Trying to get your backyard ready for summer? Above-ground pools are a perfect addition to your home for summer fun that’s refreshing and beats the heat on those hot summer days. If you’re trying to find the perfect pool for your yard, then look no further! Here are 15 of the best above-ground pools to choose from.

Tip!

Before you dive in, read our guide Types of Above-Ground Pools: How to Pick the Right One to help you make the best choice for you.

1. Best Overall: Bestway Fast Set Paradise Palms Pool

The Bestway Fast Set Paradise Palms inflatable pool is our “best overall” pick for above-ground pools. This round pool is spacious enough in size for up to seven people to take a dip in without feeling too crowded with its 15' L x 15' W x 2'9'' H dimensions. You will love how easy it is to assemble this pool thanks to its simple fill-and-rise feature that inflates this pool in a matter of minutes. The colorful floral pattern and inflatable palm tree (that’s also a sprinkler) will make your time in the water even more fun and relaxing.

2. Best Budget-Friendly: Intex Swim Center Round Inflatable Above-Ground Pool

Beat the heat on a budget thanks to this inflatable above-ground pool by Intex. Not only is this only $63, but you also get a built-in seat and headrest for relaxation, plus enough room to fit up to four people, including on the seat! This pool is the perfect option for smaller yards or townhomes where space is limited. It measures 7'1'' L x 7'4'' W x 2'6'' H, which makes it a spacious budget-friendly pick while still having room to relax in the water. Not to mention, the two included cup holders provide the perfect place for a beverage to rest as you soak up the summer rays.

3. Best Splurge: Summer Waves Above-Ground Pool

If you have more wiggle room in your budget (and adequate yard space), this Summer Waves above-ground pool is definitely an option to consider. This pool measures 14' L x 14' W x 4' H overall with 4’ of depth to enjoy. The galvanized frame-set feature keeps this pool strong and durable season after season, while the included filter pump works continuously to keep the pool clean. Assembly is easy and takes less than an hour, so you won’t waste any time before you can start enjoying the water.

4. Best Inflatable: Intex Inflatable Swimming Pool

Inflatable pools are quicker and easier to assemble than frame-set above-ground pools, so if easy assembly is a must for you, this inflatable swimming pool by Intex is your best option. It features an easy inflatable feature that sets it up in minutes without compromising on space and depth. At 10’ in diameter and 30” deep, there’s comfortable room to splash around and play in this pool. Even though this pool is soft around the edges, it’s built with three layers for durability to keep it strong and sturdy during the summer months.

5. Best Frame-Set: Intex Metal Frame Round Above-Ground Swimming Pool

Frame-set above-ground pools are stronger and more durable than inflatable pools because of the materials used to keep these pools sturdy. This metal frame-set above-ground pool by Intex is highly resistant to rust, sunlight, damage, and punctures, so it’s a great choice if durability is your highest priority. Its 12' width and 3' depth is spacious enough for four people to swim or float comfortably on the hot summer days.

6. Best Shape: Bestway Steel Pro Rectangular Pool

Ovals, circles, squares, rectangles…here are several above-ground pool shapes to choose from. We think this rectangular pool by Bestway has the best above-ground pool shape since it allows you to maximize your space effectively with its 11'7 ¾ '' L x 8' 4¼ '' W x 2'2'' H dimensions. Unlike oval or circular above-ground pools, rectangle-shaped pools provide a stretch of water space that can accommodate several individuals and are better for water games. This pool can house four people comfortably for splashing or lounging fun in the sun without feeling crowded.

7. Best for Kids: Intex Inflatable Ocean Scene Sun Shade Kids Swimming Pool

Looking to give your little one their own pool to splash in this summer? This
5' L x 5' W x 4' H above-ground pool by Intext is a must-have! Perfect for the littlest of littles, this pool provides extra coverage from the sun thanks to a roof that’ll keep your child extra cool. The playful beach scenery with animals on the front make this inflatable above-ground pool extra festive for the season. There’s enough room in this pool for four children who are at least 3 years old to play safely.

