The 9 Best Above-Ground Pools for Your Backyard

The Bottom Line

Overall, we recommend the Intex Rectangular Ultra XTR Frame Above Ground Pool with Sand Filter Pump as the best above-ground pool. The pool is easy to assemble, has a high water capacity, and can comfortably fit multiple adults at once, so it's great to use for entertaining as well.

What to Know About Above-Ground Pools Before Shopping

Material

Above-ground pools usually have two main components, a frame and a liner. The frame can be made of aluminum, steel, or resin, which is a type of plastic. Resin is more rust-resistant than steel, and it won't get hot to the touch in summer sun. If you opt for a steel frame, which is considered the most durable frame material, make sure it's powder-coated to prevent rusting.

Hard-sided pools have walls made of steel or resin with a separate vinyl liner. A liner that attaches by overlapping the frame is the easiest to remove and replace, making it ideal for hard-sided pools with decks around them.

Soft-sided pools have a vinyl bladder that serves as both the walls and liner. When the pool is filled, the water reinforces the structure of the pool, so the bladder doesn't shift around while you're swimming.

According to Breaux, the warranty is a direct indication of the strength of the liner.

Depth

Above-ground pools can be as shallow as 20 inches or as deep as 4.5 feet. Regardless, there will always be a few inches between the waterline and the top of the pool, so keep this in mind when selecting a pool depth.

When choosing the best above-ground pool for your yard, keep in mind that this pool style doesn't feature any built-in steps or benches like an in-ground pool would. Instead, above-ground pools typically include a ladder for entering and exiting the pool. You can also buy ladders with tiered steps on one side to make it easier to get in and out.

Filter Type

Above-ground pools use filtration systems like in-ground pools, except that at half the power, they're made to plug into your existing GFCI-protected outlet. The two main filter types are sand filter systems and cartridge filter systems. Breaux says there's no one right filter type, but cartridge filter systems are typically sold with smaller pools.

Cartridge filter systems catch debris in a removable and reusable cartridge. Sand filter systems catch debris in swirling sand. Sand filters are easy to clean but must be backwashed. Cartridge filters aren't as easy to clean, but they also don't need to be cleaned as often, Breaux says. All filters need to run long enough to filter the entire pool's capacity each day.

Shape

The shape of an above-ground pool will vary based on the size and layout of your backyard, as well as how many people you wish to accommodate. Generally speaking, above-ground pools are available in rectangular, round, and oval shapes. Size-wise, they can range from accommodating two to eight adults. For reference, a round pool with a 12-foot diameter is typically large enough for four.

You should consider where you'll be placing the pool to help determine what size and shape to go for. For instance, if you have an oddly-shaped backyard, you may be limited to a smaller, more rounded pool. When thinking about what shape to get, you should also consider placing your above-ground pool in a spot with optimal surroundings (i.e.: on a flat surface with no trees) to ensure it stays clean and safe to operate.

Type

There are a few different types of above-ground pools to choose from. Hard-sided above-ground pools, like the Wilbar Weekender Round Above Ground Pool Package, are considered traditional above-ground pools, and are typically permanently positioned in a backyard. "They are designed to be installed level, last between 10 to 20 years, and have liners separate from the wall so that they can be replaced over time," says Dan Dougher, an above-ground pool expert with over 37 years of industry knowledge. "Metal-walled above-ground pools can cost considerably more than soft-sided pools (especially the upgraded resin models) and should never be drained unless changing out the liner." Though these can be pricier, they're also known to last longer and are the best alternative to an in-ground pool. They can also be left out year-round, and are available in several different sizes and visibly pleasing models.

A steel frame, soft-sided pool is typically made of adjoining frames and pins to hold them in place. "The biggest advantage to a soft-sided pool is the much cheaper cost," says Dougher. "Other advantages include ease of assembly and the fact that they can be drained and taken down in the winter for those living in colder regions." The disadvantages to this type of pool, though, are that they usually only last a few seasons and they don't typically come with high-quality pumps and filters, and can be less visually pleasing.

Inflatable above-ground pools, like the Intex Easy Set Pool Set with Filter Pump, are the easiest to install and deflate, and can be a solid option if you have smaller kids since they tend to be shallow and generally don't take up a large volume of water. They're also portable, easy to relocate, and compact enough to store away if you only plan on using them for a few months out of the year. Though they're the most affordable and easiest to put together, they're not the most durable since they lack a hard frame, and are prone to punctures and holes.

