Choosing the best above ground pools can transform your backyard into a refreshing oasis for summer fun. These pools offer an affordable and versatile option for families looking to enjoy the benefits of swimming without the expense and permanence of in-ground pools. Top models come with durable materials, easy setup, and a range of sizes to fit different spaces and needs. With the right above ground pool, you can enjoy endless hours of relaxation and entertainment right at home.

What is soft-sided pool?

The most important thing that defines a soft-sided above ground is that the wall of the pool is also its liner. The material used for the wall (lining) is canvas-like and waterproof. Therefore, soft sided pools are much easier to install because of this as it only needs a framework to keep this canvas up and in shape and it’s all done. They also aren’t as protected from sharp objects that get thrown by kids or blown by a gust of wind during a storm or something such as a sharp rock that can get propelled by a lawn mower.

Soft-sided pools also come in as many sizes as the regular above grounds pool and they usually don’t last too long. I mention this, because most of soft sided pools is cheaply made (Made in China). The vast majorities of these pools are sold through online stores and are really inexpensive. If you choose to get one of these, you may use it for one or two years. However, there are still some best soft sided pools (made by Intex or BestWay) that are awesome and will last for years and years. They are made of much better materials that don’t rust nearly as much or nearly as soon and come with great standard fitting equipment.

Pros:

• Price: Inexpensive – Commonly under $1,000 (even under $100) soft-sided pools fit within any budget.
• Easy to install: The only things you need are a flat surface and a few hours of time to get your pool up and running.
• Easy to buy: Many large retailers stock soft-sided pools in their seasonal sections.
• No additional equipment costs: Everything you need to set-up this above ground pool comes in the box.
• Easy to setup and using: It only needs a framework to keep this canvas up and in shape and it’s all done!

Cons:

• Longevity: what you pay, what you get! Soft-sided pools last for a few seasons depending on your geographical area and pool maintenance
• Risk: With no protective shell, soft-sided swimming pools are susceptible to tears and punctures. Inclement weather, mowing the lawn and general use all puts your pool at risk.
• Hard to Maintenance: Soft-sided pool walls acts as a liner, making maintenance and repair difficult. If there is a puncture or hole, the entire unit generally must be replaced.
• Finding Level Ground: With a do-it-yourself set-up, finding a completely level ground in your backyard space can be tough and a huge downfall of soft-sided pools

What Is Hard-sided Pool?

Hard-sided above ground pools are characterized by their durability and permanent location in a backyard setting. Professionally installed, hard-sided pools allow you to incorporate lush landscape, beautiful decks, and fun features for a more enjoyable environment. Hard-sided pools range from smaller size 12’ wide pools to the largest size – that can be up to 33’ across (or even bigger). These swimming pools can be made from resin, aluminum, or coated steel, or a combination of all, and can easily support large families, water sports, and decades of use. Because these pools are large and long lasting, choosing the pool location is extremely important. (Remember: Location setting is very important with Hard-Sided above Ground Pools).

Pros:

• Features: Hard-sided pools can host a variety of add-ons (Accessories) such as pool lighting, slides, and solar products..blar..blar.
• Longevity: Hard-sided pools are built to last. Made to withstand harsh winter conditions, there is no need to worry about taking your pool down to protect it from the elements in the off-season.
• Integration: Made to last many years, hard-sided pools are usually integrated into the landscapes of back-yards. Commonly accompanied by a deck, hard-sided pools are perfect to soak up the sun in.
• Easy to Replace Pool Liners: Replacing your hard-sided pool liner is necessary for maintenance. Luckily, above ground pool liners are easy to measure, order, and replace yourself. Available in overlap and beaded pool liner options, there is a style for any swimming pool type.
• Best above ground pool under $1000: Most of best hard-sided pools have the price around $1000. So, if your budget in this range of price, hard-sided pool will be the best option.

