After 30 years and over 1,000 installations, here are the best above ground pools you can buy in 2026 — rated by wall construction, longevity, and real-world performance, not Amazon reviews.
I’m Mike Kern, a Certified Pool Operator and licensed MA contractor (#191300, zero complaints). I’ve installed, repaired, and torn down more above ground pools than I can count. I know which ones survive 20 New England winters and which ones end up in a dumpster after three.
Full transparency: I sell most of the pools I recommend. I’m a dealer for Aquasport Pools LLC (Buster Crabbe), and I chose them after working with every major manufacturer in the industry because they build the best wall — and the wall is everything. I’m not going to pretend I’m neutral. But I’ll tell you exactly where each pool falls short, including the ones I carry, because I’d rather lose a sale than lose your trust.
Most “best above ground pool” lists online are written by people who’ve never touched a pool wall. They review disposable Intex and Bestway pools from Amazon and earn commissions on clicks. That’s not what this is. These are reviews of permanent above ground pools — $2,000 to $12,000+ — based on pools I’ve actually built, watched age, and in some cases, hauled to the dump.
My Top Picks at a Glance
Best Overall: Aquasport 52 — The strongest above ground pool wall in the industry. Interlocking aluminum panels, 30-year warranty, can be installed above ground, semi-inground, or fully inground without a cement collar. This is the pool I’d put in my own backyard. Starts around $4,600 for a 12′ round.
Best Value: Lamark (steel wall) — Same quality US steel wall as pools costing twice as much. If your budget is $2,300–$3,500 and you want a pool that actually lasts, this is it. Rounds only, 12′ to 24′.
Best Semi-Inground: Aquasport 52 — It’s the only semi-inground pool that doesn’t require a cement collar poured at the base, saving you roughly $2,000 in installation costs vs. competitors like the Radiant or Fox Ultimate.
Best Rectangle with Deck: Admiral’s Walk — Built by the same family that makes the Aquasport 52. All-aluminum slat wall with integrated deck, fence, and locking gate. This is the most premium above ground pool money can buy. Starts around $15,900.
Best Mid-Range: Atlas — Available in steel or aluminum (LASA upgrade), rounds and ovals, multiple frame colors. Buttress-free oval design. The sweet spot between budget and premium. $2,800–$5,000.
Best Budget (Temporary): Intex Ultra XTR — If you need a pool for a few summers and your budget is under $1,500, Intex makes the best disposable pools. Just know they aren’t in the same category as permanent pools.
Full reviews, pricing, and honest pros/cons for every pool below.
Best Above Ground Pools — Expert Comparison (2026)
| Pool | Category | Wall Type | Price Range (Kit) | Sizes | Semi-Inground? | Warranty | My Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aquasport 52 | Best Overall / Best Semi-IG | Aluminum slat/panel | $4,600–$11,500 | Rounds 12’–24′, Ovals 10×15–17×32 | Yes — no cement collar needed | 30 years | ★★★★★ |
| Admiral’s Walk | Best Rectangle w/ Deck | Aluminum slat/panel | $15,900–$24,800 | 12×20, 12×24, 12×32, 16×20, 16×24, 16×32 | Yes | 30 years | ★★★★★ |
| Fox Ultimate | Premium Alternative | Thick steel panels | $7,500–$16,200 | Rounds, Ovals, Grecians, Rectangles | Yes — requires cement collar | 30 years | ★★★★★ |
| Wilbar Intrepid/Oasis | Slat Wall Alternative | Aluminum slat | $5,000–$9,000 | Rounds, Ovals | Up to 3 feet | Varies | ★★★★ |
| Dauntless | Best All-Aluminum Rolled Wall | Aluminum (LASA) | $3,000–$5,900 | Rounds 12’–30′, Ovals | No (above ground only) | Lifetime frame | ★★★★ |
| Atlas | Best Mid-Range | Steel or Aluminum | $2,800–$5,000 | Rounds 12’–30′, Ovals | No (above ground only) | Lifetime frame | ★★★★ |
| Lamark | Best Value | Steel or Aluminum | $2,300–$3,500 | Rounds 12’–24′ | No (above ground only) | Lifetime frame | ★★★★ |
| Doughboy (Saratoga/Tuscany /Palm Shore) | Runner-Up Value | Steel (rolled) | $2,500–$5,000 | Rounds, Ovals | No (above ground only) | Varies | ★★★★ |
| Radiant | NOT Recommended for Cold | Insulated foam/aluminum | $5,000–$10,000 | Rounds, Ovals | Yes — requires cement collar | Varies | ★★½ |
| Intex Ultra XTR | Best Temporary/Budget | PVC + steel frame | $400–$1,500 | Multiple | No | 1-2 years | ★★★ (for what it is) |
I would recommend all the above ground pools EXCEPT Radiant – These are the best!
