If you are reading this, chances are it is summer, summer is just around the corner, or the warmer months are fading away and you are looking forward to next year! Whatever the reason, you want to get yourself a pool! This could be for exercise reasons (great work on making healthy choices!), or it could just be that you want to enjoy a warm day with friends and family while you cook some of your favorite food on the grill. The only issue that you have is that you do not have a pool! Purchasing a pool is a big investment and you are not sure you are ready to take it. I will help guide your decision by going over some cost effective solutions for any budget so you can get yourself in the water before you know it!
| Picture | Name | Time To Setup | Price | Rating | Reviews |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Intex Ultra Frame | 1 Day Or Less | $$$ | 4.9 | Read Reviews |
 | Intex Metal Frame | 1 Day Or Less | $$ | 4.7 | Read Reviews |
 | Intex Rainbow Ring | 1 Hour | $ | 4.3 | Read Reviews |
 | iPool Exercise | 1 Day Or Less | $$$ | 4.9 | Read Reviews |
 | Splash Pool Delux | 1 Day Or Less | $$$$ | 4.6 | Read Reviews |
 | Intex Easy Set | 1 Day Or Less | $$ | 4.5 | Read Reviews |
 | Blue Wave | 1 Day Or Less | $$ | 3.8 | Read Reviews |
The Best Above Ground Pool Is The One You Can Afford
An above ground pool is probably going to be what you decide to buy. When it comes down to it, putting an in ground pool in your backyard would be great but these start at $10,000 and the price just skyrockets from there. That is incredibly expensive no matter how you try and spin it. Instead, you can get a swimming pool in your back yard within the week and will not have to go broke in the process. How? By picking up an above ground pool!
Now, you could always get one of the cheap options for a few hundred dollars. These are not in your best interest as they will really only last a single summer season leading to disappointment and ultimately seeing the pool end up in the trash can. Instead, opt for something that is higher end. Expect to pay $500-$1500 for some of the best above ground pools available. These units will last you for YEARS without breaking down, are easy to set up, and are something the entire family can enjoy. Because of the low price, this will also bring all that stress down and hopefully your family will be able to enjoy it without going into debt.
We know how hard making this decision can be! We took the time to go through all the different options available out there, some great, some downright ugly, and came out with our list of the top rated pools for sale. These are shipped to your door (free shipping anyone?), and can be put together in an afternoon without hiring anyone. Some of them do take a bit longer to assemble, but others go up in 15-30 minutes! I am going to review some of my favorites below in an effort to help you pick the above ground pool that should fit your budget.
Above Ground Pool Reviews: Our Top 5 Picks
Intex Ultra Frame
Intex is one of the more popular names for above ground pools because they are one of the best. The ultra Frame measures in at 18X9X52 and sits above ground. This Intex pool is going to be a little more costly than the other units you will see for sale, but there is a reason for that. It built with a lot more stability and quality allowing you to enjoy it for many summer months to come instead of just a few seasons. When setting it up, you will notice that it is built to last and will not just break down.
It comes with a ladder to get in, has its own pool cover, and a cloth to put on the ground that the entire thing sits on. On top of all that, I think the styling design that Intex went with looks great in any backyard! From the reviews I have read, people were able to set this up in their own back yard within a few hours without needing any outside help. You can opt to get a salt water system for this unit which I would highly recommend if you want the most hands off approach to maintenance once it is set up. This will end up costing you less money down the line if you get it so if you like the look of this Ultra Frame, think about getting it!
Click here to see more of the Intex Ultra Frame
Intex Easy Set
If you are like me, you probably have a much smaller budget for your summer activities. In this case, you might want to take a look at the Intex Easy Set Pool which has 18X48 dimensions. This is an inflatable pool which is not as sturdy as other options but one of the best for keeping your costs down. Kids also enjoy these and is the perfect escape from that hot summer sun (fits in ANY backyard too!).
When it comes to assembly, these inflatable units are going to be the quickest to set up and tear down. Simply place them where you want them, and inflate and add water. If you want a pool but are not really sure if ownership is for you, these can be a great way to get one, test out how you like it and how you like maintaining one. If you want to get a bigger unit down the line, since you did not pay much for the Easy Set to begin with, you will have enough to upgrade a year or two later.