Cons:

• Winterization: Hard-sided pools need to be winterized in order to be properly maintained through the cold-weather months. This process can add on a few extra hours to your weekend to-do list and requires the purchase of a winter pool cover.
• Maintenance Costs: Hard-sided swimming pools require additional maintenance costs compared to soft-sided pools. Additional purchases may include pool floats & games, automatic vacuums, and pool stairs.
• Price: Well! It may cost you much. (price range is around $1,000 to $5,000 or more). However, think about long run, hard-sided above ground pools are a cost-effective alternative that is still permanent, integrated, and fun to use!

The Best 6 Hard Sided Above Ground Pools (update Jun 2020):

• Intex 26333EH Ultra XTR Set Above Ground Pool, 20ft X 48in
• Maldives 18 ft. Round 52 in. D x 6 in. Hard Sided Swimming Pool Package
• Independence 24 ft. Round 52 in. Deep Hard Side Above Ground Swimming Pool Package
• Belize Round Above Ground Pool Package 52” Deep
• Independence 18 ft. Round 52 in. Deep Hard Sided Above Ground Swimming Pool
• Cornelius Pools Phoenix 24′ x 52″ Frame Above Ground Pool Kit with Pump & Ladder

Top 7 Above Ground Pools (update May 2020) :

• Intex 26725EH Prism Frame Set Above Ground Pool, 15ft X 48in (under 2000 dollars)
• Intex Metal Frame hard-side Pool Set, 24-Feet by 52-Inch
• Intex 24Ft X 12Ft X 52In Ultra Frame hard-side Pool Set
• Intex Ultra Frame 18-by-9-Foot-by-52-Inch Rectangular Pool Set
• Intex 32-Foot by 16-Foot by 52-Inch Rectangular Ultra Frame Pool
• Cornelius Pools Phoenix 24′ x 52″ Frame
• Cornelius Phoenix 18′ x 52″ Above Ground Pool

1. Intex Easy Set 12-Foot by 30-Inch Round Pool Set

This pool get highly recommended. However, DON’T buy the Intex Easy Set Round Pool Set before making sure it’s right for you. The walls are 12 feet, the top goes in a little bit the base is 12 feet. The very first thing to note is 2 things. First, the pool is great. You can’t go wrong here. Second, keep in mind, it’s not just the pool you’ll need. The this version of the pool comes with a pump, necessary hoses, and 2 filters. Intex sells additional filters as singles or in a pack of 6. The filters you need are: Intex 29000E/59900E. This pool is perfect size for my kids from 3 years old to 15 years old or even adult. It is big enough for the older boys to slash around in and cool down on a hot summer day but small enough for the twins to still be able to touch.

• A 110-120 volt filter pump is included and is very easy to install – just hook up the hoses and enjoy clean refreshing watr.
• Ready for water in 10 minutes – simply spread out on level ground, inflate the top ring, fill the pool with water and enjoy the fun!
• Includes: SUPER-TOUGH laminated PVC sidewalls. 110 – 120 Volt Filter Pump with 530 gallon per hour flow rate. Set-up and maintenance DVD
• Convenient drain plug that connects to a garden hose so water can be drained away from pool or house area. Water capacity: (80%) 1,485 gallons
• New dual suction outlet fittings improve water circulation resulting in better water hygiene and clarity
• Do not set up the pool on sand, mud, or any soft or loose soil conditions.

2. Intex 18ft X 48in Metal Frame Pool Set (highly recommend)

I almost never write reviews but in this case, when I am so pleased with a product, I feel compelled. I have four children who love to swim. They are 1, 4, 7 and 10. They know how to swim (except the one year old) but I don’t feel comfortable letting them in a pool that is over there heads without myself or wife in it. Problem is, they would be in the water all day, and I’m not always in the mood! This pool was the perfect compromise! At only 30″ deep they can all stand up in it and at 12′ round its big! They don’t realize it’s a kids pool. To them it’s like a 54″ above ground pool would be for an adult. They are in it all day every day and I don’t have to be in there with them. here are some pros and cons and some recommendations.