Important: Prices shown are for pool kits with liner, shipped. They do not include installation, equipment (pump, filter), electrical, water, permits, or landscaping. See our installation cost guide for complete pricing.
How I Rate Above Ground Pools — What 30 Years of Installations Taught Me
Every above ground pool review on this page is based on one thing above all else: the wall.
Nine times out of ten, when I tear down an above ground pool, it’s because the wall rusted out, not because the top rails broke or the uprights failed. You could remove every top rail and upright from a properly installed above ground pool and it would stand just fine — the wall does all the work.
Here’s the analogy I use with every customer: in real estate, it’s location, location, location. With above ground pools, it’s wall, wall, wall.
My rating criteria, in order of weight:
- Wall Construction & Thickness (50% of rating) — What is it made of? How thick? Rolled steel, aluminum, or interlocking panels? I’ve measured wall thickness across every brand I’ve carried. The difference between a pool that lasts 5 years and one that lasts 25 starts here.
- Longevity in Cold Climates (20%) — I’m in Massachusetts. I’ve watched pools go through 20+ freeze-thaw cycles. Some brands handle it. Others turn to Swiss cheese. If you’re north of the Mason-Dixon line, this matters.
- Installation Quality & Versatility (15%) — How does it go together? Can it handle uneven ground? Can it go semi-inground? Does it need a cement collar? These things affect your total project cost by thousands of dollars.
- Value for Money (10%) — Not the cheapest price, but the best pool per dollar. A $2,300 Lamark with the same wall quality as a $4,000 competitor is better value, even if it has fewer frame color options.
- Manufacturer Reputation & Support (5%) — Do they stand behind their warranty? Can you actually get replacement parts in 10 years? Some companies I’ve watched go bankrupt, get bought out, or stop supporting older models. That matters when you need a part.
What I don’t rate on: How pretty the brochure is. How big the resin top rails are (manufacturers bulk these up to look “stronger” — it’s marketing). How many Amazon reviews it has. None of that tells you if the pool will be standing in your backyard in 2040.
What’s In This Article?
- Recommendations for every budget;
- Explanation of entry-level pools vs. the best above ground pools;
- Discussion of the size and shape as it relates to value and building costs;
- List and reviews of the top-rated above ground pool brands and manufacturers;
- List of the top 10 best above ground pools;
- Finally, the cost associated with installation of above ground pools.
- PLEASE FEEL FREE TO JUMP TO THE SECTION THAT INTERESTS YOU MOST!
I believe my 30 years of experience enables me to provide the best above ground pool reviews, and I have been a dealer for all of the different manufacturers. Plus, I have worked on, and repaired above ground pools that were built before I got into the industry, so I know better than most what to look for, and what pools stand the test of time.
Quality Above Ground Pool Traits – Video
For more videos and above ground pool equipment reviews please visit my YouTube Channel.
