Updated on Sep. 21, 2024
We're currently in the thick of testing pool products. Here's a selection of standout above-ground pools for every taste and budget—with a few we tested in our own backyards.
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Above-ground pools are less expensive and easier to maintain than in-ground pools. Plus, there are many styles of backyard swimming pools to choose from. Go with steel, resin or hybrid (combination of steel and resin) for something durable and long-lasting. For the budget-minded, there are inflatable above-ground pools.
“Owning any kind of pool, whether in-ground or above-ground, is worth it if you’re going to use it,” says Rafi Friedman, CEO at Coastal Luxury Outdoors. While you may think that above-ground pools are designed for only a few months of fun, they can last for years. “If you properly maintain it, an above-ground pool can last for 10-15 years before you’ll have to replace major parts like the liner,” Friedman says.
Check out our top eight above-ground pool picks by category. We even tested a few ourselves to let you know how easy they are to set up, whether they’re durable and whether they’re worth your money.
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More than 4,000 Amazon reviewers gave the Intex Ultra XTR Pool Set a big thumbs-up, so naturally, we had to test it for ourselves to see if it truly lived up to the hype. “This pool can comfortably fit ten people,” says our pool tester Karuna Eberl. “Its large size, the quality feeling of the liner and frame and its overall sturdiness make this pool a great value.”
It took Eberl about two hours to unbox and assemble this pool and an extra hour to assemble the pump. However, she says you’ll need at least four people to hold up the pool walls while the clicking in the leg stands. Before assembly, Eberl made sure to level a flat spot in her yard and opted to fill that spot with sand for added cushion and comfort beneath the pool’s bottom liner. “What you feel under your feet depends on how much prep you did,” Eberl says. “We put sand under the entire liner so it feels flat and stable.” While this pool proved quite durable during testing, we still recommend clearing your yard of any rocks, sticks and debris before placing an above-ground pool.
It boasts a sturdy powder-coated steel frame and a durable, three-ply liner designed to withstand UV light. The popular 18-foot by 9-foot by 52-inch rectangular model holds more than 4,500 gallons of water and comes with essential pool accessories: A filter pump, removable ladder, pool cover and ground cloth. Set up is quick with this above-ground pool—it’ll be up and ready for water in about an hour, so you don’t have to suffer another hot day without the break of a cool backyard pool.
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Consider the Bestway Pool for a highly rated above-ground pool that won’t break the bank. Our DIY expert Cathy Harms tested this budget pick for us in her own backyard. This one took just a few minutes to unbox and about two hours to assemble—and it took about eight hours to fill with a single garden hose.
“The steel frame is sturdy and durable, so is the pool liner, which is made of a 3-ply reinforced material with a polyester mesh core encased in two layers of laminated PVC,” Harms says. “The cartridge filter and tubing seem slightly less durable and made of a lightweight plastic material.” Impressively, Harms dog went swimming in the pool and didn’t puncture the lining.
While you may need to buy your own pool ladder to get in and out of this pool, we still think it’s a stellar budget pick. “It’s a great value, durable and easy to assemble,” Harms adds. “Starting with an affordable, soft-sided pool can help you decide if you’re cut out to be a pool owner as there is water testing, chemicals and other pool maintenance.”
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The Funsicle Oasis is another above-ground pool we tested for ourselves, and we love the look of the natural teak print lining. With the help of Stacey Robinson, this pool was unboxed and assembled in about two hours with two sets of hands. “I didn’t prepare the ground as well as I should have, but my backyard is all grass, and the tarp that comes with the pool is fairly sturdy and worked just fine,” Robinson says.
During testing, we noted that the sides of the pool are made of extra-thick, durable plastic, and the pool comes with a cover (that may need to be clipped in place) and a ladder that makes getting in and out of the pool a breeze. However, we also noticed that the ground cover is a bit thin, and you can slightly feel the ground when you’re in the pool. If you can put decking or flooring underneath, it would provide a more comfortable experience and probably prevent punctures. We do not recommend placing this pool on rocky terrain or concrete; grass is the best option.
“Someone looking for an easy-to-build, durable, above-ground pool should invest in this piece. For a family unable to build an in-ground pool or looking to replace a pool membership, this is a great value,” Robinson adds. “A bit of landscaping may be worthwhile to make it look more in place in a yard.”
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If you’re looking for a high-quality above-ground pool kit, we’ve found it. The Lomart Embassy Savannah Pool Package includes an overlap liner, filtration system, ladder, skimmer, suction vacuum and wall light. Its resin uprights and top rails make for an incredibly sturdy frame.
