The Best Swimming Pool
We looked at the top 17 Swimming Pools and dug through the reviews from 90 of the most popular review sites including and more. The result is a ranking of the best Swimming Pools.
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Our Picks For The Top Swimming Pools
- The Best Swimming Pool
- 1. Homech Inflatable Family Swimming Pool, 55-Inch x 21-Inch
- 2. Intex Metal Frame Filter Pump Swimming Pool, 12-Feet x 30-Inch
- 3. Intex Ultra XTR Rectangular Swimming Pool Set, 9-Feet x 52-Inch
- 4. Summer Waves Quick Set Above Ground Inflatable Swimming Pool, 12-Feet x 36-Inch
- 5. Bestway Steel Pro Rectangular Above Ground Swimming Pool, 7-Feet x 32-Inch
- 6. Intex Prism Frame Filter Pump & Swimming Pool Set, 12-Feet x 30-Inch
- 7. Intex Metal Frame Filter Pump Swimming Pool Set, 18-Feet x 48-Inch
- 8. Bestway Power Steel Above Ground Pump Swimming Pool Set, 9-Feet x 4-Feet
- 9. Intex Ultra Frame Rectangular Filter Pump Swimming Pool Set, 16-Feet x 4-Feet
- 10. Intex Ultra XTR Filter Pump Swimming Pool Set, 12-Feet x 52-Inch
- 11. Intex Metal Maintenance Kit & Above Ground Swimming Pool, 15-Feet x 48-Inch
- 12. Intex 26710EH Prism Easy Set-Up Above Ground Swimming Pool, 12-Feet x 30-Inch
- 13. Intex Metal Frame Swimming Pool Set, 10-Feet x 30-Inch
- 14. Intex Rectangular Frame Above Ground Backyard Swimming Pool, 5.3-Feet x 26-Inch
- 15. Intex Metal Frame Filter Pump Swimming Pool Set, 15-Feet x 48-Inch
- 16. Summer Waves Above Ground Filter Pump Outdoor Swimming Pool, 12-Feet x 33-Inch
- 17. Intex Easy Set Filter Pump & Swimming Pool Set, 8-Feet x 30-Inch
Strong and SturdyIf you're looking for an inflatable pool that works for the entire family, this model is your best bet.
Secure Metal FrameFamilies looking for a more traditional pool without the hefty price tag will love this metal frame swimming pool.
Pool Cover IncludedEverything you need to use this pool is included, such as the ground cloth, ladder, filter pump and cover.
Quick SetupThis swimming pool is up and running with a simple inflation of the ring and attachment of the filter.
Why we recommend these swimming pools?
Products Considered
Products Analyzed
Expert Reviews Included
User Opinions Analyzed
Our experts reviewed the top 17 Swimming Pools and also dug through the reviews from 90 of the most popular review sites including and more. The result is a ranking of the best of the best Swimming Pools.
DWYM is your trusted roduct review source. Our team reviews thousands of product reviews from the trusted top experts and combines them into one easy-to-understand score. Learn more.
The Best Overall
Homech Inflatable Family Swimming Pool, 55-Inch x 21-Inch
Our Take
Not only is this swimming pool made from durable PVC materials, it's also 50% thicker than other models. It's perfect for toddlers, teens and adults and can be set up in the backyard quickly. When not filling the pool with water, the pool can be filled with balls for a little winter fun.
What other experts liked
What other experts didn't like
Overall Product Rankings
2. Intex Metal Frame Filter Pump Swimming Pool, 12-Feet x 30-Inch
3. Intex Ultra XTR Rectangular Swimming Pool Set, 9-Feet x 52-Inch
4. Summer Waves Quick Set Above Ground Inflatable Swimming Pool, 12-Feet x 36-Inch
5. Bestway Steel Pro Rectangular Above Ground Swimming Pool, 7-Feet x 32-Inch
6. Intex Prism Frame Filter Pump & Swimming Pool Set, 12-Feet x 30-Inch
7. Intex Metal Frame Filter Pump Swimming Pool Set, 18-Feet x 48-Inch
8. Bestway Power Steel Above Ground Pump Swimming Pool Set, 9-Feet x 4-Feet
9. Intex Ultra Frame Rectangular Filter Pump Swimming Pool Set, 16-Feet x 4-Feet
10. Intex Ultra XTR Filter Pump Swimming Pool Set, 12-Feet x 52-Inch
11. Intex Metal Maintenance Kit & Above Ground Swimming Pool, 15-Feet x 48-Inch
12. Intex 26710EH Prism Easy Set-Up Above Ground Swimming Pool, 12-Feet x 30-Inch
14. Intex Rectangular Frame Above Ground Backyard Swimming Pool, 5.3-Feet x 26-Inch
15. Intex Metal Frame Filter Pump Swimming Pool Set, 15-Feet x 48-Inch
16. Summer Waves Above Ground Filter Pump Outdoor Swimming Pool, 12-Feet x 33-Inch
17. Intex Easy Set Filter Pump & Swimming Pool Set, 8-Feet x 30-Inch
Our Swimming Pool Findings
Homech Inflatable Family Swimming Pool, 55-Inch x 21-Inch
What We Liked: Not only is this swimming pool made from durable PVC materials, it’s also 50% thicker than other models. It’s perfect for toddlers, teens and adults and can be set up in the backyard quickly. When not filling the pool with water, the pool can be filled with balls for a little winter fun.