Above Ground Pool Prices: What to Expect at Every Budget
A word about packages: Every pool store bundles accessories — liner, pump, filter, skimmer, ladder — to create their “package price.” Watch out for the stores that advertise a low base price, then charge extra for a liner upgrade (because the included liner is paper-thin/ plain blue), charge extra for tailgate delivery (that should be standard), and pad their catalog with dozens of cheap Wlibar or canadian steel wall pools while burying the one or two models actually worth buying. By the time you add up the upgrades you need to make the package usable, you’ve bought a good kit with a wall that wont last. I only sell quality liners (no plain blue or overlap), no single seed pumps, no freight delivery. no cheap walls, No “gotcha” upgrades. See exactly what’s in every MGK package →
Under $1,500 — Temporary Pools (Intex, Bestway) These are the pools you see at Walmart and on Amazon. They’ll get you through a summer or two, but they’re not permanent installations. Thin liners, weak pumps, steel frames that rust by year two. If this is your budget and you just want to cool off, an Intex Ultra XTR is the best of the bunch. Just know what you’re getting.
$2,300–$3,500 — Entry-Level Permanent Pools This is where real above ground pools start. A Lamark with a US-made steel wall will run you $2,300–$3,100 for rounds 12′ to 24′. Upgrade to the aluminum (LASA) wall for $2,600–$3,500. At this price, you’re getting a pool that will last 15–30+ years if installed correctly. The wall quality on even the least expensive Buster Crabbe pool is the same as their premium models — they don’t cut corners.
$2,800–$5,000 — Mid-Range Permanent Pools The Atlas and Dauntless live here. You get more size options (rounds and ovals), multiple frame colors, and the buttress-free oval design that eliminates the buried straps that cause problems on cheaper ovals. The Dauntless is all-aluminum, so zero rust concerns. Doughboy’s Saratoga and Tuscany are also solid at this tier.
$4,600–$10,500 — Premium / Semi-Inground Capable The Aquasport 52 dominates this range. Interlocking aluminum panel wall, can go above ground, semi-inground, or fully inground, 30-year warranty, no cement collar required. This is the pool I recommend most often because it’s the most versatile and strongest kit I’ve ever worked with.
$7,500–$16,200 — Premium Wall Panels & Specialty Shapes The Fox Ultimate opens up Grecian and rectangle shapes with thick steel panels as strong as inground pool walls. Salt-friendly. Walk-in step option. Beautiful pool — just costs more to ship and requires a cement collar (Except 24, 21, 18, 15 rounds).
$15,900–$24,800 — The Best Money Can Buy The Admiral’s Walk is a rectangle aluminum slat wall pool with integrated deck, fence, locking security gate, and stairs. This is the pool that makes the neighbors think you put in an inground. Starts at $15,900 for a 12×20 single-end deck.
The #1 Thing That Determines How Long Your Pool Lasts: The Wall
Nine times out of ten, when I tear down an above ground pool, it’s because the wall rusted out. Not the top rails. Not the uprights. The wall.
Rolled Wall vs. Panel/Slat Wall Most above ground pools use a single rolled sheet of steel or aluminum. The two ends connect with screws — that’s why they’re called “rolled wall” pools. This is fine for entry and mid-range pools, as long as the steel is quality US-made material like Buster Crabbe or Doughboy (Palm Shore / Tuscany / Saratoga only).
The elite above ground pools use interlocking panels (also called slat walls). Each panel locks into the next, creating a wall that is dramatically stronger and more resistant to ice pressure, settling, and long-term wear. The Aquasport 52, Admiral’s Walk, Fox Ultimate, and Wilbar Intrepid all use this construction.
Aluminum vs. Steel Customers tell me all the time that steel is stronger than aluminum. They’re right — pound for pound. But aluminum above ground pool walls are thicker than steel walls, sometimes nearly twice as thick on premium models. That makes the aluminum wall just as strong or stronger in practice. Add to that the fact that aluminum doesn’t rust (it oxidizes slowly, which is far less destructive), and aluminum wins on longevity every time. In 30+ years, I’ve seen aluminum outlast steel by a wide margin.
