Our tester also liked the easy-locking powder-coated steel frame, which held up to an entire summer of use without much wear, and could be quickly stored at the end of pool season. You also can employ a pool net to manually fish out leaves, bugs, dirt, and other debris. Inflatable options usually are made of the same PVC material, without steel frames. Summer Waves Elite Above Ground Swimming Pool with Filter Pump, Here Are the Best Pool Filters for Clear and Healthy Water, The Best Inflatable Hot Tubs for No-Fuss Relaxation, The Best Pool Brushes for Sparkling Clean Water, The Best Robotic Pool Cleaners That Will Keep Your Pool Sparkling, How to Contact an Above-Ground Pool Company, The Best Pool Heaters for Year-Round Swimming, Make a Splash With the Intex Metal Frame Pool Set, These Are the Best Pool Toys for Hours of Fun. First and foremost, DiClerico says, survey your space. Rectangular Ultra XTR Frame Swimming Pool with Sand Filter, 32 ft. x 16 ft. x 52 in. Bestway Steel Pro Above Ground Backyard Frame Pool. Then, remove the inner liner and break down the frame into pieces, which you can then store however you choose. Above-ground pools are typically made from a combination of metal frames and PVC liners, though those are not the only materials used. At 14 feet across and 42 inches deep, theres plenty of room for the family to cool off when the temps get red hot. It has a 10-foot diameter and is big enough for the entire family to enjoy. All made of 100% nontoxic materials, this set includes 26 toys, including four diving pool rings, four diving torpedoes, three stringy octopi, three diving fish and 12 treasures.. Dimensions: 96 x 30 inchesShape: RoundWater Capacity: 608 gallonsFrame: PVCSet-Up Time: 30 minutes. Katie Begley is a product reviewer for The Spruce who specializes in lifestyle and parenting writing. Setup requires at least two people; even experienced DIYers recommended hiring a professional. All you have to do is inflate the top ring, which takes around 10 minutes, and then its ready for water. When you make a purchase through links on this page, we may earn a commission. However, you can follow a general process when setting up standard pools, with PVC walls and steel frames. Its supported by a powder-coated steel frame with the brands Easy Lock assembly system, which allows for DIY setup, and it can be put together and ready for pool day in just one hour. No problem. Dimensions: 288 x 144 x 52 inchesShape: RectangleWater Capacity: 8,403 gallonsFrame: SteelSet-Up Time: 1-2 hours (after site preparation), "The puncture-resistant three-ply pool liner feels rugged. Theyre more durable than an inflated pool but might show signs of wear and tear after a few years.. If you just want a personal place to relax and cool down, a basic round will do, he says. Youll want to consider the space you have available and how much of it youre willing to fill with the pool, says Lindbeck. Jenica Currie is an expert content manager, producer, writer, and editor with over a decade of experience cultivating online communities. tear-resistant liner, and fill the pool. Soil stability may also be a factor, depending on the size of the pool youre considering. What do buyers say? Then, point the female end toward an area that drains the water away from the pool without flooding your property. You can also break out the pool floats and start splashing around almost immediately. This pool includes no pump or filter, so expect to do a bit more cleaning to keep the water clear. Content is created by CNN Underscoreds team of editors who work independently from the CNN newsroom. From there, follow the manufacturers directions for assembling the frame and attaching the liner. A floating goal made with durable PVC and netting will keep the kids and the grown-ups well occupied during your next pool party. D Metal Wall Above Ground Hard Side Swimming Pool Package, Elite Wicker Print 16 ft. As youre figuring out your budget, factor in some of the add-ons pool kits, liner, sides, edging, pump and ladder that may bump up the total price. Next, plug the pump into a nearby electrical outlet and turn it on. Additionally, you can find above-ground pools with dual-suction outlets, for easier cleaning. If you want it for entertaining or for the kids to play in, youll need a larger pool with a surrounding deck for lounging and additional safety features, including a fence and removable ladder to keep unattended children from accessing the pool.. If you're short on square footage, a smaller, round pool might be your best bet. It does include some great extras that will make maintaining the pool easier. For an above-ground pool, the lower end, budget-wise up to about $1,000 will limit your size and shape. Forbes. Ready to settle in for some quality time in the sun? That means at the end of swim season, you will need to deflate and store the pool. For example, some of the larger options are 50 inches deep (or more), which may be too deep for younger children. Other accessories include a ground cloth, debris cover, and pool ladder, and it even comes with a volleyball set for a little friendly competition. Underwater Oasis Spray Pool at Walmart, Summer Waves Quick Set Inflatable Pool at Walmart, Palisades Above-Ground Hard-Sided Pool Package at Home Depot, Summer Waves Elite Above Ground Swimming Pool with Filter Pump at Amazon, Best Overall: Snag this safari print above-ground pool that comes with a corrosion-resistant steel frame, durable three-ply liner and built-in flow control valve. Above-ground pools can be great if youre looking for a place for your little ones to get more familiar with swimming before venturing out into larger bodies of water. Inflatable options are the most affordable and easiest to set up, but they lack durability, as they dont have a hard