Imagine a hot summer day, and the only thing you want is a refreshing dive in the cool waters of a swimming pool.
Option 1: You pack up towels, floats, and other swimming paraphernalia to “enjoy” a sweltering 45-minute drive to the local community pool with 3 ice-cream demanding kids.
Option 2: You open the doors to your very own swimming oasis where you drink cocktails while your kids entertain themselves.
Which do you choose?
If it’s option 2, simply scroll down to see the best above ground pools of 2024. Any one of these pools will help you create paradise for just a fraction of the costs of a permanent, in-ground pool.
Available sizes: Round. From 16'x48” to 24'x52” (427x122cm to 732x132cm )
Good: With frame supports that are highly resistant to corrosion and an exceptionally tough liner, these pools are built to last.
Not so good: Even with the included sand filter, pool maintenance is rarely easy and often a headache. This goes for all pools, though.
Bottom Line: This is the closest thing to a steel-walled above-ground pool that doesn’t require both professional installation and a serious chunk of cash. It’s seriously good.
Available sizes: Rectangular. From 9'3”x6'5”x33” to 24'x12'x52” (236x165x84cm to 732x366x132cm)
Good: The smallest size is still satisfyingly large but not too deep, making it a great pool for kids’ water games. Larger sizes with varying depths are suitable for older kids.
Not so good: If a simple splash pool is all you’re after, there are cheaper options available (without frame).
Bottom Line: A durable upgrade from blow-up pools and with a rectangular shape that’s better for water fun, this above ground pool will be best for children – while being big enough for parents to join the party.
Available sizes: Round. From 10'x30” to 20'x52” (305x76cm to 610x132cm )
Good: The Prism Frame range of Intex is conspicuously tougher than above-ground pools that cost only slightly less. A one-year limited warranty backs this up (pools like this normally have very limited warranty).
Not so good: Though it’s good value, this is still an economy pool. Serious buyers who aren’t too concerned about price will look elsewhere.
Bottom Line: In terms of quality, this above ground swimming pool is a clear cut above the Bestway Steel Pro and Intex Metal Frame pool sets, making it well worth the extra money.
Available sizes: Round. From 14'x48” to 18'x52” (427x122cm to 549x132cm )
Good: One of the easiest pools to set up and one of the most comfortable ones to use. Unlike most other above ground pools, there’s a chemical dispenser that makes the use of cleaning floaters superfluous.
Not so good: Though superior in quality to cheap inflatable pools, the frame rusting over time can be a concern, especially if you’re planning to use a saltwater system.
Bottom Line: Thanks to Bestway’s Chemconnect dispenser, this is the best pool for those who get annoyed by chemical floaters in above ground pools. Choose a regular- or sand filter instead of a saltwater system, and durability will be good as well.
Available sizes: Rectangular/Oval. 16'6”x9'x48” and 20'x10'x48” (503x274x122cm and 610x305x122cm)
Good: Perfect for narrower spaces yet still offering plenty of room to splash around in, this oval pool comes with a cover, groundsheet and stepladder.
Not so good: In addition to having to find space for the filter pump, this pool’s supporting legs increase the total necessary footprint.
Bottom Line: If you’d like a pool that can accommodate multiple people at once but don’t have the yard space for a round model, this oval above ground pool will perfectly fit your needs.
Available sizes: Rectangular. From 18'x9'x52” to 32'x16'x52” (549x274x132cm to 975x488x132cm )
Good: Large enough for almost any purpose you can imagine, this rectangular pool offers a cost-effective alternative to in-ground options.
Not so good: The price, though still reasonable value, will be enough to make many buyers look elsewhere, especially if they only need a pool for one summer.
Bottom Line: Available in large sizes only, this is a lot of pool in every sense. It’s high quality, but only worth buying if you plan to get a lot of use out of it.
Available sizes: Round. From 10'x30” to 18'x48” (305x76cm to 549x122cm )
Good: A solid pool for the average family, the Bestway Steel Pro Max gets all the basics right. Cheap enough to upgrade when your children outgrow this pool.
Not so good: It offers fairly little beyond the absolute necessities, and a few design flaws might cause your swimming pool to become unusable before its time.
Bottom Line: In terms of quality and features, these pool sets fall about midway between the most basic pools and the very best ones. A good choice for families who expect changing pool size needs.
Available sizes: Round. From 8'x30” to 18'x48” (244x76cm to 549x122cm )
Good: The price of above-ground pools is very sensitive to weather and overall demand, but whatever the time of year, these are amongst the cheapest pools you can get. A wide array of sizes gives you versatility.
Not so good: You shouldn’t expect this soft-walled pool to last very long, and it will only work well on absolutely firm, level terrain.
Bottom Line: If you’re working on a limited budget and want to get your feet wet before committing to a major purchase, this entry-level pool will work out well.
Available sizes: Round. From 10'x30” to 18'x48” (305x76cm to 549x122cm )
Good: Economical yet still pretty durable, this range of above ground swimming pools offers good value for money. It’s reasonably easy to assemble and features Intex’ aerating filtration system.
Not so good: It would be a mistake to expect many years of service out of this pool, but it should last you at least a few summers.
Bottom Line: Though not without its flaws, an Intex Metal Frame Pool Set generally will not disappoint. It’s the perfect choice for beginners who still need to learn how they will be using an above ground pool.
Available sizes: Round. From 6'x20” to 18'x48” (183x51cm to 549x122cm )
Good: As long as you have an air pump of some kind, setting this up is very easy. Just unpack, unfold, inflate the top ring, fill with water, and dive in!
Not so good: As with all inflatable above-ground pools, durability as well as stability are major concerns.
Bottom Line: Comparable in most respects to the Intex Easy range, you may well choose whichever happens to be cheaper on the day you go shopping for a temporary pool.