The 5 best above-ground pools of 2022

Key features: 

• DuraPlus™ liner wall material reinforced with a polyester mesh core sandwiched between two layers of high-gauge PVC
• Rust and corrosion-resistant steel frame
• 3-ply PVC support band for extra stability
• Starts at $399.99

This Steel Pro MAX from Bestway earned the spot as our top pick because it blends a reasonable price, durable design and plenty of space. This above-ground pool includes a DuraPlus™ liner wall, which uses fade and tear-resistant material, but it also features a 3-ply PVC band that wraps around the pool to provide an additional layer of reinforcement.

The pool’s oval frame is manufactured from steel with Seal & Lock System T-connectors to make it easy to assemble. And because it uses a pin-clip design, you won’t need any tools to assemble your pool. 

While the exterior of the pool is a fairly basic white on Amazon, you can get it with a stone-like finish from Bestway or Walmart. In either case, the interior features a prismatic stone design. 

On top of all of this, you’ll get a cartridge-based pool filter, along with a ladder and cover, with this Bestway pool. That way, you can enjoy this pool long-term while keeping it protected and keeping your water clear. 

Pros:

• Safe for kids of all ages (with adult supervision)
• Seal & Lock System for frame joints to prevent bends and leaks
• Filter pump, ladder and cover included

Cons:

• Warranty of only 90 days for the liner 
• Relatively boring exterior design on Amazon
• Filter uses a cartridge rather than sand, which some people prefer

Key features: 

• Kid-friendly design
• Adjustable height
• Includes storage bag, repair patches and a water inlet connected with steel clamps
• Starts at $69.99

If you’re looking for a place for your little ones to splash around this summer, consider this kiddie pool with a lot to offer. Not only does it deliver an impressive length of more than eight feet, but it also includes lots to keep young ones entertained, from the fun design to the spraying elephant head.

With three individual air chambers, you can adjust the height of this pool based on your kids’ ages. You might only inflate the bottom chamber for toddlers but fill it further for bigger kids. This lets you build in a layer of safety — although you should always supervise your kids when they’re in the water.

When filled all the way, this pool isn’t just for kiddies. It can accommodate two adults and several kids, too. In fact, it’s big enough you could put your own pool float in there and get some me-time. 

Pros:

• Fun design for kids, enough room for adults
• Spray feature
• Designed for fast drainage

Cons:

• Only recommended for kids ages 3 and up
• Doesn’t include an air pump
• Lack of frame makes it less sturdy

Key features: 

• More than 450 square feet of swimming space
• Galvanized, rust-resistant steel frame
• 60-minute setup
• Starts at $1,966

If you’re planning to buy an above-ground pool to host pool parties with your friends and family, you’re going to want ample capacity. This huge pool has a diameter of 24 feet, which means you get more than 450 square feet of water surface inside. You won’t need to trim down your pool party guest list with this one.

Filling this sizeable pool requires a lot of water, so you probably won’t want to drain it and take it down very frequently. Fortunately, the INTEX Ultra XTR pool comes with the accessories to keep the pool water clear and swimmable. 

Not only does it feature dual-suction outlet fittings, but it also includes the INTEX Krystal Clear Sand Filter Pump. To keep debris out, you also get a tie-down cover, and to protect the bottom of your pool, INTEX includes a ground cloth. On top of all of this, you get a ladder to make it easy to get in and out of your 52-inch high pool. 

Pros:

• Large size
• Easy maintenance
• Includes sand filter pump, ladder, cover and ground cloth

Cons:

• Price 
• Takes longer to set up than some other pools
• Suction from pump can be dangerous (don’t play or swim near the pump

Key features: 

• Triple-layer polyester mesh and heavy gauge PVC material
• Galvanized metal frame
• SFX600 filter pump with skimmer functionality
• Starts at $266.99

Most lower-cost above-ground pools have a telltale look: a white frame with a blue lining. That means that these above-ground pools are a highly visible addition to your outdoor space and scream “bargain,” which probably isn’t your go-to look for your front or backyard.

Fortunately, you have other options. If you want an affordable above-ground pool that can integrate with your yard’s design, Summer Waves offers this alternative. Rather than using the signature above-ground pool blue, they finish the exterior walls of this round pool’s liner with something that looks like wicker. You can choose tan or gray to match it to your outdoor furniture, too.

Setting up this Summer Waves pool is easy, and maintaining it is, too, since it includes a filter pump that doubles as a skimmer. 

Pros:

• Exterior walls in wicker finish
• Pump included
• Quick and easy installation

Cons:

• Gray wicker version costs more
• Liner only comes with a 90-day warranty
• The smallest non-kiddie pool we’ve listed so far

Key features: 

• Affordable
• Heavy-duty PVC and polyester 3-ply sidewalls
• Recommended for ages 6 and up
• Starts at $124.99

If you want a way to create a backyard oasis without taking a financial hit, consider this low-cost option from Intex. For the price of a nice dinner out, you could be soaking up the sun while submerged in water this summer. 

Not only is it easy on your wallet, but setup’s easy, too. Intex says you can pop this pool up in just 30 minutes. If you’re not looking to have your pool set up year-round, you can also easily break this one down. It includes a drain plug that connects to a garden hose so you can direct the draining water wherever you want.

All this said, what you save in money you lose in style with this above-ground pool. It has that telltale bright blue look we mentioned earlier, which does make it look cheaper than a lot of other options on this list. That said, it is — and if budget is your top concern, it’s a solid option. 

Pros:

• Easy to set up
• Rust-resistant steel frame
• Drain plug for hose connection to drain at a location of your choosing

Cons:

• Bright blue color
• Pump, filter, cover, and ladder not included
• Walls at risk for tearing