Updated on Jul. 09, 2024
It pays to buy your new pool online. Not only can you save tons of money, but you don't have to worry about hauling it home—have it delivered right to your door!
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As the weather heats up, thoughts turn to pool parties and cooling off. And the good news is, you don’t need a big budget to make your pool dreams a reality. With above-ground pools on sale, you can find a perfect fit for your backyard oasis without breaking the bank. Shopping online for these pools is the best way to enjoy big savings and avoid hauling it home—you can have your pool delivered right to your door in a matter of days.
Above-ground pools are a fantastic way to dip your toes into the pool lifestyle without a major commitment. “They’re affordable, easy to install and come in various shapes and sizes to fit a range of backyard spaces,” says Kim Tokarski, the Category Director for pool lifestyle products at Leslie’s, the largest direct-to-consumer pool and spa care retailer in the U.S. Plus, they offer the same benefits as in-ground pools for recreation, relaxation or entertainment.
They’re also much quicker and simpler to install than in-ground pools, often coming in convenient kits that can be set up by two people with basic tools in just a few days. So, stock up on pool accessories, consider adding a pool cabana for some shade and get ready to dive into a summer of fun.
From a 14-foot size to the durable PVC material, this Intex metal frame pool comes built to last a large family for years. After just 45 minutes of setup time, this above-ground pool is ready for water. Plus, it’s safe for kids thanks to a built-in ground fault circuit interrupter that shuts off the pump when exposed to water.
The included cover makes it easy to winterize the pool if you prefer to keep it up all year. If not, use the drain plug and easily direct water through your hose to drain it for storage. Pick one up today and save 68% before the sale ends.
If you’ve been considering your own pool but spent your tax return on a new hot tub, don’t despair. This inflatable swimming pool is extremely inexpensive. It works just as well as an above-ground pool thanks to a built-in pump and drain plug. Simply use an air pump to inflate it and start swimming in just 10 minutes.
Puncture-resistant material ensures that the pool should last years, and we’re obsessed with the fact that it has an aerating filter—that’s not commonplace for inflatable pools. Enjoy a hefty savings of $140 while it’s on sale, putting the price at only $109.
Limited outdoor space doesn’t mean limited fun—especially when you consider all the different types of pools. This 10-foot steel frame pool set doesn’t take up too much room, and it still offers a way to cool off in even the most oppressive heat. Unlike other pool sets, this is a complete kit that comes with everything you need to maintain your new pool.
A triple-layer polyester mesh and PVC walls ensure longevity, and sturdy steel frames prevent damage from the elements. This pool is well worth the price, especially given a $200 discount.
Who said that hot tubs were better than pools? Clearly, they haven’t seen this oval pool with a built-in window. Available at a savings of 42%, this Tritech above-ground pool is one of the most advanced offerings on this list. It comes with a high-output pump filter, cover, ladder, vacuum, garden hose drain adaptor and Chemconnect dispenser that uses chlorine to keep it clean.
You also get a debris and leaf bag that automatically picks up floating leaves and eliminates them from the pool. Kids (and adults) will delight in looking through the windows on either side while diving into the depths.
If you thought that above-ground pools were paltry in size, let me introduce you to this 18-foot above-ground pool from Intex. Between the generous size, aerating filter and classic clean look, your neighbors will be stopping by to try it out as soon as it arrives.
Each package includes the galvanized steel frame pool, a pool ladder, ground cloth, sand filter and pool cover. All that’s missing is a pool vacuum—but when you’re saving a whopping $1,000 on the pool, popping a vacuum in your cart is no big deal. For added longevity, consider adding wood or concrete pads under each leg for enhanced stability on soft ground.
Those looking for child-friendly above-ground pools on sale are in luck. Designed to fit up to six people, this child-safe splash pool from Intex is available for a whopping 50% off. A durable powder-coated steel frame provides rust-resistant support to this laminated rectangular pool.
The smaller size and 23-inch depth allow for smaller children to safely swim. Unlike other above-ground pools, there’s no need to install a filter or pump. Plus, an included instructional DVD assists with set up and maintenance, so it’s easy to start swimming ASAP.
Big families require big pools. This behemoth 32-foot pool arrives with its own cleaning and maintenance kit. Inside is a vacuum with scrubber, pool skimmer with a telescoping pole, ladder, debris cover, ground cloth and a powerful Krystal Clear 110-120V, 2,800-gallon per hour sand filter pump.
