Above-Ground Pool Buyer’s Guide 2025: Types, Sizes, and Top Brands Compared

When it comes to low–cost, family-friendly backyard fun, above-ground pools still win out among homeowners’ choices.

In 2025, improvements in materials, design, and durability have made above–ground pools more appealing, longer-lasting, and easier to set up than ever before.

Whether you’re interested in a seasonal splash zone or a semi-permanent backyard hideaway, when it comes to choosing an above-ground pool, your decision will come down to a combination of space, budget, and what your long-term goal is.

This buyer’s guide covers everything you need to know about types and sizes of above–ground pools and suppliers we recommend to make an informed purchase.

It will also help you remember any accessories you need to consider, too, for example, swimming pool ladders for above-ground pools, so you can safely and easily get in and out!

Types of Above-Ground Pools

Not all pools are created equal. The three categories vary in terms of installation, setup method, design, strength, and longevity.

Metal Frame Pools

●  Material: Galvanized steel/aluminum frame with PVC lining

● Advantages: More cost-effective, relatively easy to set up, available at local stores

● Disadvantages: Prone to rust after a number of seasons, especially in humid & coastal environments

● Best For: The cost-conscious buyer or for seasonal use, Resin (Polymer)

Resin (Polymer) Frame Pools

● Material: Durable high-density resin frame with steel support bands

● Advantages: Naturally rust/corrosion resistant, long life (over 15 years), little service needed

● Disadvantages: Usually higher up–front cost than metal

● Best For: Owner wishing for durability and year-round presence

Soft-Side Pools

● Material: Rolled inflatable or fabric-reinforced side walls, internal support

● Advantages: Lightweight and portable, easy and quick to set up

● Disadvantages: Typically shorter life (3–7 years), less stable in wind

● Best For: Renters, small or temporary (not intended for semi–permanent) homeowners

Choosing the Right Size

 The typical “above-ground“ pool size ranges from 8 feet to 33 feet (round) or up to 20 x 40 feet (rectangle). When considering a size, keep the following in mind:

● Available space: At least three feet of clearance around the pool for movement, safety, and maintenance.

● Family use: Pool sizes of 12–15 ft are appropriate for a small family and 18–24 ft, depending on ultimate use (swimming and/or pool games).

● Depth: Depth averages for most pools are 48“ – 54“ deep—deep enough for kids and wading. Some pool models may be even deeper than 54“, with limited swimming.

Popular Sizes in 2025:

● 12 ft x 30 in: Compact, great for toddlers

● 15 ft x 48 in: Medium, fits 4 to 6 people

● 18 ft x 52 in: Larger size; best for active families

● 24 ft x 54 in: Less to an in-ground experience; some areas need permits

Top Above-Ground Pool Brands in 2025

Intex 

●  Known For:  Affordable soft-side and metal frame pool brands

● Highlights: Easy to set up; comes in many lines of products and control accessories; good access to retail and online.

● Best Pick: Intex Ultra XTR 18′ x “52”—a sturdy liner and a frame that is stable to wind (best pick in this group).

Bestway 

● Known For: Great sturdiness/design/innovation in hybrid soft-side and metal frame designs

● Highlights: Flowclear filtration; Power Steel series design materials, including hybrid resin and thermoplastics.

● Best Pick: Bestway Power Steel 16′ x 42″—a hybrid frame with resin and thermoplastics, rust-resistant 

Lay-Z-Spa (by Bestway)

●  Known For: Strong inflatable hot tub and portable frame pools

● Highlights: features heated water, compact footprint, quick setup

● Best Pick: Lay-Z-Spa Miami AirJet, a portable inflatable for a cool night in a smaller space.

Conek 

● Known For: Premium quality/resin frame pools

● Highlights: 25-year warranty; corrosion-proof; materials that keep the aesthetics of in-ground pools; customizable

● Best Pick: Conek 18′ x 52″ – seamless walls and structure built professionally.

Blue Wave

● Known For: Stylish, durable metal and resin pools

● Highlights: Wood-look finishes, strong customer support

● Best Pick: Blue Wave 15′ x 52″ – classic design, excellent value

Essential Accessories to Complete Your Setup

 Regardless of the pool, you want a few valuable accessories to finish your setup. After all, the pool is only valuable if you have support gear with it. You are going to get several key accessories to finish your pool setup.

● Filtration System: Sand, cartridge, or saltwater filter. Your choice will depend on how you want to maintain it.

● Pool Cover: A winter cover keeps wind, leaves, and other debris out; a solar cover makes (springs/summers) even warmer, artificially increasing the temperature.

● Chemical Kit: Test strips, chlorine, pH balancer, algaecide, and get started. – Maintenance: Skimmer net, brush, vacuum, and pole.

● Safety Gear: Fencing, if required; pool alarm; ladder that is stable and will withstand use. A few tips when looking for a ladder are stability (weight capacity) and the ability to climb.

Purchase a ladder that has handrails and non-slip steps (in cases used with kids); it is best to purchase a ladder that attaches securely to the structure of the pool but is removable when not in use.

For reliable options, explore these swimming pool ladders for above-ground pools to match your pool’s height and style.

Installation and Longevity Tips

● Level the ground; use a laser level and sand as the base to have even support for the liner.

● Follow directions: if available, read the owner’s manual before putting together. In addition, it is best if you have two or more people assembling during warm, dry weather. 

● Winterize properly; drain the equipment and maintain between 4 and 12“ of balanced water levels; then, through your owner’s manual, cover all equipment tightly to increase length.

● Inspect each year: also inspect equipment for rust, tears in the liner, and fatigue in the structure/environment (extended sun, rain, time to recover, and wind) after inclement weather.

 

With good care for almost all above–ground pools, resin and metal frame pools can last for 10–20 years, while soft-side structures generally are good for 3–5 years.

In 2025, being used frequently, above-ground pools provide durable, stylish backyard settings; families of every size can have family fun and relaxation while avoiding any base costs of an in–ground structure, summer after summer.

Now that summer is here, you should know the best way to add an above–ground pool to your space.

For a reasonable cost, you can estimate the available space using various designs and local swimming pool supplies and bulk chains to warm a pool from a cooler pool condition.

Based on possible styles, upfront costs, and above–ground pool equipment purchasing, your pool is locked for family fun this summer, and you can have splashes of fun all summer long with a good above-ground pool—a new setup or an addition (for any yard)!

Get a small pool or go even a bit bigger—but you‘ll have to find the best above-ground pool to stay inside your budget!