Best Above-Ground Pools 2023

Just as much fun as traditional pools but significantly more affordable, the best above-ground pools are a great choice for keeping your family cool without the commitment of something more permanent. “Instead of taking weeks or months to build, they can be installed, filled and ready to be enjoyed in a couple of days,” explains Troy Lindbeck, vice president of operations for Pinch A Penny, an online pool supply retailer. “Another great benefit is that they can be broken down and relocated to another home if the homeowner moves.” Before you break out the pool floats, though, it can be a good idea to do your research—or look to ours. Our top pick for 2023 is the Intex Ultra Round Swimming Pool Set, which offers a massive 18 feet of swimming space and comes with fun accessories to boot.

The best above-ground pools will give you plenty of space for your kids to play for hours. Pvc Gym Mat

Best Above-Ground Pools 2023 - Forbes Vetted

There’s more than just one option, though: Above-ground pools come in three main types (inflatable, metal frame and hard-sided), each of which boasts its own range of sizes, durability and ease of setup. The right style for you ultimately depends on your particular preferences and lifestyle. For example, an inflatable pool might be a good option if you’re on a tight budget, but not as great if you’re looking for a super durable model that can stand the test of time. When buying an above-ground pool, you’ll also want to consider accessories like ladders and filters, and figure out whether they’re included or need to be purchased separately. Ahead, find a curated list of our favorite options for 2023—then get ready to kick back and enjoy all summer long.

Dimensions: 20 x 2 feet | Material: Galvanized steel frame, 3-ply PVC | Included accessories: Removable ladder, ground cloth, debris cover, filter pump | Special product features: Easy lock assembly system

If you’re looking for a durable swimming pool that you can use for years to come, this 20-foot circular pool from Intex might fit the bill. It’s supported by a powder-coated steel frame with the brand’s Easy Lock assembly system, which allows for DIY setup, and it can be put together and ready for pool day in just one hour.

The pool is 20 feet in diameter and 2 feet deep, and it can hold 7,947 gallons of water. Plus, it comes with a variety of must-have accessories, including a Intex krystal clear sand filter pump, pool ladder, ground cloth and pool cover to keep debris out.

Dimensions: 14ft x 48 inches | Material: Steel frame; PVC lining | Included accessories: Filter pump, ground cloth, pool cover, ladder, garden hose drain adaptor, Chemconnect dispenser, pool vacuum, pool skimmer, 9-foot pole for vacuum/skimmer | Special product features: Flow-controlled drain valve

Above-ground pools with metal frames are significantly more durable than inflatable models, yet they’re still easy to take down in the off season. This 14-foot pool from Bestway is supported by a rust-resistant steel frame, and it has a heavy-duty 3-ply PVC liner, as well as a reinforced belt that helps to keep the frame in place. The pool is 4 feet deep, and it can hold up to 6,092 gallons of water.

This circular pool is designed to be assembled by two to three people, and it comes with a number of accessories, including a filter pump, filter cartridge, ladder and pool cover. A flow-controlled drain valve makes it easy to empty when summer is over, and the pool comes in a variety of additional sizes, ranging from 10 to 16 feet in diameter.

Dimensions: 13 x 2.75 feet | Material: Laminated PVC | Included accessories: Filter pump | Special product features: 10-minute assembly

For a more temporary above-ground pool, this inflatable option from Intex is easy to assemble and extremely budget-friendly. All you have to do is inflate the top ring, which takes around 10 minutes, and then it’s ready for water. The pool is on the smaller side at 13 feet in diameter and 2.75 feet deep, and it holds 530 gallons of water.

This inflatable pool is made from a puncture-resistant, 3-ply laminated PVC, and it includes a Krystal Clear cartridge filter pump that’s extremely easy to set up. The pool might not be the most durable option out there, but you can’t beat it in terms of value and ease of setup.

Dimensions: 24 x 12 x 4.3 feet | Material: Steel frame, PVC liner | Included accessories: Pool ladder, ground cloth, sand filter, pool cover | Special product features: Saltwater-compatible filter

Not a fan of having that chlorine smell in your hair? This rectangular above-ground pool comes with a saltwater filter pump system, which uses gentler chemicals to sanitize your pool. The pool is 24 feet long and 12 feet wide, and it’s supported by a steel frame lined with a thick, 3-ply PVC liner. It has a water capacity of 8,403 gallons, and it’s 4.3 feet deep.

In addition to the Krystal Clear Sand Filter Pump and Saltwater System unit, this pool comes with several accessories, including a ladder, ground cloth, and debris cover. Its Easy Lock assembly system makes it easy to put together in around an hour, but the process is much easier if you have someone to help you.

Dimensions: 9.8 x 6.6 x 2.5 feet | Material: Metal frame, laminated PVC liner | Included accessories: N/A | Special product features: N/A

Pools can be quite a large investment, but this above-ground option is a budget-friendly choice for your yard. The rectangular shape is available in four sizes and it’s supported by a rust-resistant metal frame and lined with laminated PVC.