Pros:
Assemble is sooo easy. Took me a half hour. As with any pool it should be on level ground. I didn’t have a perfectly level spot in my yard so I set it up as level as possible and it’s fine.(water is a little higher on one side, no biggy) I wasn’t about to level the yard for a pool that I didn’t know anything about. Next year I will!

• Because of its size you can take it down and store it for the winter and not have to worry about winterizing
• Perfect size for kids! They can send up and swim!
• The frame is strong! We didn’t get a ladder. The kids hop over the side. They can hand and sit on it. It’s very strong!
• Because of its size, it warms up pretty quick, about a day after filling to get to a good temp. The liner is thick. Not sure what the mil size is but it feels heavy.

Cons:

• The filter! I’ve seen bigger filters on fish tanks! It uses a cartridge that has to be cleaned often and it doesn’t flow much.
• No skimmer. The filter will clean the water(eventually) but will not remove debris from the top of the water.
• Water quality can go downhill quick! This could be partially my fault for not monitoring the water as often as I should but after it rains, if it’s in direct sunlight often or if you have a lot of people in it, the chlorine levels can drop and it can go green real fast.

My recommendations:

Along with the pool you will need a skimming net, a vaccuum that works with a garden hose, water test kit, the solar cover, a chlorine floating dispenser, quick dissolving chlorine tabs, and I would highly recommend getting the sand master 71225 filter and the index skimmer. The filter is so powerful it creates a small whirlpool which causes any debris on the floor to collect in the middle of the poll which makes it easy to vacuum up. Plus it’s rated for 9000 gallons and is super easy to clean. Just flip the valve to backwash and your done! You’ll end up spending about another $200 with these upgrades but totally worth it! Keep the filter running,add a tab or two a day and you’ll have crystal clear water all summer!

3. Intex Metal Frame Pool Set, 10-Feet x 30-Inch

This is may be a perfect pool for small kids that are too big for blow-up. A 2 years old kid can stand up with head easily above water, but deep enough for 5 years old kids to actually swim. Most parents can sit on the bottom with the water at their shoulders. The pool has enough space for 3 to 5 kids from 2 > 8 years old to have fun and play safely. Many people fell happy with their purchase. This pool is under $200 and It’s not built to last forever, but if you take care of it I believe it easily lasting 3-5 years. For around $200, you can’t beat that. Users may upgrade the pump and added a salt water chlorinator, and it’s super easy to take care of, but if you want to do regular chlorine I doubt it would be too hard to manage with the small volume. It’s only 1400 gallons.

Features:

• Durable & easy to assemble, prism frame pools feature all of the great benefits of metal frame pools, and are enhanced with strong powder-coated Steel Tubing and a stylish, upscale looking liner color
• Hydro aeration technology has been incorporated into the cartridge filter pump providing improved circulation and filtration, improved water clarity, and increased negative ions at the water surface
• Constructed with puncture resistant 3-ply material; Instructional DVD is included for help with pool setup and maintenance
• Water capacity: 90%, 1,185 gallons; age Grade: 6+
• Includes a 110-120V cartridge filter pump with a pump flow Rate of 330 gallons per hour
• Do not set up the pool on sand, mud, or any soft or loose soil conditions

4. BestWay Steel Pro 12′ x 30″ Frame Pool Set

I think this pool can be great for the individual who just wants something small, but deep.
– About Setup Process: This is also one of easy setup pools. Once you get all the pieces ready, setup is quick and can be done by one person, but two people may makes it go more quickly. The small pieces that connect the frame and the pump are very cheap, but could easily be replaced with items from the hardware store. The hardest thing to set up is definitely the ladder, which takes a large amount of thinking.
– How to use: This is a small, and deep pool. It is perfect for 2 adult people, or 3 – 4 kids. Therefore, if you’re looking for something to be able to swim around in, this pool will be not a good decision. This pool may be also little deep for small kids. I would like to recommended this for a couple adults who occasionally have kids visiting. How to cleanup?  Obviously, cleanup is pretty easy to take apart and clean with this pool. It packs up very small and is great when stored into a garbage can barrel.

