During the summer, most people love to laze around in the sun, lounge by the pool, and sip endless amounts of cold icy beverages. When the sun is hot, the only way to keep cool during the summer period is to be outside swimming and cooling off by the pool. There might be numerous reasons why you cannot have a pool in your homes like the expenses, maintainability, or even the space to build a pool. Or, you might not want to visit the community pool because it is too far and you may have social anxiety. One way or another, it might seem like lounging by the poolside would not be part of your summer plans. However, there is another option you can go for which is buying an above-ground pool and setting it up in your backyard. One of the major perks of an above-ground pool is that you don’t have to spend an insane amount of money on it, and you don’t have to wait months for it to be set up.
When it comes to above-ground pools, there are so many options that would fit your preference and style. There are shallow and deep above-ground pools, which vary in size and shape, and there are also inflatable options. If you want more spice in your pool, you can build a pool deck that would give it more character. All in all, an above-ground pool is a way to go during the summer.
How to Choose the Best Above-Ground Pool
When buying an above-ground pool, do not just go for just anyone. Instead, you have to carry out proper research to make sure you’re choosing the best you can find. Here are some of the ways to choose the best above-ground pool:
- Choose your preferred pool type
Buying an above-ground pool stems down to preference at the end of the day and what you like. Make sure you know the type of pool that would be best for you and your family. Some pools are temporary and can be taken down after use or after a season, and pools are permanent and can last for a long period of time. These permanent pools are made of steel or aluminum and can last for decades if used properly. Steel pools are less expensive while aluminum pools are more expensive.
- Size
Size plays a major role when you’re trying to get the best pool that suits you. There are pools available if you don’t want something too large that takes up space and covers your entire backyard. You may want something that fits perfectly with enough space for your children to run around. Also, the smaller the pool, the easier it is to clean. When buying a pool, make sure you measure and know how big you would want it.
- Choose a location
Do you want the pool to be close to the house or not? Do you want it near trees or not? Would you like the sun streaming in on your face or not? All these questions are essential when choosing an above-ground pool. Before you buy a pool, you would want to make sure you’ve properly planned for the location and what would be best for you.
- Pool material
This is also essential when buying a pool as there are many materials to choose from. Steel is the strongest you can use for your above-ground pool and you don’t have to worry about leaking with this pool. The one good thing about using steel is that it is the least expensive material. Aluminum on the other hand is lightweight and more expensive than steel pool. The resin frame is mostly plastic mixed with other pool materials, this is a great option for saltwater pools. The last material that is mostly used is wood which is one of the best and tends to be the most expensive.
Our top picks
– Best overall pick above-ground pool
Bestway Power Steel 18′ x 9′ x 48″ Oval Above Ground Pool Set
– Best for family above-ground pool
INTEX 28241EH 18ft x 48in Metal Frame Pool with Cartridge Filter Pump
– Best inflatable above-ground pool
Above Ground Pools: The Best Ones to Purchase
1. Bestway Power Steel 18′ x 9′ x 48″ Oval Above Ground Pool Set (Best Overall Pick Above Ground Pool)
Why it is our top pick – This above-ground pool is a great price, a great size, and has all the amazing features you might need.
Price: Was $1,599.99, now $849.59 on Amazon.
Product Specifications
- Product dimensions – 168″L x 168″W x 96″H
- Shape – Oval
- Material – Stainless steel
- Included components – 1 pool, 1 filter pump (compatible with Type III cartridge), 1 ladder, 1 pool cover, 1 ChemConnect dispenser
- Size – 14 ft. x 8 ft. 2 in. x 39.5 in
- Water capacity – 1915 gallons
Pros
- A very sturdy pool
- Easy to set up
Cons
- The pump doesn’t pull a lot of water
If you’re looking for the perfect pool to have a dip in and chill in during the summer, then the Bestway Power Steel pool is the best one for you. This is one of our top picks for a reason because it comes with a variety of standard features. This oval-shaped pool is a great choice if your backyard is not big enough to house a circular pool, but this pool is wide enough to house your family of four or five. It comes with a puncture-resistant layer, which means it is very hard to puncture so you do not have to worry about it leaking. The only thing you need to do is to set it up and get ready to relax for the summer. Above-ground pools that come with metal frames are more durable than inflatable ones and they are also very easy to take down when done. This Bestway pool has rust-resistant materials and a reinforced belt that helps keep the entire pool standing in place. It won’t budge even if there is a strong wind or unpleasant weather conditions.