frame. A flow-controlled drain valve makes it easy to empty when summer is over, and the pool comes in a variety of additional sizes, ranging from 10 to 16 feet in diameter. The sides have a stylish design to help transport you to a swimming oasis. Intexs large, round, above-ground inflatable pool measures 18 feet by 4 feet, can be set up tool-free in about 30 minutes and fits up to eight people. Similar to our top pick, this round pool from Intex has a durable steel frame and puncture-resistant three-ply pool wall. The obvious advantage of above-ground over in-ground pools is cost, says DiClerico. It measures in at 32 x 16 feet, and it holds a whopping 14,364 gallons of water. A bit more expensive than our other selections, the Palisades Above Ground Hard-Sided Pool nevertheless is one of the largest, fitting up to 12 adults. Feel like you missed out on the Summer of Love? Pools can be quite a large investment, but this above-ground option is a budget-friendly choice for your yard. Katie has been writing for The Spruce since 2019. Allow the pump to run until your pool is completely empty (might take several hours). Bestway Steel Pro Above Ground Round Frame Pool Set, Best with Steel Frame: This helps keep the pool in great shape and reduces the overall time you spend getting rid of debris. 2000-2022 Home Depot. And watch out for sharp objects, including small rocks kicked out by your lawn mower, that could cause permanent damage to a less pricey option. You need to make sure it not only fits in your yard but also encompasses a few feet of space on all sides. The right style for you depends on your preferences and needs. Swish! According to HomeAdvisors True Cost Guide, most people spend between $1,000 and $4,000 on above-ground pools $2,500 on average compared with an average of $50,000 for an in-ground pool, the costs of which can easily run into the six figures if you add luxury features like a hot tub and waterfall. Palisades took some extra design steps with this pool. This small pool has a rust-resistant metal frame and PVC lining, and it features a PVC support band around the pool wall. Instead of taking weeks or months to build, they can be installed, filled and ready to be enjoyed in a couple of days, explains Troy Lindbeck, vice president of operations for Pinch A Penny, an online pool supply store. You can also find pools with plastic frames, which are often cheaper than their sturdier counterparts. Generally, you clean above-ground pools using the same tools and methods as in-ground pools. perfect for younger swimmers. Before setting up your above ground pool, youll first need to level out the area where the pool will rest by putting down a layer of sand for cushioning or laying down a ground cover (if your pool came with one). The pool is on the smaller side at 13 feet in diameter and 2.75 feet deep, and it holds 530 gallons of water. Its also worth using a flat skimmer net on the surface of the pool to remove floating leaves and debris, recommends Lindbeck. Palisades Above-Ground Hard-Sided Pool Package, Best with Pump and Filter: Another option is a pool hose, which attaches to your filter or pool vacuum and sucks out debris. Pool has a delightful kid-appropriate spray dolphin (connect a garden hose). "Kelly Hodgkins, Product Tester. Made using PVC material, its durable, measures 12 feet by 30 inches and gets thousands of rave Amazon reviews for its size, price and simple install. In addition to the Krystal Clear Sand Filter Pump and Saltwater System unit, this pool comes with several accessories, including a ladder, ground cloth, and debris cover. If your basic need is a personal place to relax and cool down, a simple inflatable pool is a good option. Ready to get a little wild this summer? You also can get a saltwater-ready pool. If we had to pick one spot to spend our time this summer, it would be atop this pretty silver and pastel-striped inflatable raft. It is also big enough to host epic summer pool parties without requiring permanent installation. Calling all amateur basketball stars: Play a game of water pickup with this floating net that comes with a floating ball and carry case. Consider purchasing a ground tarp to go under the pool and a cover to go over the pool. Dimensions: 144 x 30 inchesShape: RoundWater Capacity: 1,710 gallonsFrame: PVCSet-Up Time: 1 hour. We found its also one of the sturdiest, with sides made of hard resin, with weather-resistant steel top rails, uprights, and bottom rails. Another great benefit is that they can be broken down and relocated to another home if the homeowner moves.. Note: The prices above reflect the retailers' listed price at the time of publication. Here are the best above-ground pools to get your yard ready for celebrating all summer. Deep, Palisades 24 ft. One great thing about above-ground pools: Typically, they dont require professional installation. our process. An effective pool filter and included ladder added to our testers thumbs up for Best Overall pick. The kid-friendly illustrations, colors, features, and size all make the H2OGO! You can use a pool skimmer, which draws water from the pool's surface and sucks it through the filter. Super easy to set up, it measures 10 feet by 26 inches and comes with one repair patch. Be sure youre using equipment made for vinyl liners to ensure that you are not damaging the pool while doing routine maintenance.. Next, connect the metal rails to the bottom plate and around the perimeter. On average, large above ground pools cost between $1,000$2,000 while in-ground pool installation will cost between $28,000$55,000 according to Homeguide.com. This 18-foot pool from Bestway is supported by a rust-resistant steel frame, and it has a heavy-duty 3-ply PVC liner, as well as a reinforced belt that helps to keep the frame in place.