10 Best Above Ground Swimming Pools (Review) In 2020

The Intex company has manufactured a series of above ground swimming pools over the years. They pride themselves in the production of only the best most durable pools, designed and molded from the finest materials by the brightest of minds. No stone is left unturned during the design process and every swimming pool launched has already been tested countlessly to be assured of their safety. The first member of the above ground swimming pool series of Intex to be recommended is the Intex 15ft X 48IN Metal Frame Pool Set.

This metal frame pool set is purchased as a complete package that includes the swimming pool, a cartridge filter pump with Krystal clear features, a ground cloth, ladder, and a 3-ply material together with a debris cover. This swimming pool is designed to have triple strong laminated sidewalls that are also super tough. An all-around band has been used to reinforce theses sidewalls to keep the frame legs firm and always in place. Setting up this swimming pool is exceptionally easy as it comes with an instructional DVD that is simple to understand and follow. In roughly 45 minutes, the Intex Metal Frame Pool Set will be ready for water after installation.

One of the most common complaints about above-ground pools is that they don’t look great. Whichever way you look at, a big blue or grey pool is going to stand out in your beautiful yard. The Summer Waves Elite Wicker Print Above-Ground Pool is the answer to your prayers. The attractive wicker pool walls make it the focal point of your yard, instead of making it look like a mess. There aren’t many pictures of it in-situ, but the ones we’ve seen look fantastic. 

This is one of the more expensive above-ground pools on this list, mainly because of the premium aesthetic and large diameter. At 16 feet across, this is a huge semi-permanent pool. There’s plenty of space for you and your family and friends to enjoy the water on a hot sunny day. The walls are made from three layers of heavy-gauge PVC and polyester mesh. They aren’t completely puncture-proof but you won’t have to worry about knocking into them.

If you’re looking for an affordable way to enjoy your very own pool this summer, check out the Fast Set 10′ x 30″ Above Ground Pool Set. There’s no avoiding the fact that the price tag is the most attractive thing about this pool set. It can’t compete with the $1000 + above-ground pools on this list but we still think it’s a fantastic option. At the end of the day, you can still splash around with your kids on a hot summer’s day. Let’s face it, they probably won’t notice the difference. 

Made of durable and lightweight PVC, this pool is built to last. We’ve heard reports of customers getting three or more summers out of one of these pools. When you break down the price, that’s an amazing deal. It’s super quick and easy to set up – you can do it on your own or get your kids to help. It also includes a 330-gallon water filter pump that takes out the dirty water and sends it back clean. For more amazing additions to your home, check out our guide to the best pergola kits.

Away from the Intex brand, we come face to face with yet another fantastic manufacturing company and another leading brand, Bestway. They have introduced their line of above ground pools which feature the use of sturdy and robust materials as well as construction methods. They offer a variety of sizes to suit different home and family sizes, and they come in several shapes for your convenience. The Bestway brand is one of a kind and has received countless positive reviews from users all around the world.

If you need an above ground swimming pool that doesn’t require a lot of time for set up and installation, the Bestway Steel Pro is your best option. Built to perfection, this frame pool set is made with precision and care to ensure that nothing but the highest level of durability is delivered to users. This swimming pool can accommodate up to 4,231 gallons of water. It features a thick, 3ply and used in protecting your sidewalls and offering more support. For simple draining, the Bestway Steel Pro features a flow control drain valve, and this prevents water from being stagnant.

The Bestway brand comes our way once more with their highly recommended above ground pool, the Bestway Power Steel 18′ x 52′ swimming pool. This small above ground pool features a design so sturdy and efficient, and no other brand can be compared to it. It has been built by professionals for smaller family sizes and features a unique shape that can bend beautifully into your backyard scene. Made from heavy-duty and robust materials, this swimming pool comes with a frame that delivers on maximum durability, even after years of use.

