11 Best Above Ground Swimming Pool To Buy
Updated on: June 2023
Best Above Ground Swimming Pool To Buy in 2023
Smartline Mosaic Diamond 24-Foot Round Pool Liner | UniBead Style | 52-Inch Wall Height | 25 Gauge Virgin Vinyl Material | Heavy-Duty Liners | Designed for Steel Sided Above-Ground Swimming Pools
Smartline Waves of Poseidon 12-Foot-by-24-Foot Oval Liner | Overlap Style | 48-to-52-Inch Wall Height | 25 Gauge | Designed for Steel Sided Above-Ground Swimming Pools | Universal Gasket Kit Included

- MEASURE TWICE, BUY ONCE – Whether installing for the first time, or replacing an existing liner, the Waves of Poseidon pattern offers durability while not breaking the bank. Be sure to check the measurements of your swimming pool to assure the correct size is purchased. Pool height is determined by measuring the outside wall from the ground to underneath the top rail. Oval pool size is determined by measuring from the center point across the longest and widest ends.
- PRETTY PLEASING PATTERN - Tile designs of interchanging navy and sky blues roll like waves at the top of this beautiful Waves of Poseidon pool liner print. The North American cut material is hand-folded to prevent permanent creasing and excess wrinkling. Before installing, lay the liner out in the sun for a minimum of one hour to warm up the vinyl ensuring it is able to stretch when adding water. The best temperatures to install would be between 70-80 degrees.
- NO TROUBLE TO INSTALL - Overlap liners are draped over the walls of the pool during the installation process. Once the bottom seam is even near the cove, the liner is ready to be secured. This material is held in place through the use of coping strips prior to putting the top rails back onto the pool. Bead receivers are not needed for this type of liner. The liner is made to work with pools which have a flat bottom and wall heights of 48” or 52”. ***Will not work with Intex or Pop-Up pools***
- STAY COOL IN THE POOL – Enjoy the warm weather while spending quality time with family and friends. Your backyard aboveground pool will surely become the place to be during those hot summer days. Stay cool in more ways than one with the Waves of Poseidon liner.
- UNIVERSAL GASKET SET - The included kit is for the pool’s skimmer and return. This skimmer gasket will work with either standard sized skimmers or wide-mouth versions. These pieces will help prevent corrosion of the pool wall and should be replaced each time a new liner is installed as they become dry over time which could cause leaks.
SmartLine Boulder Swirl 12-Foot-by-24-Foot Oval Liner | UniBead Style 52-Inch Wall Height | 25 Gauge Virgin Vinyl | Designed for Steel Sided Above-Ground Swimming Pools | Universal Gasket Kit Included

- PRETTY PLEASING PATTERN - Blue rocks top the swirling water backdrop with the Boulder Swirl pattern. The North American cut material is hand-folded to prevent permanent creasing and excess wrinkling. Before installing, lay the liner out in the sun for a minimum of one hour to warm up the vinyl ensuring it is able to stretch when adding water. The best temperatures to install would be between 70-80 degrees.
- MEASURE TWICE, BUY ONCE – Whether installing for the first time, or replacing an existing liner, the Boulder Swirl pattern offers durability while not breaking the bank. Be sure to check the measurements of your swimming pool to assure the correct size is purchased. Pool height is determined by measuring the outside wall from the ground to underneath the top rail. Oval pool size is determined by measuring from the center point across the longest and widest ends.
- INSTALL IN A SNAP OR A HOOK - This 12' x 24’ oval unibead style liner works with pools with flat-bottoms measuring 52". For an overlap style pool, simply open up the j-hook portion and slip this over the pool wall. For beaded style pools, use the standard bead after removing the j-hook portion along the score or groove mark. This will leave only the standard bead which is inserted into the bead receiver opening. ***Will not work with Intex or Pop-Up pools***
- STAY COOL IN THE POOL – Enjoy the warm weather while spending quality time with family and friends. Your backyard pool will surely become the place to be during those hot summer days. Stay cool in more ways than one with the Boulder Swirl liner.
- UNIVERSAL GASKET SET - The included kit is for the pool’s skimmer and return. This skimmer gasket will work with either standard sized skimmers or widemouth versions. These pieces will help prevent corrosion of the pool wall and should be replaced each time a new liner is installed as they become dry over time which could cause leaks.
Smartline Antilles Dolphin 21-Foot Round Overlap Liner | 48-to-52-Inch Wall Height | 25 Gauge Virgin Vinyl | Designed for Steel Sided Above-Ground Swimming Pools | Universal Gasket Kit Included

