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Reviewed / Bestway / Intex
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Credit:
Reviewed / Bestway / Intex
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With its easy set-up and proven durability, this is one above-ground pool that's worth the investment. Read More
This Intex frame pool is a fantastic starter pool that offers easy setup and reliable performance at a rock-bottom price. Read More
This inflatable pool is simple to set up and comes with all the tools you'll need to do so, including a filter. It comes in a range of sizes. Read More
This fantastic rectangular above-ground pool balances size, durability, and cost to offer a pool that is best suited for lap swimming. Read More
Perfect for families with small children who want to splash rather than swim. A padded bench seat lets parents sit and cool off, too. Read More
A swimming pool can be a double-edged sword for a homeowner. It’s an amazing place to relax and cool off, but it also takes maintenance and often a hefty budget to realize the dream. Your first decision will be whether or not to spend tens of thousands of dollars on an in-ground pool, or significantly less on an above-ground one. If you’re opting for the latter, keep reading—we’re here to help. This guide to the best above-ground pools explores the space’s two leading brands, Intex and Bestway, and breaks down all the things to consider before taking the plunge.
Reviewed’s mission is to help you buy the best stuff and get the most out of what you already own. Our team of product experts thoroughly vets every product we recommend to help you cut through the clutter and find what you need.
We draw on hands-on testing and research from trusted sources and incorporate real-world feedback from pool owners, including the author of this article, Reviewed’s executive editor, Leigh Harrington. Whether we’re evaluating a budget-friendly pool or a heavy-duty steel-walled model, comparing Intex vs. Bestway brands, overall we focus on performance, durability, safety, and fun factor—so you can confidently choose the right pool for your family or home.
If you're heading into your yard to plot out your pool, your first job is to measure your available space, considering the shape of the pool you'd like. While the most popular above-ground pools are round, you can also find them in rectangular and oval configurations. Round pools maximize volume for a given diameter but need a wide area; oval/rectangular pools fit in narrower yards and provide a longer swim lane.
Ensure you have clearance on all sides for setup and accessories like pumps and ladders—you’ll need at least a few feet extra beyond the pool’s dimensions. Also, check overhead and underground. You want to avoid things like low tree branches or power lines (don’t invite the trees to drop leaves, pollen, and bird poo into your pool) as well as gas/water lines and septic tanks (again, no one wants a poo party or an actual explosion). Remember that most local codes require placing pools a certain distance (often 5 to 10 feet) from property lines or structures.
When it comes to construction, design, and longevity, above-ground pools vary. But not to worry—we are breaking it down for you:
Inflatable: Inflatable pools are the cheapest and easiest type of above-ground pool to set up because they are made for temporary use and abuse by young kids. With that in mind, know that these aren’t meant to stay up year-round and can be punctured more easily. Good examples include the Intex Easy Set pool.
Frame: Steel-frame pools use a metal tube structure with a liner; they’re more durable and can often be left up for multiple seasons (with proper winterizing) but might show wear after 5–10 years (usually the liner gives out first). Popular examples from this list include the Intex Prism Frame or the Bestway Power Steel.
Hard-sided: Resin or steel-wall pools are the most similar to in-ground pools, with their rigid walls and ability to last decades if maintained (though you may need to replace the vinyl liner every so often). These are also the most expensive and involved to install.
Consider the maintenance commitment and ensure the pool comes with (or you budget for) the necessary accessories. At a minimum, you’ll need a filter pump to circulate and clean the water, a skimmer or net to remove debris, and chemicals like chlorine (or a saltwater system) to keep the water sanitary.
Many pool sets include a basic pump and perhaps a cover or ladder; if not, factor those into your cost. Larger pools might benefit from an upgraded pump or an automatic pool cleaner (robotic pool cleaner or suction vacuum)—these can save you a lot of manual labor in keeping the pool clean.
Also, consider water capacity, which can put a massive dent in your wallet. Bigger pools hold thousands of gallons, significantly increasing your water bill when filling. Alternatively, you may require a water delivery by truck in some areas—not cheap. More water means more chemicals and filtering to keep the pool water clear.
When it comes to pools, safety is paramount. Check your local regulations regarding residential pools—many places require a fence or barrier around any pool deeper than 18 to 24 inches to prevent drowning accidents. There may also be permit requirements before installation. Ensure you have a game plan for compliance: This could mean buying a pool fence or alarm, and a locking ladder (or removing the ladder when the pool isn’t in use) to block unsupervised access.
When setting up the pool, consider adding foam padding or ground cloth underneath for cushioning and to protect the liner, especially if setting up on concrete or rocky ground. Never set up on a slope or soft sand that can shift.
Once the pool is standing and ready for recreation, establish some ground rules:
An above-ground pool does require ongoing care, but it’s manageable with routine.
Plan to run your filter daily (many come with timers or you can use an outdoor timer plug) to keep water clear. Skim leaves and bugs off the surface with a net every day or two.
