If you’re looking to add a pool to your property but don’t want to spend thousands of dollars, we hear you. In-ground pools have a considerable installation fee and high yearly maintenance costs, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy warm weather in your own pool. Enter, the affordable, durable and still super fun above-ground pool.
Why Should You Get an Above-Ground Pool?
The significant advantage of an above-ground pool versus an in-ground pool is cost, but that’s not the only swaying factor. The price of maintenance and time commitment are both significantly smaller, with above-ground pools not requiring the same expensive repairs from ripped linings, faulty lights, broken diving boards and more that are often associated with in-ground pools.
What You Need to Know Before Getting an Above-Ground Pool
If you’re looking to add an above-ground pool to your property, there are several factors to consider. Ensure that you have a completely level surface where your pool can be located. Although most pools come with a ground cover, adding an extra base with plywood can also help to level out the ground and provide more support.
We also suggest going with a pool that comes with a cover, which not only keeps debris out of the water when the pool is not in use but also keeps the water warm.
Check out more on our favorite above-ground pools below and get ready to make a splash.
1. Coleman Swimming Pool
This sturdy pool from legendary outdoors brand Coleman is a large option that can comfortably accommodate a group of people — it’s 18 feet long and can hold over 6,000 gallons, so it’s definitely more substantial than the average blow-up pool. The sturdy steel frames help the pool keep its shape, while the rattan wicker printed design on the outside of the pool is a sophisticated alternative to the gray and blue pools offered by other brands.
Pros: Large size. Stylish outside design. Sturdy steel supports. Can be set up without using tools.
Cons: Included pump could be better.
2. Sable Inflatable Pool
Not quite an above-ground pool, but bigger than a kiddie pool, this option from Sable is a good pick for anyone who doesn’t want to go all-out on a permanent installation. It’s inflatable, and it has three separate chambers to add stability and structure to the pool. The pool is almost 10 feet long, so it can comfortably accommodate multiple people. The PVC hull is also BPA-free.
Pros: Good medium size to accommodate multiple people. Three air chambers for sturdiness.
Cons: Air pump not included.
3. Bestway 57323E Fast Ground Pool Set
The Bestway provides enough space for multiple people to enjoy the pool at once. The pool comes with a 530-gallon filter pump and has super tough laminated PVC walls, as well as a plug that can be connected directly to a garden hose for easy draining. The pool holds a ton of water for all-day fun and can be ready to use in just 10 minutes.
Pros: Quick setup. Comes with a filter pump.
Cons: Can be a bit difficult to get in and out of, with water escaping every time a person pushes on the wall to enter and exit.
4. Bestway 56597E Pro MAX Above Ground
The Bestway 56597E Pro MAX Above Ground is all about durability in its ovular construction, making it last a long time of standing. It’s one of the easiest above-ground pools to set up and requires no tools to get it going. The pool has 3-ply PVC for ultimate stability to ensure contents will never come pouring out on a pool day. Beat the heat in minutes: this pool is super easy to put up.
Pros: It has a rigid design that is very sturdy and is very easy to assemble.
Cons: Depending on your standards, the material could be weaker than anticipated.
5. Intex 10ft x 30in Metal Frame Pool
It might not be huge, but it is definitely an affordable way for soaking up the sun in warm weather. This pool is just 10ft x 30in and is held together by metal frames and a PVC basin. This pool is definitely stronger than any inflatable option on the market, and given how inexpensive it is, it’s totally worth it. The pool comes with a 330 GPH filter pump to help keep things clean and tidy.
Pros: Comes with a filter, has excellent material and is great for soaking.
Cons: Might be a bit too tiny for some.
6. Homech Inflatable Swimming Pool
If you’re looking for an inflatable pool that can still accommodate multiple people, this option from Homech is a substantial 10 feet long. There are three inflation chambers to add stability to the pool. Plus, the outside of the pool has a pleasant sailboat print.
Pros: Inflatable pool that can accommodate multiple people. Three inflation chambers for more stability.
Cons: Some options are sturdier.
7. Intex Rectangular Pool
The biggest pool on our list, the Ultra XTR uses encapsulating inner and outer powder coating to ensure that the frame is rust-resistant. The set comes with a 110-120V sand filter pump with a pump flow rate of 1,200 gallons per hour, a slip-resistant pool ladder with a 300 lb max weight capacity, ground cloth and pool cover with rope ties that keep debris out of the water. Assembled in just one hour, the Ultra XTR has a 4,545-gallon capacity.
Pros: Large size. Fast pump. Comes with a ladder.
Cons: Take care to dry the poles around the pool on a regular basis as they can potentially rust.