The Easy Set is the perfect option to save thousands of dollars and still have a blast on those summer days where the heat just does not quit!
Click here to see more on the Intex Easy Set
Intex Metal Frame
If you want something a little more upscale than the Easy Set but not as expensive or in depth as the Ultra Frame, then the Metal frame pool is exactly what you are looking for. It measures in at 24X52, and comes with a metal frame which holds up much better to the elements than an inflateable unit. It certainly is not as good as the Ultra Frame but at a fraction of the cost, I do not think you will be complaining. The Ultra is more of a pool that you set up and cover during the winter whereas the Metal Frame is meant to be taken down and stored each season.
Setting this up is a lot easier as well. The frame is sturdy because it is metal but it is also rust proof so it will hold up to the elements. These are constructed using something called snap joints. Snap joints do exactly what it sounds like, they snap together! This means you will not need any tools to set this up!
You will need to do a few things to keep the water clean just like all other pools. Reviewers have said this is much easier when yo pick up a salt water system because it will end up saving you money and headache during the summer months.
Finally, if this size is just a bit big for the area you want to put it in, there are a few other sizes with different price points to chose from!
Click here to see more on the Intex Metal Frame
Splash Pools Above Ground Package
Do you want to kick it up a notch and get an above ground pool that acts and feels just like something you would install in the ground? If so, Splash Pools has you covered with their Package set. This massive unit measures in at 18X52 and is an above ground pool that will make your neighbors jealous! That is not the real reason to purchase this though. The quality of this pool is spectacular and is built to last for MANY years. It really does feel like a permanent part of your backyard because of the sturdy construction and size.
You will end up spending a lot longer putting this together than any of the best above ground pool options that I listed above. This is on an entirely new level because of the quality and size. Once you do get it put together though, this is something you will not want to be moving around. In fact, most owners simply keep it in place and cover it during the colder months.
If you want an above ground pool that will be fun for everyone, and a more permanent solution, then you have to look into Splash Pools. Keep in mind it is going to be more expensive, but is a drop in the bucket compared to putting one in the ground. Shipping is also going to be free if you purchase it on Amazon!
Click here to see more of the Splash Pools Package
Splash Pools Round Deluxe
If you are planning on having all the kids over and multiple families during the summer, you are going to want to focus on something large! Much larger than the other above ground pools mentioned above. It will need to hold up to abuse if many kids are using it and Splash Pools has just what the doctor ordered with their Deluxe version!
The Deluxe version measures in at a massive 33X18X52 and comes in an oval shape. This is very large so you need to make sure you have enough room in your backyard to fit this thing. It is built extremely sturdy so it will last nearly a lifetime if you take care of it.
When you get it in the mail and are ready to install it, make sure you keep the entire day open. You can put this together by yourself, but some people have said it goes a lot more smoothly if you have someone there to help you. This is not something you want to tear down and move each summer so plan on keeping it in the place where you assemble it.
Make sure you scope out where you will place the pool and get the ground even before you think about installation. Making the ground flat is going to take some time and effort but will be well worth it when you are floating around sipping on your martini while the kids splash around and have fun.
Finally, since this is one of the more expensive options, you can sleep easy at night knowing that it comes with a 15 year warranty from the manufacturer. Customer support is always just a phone call away to help you!
Click here to see more the Splash Pools Round Deluxe
Why You Should Buy An Above Ground Pool
There are many reasons that people go with an above ground pool instead of the more expensive option of putting one in the ground. Here are just a few that I think highly the majority of the reasons.
- First Pool: Getting a pool can be a very large investment. You may not even know if you can afford it or keep up with the work that is required to maintain something larger. Instead, you can opt for a smaller, less expensive above ground pool and try it out for a few years. If this is something you can manage, this is a great tool for helping you determine if pool ownership is for you.
- Relatively Inexpensive: If you want to put a pool in the ground, this is going to cost you upwards of $10,000. More often than not, it is going to go up to $30,000 and above because of all the work required. If you do not want to take out a second mortgage on your home and still enjoy the benefits of owning a pool, above ground pools are friendly on your wallet and let you enjoy all the water you want!
