Above Ground Pools
Best Above Ground Pool (2026): 3 Models Side by Side
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The INTEX 26355EH Ultra XTR leads this list for above ground pools: its 18 ft x 9 ft x 52 in rectangular frame holds 4,545 gallons and the set includes a 1,500 GPH sand filter pump. The Bestway Power Steel is the biggest pool here at 24 ft x 12 ft, while the SunSwell offers an 18 ft length with a 47 in wall.
Top picks at a glance
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Best OverallINTEX 26355EH Ultra XTR Deluxe Rectangular Above9.8 View on Amazon -
Runner-UpSunSwell 18ft X 9ft X 47in Above9.3 View on Amazon -
Biggest PoolBestway: Power Steel9.2 View on Amazon
Compare the specs
Ranked on pool size, wall depth, pump included from each listing, plus how many buyers have rated it. A dash (—) means we could not confirm that figure from the listing.
| Pick | Pool size | Wall depth | Pump included | Weight | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. INTEX 26355EH Ultra XTR Deluxe Rectangular Above | 18 ft | 52 in | Yes | 276.4 lb | 2-year |
| 2. SunSwell 18ft X 9ft X 47in Above | 18 ft | — | Yes | 100 lb | — |
| 3. Bestway: Power Steel | 24 ft | 52 in | Yes | — | — |
INTEX 26355EH Ultra XTR Deluxe Rectangular Above
It earns Best Overall with an 18 ft x 9 ft rectangular frame and a 1,500 GPH sand filter pump.
- Pool size: 18 ft
- Wall depth: 52 in
- Pump included
- 2-year warranty stated
Good for
- Buyers who want a rectangular pool with a sand filter pump included
- Swimmers who want 4,545 gallons of water capacity
Skip it if
- You need a pool longer than 18 ft
- You want a pump stronger than 1,500 GPH
The set includes a pool, a 1,500 GPH sand filter pump, a ladder, a pool cover and a ground cover. The 3-ply liner combines high strength polyester mesh with an extra thick layer of PVC, and the galvanized steel frame has an inner and outer powder coating. Metal frame pieces snap together with no locking pins or tools needed, and the sand lasts up to 5 years with regular backwashing. It weighs 276.4 lb and carries a 2-year warranty on the pool liner, frame and filter pump.
SunSwell 18ft X 9ft X 47in Above
It earns Runner-Up with an 18 ft x 9 ft rectangular frame, a 3,848 gallon capacity and a movable ladder in the set.
- Pool size: 18 ft
- Pump included
Good for
- Buyers who want a 300 GPH filter pump with a control valve
- Swimmers who want a pool ready for water in 60 minutes
Skip it if
- You need a pool longer than 18 ft
- You want a pool deeper than 47 in
The frame combines galvanized steel with a precision-engineered locking system, and the main body assembles directly without hardware. The 3-ply PVC material is puncture-resistant and includes repair patches for easy fixes. The filter pump has a control valve to filter, drain and infuse water, and the movable ladder gives entry to the pool. It weighs 100 lb and is ready for water in 60 minutes.
Bestway: Power Steel
It earns Biggest Pool with a 24 ft x 12 ft x 52 in rectangular frame and a 7,937 gallon capacity.
- Pool size: 24 ft, the most here
- Wall depth: 52 in
- Pump included
Good for
- Buyers who want the biggest rectangular pool in this list
- Swimmers who want 7,937 gallons of water capacity
Skip it if
- You need a pool shorter than 24 ft
- You want a pump weaker than 2500 GPH
The Tritech sidewalls are puncture-resistant, with a reinforced polyester mesh core between two layers of high-gauge PVC. The Seal and Lock System gives a pipe connection that prevents leaks, and the flow control drain valve drains water through an attached garden hose with an included adapter. The ChemConnect dispenser works with the pump to spread chlorine across the pool. The set includes a pool, filter pump, ladder, pool cover and repair patch.
How to choose
Compare size by length, width and wall depth
Length and width decide how many swimmers fit, and wall depth sets the water depth. The INTEX measures 18 ft x 9 ft x 52 in, the SunSwell measures 18 ft x 9 ft x 47 in, and the Bestway measures 24 ft x 12 ft x 52 in. Capacity follows size: 4,545 gallons for the INTEX, 3,848 gallons for the SunSwell and 7,937 gallons for the Bestway. Measure your yard before choosing, and leave room around the frame for the ladder.
Look at the filter pump in the set
A filter pump keeps pool water moving through filtration. The INTEX set includes a 1,500 GPH sand filter pump that uses sand instead of a pool filter cartridge, and the sand lasts up to 5 years with regular backwashing. The SunSwell set includes a 300 GPH filter pump with a control valve to filter, drain and infuse water. The Bestway set includes a 2500 GPH filter pump, plus a ChemConnect dispenser that spreads chlorine. Compare pump flow and filter type before choosing.
Assembly, ladder and upkeep
Assembly differs across these sets. The INTEX frame pieces snap together with no locking pins or tools needed under its Easy Lock System, and the SunSwell main body assembles directly without hardware under its easy lock system. Both the INTEX and Bestway sets include a ladder and a pool cover, and the SunSwell includes a movable ladder. INTEX sand lasts up to 5 years with regular backwashing, and Bestway includes a repair patch for quick fixes.
FAQ
What size are these above ground pools?
The INTEX measures 18 ft x 9 ft x 52 in, the SunSwell measures 18 ft x 9 ft x 47 in, and the Bestway measures 24 ft x 12 ft x 52 in.
How much water do these pools hold?
The INTEX holds 4,545 gallons, the SunSwell holds 3,848 gallons, and the Bestway holds 7,937 gallons.
Do these pools include a filter pump?
Yes. The INTEX set includes a 1,500 GPH sand filter pump, the SunSwell set includes a 300 GPH filter pump, and the Bestway set includes a 2500 GPH filter pump.
What warranty does the INTEX pool carry?
The INTEX carries a 2-year warranty on the pool liner, frame and filter pump.
