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For most people across the world, summer is the best season there could ever be.
For kids, it’s that time of the year when the school is not in session and they can do just about everything possible under the sun – from skateboarding and hula-hooping to kicking off movie marathon.
Adults with full-time jobs and families, on the other hand, can’t just drop everything. They, however, do get a respite from shoveling snow off of their porches and driveways. Also, driving to work is tremendously better in summer than in winter.
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The Best Above-Ground Pools That you Can Buy
One thing that kids, teenagers and adults alike have the liberty to enjoy is soaking in the cool, refreshing water. But since beaches aren’t always within walking distance, the second-best option is a swimming pool. Many homeowners can’t afford the luxury of an in-ground pool. In such scenarios, an above-ground swimming pool is an ideal solution.
Above-ground pools are a wonderful choice for more than one reason. They’re affordable, extremely easy and simple to install, don’t require a lot of maintenance and you get multiple layouts and models to choose from.
1. Intex Metal Frame Pool Set
The first on our list of the best above-ground pool is the Intex Metal frame pool set. This 10 feet by 30-inch above-ground pool with a metal frame is an economical upgrade from an inflatable pool.
Setting up this pool is so easy that two people can get it done within a matter of minutes. The manufacturer ensures that you don’t face any issues while installing the above-ground pool by including a DVD of the setup process. The steel frame bars and the laminated PVC bottom and sides are what make this above-ground pool sturdy and long-lasting.
It can hold up to 1,200 gallons of water which can be pumped in and out with the Krystal Clear Cartridge Filter Pump. When you are ready to drain the water, you can simply use the drain plug by connecting it to a hose.
Because the installation is quick and easy, you could also dismantle it just as quickly to store the pool away for the winter months. Or you could always winterize your above-ground pool. Lastly, it is covered by a 30-day money-back guarantee.
2. Summer Waves Dark Wicker Above-ground Pool
One of the drawbacks of an above-ground pool is that it looks like a big blue blob when placed in your backyard or on your deck. Summer Waves take care of that problem for you (with a few others) with this round-shaped Dark Wicker above-ground swimming pool. If your patio furniture features the same basket weave wicker print, you are truly in luck.
12 feet in diameter and offering a 3 feet depth, Summer Waves Dark Wicker inflatable pool is one of the best above-ground pools for multiple reasons. It has a capacity of 1,800 gallons of water and can easily accommodate 5 to 6 adults. The installation process should take you somewhere around 30 to 45 minutes and is hassle-free.
The manufacturer includes an RX600 filter pump with GFCI. The filter pump is tailored to switch off when the electricity is flowing through the wrong source. Basically, any kid could use this as easily and as safely as an adult.
Draining the pool simply requires you to connect the drain plug with a garden hose.
The sidewalls of this above-ground pool are lined with a triple-layer of polyester mesh and heavy-gauge poly-laminate PVC material. For your pool, this means durability and ability to withstand harsh weather and for you, it means cost-saving and slim chances of the pool collapsing.
While the Summer Waves above-ground pool comes with a 90-day warranty, the pool pump comes with a 180-day manufacturer warranty.
3. Intex 28270E Rectangular Frame Above-ground Baby Splash Pool
Intex is one of the brands that provide its customers with the widest range of the best above-ground pools. So it is no wonder that if you are looking for a smaller above-ground pool that can fit into a smaller space, Intex has got you covered.
Though the design of this Intex pool is simple, it is also affordable, durable and lightweight. Simply put, there is no compromise in terms of quality. The steel frames are powder coated which makes them not just rust-resistant but also an attractive addition. The sidewalls are laminated to prevent any kind of leakage. The sidewalls are further strengthened with an all-around band that holds the frame legs in place.
Just like the first Intex pool mentioned on our list of best above-ground pools, the installation of Intex 28270E is also fast and uncomplicated. You have an instructional DVD to provide assistance with the setting up and future maintenance.
Since it isn’t too deep, the rectangular framed pool also makes an ideal choice for a baby splash pool. Even though it doesn’t include a filter pump, you get a convenient drain plug that easily connects to any regular garden hose. You can empty out the water without any muss or fuss.
4. Bestway Steel Pro Rectangular Frame Above-Ground Pool
Bestway’s 157 inches rectangular framed pool is yet another above-ground pool that is ideal for small spaces and young children. Apart from the fact that it is sized appropriately to accommodate youngsters of age 5 and above along with adults, this swimming pool is extremely easy to install.
You simply have to join steel poles with ‘C’ clips and ‘T’ connectors. The steel poles will hold the pool liner and the PVC and polyester wall in place. Though the procedure is fairly simple, it will definitely be time-consuming and isn’t really a one-person job. Be ready with a few assistants to help you get the pool up and running.