This kit has some of the strongest and most durable pool walls on the above-ground pool market. Coupled with its thick, sturdy frame, this pool is an excellent choice if you plan to build a surrounding deck or seating. While it’s the most expensive above-ground pool on this list, it’s still significantly more affordable than an in-ground pool. So, it’s a good middle ground for those wanting the permanency of an in-ground pool at a fraction of the cost.
This pool is made to stay in your backyard for many years and several seasons of family fun.
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Do you have a small backyard space but still want to enjoy your own pool this summer? We’ve got you covered. If you’re in the market for something more compact, there’s much to like about the Intex Metal Frame Pool. Plus, it’s under $150, so it’s affordable for backyard fun.
This 10-foot-by-30-inch pool accommodates up to four people and almost 1,200 gallons of water. Its rust-resistant powder-coated metal construction features laminated sidewalls held in place by a tight band. The walls are also made to withstand rips, tears and weathering.
Did we mention this small, budget pick only takes 45 minutes to install? That means same-day fun once your pool arrives, which the whole family will be happy about.
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Inflatable above-ground pools like this Intex Easy Pool Set are inexpensive, easy to set up, and great for families with children. This model has a 33-inch depth, so it’s a safe choice for many. It’s made from a high-quality, three-layer material resistant to punctures.
Best of all, it’s super easy to set up. You don’t need any tools; just fill the upper ring of the pool with air and then fill the pool with water. The pool is ready for water in just 10 minutes. It’s just as easy to disassemble, too, so you can store away your summer pool during colder months and pull it out again when the season’s right.
Don’t worry; this kid-friendly inflatable pool comes with a pump to help keep the water clean!
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If you’re looking for another kid-friendly option that’s not inflatable, consider the Bestway Steel Pro Pool for a highly-rated above-ground pool that won’t break the bank. It comes in 11 sizes, and the smallest size is just 17 inches deep, so it’s suitable for small children to wade in. Fill it with inflatables, water toys and more for summertime activities that young children will love. Even your furry friends might find this one enjoyable, too.
The smallest size costs just $90. It’s made from polyester mesh encased between two layers of PVC and held up by corrosion-resistant metal frames. Setting it up takes two or three people about 10 minutes, and no special tools are required. This one’s also easy to take down—draining the pool water for off-season storage requires no tools.Â
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Saltwater pools are known to be less harsh on your hair and skin than chlorine pools. So, if you’re looking for an above-ground pool with a saltwater filter pump system, look no further. The Intex Ultra XTR Pool Set has a sand filter pump and saltwater system.
This pool has a steel frame and a thick PVC liner. It’s about 4-1/3 feet deep and comes with several accessories, including a ground cloth, pool cover and ladder. This 24-foot-by-12-foot pool takes about an hour to assemble and is an excellent option if you’re not a fan of having chlorine affect your and your kids’ hair.
When shopping for an above-ground pool, many factors must be considered. According to Friedman, “The key factors to consider are the weather in your area, how much you or your family will use the pool, how much you like to travel, and how much time and energy you have to maintain your pool properly.”
Of course, your selection of an above-ground pool will also depend on your personal preferences, yard space and budget. The best size and shape of an above-ground pool depends on how many people will use it and their ages. If small children use your above-ground pool, you’ll likely want a pool less than four feet deep.
At Family Handyman, we provide in-depth, tested reviews on everything pool-related, from the Bestway Above Ground Pool listed above to the Dolphin Nautilus robotic pool cleaner. We ask industry experts the questions you want to know about buying and maintaining an above-ground pool. Then, we get our hands on pools and rely on our expert product testers to give us the full rundown on how above-ground pools from retailers like Amazon work out.
We spent hours sourcing the best above-ground pools on the market this summer, consulted experts in the pool industry and even tried out some of the pools on this list for ourselves. Our pool test team had pools shipped directly to their doorstep, assembled pools in their backyards (while recording how long assembly took), filled the pools with their own water supply and swam in the pool. These tests involved prep work (leveling and prepping the ground) and hours of putting pools together, but it was all worth it in the end. We were able to put together this list of the best above-ground pools, and our team members can enjoy pool life all summer long.
While the lifespan depends on the pool’s construction, above-ground pools generally last 10-15 years. However, some inflatable options may not last as long, as their pool walls are less durable than those made with resin and PVC.
The plus side to buying an above-ground pool is that it is far less expensive (and less time-consuming) than having an in-ground pool installed. While above-ground pools typically do not add any additional value to your home, they’re a more feasible option for many families who want the luxury of a pool in their backyard without shelling out tens of thousands of dollars.