PRO TIP: Ignore the size of the top rails and vertical posts. Manufacturers bulk these up with oversized resin pieces to make pools look strong. It’s marketing. You could remove every top rail and upright from a properly installed above ground pool and it would stand just fine. The wall is doing all the work.
Reviews Of The Best Above Ground Pool Companies
#1. Aquasport Pools LLC / Buster Crabbe — ★★★★★
The Company: The oldest above ground pool company still owned and operated by the founding family. Based in New Brunswick, NJ. If you call, one of three people answers: Andrew or Steve (the founder’s sons), or Greg (Andrew’s son). They don’t sell to the public — they sell through dealers like me. I’ve worked with them for years, and they’ve never lost their identity or compromised on quality.
Why They’re #1: Every other manufacturer varies wall quality across their product line — cheaper models get thinner walls. Buster Crabbe doesn’t. The steel wall on their $2,300 Lamark is the same quality as their premium models. Their aluminum (LASA) walls are the thickest in the industry. They buy steel from US mills and have their liners made to fit the exact dimensions of each pool — no wrinkles, no generic liners.
The Aquasport 52 is their flagship and my #1 overall pick. Interlocking aluminum panels create a wall unlike any rolled-wall pool. It can be installed above ground, semi-inground, or fully inground — and it’s the only semi-inground pool that doesn’t require a cement collar at the base, saving you roughly $2,000 in installation costs. 30-year warranty. See the full Aquasport 52 brochure.
One of the biggest reasons the Aquasport 52 earns our top spot: you can completely bury it for an inground look at a fraction of inground cost. We wrote a full DIY guide to burying an above ground pool with real costs and install photos.
I’ve personally assembled, repaired, and disassembled thousands of above ground pools. There has never been a better swimming pool kit. The closest in quality were the old Johnny Weissmuller and Esther Williams pools — and those haven’t been made in decades.
Models I Carry: Lamark (entry) | Atlas (mid) | Dauntless (premium rolled) | Aquasport 52 (elite panel) | Admiral’s Walk (elite rectangle w/ deck)
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Same quality wall on every model — “except Aquasport 52” | No in-wall step option |
| Thickest aluminum walls in the industry | Limited dealer network west of Pennsylvania |
| US steel from American mills | |
| Custom-fit liners — no wrinkles | |
| Aquasport 52 can go fully inground, no cement collar | |
| 30-year warranty, family-owned, financially healthy |
Price Range: $2,300 (Lamark 12′ round steel) to $24,800 (Admiral’s Walk 16×32 double-end deck)
Browse all Aquasport/Buster Crabbe pool packages →
#2. Fox Ultimate — ★★★★½
The Company: Now under the Cardinal Pools umbrella, known for their inground steel pool kits. The Fox Ultimate was the first 52-inch steel wall made for the above ground market that’s as thick as actual inground pool walls. This is not a rolled wall pool — don’t compare it to one.
Why It’s Ranked #2: The wall comes in 2-foot, 4-foot, or 8-foot super-thick rigid steel panels. It can go above ground, semi-inground, or fully inground. It’s one of very few manufacturers that won’t void your warranty for running a salt system. And it offers a walk-in step like a traditional inground pool — something the Aquasport 52 doesn’t have.
Where It Falls Short: It costs more than the Aquasport 52, costs more to ship (heavier steel panels), and requires a cement collar poured around the base for semi-inground and inground installations. That collar adds roughly $2,000 to your installation. It’s still an exceptional pool — just not quite as versatile or cost-effective as the Aquasport 52.