- MEASURE TWICE, BUY ONCE – Whether installing for the first time, or replacing an existing liner, the Antilles Dolphin pattern offers durability while not breaking the bank. Be sure to check the measurements of your swimming pool to assure the correct size is purchased. Pool height is determined by measuring the outside wall from the ground to underneath the top rail. Round pool size is determined by measuring from the center point wall to wall in order to obtain the diameter.
- PRETTY PLEASING PATTERN - Feel like you are really swimming with the dolphins with this liner surround with life like coral. The North American cut material is hand-folded to prevent permanent creasing and excess wrinkling. Before installing, lay the liner out in the sun for a minimum of one hour to warm up the vinyl ensuring it is able to stretch when adding water. The best temperatures to install would be between 70-80 degrees.
- NO TROUBLE TO INSTALL - Overlap liners are draped over the walls of the pool during the installation process. Once the bottom seam is even near the cove, the liner is ready to be secured. This material is held in place through the use of coping strips prior to putting the top rails back onto the pool. Bead receivers are not needed for this type of liner. The liner is made to work with pools which have a flat bottom and wall heights of 48” or 52”. ***Will not work with Intex or Pop-Up pools***
- STAY COOL IN THE POOL – Enjoy the warm weather while spending quality time with family and friends. Your backyard aboveground pool will surely become the place to be during those hot summer days. Stay cool in more ways than one with the Antilles Dolphin liner.
- UNIVERSAL GASKET SET - The included kit is for the pool’s skimmer and return. This skimmer gasket will work with either standard sized skimmers or wide-mouth versions. These pieces will help prevent corrosion of the pool wall and should be replaced each time a new liner is installed as they become dry over time which could cause leaks.
Intex 28210EH 12 Foot x 30 Inch Above Ground Swimming Pool (Pump Not Included)

- SUMMERTIME FUN: The Intex 12ft x 30in 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 6 people
- DURABLE BUILD: The sturdy metal frame is powder coated for rust resistance and has super tough laminated sidewalls that are reinforced with an all-around band to keep frame legs firmly in place
- FEATURES: The pools drain plug accepts a garden hose to drain water away from the pool area as desired and is the perfect way to beat the summer heat for some backyard fun
- EASY-SET-UP: An affordable and easy-to-set-up alternative to more complicated steel-walled pools, and a more durable alternative to inflatable models and is ready for water in 45 minutes.
- PRODUCT INFO: The Intex pool set comes with the pool, and instructional DVD . The capacity of the pool is 1,718 gallons and 196 square feet of space is required
Smartline Sunlight 18-Foot-by-33-Foot Oval Overlap Liner | Up to 54-Inch Wall Height | 25 Gauge Virgin Vinyl | Designed for Steel Sided Above-Ground Swimming Pools | Universal Gasket Kit Included

