Best Above-Ground Pools
Top above-ground pools ranked by transparent trust scores.
8 products ranked
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Top Pick
9.4
Excellent
Intex 26339EH Ultra XTR Frame Pool 24ft
Ranked #1 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
#1
9.4
Excellent
Consensus
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Ranked #1 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
Pros
- Sand filter pump included, not a cheap cartridge unit
- Rust-resistant coated steel frame
- Complete kit down to the ground cloth
Cons
- Needs a genuinely level 25-foot site
- Seasonal teardown is a multi-hour job
Don't buy this if…
- Do not set it up on more than 2 inches of slope, because 12,000 gallons on unlevel ground will fold the frame.
#2
9.2
Excellent
Consensus
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Ranked #2 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
Pros
- Oval shape fits narrow side yards
- 3-ply Tritech liner resists punctures
- ChemConnect evens out chlorine dosing
Cons
- Included cartridge pump is marginal for the volume
- Oval frames have more parts to assemble
Don't buy this if…
- Skip the included pump upgrade path if you keep it up all summer, and budget for a sand filter from day one.
#3
9.0
Excellent
Consensus
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Ranked #3 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
Pros
- Aggressive set pricing for 22-foot size
- Shared Bestway parts ecosystem
- Straightforward two-person assembly
Cons
- Seasonal availability creates price swings
- Ladder in the set is basic
Don't buy this if…
- Avoid buying mid-June if you can, because seasonal pricing on this model spikes exactly when demand peaks.
#4
8.7
Excellent
Consensus
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Ranked #4 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
Pros
- Strong mid-range value in the Intex lineup
- 45-minute frame assembly with two people
- Parts availability is excellent
Cons
- Cartridge pump needs weekly element rinses
- 48-inch depth limits adult swimming
Don't buy this if…
- Do not expect the liner to survive dog claws, since Prism liners are tough against ground wear, not punctures from above.
#5
8.5
Excellent
Consensus
Compare
Ranked #5 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
Pros
- Integrated skimmer is rare at this price
- Wicker print looks better than bare steel
- Complete kit with upgraded ladder
Cons
- Frame gauge is lighter than Intex XTR
- Brand parts support trails Intex
Don't buy this if…
- Skip it in windy open yards without anchoring, as the light frame and tall profile catch gusts.
#6
8.3
Good
Consensus
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Ranked #6 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
Pros
- Real steel-frame pool under $500
- Half-hour assembly with two adults
- Manageable water volume to chemically balance
Cons
- Included pump barely turns the volume over
- Liner colors fade by season three
Don't buy this if…
- Do not leave it up through northern winters, because Steel Pro MAX frames are designed for seasonal takedown.
#7
8.1
Good
Consensus
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Ranked #7 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
Pros
- Fastest setup of any real pool
- Lowest cost of family-size entry
- Packs into a closet for winter
Cons
- Inflatable top ring is the failure point
- Cannot be partially drained without collapsing
Don't buy this if…
- Avoid it if you have overhanging trees, since one dropped branch through the air ring ends the pool.
#8
7.9
Good
Consensus
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Ranked #8 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
Pros
- Best-looking exterior in budget pools
- Tool-free snap frame assembly
- Solid value through club channels
Cons
- Young brand with shorter track record
- Pump fittings are proprietary sizes
Don't buy this if…
- Skip it if you want guaranteed decade-long parts availability, since Funsicle's ecosystem is still maturing.
Quick Comparison
How We Rank
Composite trust score from expert reviews, user sentiment, complaint analysis, and value assessment.
Trust Score
Weighted composite of all factor scores
Expert Score
Aggregated expert review ratings
User Sentiment
Community votes and review analysis
Value Score
Price-to-performance ratio
Freshness
Recency of reviews and data
Change Log
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