The 8 Best Above-Ground Swimming Pools for Cooling Off This Summer
The 8 Best Above-Ground Swimming Pools for Cooling Off This Summer
While cold weather may stick around for several more weeks, it isn’t too soon to start thinking about activities that’ll help keep you sane and safe this summer. These days, making the most of your backyard is a priority — and one of the best upgrades is an above-ground pool. They keep the kids occupied for hours and can be a great way to get some exercise. Whether you want an inflatable pool that sets up in minutes or are ready to make a commitment to something more permanent with a steel frame, here are some of the best above-ground pools to buy.
1) Bestway Steel Pro Frame Pool Set (12x2.5 Feet)
Bestway Inflatables
Finding a high-quality pool that isn’t inflatable for under $450 is tough to beat.
This one is large enough to accommodate up to six adults and comes with everything you need for a fast setup to hit the water in less than an hour. It has a steel, corrosion-resistant frame and a reinforced liner to prevent punctures. It comes with a filter pump and a cup holder that attaches to the rim — a kid-favorite, according to a few reviewers. Filling and draining it is a snap with a built-in valve that connects to a garden hose. It holds 330 gallons of water and several customers say that it’s well-constructed with sturdy, strong walls.
2) Intex Ultra XTR Rectangular Pool (32x16x4.3 Feet)
Intex
amazon.com
Anyone who enjoys swimming laps or playing a few rounds of water volleyball is sure to love this expansive pool, which gets rave reviews from customers. It’s a whopping 32 feet long and has a galvanized steel frame, powder-coating inside and out to prevent rust, and a sand pump and saltwater system. There’s also a pool cover with rope ties to secure it, a ground cloth, and a ladder.
It’s said to be ready for water in 90 minutes, though several reviews say setup takes quite a bit longer.
3) lunaoo Portable Kiddie Pool
lunaoo
amazon.com
This collapsible pool folds up into a rectangle no bigger than a lunch bag cooler for ultimate portability and easy storage. It doesn’t inflate, but the walls are reinforced with fiberboard to keep it sturdy and prevent tipping. Plus, there’s a no-slip bottom so kids can go all out splashing around safely. It’s made from PVC, and there’s a built-in drain plug to attach to a garden hose to fill it up within minutes.
4) Intex Prism Frame Above-Ground Swimming Pool (10x2.5 Feet)
Intex
amazon.com
If you have a tiny backyard and are looking for something more substantial than an inflatable pool, this one is an excellent choice. It doesn’t come with a lot of bells and whistles, but it's perfect for a dip with a few friends on a scorching day and a cinch to set up. The pool has a powder-coated metal frame that’s rust-resistant and laminated walls, with a band around the perimeter to stabilize the legs. Simply attach a garden hose to the drain opening to fill the pool and unplug it to drain. It can accommodate four adults and requires 144 square feet of space.
5) Intex Pool Set in Gray (24x4.3 Feet)
Intex Recreational Inc.
amazon.com
There's plenty of room in this sharp-looking, generously sized pool for several people to lounge on rafts. It’s made of galvanized steel and powder-coated inside and out to prevent rust. Plus, there’s a three-ply liner and it comes with a sand filter pump. Also included is a durable ground cloth, a pool cover with rope ties to secure it, and a removable pool ladder. Setup is said to take about an hour and no extra tools required. It's easy to maintain, too: it only needs to be backwashed every five years.
6) Intex Easy Set Pool Set (15x3.5 Feet)
Intex
amazon.com
Setting up this pool couldn't be more straightforward — and you'll likely complete the task in less than 30 minutes. All it takes is spreading it out on a level patch of grass, inflating it from the top ring, and attaching a garden hose to the drain plug to fill it.
Quick and easy setup isn't the only perk, because the entire package is also a fantastic value. The pool's sidewalls are made from laminated PVC, and the kit includes a cartridge filter pump, ground cloth and cover, and a ladder. Rounding out this list of features is an automatic pump shutoff if the water comes in contact with an electrical current.
7) Lake Effect Meadows Reprieve Round Above Ground Pool (24x4.3 Feet)
Lake Effect Pools
amazon.com
This solidly constructed pool has galvanized steel walls that are coated with resin inside and out to prevent rust and provide extra durability. The pool’s liner, with a bedrock pattern on the bottom and brilliant blue wave print running up the side walls, is laser cut to keep it from wrinkling. Before installing, set the liner in the sun for an hour so the vinyl will stretch to cover the pool’s floor and walls. Interlocking rails and strips will keep it from shifting. The dove gray outer walls are neutral enough to blend in to your backyard. There's no filter pump included, which is a drawback for a pool at this price point.
8) Avenli Plastic Inflatable Pool (11.75x2.5 Feet)
BKB365
wayfair.com
Parents with young children will appreciate a kiddie pool that’s also comfortable for adults. Customers say that it’s easy to set up and the perfect size for four people.
At under $200, it’s also a superb value for what you get — especially if you’re planning to use it often this summer to keep the little ones busy, as other activities may be limited. It’s made from PVC, with walls built to withstand little feet kicking the sides. Like other top-ring pools, spread it out to inflate it and attach a garden hose to fill it up.
If you're planning to add a pool to your backyard, now is the time to buy. You can thank us later.