The 8 Best Above Ground Pools for Fun in the Sun

One summer, my partner and I found a 16-foot square (an unusual size, now defunct, Intex style) pop-up pool in our basement that we had owned for years (it was a gift from a far-flung extended family member) but never set up. We were lucky enough to have just enough space in our small backyard to set it up, and that’s where we (and our young children) spent most of our time. We became instant converts to above ground pools and never looked back since our budget doesn’t allow for an in-ground one.

An above ground pool can provide hours of entertainment when it’s hot, and since it’s hard to heat them, maybe they can pull double duty as a DIY cold plunge. The pools I list are all temporary setups versus the larger above ground pools installed to stay up year-round.

Our top picks for best above ground pools

What to consider when buying an above ground pool

Size and depth

Before you purchase an above ground pool, measure the space where it will go and then add a few feet around it for set-up (we added three feet on each side for our largest one). You can find temporary above ground pools as long as 32 feet. Most depths are 48 to 52 inches. The size usually depends on the shape of the pool.

Shape

Most temporary swimming pools are either a circle, oval, or rectangle. Round pools are often easy to find and come in most sizes within the category shape. Rectangular pools (my personal favorite) can be purchased in a large enough size for at least some members of your family to actually swim in. In my experience, round pools work best for hanging out and cooling off.

Where you decide to set up your pool may determine the shape of your purchase. For example, it may be more difficult to find a suitable space to accommodate a large round pool versus a rectangular one that could sit against a deck if you have one. You can find oval above ground pools, but they’re not as common as the other two shapes.

Assembly

It took my partner, myself, and our kids a few hours to set up our last pool, which was rectangular and 24 feet long. Small temporary above ground pools can be as easy as putting them on a flat surface, and speaking of surfaces, all temporary pools need a level and even ground for set up. When our kids were young, the hardest part of setting up a small kiddie pool was leveling the ground underneath it.

Durability

Depending on the type of pool, some will last longer than others. Inflatable swimming pools usually last a summer season or two before springing a leak. Some top-quality above ground pools from reputable brands (see list below) could last years if you properly care for them.

Maintenance

It’s important, even if you have a filter system on your above ground pool, that you test the water balance, keep it clean, and add any necessary chlorine, salt, or chemicals depending on the make and model of your pool. Nothing is worse than waking up to a green or discolored pool. You need balanced pool water that won’t hurt or irritate your skin or cause potential illness due to insufficient chlorine or too high pH levels. And make sure you have the time and energy to keep your water free of debris like leaves and twigs. Smaller pools have easier upkeep than larger pools, so purchase one you have time to care for instead of allowing it to become a mosquito magnet of stagnant, unhealthy water.

Accessories

When you buy an above ground pool of a certain size, at least the ones on my list, you’ll usually receive a kit as part of the package, which contains a filter pump, ground cover, pool liner, and a top cover to keep out debris.

Most pools, but not all, don’t come with a ladder, so you'll usually need to purchase one separately. You may also need to purchase a few additional items like a pool net to scoop out bugs (or frogs), cleaning supplies, and other products to keep your pool in tip-top condition, whether you are swimming or splashing around.

Pro tip: I purchased salt-water filters for two of the four above ground pools we've owned (instead of using what a kit contained), and we’ve never looked back.

Your city or town codes

Most towns and villages have rules regarding swimming pools, even temporary ones. Make sure your swimming pool follows the safety codes and get a permit if necessary. Some typical codes may require pools to be a minimum of three to five feet from a rear and side property line and 10 feet from a street or road. You may also need to put in a fence.

Call your local building inspector’s office to find out what’s required to put up a pool. Also, if you have a pool that takes 5,000 gallons of water or more, you'll likely need to purchase your pool water to be trucked in versus a couple hundred gallons (or less) for a blow-up kiddie pool that can be filled with a garden hose.

Types of above ground pools

When it comes to above ground pools, there are many choices in size, style, and budget.

Inflatable

This kind of pool is usually extremely easy to set up and take down, simple to maintain, and is usually the most affordable option if you’re on a budget. Inflatables need air pumps, which are sometimes included with the pool, and their valves make them easy to deflate at the end of the swimming season. Some inflatables need filters, others, mainly kiddie pools, do not. These pools might not last more than one summer, but they are convenient and excellent space savers for a small deck or backyard. Make sure your garden hose is nearby for refreshing and adding to the pool when water gets sloshed out.

Resin

Resin-frame pools are made of ultra-durable plastics, which make them lighter and easier to maneuver for set-up. These pools don't heat up like steel and do fine in the hot sun. Resin pools may be more expensive than steel pools, although resin pools often have steel components and are called hybrids.

