Summer holidays are getting closer and closer and you still haven’t figured out how to get your kids spend some time outside the house? Today’s your lucky day. We have a solution that even you can enjoy during the heat season: get a pool on your yard! In this article we’re introducing the best cheap above ground pools.
If this is the first time the whole idea even crosses your mind you’re probably thinking that only rich people have their own pools and you couldn’t possibly afford one? We’re about to show you that there are a lot of affordable options too.
Before you buy it’s wise to do some brain work to eliminate all potential hiccups and making to process as easy as possible. Let’s have a look on all the aspects you should think before pressing the buy button!
Why Get an Above Ground Pool?
Well, the answer is in the name itself. Because above ground swimming pools get installed above ground the decision is a lot easier. A traditional in-ground pool would require a lot more pondering, planning, work and money.
Would we really use it? What if the kids get bored of it after a while? Where would we place it? Buying a cheap above ground pool removes all these uncertainties because they are not as permanent as in-ground swimming pools.
Best Cheap Above Ground Pools 2024
| Photo | Pool | Details | Check on Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Intex Easy Set | Size: 10 ft x 30 in Capacity: 1,018 gallons | See details |
 | Intex Metal Frame | Size: 12 ft x 30 in Capacity: 1,718 gallons | See details |
 | Bestway Steel Pro | Size: 15 ft x 48 in Capacity: 4,231 gallons | See details |
 | Bestway Steel Pro Rectangular | Size: 13 ft x 7 ft x 32 in Capacity: 1,506 gallons | See details |
 | Bestway Power Steel | Size: 18 ft x 51.6 in Capacity: ~6,548 gallons | See details |
 | Intex Prism | Size: 16 ft x 8 ft x 42 in Capacity: 2,873 gallons | See details |
 | Summer Waves | Size: 18 ft x 48 in Capacity: 6,600 gallons | See details |
 | Intex Ultra | Size: 16 ft x 48 in Capacity: 5,061 gallons | See details |
 | Intex Ultra XTR | Size: 20 ft x 48 in Capacity: ~7,990 gallons | See details |
 | Intex Ultra XTR | Size: 24 ft x 52 in Capacity: 12,481 gallons | See details |
Note: these are only some of the options, many of the models we’ve picked come in various sizes! Also: some of the capacities are from manufacturers, some are our calculated estimates in cases where there is no official capacity stated.
Intex Easy Set
- Models: 3
- Size: 6 ft x 20 in – 18 ft x 48 in
- Capacity: 234 – 5,455 gal
- EASY SUMMER FUN – Ready for water in just 10 minutes; spread out on level ground preferably on top of the ground cloth, inflate the top ring and the pool will be set up by filling it with water
- THE PERFECT SIZE – This round pool measures 10 feet in diameter with a 30-inch depth; holding up to 1,018 gallons of water; this above-ground pool is just right to have summer fun while escaping the heat
- SUPER-TOUGH – Made with puncture-resistant 3-Ply PVC material, this pool is built to resist the wear and tear of summer fun; in case of any damage, a patch is included for easy fixes
- SAFETY, QUALITY and VALUE – Intex designs, builds, and tests all its products to the highest standards with safety the first order of business; our affordable and innovative products are built to last
- CUSTOMER SATISFACTION – Our dedicated customer service team is available via phone, chat, or email to help with any questions you may have on use, installation, or service needs; INTEX's 180-Day Manufacturer Limited Warranty gives you peace of mind
Intex Metal Frame
- Models: 4
- Size: 10 ft x 30 in – 18 ft x 48 in
- Capacity: 1,174 – 6,423 gal
- EASY SUMMER FUN – Ready for water in just 30 minutes; spread out on level ground preferably on top of the ground cloth, setting the metal frame with our innovative composite T-Joint design makes assembly quick and easy
- WATER CIRCULATION – Dual suction outlet fittings improve water circulation resulting in better water hygiene and clarity; this pool has a 1,718 gallon capacity
- SUPER-TOUGH – Made with puncture-resistant 3-Ply PVC material, this pool is built to resist the wear and tear of summer fun; in case of any damage, a patch is included for easy fixes
- INNOVATIVE T-JOINT DESIGN – The new innovative T-Joint design makes assembly quick with no tools required so you can have more time to enjoy the pool
- KRYSTAL CLEAR FILTRATION – The included pump filters 530 GPH and incorporates HydroAeration Technology into the cartridge filter pump providing improved circulation and filtration, improved water clarity, and increased negative ions.