Test your water chemistry weekly—a simple test kit or strips will check chlorine and pH levels. Most pools use chlorine tablets in a floater or a built-in dispenser to sanitize; alternatively, some owners opt for saltwater systems, which automatically generate chlorine (many Intex/Bestway pools are compatible with these).
You’ll need to winterize if you live in a freezing climate, but you have to do so before the temperatures drop significantly. Winterizing typically involves balancing the water, lowering the water level, draining hoses and the pump, and covering the pool securely. Smaller inflatable pools are often drained and taken down to be stored indoors (which is the easiest method). Proper winter care will protect your pool’s liner and frame from damage and make reopening your pool much easier.
Above-ground pools are a fantastic solution for many homes, but often, they're not.
We put our noggin to the test and thought of a few scenarios where they may not be the best fit for your family or home.
If you’re dreaming of Olympic-length butterfly laps or deep-end diving, an above-ground pool will disappoint you. They’re generally no deeper than 4 feet and not long enough for serious swimming.
Likewise, if you value aesthetics and property value above all, know that an above-ground pool (especially a temporary inflatable or frame set) can be seen as less attractive to some and won’t add value to your home like an in-ground pool might. Subjectively, above-ground pools just aren’t that cute.
You’ll also want to consider your yard and local regulations: If your yard is very small, uneven, or has restrictive covenants (HOA rules or city codes), installing even a modest above-ground pool could be problematic. Not to mention that if a septic tank sits beneath the soil of your small yard, you are literally SOL. You can’t put anything, never mind a pool, over a septic tank. Many communities require pools to be a certain distance from property lines and may mandate fencing or permits—if you’re not prepared to deal with that paperwork or added cost, a pool might not be for you.
You’ve also got to factor in maintenance. While above-ground pools are easier to maintain than in-ground pools, you’ll still need to filter and chemically treat the water regularly. If you know you’re the type who wouldn’t keep up with weekly cleaning, skimming, and balancing of the water, owning a pool (of any kind) might become more of a hassle than fun. If this sounds like you, consider visiting a community pool or YMCA, or investing in a smaller-scale water feature (like a sprinkler or splash pad, if you have kids or pets) for cooling off.
Finally, for renters or those who move frequently, an above-ground pool may not be worth it—sure, you can take it down and move it, but disassembly and transport are a huge pain, especially with larger pools.
Skip the above-ground pool if your needs align better with an in-ground installation or if the obligations of pool ownership outweigh the enjoyment for you.
Yes, many above-ground pools can be converted to saltwater operation, and some come with saltwater systems included. Saltwater pools still use chlorine to sanitize, but the process is different. You add salt to the water, and a device called a saltwater chlorine generator converts that salt into chlorine automatically. The benefits include gentler water (softer on the skin, with no “chlorine” odor) and less frequent handling of chlorine tablets.
Intex and Bestway both sell saltwater generator units compatible with their pools, and some higher-end packages bundle them. If you want to go saltwater, check that your pool’s frame and fittings are corrosion-resistant. Most modern above-ground pools are made of materials that are resistant to rust, but salt can speed up rust on cheap metal parts if not coated. You’ll also need pool-grade salt (pure salt) and to balance the water chemistry a bit differently (saltwater pools still need the pH monitored, etc.).
Many owners report great experiences switching to saltwater as it can be a set-and-forget solution for chlorine generation. Just be aware of the upfront cost (the generator unit) and do an occasional check to ensure it’s producing adequate sanitizer. And if your pool has any stainless-steel fixtures, keep them clean and consider coating or covering them to minimize contact with saltwater.
Overall, saltwater is a convenient option for above-ground pools and is growing in popularity.
Maintenance for an above-ground pool involves three Cs: circulation, cleaning, and chemistry.
Circulation: A filter pump handles circulation, to cycle the water and trap debris. Run it daily based on your needs and the pool's size, which may be in the ballpark of 4 to 12 hours daily. You’ll want to clean or replace the filter cartridge regularly (or backwash a sand filter if you have one).
Cleaning: For cleaning, use a skimmer net to remove leaves and bugs from the surface every other day or so. Also, brush the walls and bottom of the pool weekly to prevent algae buildup (small vinyl pools often come with a soft brush head you can attach to a pole). Many pool owners use a vacuum device to suck up dirt from the bottom. It could be a simple manual vacuum that connects to your garden hose or an automated robotic pool cleaner. (Robotic cleaners have become popular even for above-ground pools—there are models under $200 that will crawl the bottom and pick up debris, saving you effort.)
Chemistry: In terms of water chemistry, much like in-ground pools, most above-ground pools are kept sanitary with chlorine, either in tablet form or granular shock. Keep a chlorine residual of 1-3 ppm and a pH in the 7.2–7.6 range for comfortable, clear water. It’s wise to test your water weekly with test strips or a kit. As an alternative to a saltwater system, a saltwater chlorine generator will automatically convert salt to chlorine, maintaining the water with less manual dosing (Intex even offers a combo saltwater and filter pump unit on some models).
