Best Above Ground Swimming Pools for 2023 Inflatable Pools

Since Intex pools are MUCH smaller than inground and permanent above ground pools, they’re more affordable to heat. Plus, the chlorine from salt water pool systems is generally less harsh than traditional chlorine bleach. This is because salt water chlorination systems only use, well salt, to produce the chlorine. So with fewer chemicals involved, the result is “cleaner” and gentler chlorine. A number of things can be bundled with Intex pools to provide a more thorough swimming experience.

It was a great option for much smaller children since the swimming pool was not too deep. However, we needed an upgrade to something wider and deeper that would fit in our desired location. For lasting durability, the best above-ground pools are steel-framed varieties. These pools have sturdy, weather-resistant constructions, plus they typically are larger than their resin, aluminum, or inflatable counterparts. These pools are also made to be left outside during the offseason because of steel’s rust-resistant quality. These models combine the best of both a resin and steel frame while reducing some of the drawbacks of each.

The minimal space requirements are 8.5 ft x 11.5 ft x 7.5 ft (6 square meters). A concrete, gravel, or sand floor can all work but please make sure that it is level, smooth and free of any objects that can damage the pool. When installing indoors, the floor must be able to withstand 1 ton and have a way to drain water.

Then, connect the vertical side rails to the bottom portion of the frame. Be sure to read the directions carefully, as different metal rods can appear similar but don’t line up or connect properly if you use the wrong ones. After that, install the lining onto the bottom plate and up the walls. When finished, your pool should have a balanced shape, and intex above ground pools the walls should be the same height. “When choosing the location, also consider local zoning laws and how close the pool will be to water and electricity.” Requiring zero tools, we followed the instructions to snap the pieces together, twist in the two filter pieces, push in the drain plug, and in under 20-minutes we had ourselves an 11-foot pool.

The vinyl mesh layering helps protect against tears and punctures and we stand by our products with a product lifetime warranty. Not only does it allow her to train while all the pools are closed, the tether system actually uncovers some of the flaws in her strokes that open water swimming does not. My wife also has enjoyed swimming “laps” in the privacy of our home. The liner needs to be flexible to fit within the pool’s shape and strong enough to hold water but not so thick and heavy that it’s unmanageable. A thickness of around 20 millimeters strikes a good balance between strength, flexibility, thickness, and weight.

Reopening your Intex pool is no different from reopening any above ground pool. If you live in a climate that gets cool but not frighteningly cold weather, you may keep the pool assembled but you’ll still want to winterize it. Unless you live in a tropical climate, you’re going to need to learn how to winterize your Intex pool in the fall, and reopen it in the spring. Small holes in the liner is usually an easy fix, as there are patch repair kits that Intex sells in case you spring a leak. Intex pool owners have their pick of test strips, liquid test kits, and digital testing kits to choose from.

It has a 10-foot diameter and is big enough for several friends or family members to enjoy. One of the best parts of this pool, other than its affordable price, is how easy and quickly you can start swimming. Just inflate the pool with an air pump (sold separately) and within just a few minutes, you can start filling the pool. We love that this pool is large enough for several kids and is simple to set up.

Whereas sanitizing chemicals such as chlorine break down harmful pollutants in the water, the pool filter is what removes them from the pool itself. Since Intex pools are smaller than most, this can sometimes present challenges that you rarely find with inground pools. A high bather load and a smaller filter size can sometimes cause Intex pools to become dirty pretty intex swimming pool quickly. It’s also important to shock the pool overnight so the chlorine won’t burn off too quickly (the sun’s UV rays eat it up). Checking the manual can tell you your pool’s volume, or you can simply Google the model you purchased. Intex pools are all-in-one above-ground pools, providing everything you need to get your new backyard pool up and running.

While the pool is more affordable than others on our list, its features are definitely not lacking. It comes with a SkimmerPlus filter pump and a Type-D filter cartridge to keep the water clean (helpful considering the pool doesn’t come with a cover). Its three-ply mesh material is also meant to last you multiple seasons, though the above-ground pool does come with a repair patch in case of unforeseen holes or punctures. In addition to a ladder, pool cover, and sand filter, the pool also has 52-inch walls, so you’ll get four feet of water to splash around in, making it our overall choice for best above-ground pool.