Available Shapes: Rounds, ovals, Grecians, and rectangles — more shape options than almost any other above ground pool.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Inground-grade steel wall thickness | Requires cement collar ($~2,500 added cost) |
| Walk-in step option | Higher price than Aquasport 52 |
| Salt system warranty friendly | Heavier — costs more to ship |
| Rounds, ovals, Grecians, rectangles | |
| 30-year warranty |
Price Range: $7,500 (15′ round) to $16,200+ (20×40 Grecian)
See Fox Ultimate brochure and gallery →
#3. Admiral’s Walk — ★★★★★
The Company: Made by Aquasport Pools LLC (same family as Buster Crabbe). This is a rectangle above ground pool with an integrated aluminum deck, fence, locking security gate, and stairs. It’s the most premium above ground pool package you can buy.
Why It’s Elite: Same interlocking aluminum slat wall as the Aquasport 52, but in a rectangle shape with a full deck system. The large patio deck on the 16×24 and 16×32 models is 5½ feet by 19 feet with a 1½-foot walk-around deck. You can add a second big deck for a double-end configuration. The whole system — pool, deck, fence, gate, stairs — costs less than what most people pay for a custom wood deck alone.
Who It’s For: Homeowners who want the look and feel of an inground pool without the $60,000–$120,000 price tag. This pool makes neighbors do a double-take.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| All-aluminum slat wall (same as Aquasport 52) | Premium price point |
| Integrated deck, fence, locking gate, stairs | Deck doesn’t ship outside local service areas |
| 30-year warranty | Requires professional installation |
| Looks like an inground pool |
Price Range: $15,900 (12×20 single-end deck) to $24,800 (16×32 double-end deck)
See Admiral’s Walk brochure, sizes, and gallery →
#4. Wilkes / Gibraltar — ★★★★
The Company: Gibraltar is a re-branded Wilkes pool with exclusive New England territory rights. Rumor is the Gibraltar family bailed out Wilkes in the 70’s and got the whole region in return.
The Pool: High-end and long-lasting, especially since they moved from wood decks and steel wall panels to aluminum decks and aluminum slat walls (as of 2023). That upgrade put them in the same construction class as the Admiral’s Walk.
The Catch: They have a monopoly in New England, and the customer support reflects it. If you need parts or repairs, calling their Hopkinton, MA office is an exercise in patience. And for the same or less money, you could buy an Admiral’s Walk.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Long-lasting, strong pool | Poor customer support (monopoly attitude) |
| New aluminum deck (major improvement) | Costs as much or more than Admiral’s Walk |
| Aluminum slat wall (since 2023) | Territory restricted — can’t buy everywhere |
#5. Kayak Pools — ★★★½
The Company: Kayak uses aluminum panel construction with deck options. They’ve been around for decades and make a decent pool.
My Take: Good quality aluminum panels, but their in-home sales model adds significant cost. The pool itself is solid — it’s the sales process and pricing that knock them down. If you can negotiate well, it’s a good pool. If you pay sticker price, you overpaid. Prefer Gibraltar and my Admiral’s Walk over Kayak.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Aluminum panel construction | Aggressive in-home sales model |
| Deck and fence options | Higher prices due to sales overhead |
| Established brand |
#6. Wilbar International (Intrepid / Oasis / Optimum) — ★★★½
The Company: Wilbar is now the largest supplier of above ground pools in the country. They carry Sharkline, Optimum, Intrepid, Atlantic, and others. They bought Swim n’ Play’s manufacturing equipment in 2019 to prevent competitors from entering the market — that equipment is still sitting in their parking lot.
What’s Worth Buying: The Intrepid/Oasis slat wall pool is good quality — aluminum slat construction, can be buried up to 3 feet. The Optimum is similar to the Radiant (see review below)
What to Avoid: Everything under the Sharkline and Atlantic brands. These are entry-level cheap steel wall pools made for the unsuspecting masses, sold through big box stores and distributors. They provide pools to Leslie’s, Namco, and most big box stores.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Intrepid: aluminum slat wall, can bury 3 feet | Most of their line is cheap steel |
| Optimum: in-wall step, can go fully inground | Premium models overpriced vs. Aquasport 52 |
| Widely available nationwide | Below-average customer support |
| Thin liners on most packages |
#7. Doughboy — ★★★½
The Company: One of the oldest names in the business, now owned by Hoffinger Enterprises. I used to be a Doughboy dealer, so I know the line well. They have great dealer coverage, especially in the Southwest.
