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The Best Above-Ground Pools for Summer Fun

a family playing in a blue above-ground pool in the backyard
Intex

Swimming in pools is a great American pastime. Enjoying cool water is refreshing on hot summer days and doing it in a personal pool is even better. Above-ground pools are practical, require little maintenance, and no digging into the ground is needed. There is no need to leave your pool behind if you move, simply take it with you. Create a vacation in your backyard with an above-ground pool.

What to Consider in an Above-Ground Pool

Pools that are easily put up and taken down are great, especially if you plan to relocate. Factor in the pool’s installation process to your purchase, if you’re looking for something that takes mere minutes or if you will need tools to set it up. A big consideration is the size of the pool, how many gallons it holds, and what materials it is made from. Some pools will come with filters and chlorinators.

Best for Budget: Summer Waves 10ftx30in Quick Set Inflatable

three kids and two adults standing in an above-ground pool
Summer Waves

The summer waves pool is perfect for leisurely afternoons in the privacy of your back yard. The pool’s round shape is 8 feet in diameter and 2.5 feet, for a 608-gallon capacity. A pool filter pump is included and rapid installation allows you to enjoy your pool within minutes. The pool rises as it is filled and will provide hours of splashing and entertainment for a fair value. The filter cartridge comes with a built-in chlorinator and filter cartridge for the pump.

Best for Budget

Summer Waves 10ft x 30in Quick Set Inflatable Above Ground Pool with Filter Pump

Designed for the privacy of your backyard, this pool is 8 feet and holds 608 gallons of water.

Best for Toddlers: Intex Crystal Blue Inflatable Pool

a blue inflated above-ground pool
Intex

The perfect pool for your backyard, this kid-sized pool fills with just 6.5 inches of water. Allow your little ones to cool off from the summer heat. The Intex pool comes with a repair patch, just in case. Great for ages two and up!

Best for Toddlers

Intex Crystal Blue Inflatable Pool, 45 x 10"

A kid-friendly pool that fills with 6.5 inches of water and comes with a repair patch.

Best Inflatable Pool: Intex Easy Set Up 10 Foot x 30 Inch Pool.

an Intex Easy Set above-ground pool
Intex

This easily set up pool is sure to delight the whole family. The easy setup does not require any tools and a set-up and maintenance DVD is included. No filter pump comes with the pool though so it must be purchased separately. The pool holds 1,018 gallons of water and comes with a drain plug for easy emptying. A durable pool, its walls are made with three layers of material for increased strength. For reinforcement, two outer layers of heavy-duty PVC are laminated to the inner layer of polyester mesh.

Best Inflatable Pool

INTEX 28120EH 10ft x 30in Easy Set Pool

This pool can be set up in 15 minutes, it requires no tools, is made with durable material and holds 1,018 gallons of water.

Most Durable: Intex 10 ft x 30 in Prism Frame Pool Set With Filter Pump.

three adults and two children playing with a beach ball in a large above-ground Intex pool
Intex

Summers were made for this Intex prism frame pool. This pool can be ready for water in thirty minutes. It is beautifully designed, durable, and built to last. The pool is made with quality powder-coated steel frames, a three-ply material liner, and a long-lasting UV stabilized polymer material. It also comes complete with a cartridge filter pump and can contain up to 1,185 gallons of water. Ready to go in just 30 minutes, no tools are required for assembly.

Most Durable

A do-it-yourself pool is a surefire way to have months of fun this summer. With only minutes separating you from fun in the water, above-ground pools are a great choice for the whole family to have a great time.

Rachel Shubin Rachel Shubin
Rachel Shubin is a freelance journalist who is passionate about telling stories. Along with writing reviews for LifeSavvy, she writes a book column for Cape May Magazine and is a reporter for the Cape May Star & Wave Newspaper. When Rachel is not writing, she can be found advocating for mental health awareness and animal rescue, reading novels, exploring Cape May, or working on her polymer clay jewelry business, Piper + Pearl Co. Read Full Bio »
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