This pool is not too deep and holds about 1915 gallons of water, and it is typically set up by two or more people. It comes with its own added accessories so you don’t have to spend extra money getting accessories for this pool. The drain valve makes it easy for water to drain out of. The pump instructions that this pool comes with are really easy to follow and you don’t need a professional to set up this pool.
2. INTEX 28241EH 18ft x 48in Metal Frame Pool with Cartridge Filter Pump (Best for family above ground pool)
Why is it our top pick – This is a pool that can house an entire family while they have fun in the sun.
Price: $380.00 on Amazon.
Product specifications
- Capacity – 1,718 gallons
- Dimensions – 144 x 144 x 30 inches
- Water depth – 24 inches
- Shape – Round
- Material – Alloy steel, metal
Pros
- Setup is very easy
- It comes with a filter
Cons
- The warranty is for less than five years
The INTEX 28241EH above-ground pool holds about 1718 gallons of water which makes it the perfect size and depth for families. If you are looking for a family-sized pool to enjoy summer in, then this is your best bet. You can set up this pool in less than an hour and you don’t have to worry about the filter not doing its job when you’re cleaning out the pool. It is also a great tool to have children’s parties as it is safe enough for a child to play in. The warranty on this pool is not the best, but for the price, it comes with all that you might need. The best way to make sure this pool stands very well and is stable is to install it on a flat surface. If your backyard is not flat enough, then you can put sand or dig out some sand to level it. This should be done properly as the sand can shift due to the weight of the water if not done properly. One downside is that the pump does not provide enough suction and you have to buy a pump for it. In a nutshell, this is a solid pool for your family.
3. Intex 26165VM Easy Set 15-foot x 42-inch Portable Inflatable Home Outdoor Above Ground Round Swimming Pool with Ladder (Best inflatable above ground pool)
Why is it our top pick – This inflatable pool is great for
the family if you don’t want a regular above-ground pool.
Price: $344.49 on Amazon.
Product specifications
- Type – Inflatable pool
- Material – Laminated PVC
- Diameter – 15 feet
- Depth – 4 feet
- Other accessories – Filter pump, Pool ladder, ground cloth, debris cover, filter pump, filter cartridge, and informative DVD to help with assembly and care
- Capacity: 8 people
- Water capacity: 3,736 gallons
Pros
- Easy to set up and manage
- A cheaper alternative
Cons
- Wear and tear shorten the lifespan
If you don’t want to spend a lot of time setting up a pool and want something that can be easily maintained, then the Intex easy-set inflatable pool is one you should get. This is one of the best inflatable pools on the market and it holds up to 3736 gallons of water which is perfect for family use. A pool party can be held in this pool and it is perfect if you need a quick soak after a hot day. The best thing about inflatable pools is you don’t need to set up stakes in the ground or snap support rods together. The pool just needs to be blown up and filled with water. This round pool has a filter pump and is made of durable, puncture-resistant material. Just because it is not made with the strongest material in the market does not mean it would be easy to puncture. You might be thinking that you cannot get an in-ground or above-ground pool because of the size of your space. Well, with this inflatable pool, you don’t have to worry about the size of your space. It can easily be set up in small spaces and is easy to manage.
The Takeaway
With the right kind of outdoor pool, your summer can be filled with fun while you’re also cooling off. The list above is some of our well-picked-out pool options that can house a family of four or five comfortably during the summer.