gives 30-days manufacturer warranty.

This above ground pool from Intex has a rating of 4.0 out of 5.0 stars. Customers say this pool is sturdy and great for all ages. A couple of customers are upset that pieces were missing and the cover had a hole in it.

Blue Wave Martinique


Blue Wave NB2615 Martinique 27′ Round 52″ Steel Pool in

  • 7 Toprail W Widemouth Skimmer, Above Ground Pool 1

The Blue Wave Martinique NB2615 is round and is 27 inch diameter and 52 inches deep. The company claims it is so easy to set up; you can do it yourself. It comes with a 25-year limited warranty.

This Blue Wave pool has a rating of 4.0 out of 5.0 stars on Amazon. There are only two reviews so far, but both customers are happy with the purchase. One customer had issues, but it was resolved quickly.

Which Is the Best Above Ground Pool for You?

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Now, the big question is, which is the best above ground pool for you. And, let’s be honest, it all comes down to your personal preferences.

First, you would want to decide what shape would look best in your yard. Then, what size is best for you, and if you have kids, can they swim? You may need a shallow pool. Or if you are like me and have a huge family, you will need the biggest above ground pool ever made.

Also, there are many options of designs on the sides of some above ground pools. You could also order one with all the supplies you will need like a pump, ladder, pool cover, and much more.

So at the end of the day, it comes down to what is best for you and how much you are willing to spend for the best above ground pool.

Do you own an above ground pool? If so, what do you love most about it, and what do you like least? Please leave your comments in the section below.

Featured Image via Pixabay