Steel frame

Most steel-frame pools will last much longer than inflatable options, and they come in multiple sizes so you can pick the best one for your space. Most are made from rust-resistant supports with a rigid frame, including side rails and vertical struts. Some steel-frame pools have PVC or vinyl side walls and take time and effort to assemble — even when the pool has a simple design. You'll need an extremely flat surface and solid ground so the frame stays level.

Semi-in-ground

These pools are usually installed by professionals and are buried partially in the ground or built into a deck. Unlike temporary pools, these remain in your yard and can last decades if you take good care of them. It may be possible to use an Intex or other above ground pool, but it's highly recommended that you consult a professional before you try.

Saltwater pool

You can turn many above ground pools into saltwater pools by adding a salt chlorinator system — that's what I do with my pool. You add your own pool salt and the saltwater system converts it to chlorine to keep your pool clean and sterilized. The water has fewer chemicals and feels softer, and so does your skin after a swim. Like all pools, you'll have to use a pool test kit to regularly check water quality and add more salt when needed.

Own a pool? Keep your kids, pets, and others safe.

If you are or want to be a pool owner (from kiddie pool to inground swim oasis), keeping family members safe must be a priority. According to the National Drowning Prevention Alliance, there are five layers of protection to keep your kids and others safe:

• Make sure your pool has a four-sided fence, self-latching gate, and pool-safety covers, plus consider pool alarms.
• Make sure to have a designated “watcher” when your children are swimming.
• Opt for floatation devices for young swimmers.
• Teach everyone in your household how to swim and stay safe in the water.
• When possible, have the adults in your household learn CPR and basic water rescue skills.

Even if you have a shallow pool, it's critical to take steps to keep everyone safe.

How to install an above ground pool

Start with a flat surface, clear of debris—no rocks, dirt, sticks, or other items should be under the pool. Don’t set up on top of tree roots or too close to power lines—check your town’s codes for how far it should be from your and others’ properties. If you don’t have a level and even surface, your pool could potentially sag, lose water, or, in the worst-case scenario, a side could collapse.

I find laying out all the materials and grouping them in the order the pool is to be put together is useful, so you aren’t scrambling for a piece you need while trying to hold up part of the pool. Make sure to put the ground cloth or ground materials down first, then lay the pool liner on top.

Follow the pool's directions, and don't take any shortcuts during set-up. Most of these pools have PVC walls and steel or resin frames that connect together, and you'll need to make sure everything lines up, or you'll have to redo it.

If you can afford to, or your pool is very large, opt for purchasing pool water. It takes a short time to fill versus a hose, so you’re not wasting municipal water. Some towns and villages have rules about filling pools, so check first.

How to clean an above ground pool

If your pool comes with a sand or saltwater filtration system, ensure it's operating correctly and test your pool water (we test ours daily) to ensure the water is healthy. You can use most of the same pool cleaners that you would with an in-ground pool—we have a floating chlorine dispenser in ours. Use a skimmer (a pool net) to remove leaves and bugs (and, in our case, once, frogs) from the pool, and cover your pool at night or when not in use. Make sure to test and treat the water to ensure it stays balanced, healthy, and safe to swim in.

How to vacuum an above ground pool

You can use a hand-held pool vacuum that attaches to a skimmer or purchase a robotic one, like this cordless automatic. Some pool vacuum cleaners attach to the hose connecting to the filter. And make sure to backwash your filter after vacuuming your swimming pool so you don’t transfer debris.

How I selected the best above ground pools

Brand research

I researched top brands like Bestway, Summer Waves, Intex, and others to evaluate how easy the pools are to assemble, the variation in sizes, the durability of the materials, the enjoyment of the swimmers, and the best value for budgets.

Size and materials

I reviewed several sizes of pools in a range of materials, including steel, plastic, inflatable, and others. I considered how a pool might fit in many types of yards—from small patios to larger suburban tracts of land—and the best sizes and shapes for small and large groups.

Testing and interviews

I spoke to friends and colleagues about the above ground pools they have owned or enjoyed, and I personally have tested several on the list in my own and others' backyards.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

How much does an above ground pool cost?

It depends on the pool you purchase. An inflatable or hard-shell small kiddie pool could cost less than $40, and some can run $3000 or more.

What type of above ground pool is best?

It depends on your space and budget.

Which above ground pools last the longest?

Steel or steel and resin hybrid pools are often considered the most durable. A semi-inground pool will last the longest because they are usually professionally installed.

What is the toughest above ground pool?

Steel-enforced pools will be tougher than an inflatable pool, but all above ground pool liners can be susceptible to punctures.

What above ground pools can be left up year-round?

It depends on where you live and the climate and weather. Most above ground pools are not meant for harsh winter weather, although a semi-inground or a commercial-grade above ground pool meant to stay put rather than be temporary, like the ones on my list, can be left up year-round.

How close to my house can I put an above ground pool?

National requirements require swimming pools to be at least 10 feet from house walls. Check your local codes regarding temporary pools for additional setback requirements.