- MEASURE TWICE, BUY ONCE – Whether installing for the first time, or replacing an existing liner, the Sunlight pattern offers durability while not breaking the bank. Be sure to check the measurements of your swimming pool to assure the correct size is purchased. Pool height is determined by measuring the outside wall from the ground to underneath the top rail. Oval pool size is determined by measuring from the center point across the longest and widest ends.
- PRETTY PLEASING PATTERN - Sunlight is a simple but realistic pattern that will make your pool like it's constantly glistening in the sun. The North American cut material is hand-folded to prevent permanent creasing and excess wrinkling. Before installing, lay the liner out in the sun for a minimum of one hour to warm up the vinyl ensuring it is able to stretch when adding water. The best temperatures to install would be between 70-80 degrees.
- NO TROUBLE TO INSTALL - Overlap liners are draped over the walls of the pool during the installation process. Once the bottom seam is even near the cove, the liner is ready to be secured. This material is held in place through the use of coping strips prior to putting the top rails back onto the pool. Bead receivers are not needed for this type of liner. The liner is made to work with pools which have a flat bottom and wall heights up to 54”. ***Will not work with Intex or Pop-Up pools***
- STAY COOL IN THE POOL – Enjoy the warm weather while spending quality time with family and friends. Your backyard aboveground pool will surely become the place to be during those hot summer days. Stay cool in more ways than one with the Sunlight liner.
- UNIVERSAL GASKET SET - The included kit is for the pool’s skimmer and return. This skimmer gasket will work with either standard sized skimmers or wide-mouth versions. These pieces will help prevent corrosion of the pool wall and should be replaced each time a new liner is installed as they become dry over time which could cause leaks.
Intex 18ft X 52in Ultra XTR Pool Set with Sand Filter Pump, Ladder, Ground Cloth & Pool Cover

- Uniquely designed frame combines high quality galvanized Steel with Precision engineered locking system, enhancing the overall quality, durability and stability of the pools
- Rust resistance: encapsulating inner and outer powder coating ensures the ultimate resistance to rust
- 2-year manufacturer's Warranty
- Includes 110-120V sand filter pump with pump flow Rate 2, 100 gallons per hour, pool ladder, ground cloth and pool cover
- Ready for water in 60 minutes. Water capacity (90%): 6, 981 gallons
Smartline Waterfall 24 Foot Round Liner | Overlap Style | 48-to-52-Inch Wall Height | 25 Gauge Virgin Vinyl | Designed for Steel Sided Above-Ground Swimming Pools

- MEASURE TWICE, BUY ONCE – Whether installing for the first time, or replacing an existing liner, the Waterfall pattern offers durability while not breaking the bank. Be sure to check the measurements of your swimming pool to assure the correct size is purchased. Pool height is determined by measuring the outside wall from the ground to underneath the top rail. Round pool size is determined by measuring from the center point wall to wall in order to obtain the diameter.
- PRETTY PLEASING PATTERN - The Waterfall pattern brings nature to your pool with the top border of white water cascading over the edge of a rocky cataract. The North American cut material is hand-folded to prevent permanent creasing and excess wrinkling. Before installing, lay the liner out in the sun for a minimum of one hour to warm up the vinyl ensuring it is able to stretch when adding water. The best temperatures to install would be between 70-80 degrees.
- NO TROUBLE TO INSTALL - Overlap liners are draped over the walls of the pool during the installation process. Once the bottom seam is even near the cove, the liner is ready to be secured. This material is held in place through the use of coping strips prior to putting the top rails back onto the pool. Bead receivers are not needed for this type of liner. The liner is made to work with pools which have a flat bottom and wall heights of 48” or 52”. ***Will not work with Intex or Pop-Up pools***
- STAY COOL IN THE POOL – Enjoy the warm weather while spending quality time with family and friends. Your backyard aboveground pool will surely become the place to be during those hot summer days. Stay cool in more ways than one with the Waterfall liner.
- HIGH QUALITY MATERIAL - Swim care-free knowing your liner can tough it out through abrasion, chemicals and UV fading thanks to the use of Lamiclear technology. The layers are made of an acrylic top coat, a UV resistant print layer, and a 100% virgin vinyl base. This material is then welded and cut for a flawless fit and finish. A 25-year limited warranty is included protecting against defects in material and workmanship.
Smartline Pacific Ice 18-Foot Round Pool Liner | UniBead Style | 52-Inch Wall Height | 25 Gauge Virgin Vinyl Material | Heavy-Duty Liners | Designed for Steel Sided Above-Ground Swimming Pools