What’s Good: The Saratoga, Tuscany and Palm Shore models have excellent USA rolled steel walls — they buy from the same US steel mills as Buster Crabbe. Beautiful decorative wall prints. Optional in-wall step like an inground pool. Robust resin framing on the higher-end models.
What’s Not: They don’t offer an aluminum wall option or a slat wall/panel model. At the prices they charge for their premium models, you could buy a slat wall pool from Buster Crabbe that will outlast any rolled wall design.
My Recommendation: If you can’t find a local dealer for the pools I carry, look for a Doughboy dealer near you. Their high-end models (Saratoga, Tuscany, Palm Shore) are good pools. Avoid their cheaper models — lesser walls.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Saratoga/Tuscany/Palm Shore have great US steel walls | No aluminum wall option |
| Beautiful wall prints | No slat wall / panel model |
| In-wall step option | Premium pricing for rolled wall construction |
| Strong dealer network (especially Southwest) | Cheaper models have inferior walls |
#8. Radiant — ★★½ (NOT Recommended for Cold Climates)
The Company: Radiant pools came back after a 20–30 year hiatus. The design used to be sold as Dover Pools, and they were awful — competitors literally carried wall sections around to show how the thin aluminum turned to Swiss cheese.
The Wall: The panels are about 2½ inches thick, but here’s the thing — they sandwich Styrofoam between two thin sheets of aluminum. Since when is Styrofoam a structural component? Their marketing claims the insulated wall saves on heating costs. True story: heat rises. Most heat loss is out the top of the pool, not through the walls. A 1–2 degree difference doesn’t justify the premium.
The Evidence: I met a Radiant dealer at the 2016 Atlantic City Pool & Spa Show who had several pools with ice damage. Radiant covered the replacement panels but not the labor or vinyl liner. He was livid. I have the photos.
My Position: Radiant pools might work in warmer climates — West Virginia, Kentucky, and points further south. But they are more expensive than the Aquasport 52, which I consider a far superior pool. If you’re anywhere that gets hard freezes, I can’t recommend them.
Read my full Radiant Pool review →
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Can go above ground, semi-IG, or inground | Styrofoam core = NOT a structural material |
| Insulated wall (marginal benefit) | Documented ice damage failures (I have photos) |
| Requires cement collar | |
| Overpriced vs. Aquasport 52 | |
| Warranty didn’t cover labor or liner for dealer I met |
A Note on Namco and Leslie’s
Namco filed Chapter 11 and was sold to a Canadian company. The old Namco sold the lowest quality Waterway filters and pumps to unsuspecting consumers with some of the thinnest liners I’ve ever seen.
Leslie’s was acquired by an investment group (filed for bankruptcy protection in 2024). They were historically overpriced sellers of Wilbar pools. The brand name may continue but the quality trajectory is not inspiring.
Neither company manufactures pools. They’re retailers, and neither sold products I’d recommend.
How Much Does It Cost to Install an Above Ground Pool? (2026 Prices)
These are my actual installation prices for the Massachusetts / Southern NH / Eastern CT / RI / Southern ME service area. Your local installer’s prices may vary. Prices are different for Aquasport 52, Fox Ultimate, and Admiral’s Walk Pools.
| Pool Size | Installation Price |
|---|---|
| 15′ Round | $1,950 |
| 18′ Round | $2,100 |
| 21′ Round | $2,385 |
| 24′ Round | $2,590 |
| 27′ Round | $2,950 |
| 30′ Round | $3,150 |
| 12×24 Oval | $3,350 |
| 15×24 Oval | $3,575 |
| 15×30 Oval | $3,900 |
| 18×33 Oval | $4,225 |
What’s Included: Excavation up to 6″, sand base, foam cove, complete installation, setup, plumbing, and patio blocks.