Also, because it takes up some energy to set up the pool, you may not prefer taking it apart when summer ends. This could mean some additional cost of winterizing the pool. Talking about the pool walls, the inner layer is made up of polyester mesh which is then laminated with the two outer heavy gauge PVC layers. The steel frame is rust-proof.
Like every other above-ground pool manufacturer, Bestway has also ensured the inclusion of a built-in control drain that can be connected to a garden hose in order to fill the pool or drain it. Despite the comparatively smaller size, Bestway’s above-ground pool can hold up to 1,500 gallons of water when it’s at a 90% capacity.
5. Intex Prism Frame Above-Ground Pool
The Intex Prism framed above-ground pool is by far the fanciest pool on this list of best above-ground pools for multiple reasons. The prism shape is unique to Intex above-ground swimming pools and not seen in pools of any other brand. In addition to that, the liner features a mosaic tile print. This above-ground swimming pool is the closest you can get to an in-ground pool without the expense.
The use of the hydro-aeration technology in the cartridge filter pump justifies the slightly higher cost. Because of the integration of this technology, a lump of finer particles settles at the bottom of the pool during the aeration process. These finer particles are then filtered and sediments extracted thus making the pool water cleaner and healthier.
The steel tubes are powder-coated and the pool liner tear-resistant ensuring durability. The trademark Intex features aren’t excluded in this above-ground pool. Instructional DVD and drain plug can be found along with the pool.
Though the filter pump is not included, Intex almost makes up for it by providing a ground cover, a pool cover and a ladder with the other equipment required to set up the above-ground pool.
6. Summer Waves Tan Above-Ground Pool with Exterior Wicker Print
This Summer Waves’ above-ground pool is more or less similar to the one mentioned earlier. Both pools feature an exterior wicker print and have a quick installation process.
Both Summer Waves’ above-ground pools are composed of a heavy gauge PVC material and triple-layer polyester mesh that will prevent the pool from puncturing easily. The rust-proof galvanized steel frame is also a common occurrence. But that’s where the similarities end.
First off, it sports a tan color instead of a dark one. This swimming pool is slightly smaller than the former one. While the Dark Wicker pool is 12 feet by 36 inches, the tan above-ground pool is 10 feet by 30 inches. At a 90% capacity, it will be able to hold approximately 1,300 gallons of water.
Furthermore, this above-ground pool has an oval frame. It includes not just a filter pump but also an SFS350 skimmer in a single unit that can be fixed to the sides of the pool.
Now that summer is only a couple of months away, it’s time to pick from the best above-ground pools available. But before that, check out a few things you should consider while finalizing the best above-ground pool that suits your needs and requirements.
Things to Consider When Buying an Above-ground Pool
For most middle-class families around the globe, a swimming pool is an investment that should be made only after weighing all the pros and cons – even if it is an above-ground pool.
There are high chances that you are going to use the same above-ground pool for years to come. So you obviously won’t just run off to a local store and buy the first one that you lay your eyes on.
Here are four things to think about when you are considering which pool you should buy.
1. Your Budget
This is probably the first and the most important factor that you want to think about. How much are you willing to spend? The above-ground pool market has expanded and hence, you will find pools ranging from $60 to $5,000.
Even though it is an investment and your above-ground pool is going to be around for a fairly long time, you probably don’t want to ignore other pressing expenses. So, think about how much you’re willing to shell out. It would be a better idea to decide a price range and then move ahead in your pool shortlisting process.
2. Pool Type
Above-ground swimming pool makers are steadily evolving to build reliable and long-lasting pools. You can choose from aluminum pools, resin pools, and steel pools. Here, the price might go up or down depending on the type of pool. For example, you might lean towards a steel pool which is the strongest.
However, the steel pools would also rust or corrode faster which would significantly reduce their life. Hence, you would have to get a steel pool with a galvanized coating that protects it from the deterioration. Likewise, aluminum pools and resin pools have their own pros and cons. Research about those before making your decision.
3. Pool Sizes
Gone are the days when pools came in one size. Today, you have an extensive number of pool sizes to choose from. The right pool size depends on the size of the area where you are planning to install the pool and also the number of people you plan to accommodate in the pool at the same time. Start by measuring the installation destination.
4. Installation and Maintenance
Most of the time, you don’t have to sweat your brows off to install an above-ground pool. However, it might be a time-consuming process depending on the type of pool you are installing. You may need some extra materials and equipment. You also have to think about the maintenance if you want your pool to last for years.
With an inflatable pool, you can simply deflate it, pack it up and store it in one corner. And it’s just that easy to re-install it. But an above-ground pool that comes with a metal framework is going to take up considerable space on your deck or in your backyard till you dismantle it. Moreover, you will have to take extra precautionary measures during different seasons.