- PRETTY PLEASING PATTERN - The Pacific Ice liner print provides a shimmering cool appearance to any swimming pool. The North American cut material is hand-folded to prevent permanent creasing and excess wrinkling. Before installing, lay the liner out in the sun for a minimum of one hour to warm up the vinyl ensuring it is able to stretch when adding water. The best temperatures to install would be between 70-80 degrees.
- MEASURE TWICE, BUY ONCE – Whether installing for the first time, or replacing an existing liner, the Pacific Ice pattern offers durability while not breaking the bank. Be sure to check the measurements of your swimming pool to assure the correct size is purchased. Pool height is determined by measuring the outside wall from the ground to underneath the top rail. Round pool size is determined by measuring from the center point wall to wall in order to obtain the diameter.
- NSTALL IN A SNAP OR A HOOK - This 18' round unibead style liner works with pools with flat-bottoms measuring 52". For an overlap style pool, simply open up the j-hook portion and slip this over the pool wall. For beaded style pools, use the standard bead after removing the j-hook portion along the score or groove mark.This will leave only the standard bead which is inserted into the bead receiver opening. ***Will not work with Intex or Pop-Up pools***
- STAY COOL IN THE POOL – Enjoy the warm weather while spending quality time with family and friends. Your backyard aboveground pool will surely become the place to be during those hot summer days. Stay cool in more ways than one with the Pacific Ice liner.
- HIGH QUALITY MATERIAL - Swim care-free knowing your liner can tough it out through abrasion, chemicals and UV fading thanks to the use of Lamiclear technology. The layers are made of an acrylic top coat, a UV resistant print layer, and a 100% virgin vinyl base. This material is then welded and cut for a flawless fit and finish. A 25-year limited warranty is included protecting against defects in material and workmanship.
Smartline Bedrock 28-Foot Round Liner | Overlap Style | 48-to-52-Inch Wall Height | 25 Gauge Virgin Vinyl | Designed for Steel Sided Above-Ground Swimming Pools

- MEASURE TWICE, BUY ONCE – Whether installing for the first time, or replacing an existing liner, the Bedrock pattern offers durability while not breaking the bank. Be sure to check the measurements of your swimming pool to assure the correct size is purchased. Pool height is determined by measuring the outside wall from the ground to underneath the top rail. Round pool size is determined by measuring from the center point wall to wall in order to obtain the diameter.
- PRETTY PLEASING PATTERN - Take a dip into the glistening waters of Bedrock and experience the visual of pebbles and seashells at your feet. The North American cut material is hand-folded to prevent permanent creasing and excess wrinkling. Before installing, lay the liner out in the sun for a minimum of one hour to warm up the vinyl ensuring it is able to stretch when adding water. The best temperatures to install would be between 70-80 degrees.
- NO TROUBLE TO INSTALL - Overlap liners are draped over the walls of the pool during the installation process. Once the bottom seam is even near the cove, the liner is ready to be secured. This material is held in place through the use of coping strips prior to putting the top rails back onto the pool. Bead receivers are not needed for this type of liner. The liner is made to work with pools which have a flat bottom and wall heights of 48” or 52”. ***Will not work with Intex or Pop-Up pools***
- STAY COOL IN THE POOL – Enjoy the warm weather while spending quality time with family and friends. Your backyard aboveground pool will surely become the place to be during those hot summer days. Stay cool in more ways than one with the Bedrock liner.
- HIGH QUALITY MATERIAL - Swim care-free knowing your liner can tough it out through abrasion, chemicals and UV fading thanks to the use of Lamiclear technology. The layers are made of an acrylic top coat, a UV resistant print layer, and a 100% virgin vinyl base. This material is then welded and cut for a flawless fit and finish. A 25-year limited warranty is included protecting against defects in material and workmanship.
Smartline Rock Island 12-Foot-by-24-Foot Oval Overlap Liner | 48-to-52-Inch Wall Height | 25 Gauge Virgin Vinyl | Designed for Steel Sided Above-Ground Swimming Pools | Universal Gasket Kit Included