This above-ground pool is easy to set up, but keep in mind that it doesn’t come with a filter or any other accessories—you’ll have to purchase them separately, if needed.

Dimensions: 80 x 55 x 23 inches | Material: Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) | Included accessories: N/A | Special product features: N/A

Perfect for toddlers and little ones alike, the AsterOutdoor Inflatable Pool can be ready to go for playtime in as little as four minutes. It can hold up to 363 gallons of water and only goes up just under two feet high so the kids can enjoy pool time safely.

It features a fun, sea-themed design and has a special bubble floor so kids can play without worrying about slips and falls in the water. And, because it’s an inflatable pool, you can easily deflate it and pack it for your next road trip.

Dimensions: 32 x 16 x 4.3 feet | Material: Galvanized steel frame, PVC liner | Included accessories: Pool ladder, ground cloth, sand filter, pool cover, deluxe pool maintenance kit, volleyball set | Special product features: Volleyball set, salt water system

If you have a large yard, you might want to splurge on an extra-large above-ground pool, such as this one from Intex. It measures in at 32 x 16 feet, and it holds a whopping 14,364 gallons of water. It’s definitely spacious enough for your largest pool parties.

This pool is supported by a galvanized steel frame, and it comes with a combination sand filter and salt-water system pump, in case you want to forgo traditional chlorine maintenance. Other accessories include a ground cloth, debris cover, and pool ladder, and it even comes with a volleyball set for a little friendly competition.

The right above ground pool for you depends on a number of personal preferences—for example, how big of a pool you want and how much you’re willing to spend. Below, these are the factors worth considering to help you determine which above-ground pool is best for you and your yard.

Above ground pools come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and the best option for you depends on your specific needs. “You’ll want to consider the space you have available and how much of it you’re willing to fill with the pool,” says Lindbeck. On top of that, you’ll need to take into consideration how many people will be using the pool, as well as the ages of those people. For example, some of the larger options are 50 inches deep (or more), which may be too deep for younger children.

There are three main types of above-ground pools: inflatable, metal frame and hard-sided. Inflatable options are the most affordable and easiest to set up, but they lack durability, as they don’t have a hard frame. If you’re looking for something a little sturdier, consider a metal frame pool, which you can easily take down during the cooler months. While these take a bit longer to set up than inflatable pools, they typically have a rust-resistant steel frame that holds a PVC liner, which is a strong, flexible liner that contains the water within your pool to prevent leaks, mold and chemical waste. The most durable pools are those that are hard-sided, which are also the most costly.

Above-ground pools are typically made from a combination of metal frames and PVC liners, though those are not the only materials used. Some pools feature multi-ply liners, which tend to be more durable and are often tear- and puncture-resistant. You can also find pools with plastic frames, which are often cheaper than their sturdier counterparts. Just keep in mind that they won’t hold up as well to frequent use.

There are a variety of features commonly seen in above-ground pools, including easy-to-connect frame pieces, flow-controlled drains and reinforced belts. Many pools also come with key accessories like filter pumps, ladders and pool covers.

One great thing about above-ground pools: Typically, they don’t require professional installation. That being said, these pools aren’t always easy to assemble, meaning you probably don’t want to put one together on your own. More hands on deck will lead to an easier, quicker installation process.

Before setting up your above ground pool, you’ll first need to level out the area where the pool will rest by putting down a layer of sand for cushioning or laying down a ground cover (if your pool came with one). From there, follow the manufacturer’s directions for assembling the frame and attaching the liner. “Be sure to read your pool’s warranty,” advises Lindbeck, as installing your pool improperly can “void your manufacturer’s warranty.” (If you opted for an inflatable pool, you’ll want to use an electric air pump to fill the sides with air.) Once your pool is fully assembled, go ahead and fill it up with water.

There are a few tools you’ll need to keep your above ground pool clean. The most important is a filter pump. Connect it to the water line to help to filter out debris like dirt, bugs and leaves. Ideally, you’ll want to run it for several hours every day.

It’s also worth using a flat skimmer net “on the surface of the pool to remove floating leaves and debris,” recommends Lindbeck. “Brush the walls and ladder steps with a soft bristled brush to remove any algae or debris. Empty your skimmer and pump baskets.”

Then, on an as-needed basis, use a pool vacuum to remove algae and other debris from the pool. “Unless you have an automatic pool cleaner (a robot vacuum cleaner that automatically sweeps your pool floor), you need to manually vacuum your pool to clean up remaining debris from the pool floor,” says Lindbeck. “Be sure you’re using equipment made for vinyl liners to ensure that you are not damaging the pool while doing routine maintenance.”

With the exception of hard-sided models, most above ground pools should be taken down when swimming season ends. To do this, you’ll want to start by cleaning out the pool and draining its water through the drain valve. Then, remove the inner liner and break down the frame into pieces, which you can then store however you choose.

Yes, it is significantly cheaper to build an above ground pool when compared to an inground pool. On average, large above ground pools cost between $1,000–$2,000 while in-ground pool installation will cost between $28,000–$55,000 according to Homeguide.com.

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