The 5 Best Above Ground Pools 2026 | Tested and Reviewed

While summer may almost be everyone’s favorite season, the spike in temperature and humidity is still unwelcome. What better way to beat the summer heat than with the best above ground pool 2026? Having an above ground pool in your own backyard brings more benefits than one might think.

For one, since it is above ground, you wouldn’t spend too much time thinking about its placement, costs and maintenance. You can just literally inflate your pool on any free space in your backyard and you’re ready to go. Clean-up is also easy as you can just disassemble it. Plus, you can take it with you whenever you move places.

Above ground pools are also a great way to spend time with your family and bond with the kids. Compared to in-ground types, this kind is safer especially when you have children. Above-ground pools are quite shallow and a child wouldn’t easily slip and fall in when in an above-ground pool.

Reviews of the Best Above Ground Pools in 2026

Finding an above ground pool can be tricky, but worry not! We did the research so that you can find the right one that will suit your needs. Here are our top recommendations.
1. Intex Ultra XTR Above Ground Pool
2. Intex Round Prism Frame Pool Set
3. Intex 28210EH 12 Foot x 30 Inch Above Ground Swimming Pool
4. Intex 26701EH 10 Foot x 30 Inch Above Ground Swimming Pool
5. Intex 8ft X 30in Easy Set Pool Set

Best Above Ground Pool 2026 – Our Top Picks

If you are looking for a sturdy and reliable above ground pool, then you might want to check out the Intex Ultra XTR.

Features

Options

The Intex Ultra XTR pool provides the user with a lot of options in terms of shape and size. You can choose from a round or rectangular pool while you can choose from 7 different size options.

Highly Galvanized Steel Frames

The Ultra XTR pool is supported and stabilized by high-quality galvanized steel frames. With this, there are no worries about the pool self-collapsing.

Moreover, the steel frames combined with the pool’s blue exterior gives it a sleek and simple look.

Powder Coating

This above ground pool also comes with inner and outer powder coatings to further enhance its durability. This coating protects the pool from outside elements like rust.

Sand Filter Pump

This Intex above ground pool is also convenient as it comes with a free 110V-120V sand filter pump. With a 1,200- gallon flow rate, the filter can easily remove and keep your pool free from debris, dirt and algae.

Capacity

Intex’s Ultra XTR pool also comes in a big capacity at 4,545 gallons. With this, you’ll have a pool that’s deep enough for a satisfying soak and that’s shallow enough to prevent any accidents from happening.

Jampacked with features and all the necessary components, the Intex Round Prism Pool is a pool kit even beginners find easy to install and use.

Features

Hydro Aeration Technology

With its patented Hydro Aeration technology, Intex guarantees a pool clean and free from debris and other particles.

The aeration system combines all the debris together at the bottom of the pool and pumps them through the filtration system. Over time, aeration also improves the water’s freshness and quality as it oxidizes manganese and iron.

Krystal Clear Cartridge Filter Pump

The Intex pool set also includes the company’s premium cartridge filter pump. Pumping 530 gallons of water per hour, this filter aids in the aeration by filtering out debris and other particles.

Its shape is easy install as it specifies to CAS and UL cartridges.

Durable

The pool itself is made from polymer material which is known for its durability. The material is draped tightly and fitted snugly to prevent any spills and increase protection.

Its high-quality metal frames easily hold and supports the whole pool up. The powder coatings on the outside prevent it from damages to rust, corrosion and the like.

Other parts included

Aside from the pump and filtration system, this pool kit also comes with a ground cloth, cover, and ladder.

This Intex pool version packed with enough features that make it easy to install and comfortable to use. With its size, it’s an ideal choice for a family pool.

Features

Pool Dimensions

This Intex above ground swimming pool has a big capacity of 1,718 gallons. This provides enough depth for you to comfortably swim while also being shallow enough for the children’s safety.

Moreover, this above ground pool comes in two sizes that you can choose from. Regardless, this Intex swimming pool can easily accommodate 6 people.

Construction

This above ground swimming pool comes in a blue polymer exterior that is supported by sturdy metal frames. An all-around band is fitted in its legs to enhance stability. The frames are further coated with powder to prevent corrosion and other damages.

Pool Drain Plug

One of the unique things about the Intex above ground pool is its pool drain plug feature. With this, you can easily drain out the pool’s water via a garden hose. Not to mention, this allows you to reuse the pool water for gardening activities.

Easy Installation

This Intex above ground pool is also easy to install. In fact, you can do it in just about 45 minutes. This is made possible as the pool comes with its own instructional DVD.

Boasting superior and high-quality components and packed with features, the Intex 10ft x 30 in prism pool is a solid choice for those looking for durability and reliability.

Features

High-quality construction

The Intex prism pool’s gray polymer exterior is easily supported and stabilized strong metal frames and 3-ply side wall. A t-joint system completes the set-up and makes the pool even more stable.

The polymer exterior is resistant to tears and punctures while the metal frames are coated with powder for protection against corrosion and rust.