- Do It Yourself: Above ground pools are great in the fact that you can get them shipped to you within the week, set up in less than a day, and be swimming by that afternoon! This is a huge time saver as well as budget friendly because you do not have to hire someone to set it up for you. If you want less of a headache and more fun, this is the option you want.
- Not Permanent: Finally, the above ground pools you will be putting in are the best option if you do not want it them to stay there forever. If you are renting a home, you will not be able to make massive changes anyway. You can also move them around your backyard depending on the situation. Having options available to you is always the best choice. Being able to move, tear down, and put back up is also a great option if you have small kids. You can start with a smaller pool and then down the line upgrade to something bigger that the entire family can take part in.
Above Ground Pool Owners Questions and Answers
Owning a pool is going to require maintenance to keep it running the way it should. Keeping it clean is important and you will just need to accept the fact that they do require some work. People have come to me and asked questions which I will outline below. I am going to put links in to where you can get these replacement parts if needed.
How Often Should I Change My Pool Liner?
Pool owners like to ask me this question a lot and it is very important that you think about this question before you even make a purchase. Some of the best above ground pools that I mentioned above have excellent liners which will last a long time. This is going to cut costs a lot in the long run but they do eventually wear out.
How will you know when it is wearing out and you need to replace it? Well, if the liner is leaking and you cannot get the leak to stop, you may want to consider getting a new one. I would always recommend you try to patch it first, but if you cannot patch it and the leak continues, get a new one. You will also notice that overtime, the sun is going to make your liner fade. Once the pattern on the side has started to fade, it is time to get a new one because the UV light from the sun and sometimes the chlorine water are going to degrade it. Finally, not doing regular maintenance will make the liner break down at a fast rate so keep up with the work you need to do!
When it comes to pool liners, most of them will last just around 10 years. If you have a pool in the ground, they will last a lot longer, but since you are going to go with an above ground unit to save on costs, replace your liner every time it is fading or leaking. Make sure to purchase one of the thickest liners you can get your hands on to make sure it holds up well to the elements and you will not need to purchase another one for a long time.
Click here to browse different Pool Liners
When Should I Change My Pool Filter?
Pool filters have different shelf lives for sure. A lot of the filters out there will last a few months of constant use. There are filters out there that should last you many years because they are rated up to 2,000-3,000 hours of constant use. Do know that if you get into your pool with lots of hair products, sun tan lotion, or any other stuff on your skin, you are going to make your filter work overtime which lowers its shelf life.
When you are thinking about changing your filter, make sure to look to see if the bands are broken, how clean it is, or if the plastic on top has cracked.
If the bands are broken, it is not clean, or is cracked, this is when you know that it is time to replace these pool filters. Filters are relatively inexpensive and I found this 6 pack for a great price on Amazon that you can check out.
Click here to see cheap 6 pack of pool filters
When Should You Change The Pool Water?
When you own a pool of any kind, you are going to have to change out the water every once in a while. The question is, when? This really depends on a lot of factors. How often are you using your pool? How big is it? How often is the filter being used? What is the temperature outside and how clean is it? Are you using any chemicals?
If you take great care of your pool, you may be able to get away with changing the water every few years but I think a good rule of thumb is to change out the water one time every season. To change the water, you do not have to drain the entire thing. Simply drain out about 2/3 of the water in the pool and fill it up with fresh water. The filters will do their job and it will be good as new for the next year!
Final Things To Keep In Mind
After you purchase your above ground pool, you will need to set it up. I have mentioned that you will need flat ground. One of the best things you can do is to get stone dust and lay that down. This dust packs like rock and can be moved by hand to give your swimming pool a solid foundation. Do not use sand as it will move about and your platform will eventually be uneven!
Finally, if you do decide to get someone else to set it up and install it, only get someone who has a license to work on your pool. You will want to look at references and prices. I always recommend people to do it themselves, but if you want to spend the extra money, get a real professional.
Wrapping It Up
Finding the best above ground pool is a great way to spruce up your backyard, get in some exercise, and enjoy the sunny days of summer. I have attempted to lay out everything you will need to know in the article above and hope you find it helpful. Get in on the fun before winter rolls around and enjoy a lifetime of fun for less than half the price of all the alternatives! Good luck!
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