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One of the most important considerations when buying an above-ground pool is size.
The Spruce
You must ensure itfits in your yardand leaves a few feet of space on all sides.
Square footage calculations depend largely on whether you consider a rectangular or circular pool.
When selecting above-ground pools to test, we included a variety of rectangular and circular pools.
PHOTO: The Spruce / Cheryl Zajac
We focused on durable materials like steel and PVC.
With that said, we found the included cover too small, so we recommend buying a biggerpool cover.
Thanks to ourrobotic pool cleaner, keeping the pool free of pollen from nearby trees was easy.
We created a level area for the Intex Ultra XTR by hauling in sand.PHOTO: The Spruce
Once the site was prepared, setting up the pool was pretty straightforward.
The instructions are clear and easy to follow, so we had no issues assembling the pool.
We used a dump trailer to haul sand to create an even surface.
However, this did not affect our overall experience using the pool.
We found the pump easy to use with just a simple on/off switch.
One thing we liked about this pool was the clear instructions and the uncomplicated design.
We also recommend considering how long it will take to fill the pool.
Once we had the pool built and filled, we were impressed with the quality of the accessories.
We didnt have to domanual cleaningand just added salt when needed.
We also noticed a crack in one of the pump’s hoses, which resulted in a big leak.
This round pool has a durable steel frame designed for easy setup.
We found that the ClickConnect System allowed us to combine the pieces with no tools.
The company recommends having two people available during assembly, which aligns with our experience.
After three months of testing, we noticed that the design on the pool lining had faded.
However, this has not affected the durability of the liner itself.
Youll also need to buy a few extra filters since the pool comes with only one.
Plus, this pool is backed by a 25-year warranty.
The setup requires at least two people; even experienced DIYers recommend hiring a professional.
We also appreciate that it comes with a sturdy A-frame ladder and a maintenance kit.
Yet, it can still fit in a smaller yard.
We also like the durable, rust-resistant steel and PVC frame, as well as the triple-layer polyester walls.
It also includes a sturdy ladder and a ground cover that reduces the potential for punctures.
As a bonus, this pool is available in two designs: Dark Herringbone and Gray Rattan.
It doesn’t come with a ladder, but that isn’t a huge expense.
PHOTO: Amazon
If we had to purchase any additional tools, we recorded what tools were necessary.
We paid special attention to the pool frames, where applicable, noting whether or not they felt sturdy.
Asmaller, round poolmight be your best bet if you’re short on square footage.
The Intex Metal Frame Pool is on the smaller side, but adults and kids were able to enjoy.PHOTO: The Spruce
Some larger pools also come with slip-resistant above-ground pool ladders.
you might find above-ground pools with dual-suction outlets for easier cleaning.
Why Trust The Spruce?
PHOTO: The Spruce / Mary Speichinger
It took about two hours to assemble the Intex Ultra XTR Rectangular Pool and install the liner.PHOTO: The Spruce
PHOTO: The Spruce / Jena Wilson
We liked the ClickConnect system of the Bestway Steel Pro MAX, but it required two people.PHOTO: The Spruce
PHOTO: Home Depot
PHOTO: Homedepot
PHOTO: Amazon
PHOTO: Amazon
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Some pools, like the Bestway Steel Pro MAX, have easy no-tool assembly.The Spruce
Our favorites, like the Intex Ultra XTR Pool Set, include a filter and pump.The Spruce