The Bestway Power Steel pool is an above ground unit made with rust-resistant metal frames. It features a tri-tech pool liner made from the combination of 3-ply sidewalls and heavy-duty PVC. Despite its design being for small family sizes, the water capacity of this unit amounts to over 6,500 gallons of water. It comes at a height that is great for both kids and adults and is also equipped with a simple seal and lock system to keep your pipe connections safe and secure always. With added accessories such as a type iii-a/c filter cartridge, a filter pump, pool cover, and a ground cloth, this above ground pool has everything you need for an excellent setup. Instructions are simple and straightforward, with a minimum amount of time required to complete the installation process.

Our final recommendation and the last swimming pool model from the Intex company is the Intex 16ft X 48in Ultra XTR Pool Set. This set comprises of a sand filter pump, pool cover, a ladder, and ground cloth. It possesses some of the features identified in other Intex models with a few unique elements that set it apart. The frame of the Intex XTR metal above ground pool is uniquely designed with high quality galvanized steel, and this material, together with the high precision engineered locking system enhances the durability, stability and overall quality of this pool.

The XTR accommodates up to 1,200 gallons of water per hour with a total water capacity of 5,062 gallons of water. It comes with a two-year extended warranty from the manufacturer which has helped it sell in many countries across the globe. All metal portions of this above ground pool are designed and protected from rust with an encapsulating powder coating. The pump of the Intex XTR is elementary to clean and doesn’t take up too much of your time. Users around the world attest to the drainage efficiency of this pool. They also recommend it for families with pets, as its PVC sidewalls are durable enough to accommodate them. 

You don’t need to spend thousands to have summer fun in your very own pool. There are a bunch of soft-walled above-ground pools that give you the same fun with a much smaller price tag. Don’t get us wrong, the Summer Waves 15ft x 36in Swimming Pool isn’t a paddling pool though. It’s about as close as you can get to the premium above-ground pools on this list without taking out a huge bank loan. 

One of the most important things to consider, when you’re buying a soft-walled above-ground pool is the durability. The last thing you want is the pool to burst and cover your yard in thousands of gallons of water. Fortunately, this swimming pool is super tough. The pool walls are three-layers thick and are made from heavy-duty PVC and polyester mesh. This design makes them puncture-resistant, so they should stand the test of time. 

Bestway is known for making some of the highest-quality above-ground pools in the business. This model – the Bestway 56687E – is part of Bestway’s Pro MAX range, which means it’s better than an inflatable pool but a lot cheaper than their steel-walled models. We’d highly recommend this pool that doesn’t want to invest thousands in having a pool fixture. You can set this up in a day and take it down at the end of the summer (if you want to). 

This pool might not have steel walls but it does have a super sturdy steel frame. It’s both resistant to rust and corrosion and features a 3-ply PVC support band that gives additional stability to the pool wall. The pool walls are actually made from lightweight but super tough PVC.

This next pool from Summer Waves is probably the biggest pool you can get for this price. When you consider the size (16 feet x 48 inches), it’s actually really affordable. It’s designed to be semi-permanent, which means you can leave it up throughout the summer months and then dismantle it in winter (you don’t have to, but it is recommended). 

This pool features a uniquely shaped frame that makes it stronger than other metal-frame pools. It also has a PVC band that wraps around the entire frame and keeps everything tight. The pool walls are also made from PVC but some customers have questioned the durability. It seems that in 90% of cases, the walls are tough enough but a couple of customers have complained about pools ripping. Just make sure you follow the guidelines when you’re setting the pool up. 

The Ultra Frame Rectangular Pool Set from Intex is an above ground swimming pool unit engineered for ultimate strength. It comes with the regular accessories such as a ladder, ground cover, sand filter pump, and a pool cover. It also features the Krystal Clear Sand Filter pump, meant to keep your water clean and sparkling at all times. The frame of this pool is designed and built from robust and durable steel frames, coated with powder to save them from corrosion and rust while enhancing their aesthetic.

After this small above pool is installed, it will be ready for water in under an hour. It carries up to 4,500 gallons of water and uses its powerful drain to dispel water from the pool area. This swimming pool has set a new standard for luxury in the swimming pool market, thanks to its contemporary appearance and increased strength. It is both stylish and functional with improved water circulation and better water hygiene being provided through its new dual suction outlet fittings. The Intex Ultra Frame Rectangular pool set must be set up on stable ground at your backyard to help family and friends have countless moments of fun.