Dougher says that there are also some more expensive pools that are considered "semi-inground" pools—these feature more rigid walls that come in sections. "This type of pool will cost two to five times more than traditional metal-walled pools, but they may be better choices for those with higher budgets and those looking for pools that resemble in-ground types."

Your Questions, Answered

How much does an above ground pool cost?

The price of an above ground pool depends on the style, size, material, and accessories. All of the options on our list of the best above ground pools are between $500 and $1,900, depending on what dimensions and sizes you're looking for. You'll be able to save, however, if you go with a smaller pool or inflatable options. Building a deck around your above-ground pool costs from $15 to $30 per square foot. The final price tag is still a lot less than an in-ground pool, which costs $35,000 on average.

How do you close an above ground pool for winter?

If you're in a colder climate that regularly gets snow, ice, and below-freezing temperatures, disassembling your above-ground pool and storing it for the winter is your best way to avoid damage to the pool structure.

If you live in a warmer climate, such as some parts of California, Breaux says to place a pool cover over the pool. She prefers to keep the pool up and filled rather than draining it and taking it down to conserve water. During the winter, she also advises running your filter for two to four hours a day depending on pool size to clean debris and circulate the water.

How do you install an above-ground pool?

For a soft sided pool, pick a flat, level area in your yard and remove any debris that could puncture the pool. Make sure you can easily walk around the entire circumference of the pool, Breaux advises, to make cleaning and maintenance easier. You'll also want to ensure the soil is compact and that you're not placing the pool on mud or loose dirt.

Unroll the pool bladder, making sure the side with the pump and filtration connections is oriented in a safe but still accessible spot and close enough to your outlet that you won't need an extension cord. Assemble the frame and beams.

Cover the bottom of the pool with water and watch how the water spreads to make sure the ground is level; the water should spread evenly. Install the pump and filtration equipment, and then fill the rest of the pool with water, leaving several inches at the top free of water per the pool's instructions.

For a hard-sided pool, any sod will have to be dug up, and sand added on top of the dirt. Ground stone or patio stones will also need to be placed under the track. For most pools, you assemble the track and then unroll the wall and slide it onto the track. You'll then secure the seam, install side supports, create a cove around the pool floor with sand (or install a prefabricated cove), and then install the liner and frame.

What type of above ground pool lasts the longest? 

A hard-sided above-ground pool is known to have the longest lifespan out of all of the above-ground pool types available. While soft-sided pools tend to last a few seasons, many hard-sided pools come with a 10-, 15-, or even 20-year warranty, and these types of pools generally last around that long before needing replacement. This is because they're made with durable galvanized steel frames and feature weather-resistant coatings to keep them from fading, rusting, or chipping. Of course, the life expectancy depends on several factors such as how well the pool is maintained, if repairs are tended to, and liner care. 

To prolong the life of your above-ground pool, Dougher recommends investing in good quality maintenance tools (including a pole, vacuum head, brush, skimmer, and vacuum hose). Make sure to service the pool regularly (weekly and same day every week is ideal, Dougher says), and stay on top of skimming the pool if it tends to get a lot of debris (such as leaves) falling into it. Also, if the pool gets a leak, fix it quickly, as leaking pools are harder to maintain, says Dougher.

What is the easiest above ground pool to maintain?

According to Dougher, the easiest above ground pool to maintain would be a hard-sided (metal-walled) type that is round and has a good quality, properly-sized pump and filter. "Round-shaped pools can circulate better when pointing the return jet parallel with the pool's wall," he explains. "This creates a whirlpool effect which helps make for more even circulation and allows debris to gather at the bottom center of the pool for easier cleaning." 

Who We Are

This article was written by Veronica Graham and Michelle Rostamian. Veronica is a freelance writer in Austin, Texas, who has been writing about home, automotive, and lawn and garden products for the last two years. She's also a former American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor and spent her childhood in the water more than on land. Michelle is a freelance writer and editor with over a decade of experience writing about home, lifestyle, and wellness products.

To create this list of the best above-ground pools, they talked to Malina Breaux, president of Blackthorne Pools & Spas in Salinas, California as well as Dan Dougher, an above-ground pool expert with 37 years of industry knowledge. Veronica and Michelle both researched a variety of models, keeping in mind each pick's size, material, and water capacity. They also pored over owner manuals, how-to videos, and talked to pool owners about their experiences, needs, likes, and complaints.