- MEASURE TWICE, BUY ONCE – Whether installing for the first time, or replacing an existing liner, the Rock Island pattern offers durability while not breaking the bank. Be sure to check the measurements of your swimming pool to assure the correct size is purchased. Pool height is determined by measuring the outside wall from the ground to underneath the top rail. Oval pool size is determined by measuring from the center point across the longest and widest ends.
- PRETTY PLEASING PATTERN - The Rock Island liner print featured large blue, gray and brown river rocks complementing the smaller blue pebbles that reside below along your pool walls and floor. The North American cut material is hand-folded to prevent permanent creasing and excess wrinkling. Before installing, lay the liner out in the sun for a minimum of one hour to warm up the vinyl ensuring it is able to stretch when adding water. The best temperatures to install would be between 70-80 degrees.
- NO TROUBLE TO INSTALL - Overlap liners are draped over the walls of the pool during the installation process. Once the bottom seam is even near the cove, the liner is ready to be secured. This material is held in place through the use of coping strips prior to putting the top rails back onto the pool. Bead receivers are not needed for this type of liner. The liner is made to work with pools which have a flat bottom and wall heights of 48” or 52”. ***Will not work with Intex or Pop-Up pools***
- STAY COOL IN THE POOL – Enjoy the warm weather while spending quality time with family and friends. Your backyard aboveground pool will surely become the place to be during those hot summer days. Stay cool in more ways than one with the Rock Island liner.
- UNIVERSAL GASKET SET - The included kit is for the pool’s skimmer and return. This skimmer gasket will work with either standard sized skimmers or widemouth versions. These pieces will help prevent corrosion of the pool wall and should be replaced each time a new liner is installed as they become dry over time which could cause leaks.
Above Ground Pool; Metal Framed or Soft Walled?
An review of the soft sided and metal walled above ground pools.
Soft-Sided or Metal-Framed Above Ground Pool
The inexpensive above ground pools that I have seen are usually the soft side or metal framed. I started noticing these pools in the stores last year but my kids were still into baby pools. As I drove around town throughout the summer, I saw an above ground pool in what seemed like every other yard. It was so nice to see that just about every kid could have an above ground pool since they were now so affordable.
Soft Sided Above Ground Pool
A few weeks into the summer as the pools priced from as little as $39 to $800, flew off the shelves, I saw what I expected. It seemed as though every other soft sided above ground pool that I saw was lying deflated on the ground. I had seen these soft sided pools in the store and I was amazed that they were flying off the shelves. I mean, I balk at the price of a baby pool for $15 because I know it will end up with a hole in it. Honestly, if it is inflatable, it will get a hole.
Metal-Framed Above Ground Pool
After seeing what was happening to the soft sided above ground pools, I just new the metal-framed ones could not be much better. As far as I can remember, the sturdy metal walled above ground pools are good but not great so how can a pool that is just a plastic liner be any good? What I kept seeing was people having fun in their metal framed above ground pool, even my babysitter bought one.
I was still skeptical about the metal framed above ground pool and not ready to shell out hundreds of dollars to buy one. Luckily, my babysitter loved her metal framed above ground but it was too small for her famine. My babysitter gave me her 36" deep metal framed above ground pool at the end of last summer and we stored it away for use this year. I was worried that since these above ground pools were so inexpensive, they were not meant to last more than one year. I was excited about getting a free one but I hoped that my excitement would not be short lived by the pool failing.
Our Above Ground Pool
We put up our metal framed above ground pool last week and have had a blast ever since. We had stored it away safely and it came out of the package just like new. The metal framed above ground pool takes only about 30 minutes to put up and roughly 4 hours to fill with water. The only thing that we had to buy f was a new filter and a pool cover costing us $27. The plastic liner is thick and appears very durable. This is the second season of life for our above ground pool and at the end of the season I expect to pack it up for use again.
Above Ground Pool Reviews
I went to several different websites including Wal-Mart.com to read reviews on my above ground pool and the soft sided ones. The reviews were consistent with my review here. I found numerous complaints about the soft sided pools. The few exceptional reviews that I read for the soft sided pools included the fact that they liked the pool and are buying a new one this year since it only lasted one year. The reviews for the metal framed pools seem to indicate that with proper care most purchasers are able to use this above ground pool for more than one season.
Walmart.com