Dimensions

Measuring 10 ft x 30 in, this Intex prism pool caters more to smaller families of 4 and below. The pool has a capacity of 1,185 gallons which is deep enough for a swim.

Krystal Clear Cartridge Filter Pump

Intex’s prism pool also comes with its own cartridge filter pump to prevent debris and algae from building up as it can pump up to 330 gallons per hour. For best results, the cartridge should be replaced every 2 weeks.
The filter uses the H filter cartridge which is easy to find and clean.

Hydro Aeration Technology

The Intex prism pool also boasts their patented hydro aeration technology. Not only does this remove dirt and debris, but it also improves the water’s quality and freshness.

With its looks and features, the Intex easy set pool set just makes you want to swim all day without any worries.

Features

Durable Construction

The Intex easy set is easily one of the company’s more beautiful and sleeker pools. Instead of frames, the pool’s bright blue polymer exterior is supported by heavy-duty PVC sidewalls. This gives the above ground pool a definite shape and enough stability.

Easy to Install

The Easy Set Pool Set is also easy to install. As per the instructional DVD, the quick 10-minute set-up just entails you spreading it out on the ground, inflating the rings, and filling it up with water.

Disassembly is likewise a breeze. The pool’s drain plug can fit a garden hose for easy drainage.

Pump and Filtration System

Intex’s easy set comes with a cartridge filter to prevent dirt and algae build-up. It’s also easy to install as you just need to hook it inside the pool’s hoses.

Along with the filtration system, the easy set pool set also has dual suction outlet fittings. These aim to improve the water’s circulation.

Hydro Aeration technology

Intex’s patented cleaning system further enhances the water’s quality as it induces oxidation of minerals and increases the negative ion count in the water.

How to Choose the Best Above Ground Pool 2026

Having an above ground pool is a great way to unwind and cool down from the stifling heat of the day. It presents a new way to make memories with your loved ones.

Even so, purchasing one can be quite a tricky process. With so many types, kinds, designs, and options to choose from, it can get overwhelming especially when you don’t know what to look out for.

However, you don’t have to worry. This guide will list down all the factors you need to consider in choosing an above ground pool for your home.

Your Backyard

Before we can get into the intricacies of an above ground pool, it’s important to consider the layout of the area where it’s going to be: your backyard.

First, measure the free space in your yard before shopping to ascertain the size and shape of your pool. The slope of your yard also plays a factor as it can limit the type of pool you can get.

The Law

Some places have laws that prevent owners from installing any type of pool in their yards while others have no qualms about it; hence, it’s always a good idea to be cautious and check your local laws and other pertinent rules that you’ll need to follow.

For example, US citizens need to abide with the guidelines laid out in the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Pool Types

The difference in above ground pool lie in the frame which is the component that holds up the pool’s wall and water.

Steel Frames

Steel frames are made from different types of metal such as zinc, aluminum, steel, etc. With this, they are quite durable and provide stability in your pool. However, these metals are still lightweight and can be easily bent into different shapes.

Resin Frames

Resin is a kind of plastic that you can usually see used in furniture and airplane parts. They are a popular option since they can withstand various environmental elements. This plastic doesn’t warp and it remains cool even when exposed to the sun.

Hybrid Pools

Hybrid pools are a mixture of steel and resin frames. Resin components are exposed to the elements while the steel parts provide for the pool’s overall frame and structure.

Radiant Pools

Also known as the semi-inground pool, they provide more stability and durability. However, unlike the former, the latter is cheaper.

Because of their installation, they are customizable and are great for less-than-ideal yards. Semi-inground pools often come in kits that make it easy to assemble. You can even use it as a DIY mini project with your kids.

Liner Type

Linters provide support for your pool’s bottom and walls. There are 4 types you can choose from which are:

Beaded

This liner is characterized by thick vinyl beads that snaps into a track along the pool’s top rails.

Overlap

This linter is attached via coping strips and earns its name as it just overlaps with the pool’s top edge.

J-Hook

Also called the universal liner, this U-shaped vinyl is attached to the pool’s top wall.

Expendable

As in their name, these liners adjust in length or depth to match the pool’s specifications.

Maintenance

To make it easier to clean your above ground pool, it’s recommended that you also purchase a pump and filter system.

There are three types of these systems you can choose from:

Sand Filters

The filters utilize sand to coax the water into the filter. Once it does, the filter then removes the debris and releases it back to the pool.

Cartridge Filters

The filter has a cartridge inside that removes debris from your water. Compared to sand filters, they run on lower pressures.

Diatomaceous Earth (D.E.) Filter

Using the diatoms’ fossilized exoskeletons, this filter is more thorough and can remove debris and other small particles you’ll find in the pool.

Conclusion

Purchasing an above ground pool is not an easy task and can be quite daunting, especially for beginners. There are certainly numerous things you must consider and prepare for, ranging from the laws and requirements you’ll have to follow, the size, pool type- to name a few. You should need to think and meet these requirements completely before you can think of going shopping out for one.

Hopefully, this guide has provided you with enough information regarding above ground pools. With all these factors listed, we hope that you will find a pool that can sufficiently meet and exceed your needs. Happy shopping!