Bestway Steel Pro
- Models: 2
- Size: 10 ft x 30 in – 15 ft x 48 in
- Capacity: 1,236 – 4,231 gal
- All ages will enjoy swimming all summer long in this 10-foot by 30-inch round above-ground backyard pool; Includes a model 58511E 330-gallon filter pump to maintain clean water
- Built with a steel frame that is held together with FrameLink System to provide remarkable strength and connection
- DuraPlus enhance 3-play PVC liner with an elegant design that provides a support band for additional stability to the pool wall for ultimate durability
- Framed pool has a simple assembly and take-down process for off-season storage; No tools are required to connect the hose to the flow control valve to efficiently drain the pool water
- Disclaimer: Please review your HOA rules and restrictions before purchasing the product; Not all housing agencies permit private above-ground pools
Bestway Steel Pro Rectangular
- Models: 3
- Capacity: 608 – 1,506 gal
- Kids and adults of all ages will enjoy swimming and splashing all summer long in the 8.5-foot by 67-inch by 24-inch above-ground pool; Includes the pool only
- Built with a steel frame that is held together with a Seal and Lock System to provide remarkable strength and connection
- DuraPlus enhanced 3-ply liner provides a support band for additional stability to the pool wall for ultimate durability
- Simple assembly and take-down process for off-season storage; No tools are required to connect the hose to the flow control valve to efficiently drain the pool water
- Disclaimer: Please review your HOA rules and restrictions before purchasing the product; Not all housing agencies permit private above-ground pools
Bestway Power Steel
- Models: 5
- Size: 14 ft x 48 in – 22 ft x 51.6 in
- Capacity: 3,685 – 9,782 gal
- Best way - Power Steel 14 Feet x 48 Inches Pool Set
- Water capacity (90 percent): 4, 024 gallons (15, 232 L)
- Easy set up
- Corrosion-resistant metal frames
- Pool equipped with Seal and Lock System for a safe and secure pipe connection
Intex Prism Rectangular
- Size: 16 ft x 8 ft x 42 in
- Capacity: 2,873 gal
- Easy To Assemble – Ready for water in 60 minutes; Easy Lock System allows quick outdoor rectangle swimming pool assembly with snap-together frame components—no pins or tools needed
- The Perfect Size – This rectangular above ground pool measures 16-feet length and 8-feet width with a 42-inch depth; holding up to 2873 gallons of water
- Super-Tough – Made with puncture-resistant 3-Ply PVC material, this heavy duty pool is built to resist the wear and tear of summer fun; in case of any damage, a patch is included for easy fixes
- Rust Resistant – Inner and outer powder coating provides superior rust resistance; The T-Joints of this large pool are engineered for strength and UV-protected for durability and weather resistance
- Krystal Clear Filtration – Included Krystal Clear Cartridge Filter Pump C100 (#28637EG) that keeps the water of your rectangle pool above ground sparkling clean while reducing chemical use
Summer Waves
- Models: 4
- Size: 18 ft x 48 in
- Capacity: 6,600 gal
- Splash the day away in the comfort and privacy of your own backyard with this above-ground frame pool
- 18-foot diameter round frame above-ground pool with 48-inch pool walls and a 6,600-gallon capacity and is ready for water in as little as 60 minutes
- Constructed of triple-layer polyester mesh and heavy gauge PVC material with a rust-resistant, galvanized steel frame that stands up to heavy use, and the elements
- Includes a model SFX1500 SkimmerPlus 110/120V filter pump, pool cover, ladder, ground cloth, and deluxe maintenance kit
- Disclaimer: Please review your HOA rules and restrictions before purchasing this product. Not all housing agencies permit private above-ground pools; Dimensions: (L x W x H): 18 x 18 x 4 feet
Intex Ultra XTR
- Models: 4
- Capacity: 5,061 – 12,481 gal
- The Intex 16ft x 48in metal frame above ground pool set is engineered for strength and to help you beat the heat all summer long for ages 6 and up and fits up to 8 people.