Because of its size, this pool is large enough for pool games and pool floats, so it’s ideal for families with children. Snag it while it’s on deep discount and score it for $440 off—your kids will thank you.
Sometimes it’s not about the bells and whistles—it’s about having a quick dip to cool off. This no-frills inflatable swimming pool is budget-friendly at a savings of $16, and you can secure it for under $40! This kiddie pool comfortably accommodates two adults and up to five kids.
Easily inflate it with an air pump in a mere three minutes and hop in for an instantly chill summer experience. Or, fill it with balls or sand for a different way to play.
When it comes to finding the best above-ground pool for your needs, size matters. “Large families or those who like to swim a lot may want a larger pool, but couples and floating fanatics may only need a small pool to get the most enjoyment,” notes Tokarski. Durability is also key. Tokarski explains, “Resin pools resist corrosion much better than steel, which is a big reason why they’re often more costly to purchase. However, steel-framed pools have a distinct advantage because they’re less likely to crack in extreme temperatures.”
For convenience, Tokarski recommends opting for an all-in-one above-ground pool kit. These kits typically include essential components like a ladder or entry system, skimmer, pool pump, filter and vinyl liner. If you have children at home, she suggests upgrading to an entry system with safety features to prevent unauthorized access.
“Before buying a pool, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the laws and zoning codes in your area,” says Tokarski. She advises finding out if a permit is required, whether additional safety measures like a fence are necessary and if there are restrictions on pool placement. Non-compliance could result in fines or the need to relocate the pool, so research your local regulations thoroughly beforehand.
This list was expertly curated by Emily Way, Family Handyman‘s former sales editor with years of experience in finding the best home products. (She even completed a five-year remodel on her 100-year-old space, so it’s safe to say she knows what makes a house a home.) At Family Handyman, we’re all about finding products to make your time at home easier and more enjoyable.
Not only did we test out a bunch of above-ground pools—so we could vouch for the very best ones—but we also read through hundreds of reviews to ensure that the ones featured here are pool party-ready. We also spoke to an industry professional for additional insights on the topic. Kim Tokarski, the Category Director for Pool Lifestyle Products at Leslie’s, shared her extensive knowledge for this article.
We put a lot of time, effort and thought into every product we recommend. Naturally, above-ground pools are no exception. When crafting this list, we wanted to include an array of sizes to accommodate parties, avid swimmers and young children who are just learning their strokes. It was also important to look at the construction, selecting only the pools that were designed to last. And, since we want your time swimming to be an easy and enjoyable experience, we sought out pools with intuitive filtration systems.
Despite their reputation for being less stylish, above-ground pools can actually be a fantastic investment. They are easier to install, portable and a cost-effective alternative to a built-in hole. Additionally, many above-ground pools come with protective barriers or fences, enhancing safety, especially for households with children or pets.
“Above-ground pools are the perfect entry point into the pool lifestyle because of their affordability, easy installation and placement flexibility,” confirms Tokarski. She notes that the average cost of an in-ground pool can be up to 20 times that of an above-ground one.
Typically, above-ground pools are on sale during the off-season, usually in fall and winter. However, many retailers mark down above-ground pools in the days leading up to summer, enticing shoppers who are considering investing in one for the family.
Above-ground pools are most often sold in round, oval or rectangle shapes, ranging from 12-foot round pools to massive 21-by-43-foot rectangular models, shares Tokarski. “The size, grade and orientation of your backyard will play a big role in the final decision, as it’s the most limiting factor in how big of a pool you can get,” she says.
Tokarski also suggests considering who will be using the pool. A family with young children might want a shorter pool wall, around 48 inches, whereas a household of preteens, teenagers and adults may enjoy a deeper 52 or 54-inch version. Hobby swimmers who only plan to use their above-ground pool for a few days out of the year would get the most out of an inflatable pool, which is easy to take down.
Depending on its size, brand and construction, an above-ground pool can typically last seven to 15 years. “As with anything, proper care and maintenance will ensure your new above-ground pool can be enjoyed for decades,” says Tokarski. Warranties for above-ground pools last anywhere from 20 to 40 years on average; some even offer lifetime coverage, notes Tokarski. That said, many of these warranties only carry one or two years of full coverage and then have graduated levels of limited warranty coverage for specific pool components after that, she warns.
“In general, the more costly the pool, the better the warranty coverage will be, and the longer you can expect the pool to last. Pools are an investment for your family’s long-term enjoyment, so avoid cheap pools made of low-quality materials that offer inadequate warranty coverage—you’ll generally pay more long-term for an inferior product,” she says.