Intex Metal Frame Filter Pump Swimming Pool, 12-Feet x 30-Inch
What We Liked: This backyard swimming pool includes a filter pump to keep your water clean. It’s made using a durable metal frame and PVC siding. Users will appreciate the convenient drain plug that easily connects to any garden hose. This allows you to drain the pool far away from your home.
Intex Ultra XTR Rectangular Swimming Pool Set, 9-Feet x 52-Inch
What We Liked: Looking for a swimming pool that will last for years to come? This model is designed using high-quality galvanized steel and a precision engineered locking system. It’s rust-resistant and comes with a ground cloth, a 110-120V sand filter pump and a top cover.
Summer Waves Quick Set Above Ground Inflatable Swimming Pool, 12-Feet x 36-Inch
What We Liked: For the easiest setup, this swimming pool is your go-to product. This will be an easy crowd pleaser with an inflatable top ring and an efficient filter for keeping the water clean. At just three feet deep, adults and kids alike can enjoy a little dip in the pool for a refreshing swim.
Bestway Steel Pro Rectangular Above Ground Swimming Pool, 7-Feet x 32-Inch
What We Liked: For Best Value, this swimming pool is your ideal option. This family-sized rectangular pool will give your family and friends a great way to cool off and play games for a fun afternoon in the sun. An easy setup and sturdy steel frame make this pool a long-lasting part of your backyard.
Our Expert Consultant
Home Improvement Expert
Vicki Liston writes, produces, and narrates “On The Fly…DIY,” an award-winning home improvement and DIY show of unique project tutorials for the casual DIY’er.
Home improvement and all things DIY have been Liston’s passion since she bought her first house in 2007 and she started making video blogs in 2014. She’s performed hundreds of DIY projects, from small ones to major, wall-smashing renovations and can teach you how to make a trendy DIY barn door for cheap. The proceeds earned from “On The Fly…DIY” are donated to no-kill animal shelters and rescue organizations. You can find her show on Prime Video.
Our Swimming Pool Buying Guide
Whether you have six months of hot weather or six weeks, a swimming pool is worth the investment. Although a pool may seem like a headache and never-ending maintenance, it doesn’t have to be. There are so many different types of pools available right now, you can get as fancy or as simple as you like. For the most affordable and convenient swimming pool, you’ll want to choose an above-ground pool. These pools offer a variety of setup options, sizes and shapes. Find your perfect fit with help from this guide.
There are a few questions to ask before diving into the pool buying process. First of all, you’ll want to research maintenance requirements. Some pools require more upkeep than others. Most above-ground pools utilize an electric pump that circulates the water and keeps the water relatively clean. Some of the pools come with a pump and others you need to buy the pump separately. The big things that can’t circulate through the filter, you can easily clean with a mesh net. These are usually mounted on a long rod so you can reach across wide pools. In addition to the daily maintenance, at the beginning of each season, pools will require a shocking agent to get rid of all the algae that grows during the offseason. This can often take a few days to rectify but is part of the normal maintenance regimen for all pools.
Another good thing to think about is the installation process and expense. Above-ground pools have come a far way from the professional setup of the old days. You can get pools like the Summer Waves Quick Set Pool that requires very little installation. According to home improvement expert Vicki Liston, “If you are looking for ‘quick and easy,’ your best bet is either an inflatable or an ‘easy set’ pool. These are ready to be filled with water in mere minutes or up to an hour.”
In contrast, you can get a pool that is a little bit more complicated but still straight-forward such as a framed pool like the Intex Metal Frame Filter Pump Swimming Pool.
“Conversely, an all-steel pool is the more expensive and strongest on the market, but it has its drawbacks,” says Liston. “Steel can rust and corrode so if you go this route, get one with a galvanized coating to protect it from the elements.”
A great option for this type is the Intex Metal Frame Filter Pump Swimming Pool.
Although it may seem intimidating, if you think about what kind of time you have to dedicate to a pool and buy accordingly, you will find the best pool for you.
DWYM Fun Fact
Swimming pools date back to 2600 BC to the Great Baths of Mohenjodaro in Pakistan. This pool was thought to be used for religious purposes, not necessarily leisure swimming or cooling off.
Greece and Rome embraced swimming as a valuable skill for boys to have. The Romans built their swimming pools separately from the baths and trained boys to swim. Gaius Maecenas of Rome is thought to have built the original heated pool sometime in the 100s BC.
Many centuries later, swimming pools became popular. By the mid-1800s, London was home to six indoor pools and after the Olympic Games in 1896, they became even more popular. By the 1900s, chlorination and filtration systems were invented to help with the purification of the water so water could be simply cleaned instead of dumped out and wasted.
The Swimming Pool Tips and Advice
- Be sure to get your ground set up with packed dirt that is completely level before setting up your pool.
- If you plan on moving, choose a pool that is easily broken down and transported to another location.
- Find the shape that complements your yard. From oval to round to rectangular, there are many options to choose from.
- Don’t forget to calculate the cost of the water before you purchase a pool.
- Try to find a pool set that comes with all the necessary accessories so you don’t accrue extra expenses in addition to the pool.
About The Author
Alicia Bodine is a New Jersey-based writer specializing in gardening. She enjoys spending time learning about the latest gadgets that make designing, planting and maintaining a garden a breeze. With more than 15 years of experience, her work has appeared in leading home improvement publications. When she's not writing, you'll find her gardening, spending time with her kids, cooking in the kitchen or playing with her two kitties, Flitter and Otter. Alicia loves researching the latest and greatest gadgets, products and items that help her save time, energy and money.
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