What’s NOT Included: Removal of excavated material, water, electrical service, permits, landscaping, fencing, or decking.
Semi-Inground (Aquasport 52): Excavation runs about $2,800. Installation, setup, backfill, plumbing, and filter base ranges from $3,000–$6,000 depending on size and depth. Total semi-inground project cost: $5,300–$10,900+ before permits, electrical, water, fencing, and landscaping.
Need an installation quote? Call me directly: (978) 710-8667 or contact us here.
15′ X 30′ Oval Pool Versus The 24′ Round Pool
The 24′ round and the oval 15’×30′ are the two most popular sizes, so a comparison here will offer you some great insight.
If you want the best value pool, you should know, you will always get more pool for your money if you buy a round pool. A 24′ round is larger than a 15′ x 30′ oval by 55 square feet. A 24′-round swimming pool holds one thousand five hundred gallons more water than a 15′ x 30′.
A 15′ x 30′ is harder to install, and as such installation cost about $1,300.00 more, the 15′ x 30′ pool package usually cost $800.00 – $1,200.00 more (buttress vs. non-buttress), so that is $2,100.00 – $2,600.00 more for a smaller, pool. When you compare the differences, you begin to understand why the 24′ round is the most popular and the best above ground pool choice.
The 24′ round is also easier to maintain. Round above ground pools naturally have better circulation. Better water flow provides less dead spots for algae to form and allows the skimmer to catch more debris, which means a cleaner floor too.
Above Ground Pool FAQ’s
How many years does an above ground pool last?
It depends entirely on the wall. The best above ground pools — Aquasport 52, Admiral’s Walk, Fox Ultimate — will last 35+ years with proper care. Mid-range pools with quality US steel walls (Lamark, Atlas, Doughboy Saratoga) last 25-30 years if ice doesn’t damage them. Cheap imported steel pools from big box stores last 3–5 years. Temporary Intex/Bestway pools last 1–3 seasons.
What is the most popular size above ground pool?
The 24′ round is by far the most popular, and for good reason — it holds 13,594 gallons, has great water circulation, and costs $2,100–$2,600 less than a comparably-sized 15×30 oval when you factor in both the pool package and installation. The most popular oval is the 15×30.
What is the best above ground pool for the money?
The Lamark with a steel wall. It starts at around $2,300 shipped, and uses the same quality US steel wall as pools costing twice as much. If you can stretch your budget, the aluminum (LASA) upgrade adds $200–$400 and eliminates any rust concern for the life of the pool.
Can you put an above ground pool in the ground?
Only certain models. The Aquasport 52 can go fully inground and is the only model that doesn’t require a cement collar — saving you roughly $2,500 in installation costs. The Fox Ultimate and Wilbar Optimum can also go inground but require a cement collar. Most rolled-wall above ground pools should NOT be buried — doing so will void the warranty and risk structural failure.
Do I need a permit for an above ground pool?
In most municipalities, yes. You’ll typically need a building permit and potentially a plot plan showing pool placement, setbacks from property lines, and the location of your fence/barrier. Your electrician will pull a separate electrical permit. We provide all the documentation you need — Usually our customers handles the actual permit application with their local building department.
Do I need to bond my above ground pool?
Yes — it’s required by NEC 680.26 and your pool will fail electrical inspection without it. Bonding connects all metal components (pool wall, pump, filter, ladder, skimmer) with #8 solid bare copper wire to equalize electrical potential and prevent shock. This is NOT the same as grounding. Electricians charge $1,500+ for this job. We sell a DIY pool bonding kit pre-sized for your pool that you can install in about an hour for around $219.
What’s the difference between steel and aluminum above ground pools?