Features:

12’x30″ Metal Frame Pool with 330 gal filter pump
Easy to assemble
Water capacity (90%): 1,710gal.
Durable, heavy-duty PVC and polyester 3-ply side walls
Flow control drain valve for easy draining
Measures 12 feet in diameter x 30 inches high
Includes 330 Gallon Filter Pump and Filter Cartridge so pool can be used after set up
Heavy Duty PVC Repair Patch Kit included
Includes DVD detailing pool set up and maintenance

5. Intex 14ft X 42in Ultra Frame Pool Set

Image Credit: Amazon

Proudly say that two women can put this pool up, if they can do it you can too. You may take time to watch the DVDs then come out to tackle each stage, it was all very easy and straightforward. This is a HUGE pool that takes time to fill up.
Please note
1) Even though it is 18×9, make sure you add at least 3 feet to each side when laying out your area.
2) I put mine on a fairly level concrete patio, the holes for the plumbing are a little high, make sure that the filter holes are on the lower side if you have a little uneven leveling
3) Lay the liner out in the sun, unfold it in the sun and let it sit for a little bit. This softens it up a little to be able to move around.
4) Look at filter hole placement, we layed it out and was so focused on the next setups we nearly forgot to turn the pool around.
5) There is this extra little piece that has a small screw end and a black cap, it goes on at the larger filter ring on the outside opening, we couldn’t find in the instructions.
If the hoses that connect to the Y leaks put a couple of layers of plumbers tape on it.
6) Watch youtube videos of the sand filters
7) Sand for the sand filters can be found at home depot or pool stores
8) You can call to have water delivered to your pool, if you are on city water and fill with the hose call the city after you get your bill to have the sewer water portion removed from your bill.

6. Intex 12′ x 30″ Metal Frame Pool with Filter Pump

Image Credit: Amazon

This model is one of great affordable above ground pools. This 12′ pool has been great for your family! It’s deep enough that the kids can still swim underwater, but not too big as to take up the whole yard. buyers will be super happy with the affordable price to get this pool!
However, you may have to spend more to get all of the necessary accessories, chemicals and so on. But overall it was still a bargain. you may also need to purchase a ladder because parents don’t want to be lifting kids in and out all the time. All children under 6 still needed help getting in and out. This brand makes one that fits perfectly.

7. Intex 12ft X 30in Prism Frame Pool Set with Filter Pump

Buyers will be happy with this pool. It took you 2 hrs to put this pool up and 12 hrs to fill water. I’m going to highly recommend that anyone buying this pool make sure you’re ground is level. As the pool fills everything just tightens up. Make sure the pins snap into place legs are where they need to be. Also let’s talk about the pump. Many users were freaking out because all the reviews said the pump was awful. I’ve found nothing wrong with the pump as of yet. I’m sure a bigger pump would work great but be aware that you’ll have to cut the liner of this pool because bigger pumps come with bigger fittings and hoses(as we found out) and this pools holes aren’t going to fit. If you just run the pump 8hrs a day, it will not have any problem.

How To Choose An Affordable Above Ground Pool?

All people may own a swimming pool, whether you have a small or large garden, or a terrace. We know that your budget is one of factors effect to your decision having a pool. If you don’t want to pay too much for a swimming pool, you may purchase a cheap one. The good news is that manufacturers have been offering many different types of pools with affordable price.

The Best 7 Affordable Above Ground Pools You should Consider for Buying:

1. Intex 8ft X 30in Easy Set Pool Set with Filter Pump
2. Blue Wave Gold 15-Year 18-ft Round
3. Intex 12′ x 30″ Metal Frame Pool with Filter Pump
4. BestBuy Steel Pro 15′ x 48″ Frame Pool Set 
5. Intex 12ft X 30in Easy Set Pool Set
6. Intex 86″ x 59″ x 23″ Rectangular Frame Above Ground Baby
7. Intex 10ft X 30in Metal Frame Pool with Filter Pump

Above Ground Pool Accessories

Why do you need to consider pool accessories?