8. Best for Pets: Yescom Plastic Pet Pool

Even your pets might like to take a water break this summer! This inflatable plastic option is the best above-ground pool for your pet to have fun in and cool off from the scorching heat. This pool provides your pets with plenty of space with its 3'11'' L x 3'10 ⅘ '' W x 11'' H measurement. When it’s not in use, this pool easily deflates to a flat position that’s ideal for folding and storing once the season is over. Pop this pool open in a matter of minutes with the help of your pump that connects to the inflation openings to easily give your pet a cool place to splash!

9. Best for 5 or Fewer Swimmers: Summer Waves Steel Frame Set Pool With Pump

If you’re looking for the best above-ground pool for your family, this Summer Waves pool is the right option. The 10' L x 10' W x 2'6'' H dimensions give enough space for five swimmers, making it ideal for the standard household family of four individuals. The galvanized steel frame keeps it securely in place so you and your family can enjoy the 10’ of space this pool provides within 60 minutes of assembly.

10. Best for 6 to 10 Swimmers: Bestway Steel Pro MAX Above-Ground Swimming Pool

If you have a larger family or are looking for an above-ground pool with a larger capacity for summer gatherings, then this 15' L x 15' W x 3'6'' H Bestway Steel pool is for you. It features enough space for six to ten swimmers, and it’s made of an ultra-durable frame. No tools are required to assemble this pool, so it’s easy to install and take down once the summer season is over.

11. Best for 11 to 15 Swimmers: Bestway Steel Pro Frame Round Swimming Pool

For even larger gatherings and summer parties, choose this above-ground pool from Bestway that’s spacious enough for 11 to 15 swimmers thanks to its 15' L x 15' W x 4' H dimensions. This frame-set pool is easy to assemble and comes with all of the maintenance tools necessary to keep this pool clean and working properly. All that’s missing are floats and delicious summer cocktails to make this the ultimate backyard entertainment spot!

Tip!

Speaking of summer parties, we have the ultimate guide to help you host the most talked-about pool party this summer: Plan Your Next Pool Party With These 12 Poolside Essentials

12. Best Ladder-Included: Intex Easy Set Round Inflatable Outdoor Above-Ground Swimming Pool

Make getting in and out of the pool easy with a pool that comes with a ladder, like this option from Intex. This above-ground pool has enough space for eight people with its 15' L x 15' W x 3'6'' H measurements, a soft frame, and an easy inflatable assembly process. The included ground cloth is an added plus that will keep your pool free from dirt or grass.

13. Best Filter System: Summer Waves Outdoor Round Frame Above-Ground Swimming Pool

Speaking of keeping your pool free from dirt and debris, having a pool with a built-in filtering system does the job for you! That’s why we love this Summer Waves pool. Generous in size, this above-ground pool is big enough for five or fewer people to enjoy since it measures 12' L x 12' W x 2'9'' H in size. The frame-set construction is durable enough to keep your pool strong and sturdy all season long.

14. Best Cover-Included: Bestway Power Swim Vista Pool

Pool covers are necessary for covering the surface of the water overnight, while you’re gone, or when the pool is not in use during the summer. This above-ground pool from Bestway is our favorite pool that includes a cover. The oval shape is a nice change from the standard circular pools, and measures 14' L x 8'2'' W x 3'3 ⅗ '' H to provide length and space enough for eight people to enjoy at once. When you’re done swimming for the day, pop on the included cover to keep your water dirt-free until your next use.

15. Best Maintenance Kit-Included: Intex Inflatable Pool With Ladder, Pump and Deluxe Pool Maintenance Kit

Pool maintenance is necessary for keeping your water healthy and safe to enjoy all summer. This inflatable above-ground pool by Intex contains a deluxe cleaning kit to take your pool maintenance to the next level. Along with the helpful ladder, soft sides, and 15’ of space that up to eight people can enjoy, this pool comes with a cleaning kit that includes a ground tarp, vacuum sticks, brushes for cleaning, and a pool skimmer net to keep your pool clean and safe. There is also a filter pump that circulates your water so the pool is continuously filled with safe water to splash in.

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Now that you’ve seen the best above-ground pools, it’s time to find the right one for your backyard!

Tip!

Complete your pool setup with the right poolside furniture from our guide: 15 Pool Furniture Ideas to Upgrade Your Poolside Space

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