Steel is stronger pound-for-pound, but aluminum above ground pool walls are thicker — sometimes nearly twice as thick on premium models. That makes them equal or stronger in practice. The real advantage of aluminum is longevity: it doesn’t rust. Steel pools eventually corrode, especially in the Northeast where salt, moisture, and freeze-thaw cycles are brutal. In 30+ years of installations, I’ve seen aluminum outlast steel significantly. Related Article
Should I get a round or oval above ground pool?
Round pools give you more water per dollar, better circulation (fewer algae dead spots), easier maintenance, and lower installation cost. A 24′ round is actually larger than a 15×30 oval by 55 square feet and holds 1,500 more gallons — while costing $2,100–$2,600 less total. Ovals make sense if your yard won’t fit a round pool or if you want a more “inground” look. Just know that ovals require buried straps or buttresses that can settle over time.
What size pump and filter do I need for an above ground pool?
Bigger is better. Most pool packages come with undersized equipment to hit a lower price point. I recommend a variable speed pump (saves ~87.5% on energy vs. single speed) and a filter rated for at least your pool’s volume. For a 24′ round (13,594 gallons), I’d recommend a 150 sq ft cartridge filter or an EC50 DE filter paired with a Speck E71 variable speed pump. Related Articles: Pumps and Filters
What is the best brand for above ground swimming pools?
Buster Crabbe / Aquasports Pools LLC offers the best products, dealers and warranty. While customer service in the pool industry is pretty bad due to high demand during the summer, they stand above all the rest.
How much does it cost to run an above ground pool?
With a variable speed pump running 22–24 hours/day at low speed, electricity costs are surprisingly low — roughly $30–$50/month. Chemicals run $40–$80/month during swim season. A new liner every 7–12 years costs $450–$1800 depending on size and quality. The biggest hidden cost is a single-speed pump — they run at full blast (3,450 RPM) and use 5–8x more electricity than a variable speed pump at low speed.
Can I install an above ground pool myself?
A standard above ground pool (rolled wall, on flat ground) — yes, with a helper and a weekend. The most critical part is getting the ground perfectly level. I cannot stress this enough. Semi-inground installations (Aquasport 52) are possible for handy homeowners too. We ship pools nationwide and I provide my personal cell number to every customer for installation support. (978) 710-8667 – I am the pool builder whisperer
What’s the best above ground pool for cold climates?
The Aquasport 52 and Admiral’s Walk handle freeze-thaw cycles better than anything else on the market. Their thick aluminum panel walls don’t expand and contract the way thin materials do. I’m in Massachusetts — I’ve watched these pools go through 20+ New England winters without issue. Radiant pools (with their foam-core walls) have documented ice damage problems — I have the photos to prove it. Avoid any pool with thin aluminum skins in cold climates.
Aquasport 52 vs. Radiant — which is better?
The Aquasport 52 is superior in nearly every category. It’s all structural aluminum (no Styrofoam filler), doesn’t require a cement collar, has a 30-year warranty that’s backed by a financially healthy family-owned company, and costs less. I’ve documented Radiant ice damage failures and met a dealer whose warranty claim was only partially covered. The only argument for Radiant is the insulated wall for heating — but most heat loss is through the water surface, not the walls. Read my full Radiant review →
The Bottom Line
The best above ground pool is the one with the best wall. Everything else — top rails, frame colors, fancy brochures — is secondary. A strong wall installed on level ground will last decades. A weak wall won’t survive five winters no matter how pretty the frame is.
If budget allows, the Aquasport 52 is the pool I install for my own customers and the one I’d put in my own backyard. If you need to save, the Lamark gives you the same wall quality at a lower price point. And if you want the ultimate backyard setup, the Admiral’s Walk is as close to an inground experience as above ground pools get.
Have questions? I’ve been doing this for 30 years and I’m not going anywhere. Call me directly at (978) 710-8667 — no salespeople, no call center, just a pool guy who’s seen it all.
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Michael Kern
Michael Kern