Well! Whether you just want to lay back and relax, or need a way to keep kids entertained, you may want to take a look into the list that has the best pool toys and swim accessories. Besides, you may also need to buy some stuffs that repair your pools when they have been used for a long time. In that case, check out the poolside rock climbing wall or the floating volleyball net. pool equipment is crucially essential and important to keep the pool protected totally and ensure, and prolong the quality such as filtering, purifying and cleansing pool water. In other words, with good equipment, and accessories, a pool can provide a good swimming experience, and maximum pool efficiency, and optimum pool usage.

The list of common above ground pool accessories may include: Cleaners, Filters, Ladders, Liners, Covers, Pumps, heaters, and Skimmers. However, we don’t need all of them. Depending on your need and the pool type, you may need one or some of them.

1. Pools Cleaners:

If you want to keep your pool clean, you may have above ground pool vacuum. Besides, pool cleaners are also great option. They are made specifically for pools with flat bottoms and are not intended to climb walls or deep end slopes. One more thing, above ground pool cleaners are cheaper than their in ground counterparts. They should work just as efficiently but, keep in mind, above ground pools often skimp on initial installation costs. Cutting these corners can put additional strain on both your pool filter and pump system and your cleaner. Before you invest a pool cleaner, make sure your filter and pump system are up to par.

2. Pool Filters:

If you are going to have a swimming pool, you must have a filter system that collects all the debris that can accumulate in a pool. In most areas there are actually legal requirements as to how quickly the water in the pool must go through the filtering system. There are three common types of swimming pool filters, D.E. (which stands for Diatomaceous Earth) Sand and Cartridge pool filters. Different regions of the country seem to have different preferences; personally my order would have D.E. first, then Sand, then cartridge filters.

3. Pool Ladder / Steps

We may need pools ladders & step for big size pools or hard-sides above ground pools. The choice of a pool ladder & Step, or stairs  is something that will not only impact the design of your swimming pool, but the amount of space you will have available for swimming. Ask your pool builder near you for advice and advantages or disadvantages of the various styles of ladders, or steps for your family’s swimming pool. You may also view best ladders & step reviews for 2019 online for more options.

4. Pool Liners

In my point of view, you just need to concern about pools liners when you have a hard-sided pool. Pool liners become very brittle around five to seven years after they’re installed. If your water level drops too quickly in your pool, it could indicate a leak. Check the liner around the skimmers, cleaner line, lights and steps and in the corners for any tears or separations. If you see any problem, here is the time to replace the liner.

5. Pool Covers

Pool cover is crucial to keeping your pool safe with dirt, debris and unpleasant insects (this is main reason for you to have pool cover). However, prolonged use can eventually wear down the cover’s ineffectiveness (So, that why you need to buy a new one for replacement).

6. Pool Filters & Pumps

Pool pumps are very important for all type of pools.  Pools builders usually said that Pool Pump is the heart and soul of your pool’s operation system; and It’s absolutely vital in keeping the water in your pool filtered and clean. Therefore, if you pick up the wrong pump, it may seriously affect your swimming enjoyment. So, just spend your time to read some value reviews about best Pumps for above ground pools; or research before pick up a right pump for your pool.

7. Pool Heaters Systems

If you need relax with you pool in cold weather, you need pool heaters. With pool heaters you will be able to swim more months of the year and later into the evening. Extending your pool season just makes sense, but with a variety of heaters on the market it is important to consider which one will work right for your pool. Therefore, before choosing your pool heater, please consider some factors like: Pools size, Power Source, and then brand name

Conclusion

So, now you have the most over view about above ground pool. It clearly that buying, setting up, and having your own swimming pools really make sense. Therefore, choosing the right one can help you save time and money. In my point of view, above ground pool is most practical, economical, flexible, affordable and convenient option for swimming pools. It is one of the most popular types of swimming pool that people are using widely for relaxation, recreation, and fun.