Finally, when the pool is not in use for extended periods, use a pool cover to keep debris out and reduce evaporation. With a good routine, above-ground pool maintenance doesn’t take more than a few minutes each day, and perhaps an hour or so on the weekend for a thorough clean.
It depends on the pool type and how well it’s maintained.
Inflatable pools typically last only a few summers before the material thins or leaks (we’ve all seen the videos of above-ground pools bursting, and it’s not pretty.
Mid-range metal-frame pools often last around 5 to 10 years with good care. The limiting factor is usually the vinyl liner, which can develop leaks or get brittle from the sun over time.
Higher-end steel wall or resin wall pools can last 15 or more years. Hard-sided above-ground pools are often advertised as having a decade or more of service life (with liners replaced as needed).
To maximize longevity, take down and store your pool in the off-season if recommended, like for soft pools, keep the water balanced to prevent corrosion or algae, and protect the pool from damage, as in, don’t let Fido claw the walls—if he doesn’t want to swim, don’t make him.
Many owners have gotten a decade of fun from an Intex or Bestway frame pool by patching small leaks and upgrading parts like the pump over time. You’ll get out of it the care you put into it.
In many cases, yes, but you must winterize it properly.
Soft-sided pools, including both inflatable and frame types, are generally not designed to withstand freezing temperatures or heavy snow; the vinyl can crack, and the frame can be stressed. It’s usually recommended to drain and disassemble these pools for winter.
Hard-sided pools (with metal walls) are often left up year-round. As we stated above, you’d winterize the pool by cleaning it, balancing the chemicals, lowering the water below the skimmer level, and covering it. People in cold climates commonly use air pillows under the cover to allow ice to expand without damaging the walls.
Interestingly, some frame-pool owners do keep them up all winter: Reddit user Choice_Additional is from Canada and said they leave their Intex up through Prairie winters “without issue.” However, the safe bet is to follow your manufacturer’s guidelines. If you do leave it up, remove any equipment that can be damaged by freezing, and secure the cover so wind doesn’t toss it.
In warmer climates, you can leave pools up year-round, though you might run the filter occasionally in “off” months to keep water from stagnating. Or, you can keep it covered until spring.
Often, yes. Many localities classify above-ground pools (over a certain depth, typically 18 inches or more) as structures that require a one-time permit for installation and also require safety barriers.
Regulations vary, but it’s common that the pool must be a set distance from property lines and that you must install a fence or other secure barrier around it. For example, a town might require any pool deeper than 2 feet to be at least 10 feet from the property line and enclosed by a 4-foot (or taller) fence with a self-latching gate.
Some places waive the fence requirement if the pool walls are above a certain height (often 48 inches), but then you’re required to remove or secure the ladder when not in use. Insurance companies also usually insist on a fence or deck barrier for homeowners’ coverage.
Before setting up your pool, check with your city or town (or landlord, if renting) about permits and fencing (as an example, permitting for residential swimming pools in Massachusetts is listed on the commonwealth’s official website). It’s better to take the extra steps to be safe and compliant. Many affordable DIY pool fence kits are available, or you can use temporary fencing as a stop-gap. But don’t skip this: Fines for non-permitted pools can be hefty. More importantly, a fence significantly improves safety.
In-ground vs. above-ground: Which pool type is right for you?If you're undecided between investing in an in-ground or above-ground pool, we've provided a detailed comparison of costs, maintenance, and experiences.
We tested Intex’s popular above-ground pool (Intex Prism Frame Pool Review: A hands-on review of an Intex 12-foot, metal-frame pool by pool owner and Reviewed expert Eden Strong with insights on its setup and whether or not it's worth the money.
The Best Inflatable Pools of 2025: If you're not ready to commit to an above-ground pool, inflatable pools are a heck of a lot easier to handle, not to mention cuter and more stylish. Please read this to discover our favorite inflatable pools for adults and kids, including fancy options with built-in seats and canopies.
Leigh Harrington has 25 years experience as a writer and editor for myriad print and digital publications.
At Reviewed, Harrington manages Reviewed's overall content, including areas of focus like home improvement, cleaning, gardening, cooking, smart home, organization, and parenting. She focuses on developing and editing consumer ed content, product reviews and buying guides, but she also writes, too.
Harrington is also an experienced travel writer, and has authored books including Fodor's Boston, 100 Things to Do in Boston Before You Die, and Colorful Cities Boston, an adult coloring book. She was a respected, longtime regional editorial director at Where travel guide, and has written for other publications including the US News & World Report, USA Today, Boston Herald, Newport Life, Exhale magazine, Huffington Post, and many more. www.leighharrington.com
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