- Contemporary design adds beauty to any backyard thanks to a dark gray laminated pool liner, brilliant white copings, and blue tile print interior; The powder-coated, rust-resistant frame offers fun for years to come
- Includes Intex Krystal Clear Sand filter pump and HydroAeration technology to help keep your water sparkling clean with little maintenance; Water capacity: 5,061 gallons when filled to 90 percent
- Includes 16-foot pool cover and ground cloth, liner, sand filter pump, ladder
- Easy Lock frame system is strong and simple to assemble
Things To Consider
Price
We know that this might sound silly considering the article is specifically about cheap above ground pools. But because a pool, above ground or not, is never the cheapest impulse purchase you might want to take a while thinking exactly how much are you willing to put money in it. If you go for the cheapest possible option, will it be too small after a year or two? Will it even last that long? Do you even want it to last that long, or are you looking for a single summer amusement?
Size & Shape
Above ground pools come in three shapes: round, rectangular and oval. Popularity of the shapes is in the respective order – round is by far the most popular, rectangular second and oval models are pretty rare.
Choosing between these is up to your preference, but round pools will always give you the largest area to enjoy. They are also easier to maintain thanks to their naturally better circulation of water.
Size varies from tiny pools for toddlers to enormous 24 ft wide pools that can hold up to 12,481 gallons of water. Naturally the most imperative factor in choosing the proper size is the space on your yard. Be very precise with the measurements – you don’t want to end up with a pool that you can’t fit in its place just because you were too lazy.
Also remember to allow enough space for a deck in case you decide to add one later on. You would not be the first one to purchase a deep above ground pool and then later realize that a deck makes it much more enjoyable.
Other than that there isn’t really much to discuss here – while we believe that with pools the bigger is always better you might have other ideas. Naturally the price will rise along with the size, but we will only include the cheapest above ground pools from their respective categories.
Type – Hard or Soft?
Roughly speaking above ground pools can be divided in two groups: soft-sided and hard-sided pools. Soft-sided pools are probably the first image that comes into your head when thinking of the whole concept. Hard-sided pools are quite understandably more durable, but you will pay a lot more for the same size.
When you dig deeper into the world of swimming pools you’ll quickly notice that there are differences in soft-sided pools and in hard-sided pools too – some have frames, some are inflatable, some are steel, some are aluminum etc. Aluminum models are the most durable, but they are also out of our budget since we are focusing on cheap above ground pools. You get what you pay for applies to pools too.
Accessories – Pumps, Filters, Ladders
You won’t have much fun with just a pool with no water – or with a pool filled with dirty water. This is where the accessories come in, but luckily even the budget above ground pools come with the essentials.
Once again, it’s not worth going too much into detail about pumps for instance, since if we are looking for cheap alternatives then we probably aren’t going to get the most expensive pump either?
Maintenance Accessories
Even when operating on a tight budget you don’t want to neglect these – unless you don’t mind if your pool has a short lifespan.
Pool cover is a must for pools bigger than the smallest toddler pools that you will empty and store after every use. There are various types of covers on the market but they all serve the same purpose: prevent anything extra from getting into the water.
Chemicals are used to keep the water clean. Be sure to buy something that is suited for the material of your pool. You’ll find a lot of alternatives dedicated entirely for pool cleaning.
Pool cleaners/vacuums will remove anything additional that is in your water, but for a budget setup we would recommend just a leaf skimmer net.
Remember – Safety First!
Never use a pool as a babysitter. No matter how skilled your kid is in the water, always be within seeing distance.
Last update on 2024-10-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API