Above Ground Pools
Best Modern Above Ground Pools (2026): Top 3 by the Specs
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For a modern above ground pool, the INTEX 26355EH Ultra XTR leads with an 18 ft x 9 ft rectangular frame, a 1,500 GPH sand filter pump and a 2-year warranty. The Bestway Power Steel measures 24 ft x 12 ft with a 7937-gallon capacity, while the Bestway Steel Pro MAX is the oval option at 16 ft x 10 ft.
Starting out? See the main guide: Best Above Ground Pool
Top picks at a glance
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Best OverallINTEX 26355EH Ultra XTR Deluxe Rectangular Above9.8 View on Amazon -
Biggest PoolBestway: Power Steel9.4 View on Amazon -
Also GreatBestway Steel Pro MAX9.2 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. Bestway: Power Steel | 24 ft | 52 in | Yes | — | — |
| 3. Bestway Steel Pro MAX | 16 ft | 42 in | Yes | — | — |
INTEX 26355EH Ultra XTR Deluxe Rectangular Above
It pairs an 18 ft x 9 ft rectangular frame with a 1,500 GPH sand filter pump, a 3-ply liner and a 2-year warranty.
- Pool size: 18 ft
- Wall depth: 52 in
- Pump included
- 2-year warranty stated
Good for
- Buyers who want a rectangular pool 18 ft long
- Buyers who want a sand filter pump in the set
Skip it if
- You need a pool longer than 18 ft
- You want a warranty longer than 2 years
The set includes a pool, a 1,500 GPH sand filter pump, a ladder, a pool cover and a ground cover. The frame is galvanized steel with an inner and outer powder coating, and the Easy Lock System snaps metal frame pieces together with no locking pins or tools needed. The sand in the filter pump lasts up to 5 years with regular backwashing. The pool holds 4,545 gallons of water.
Bestway: Power Steel
It is the biggest pool here at 24 ft x 12 ft, with a 7937-gallon capacity and a Tritech 3-layer sidewall.
- Pool size: 24 ft, the most here
- Wall depth: 52 in
- Pump included
Good for
- Buyers who want the biggest pool here
- Buyers who want a drain valve for emptying the pool
Skip it if
- You need a pool that fits a space under 24 ft long
- You want an oval pool instead of a rectangular pool
The set includes a pool, a filter pump, a ladder, a pool cover and a repair patch. The sidewalls use Tritech 3-layer construction with a reinforced polyester mesh core between two layers of high-gauge PVC. A built-in flow control drain valve drains water through a garden hose with an included adapter. A ChemConnect dispenser spreads chlorine through the pump, replacing a floating dispenser.
Bestway Steel Pro MAX
It is a 16 ft x 10 ft oval pool with a 42 in wall depth, a Tritech liner and a 1000-gallon filter pump.
- Pool size: 16 ft
- Wall depth: 42 in
- Pump included
Good for
- Buyers who want an oval pool 16 ft long
- Buyers who want a pool that sets up in about 60 minutes
Skip it if
- You need a pool deeper than 42 in
- You need a pool longer than 16 ft
The set includes a pool, a 1000-gallon filter pump, a Type III filter cartridge, a pool ladder, a pool cover and a repair patch. The steel frame uses ClickConnect joints that snap together and prevent metal-on-metal contact. The Tritech liner offers 15% more tear resistance, 33% more stretch resistance and 83% more puncture resistance than standard PVC. The frame and liner assemble in approximately 60 minutes with 2-3 people and no tools required.
How to choose
Pool size and wall depth
Pool size sets how much swimming room the frame gives, and wall depth sets how deep the water stands. The INTEX measures 18 ft x 9 ft with a 52 in wall depth, the Bestway Power Steel measures 24 ft x 12 ft with a 52 in wall depth, and the Bestway Steel Pro MAX measures 16 ft x 10 ft with a 42 in wall depth. Compare each footprint with the flat ground available, and leave room around the frame for the ladder and cover.
Filter pumps and water capacity
A filter pump moves water through the filter, and the capacity figure states how much water the pool holds. The INTEX set includes a 1,500 GPH sand filter pump and holds 4,545 gallons, the Bestway Power Steel set includes a filter pump and holds 7937 gallons, and the Bestway Steel Pro MAX set includes a 1000-gallon filter pump and holds 2893 gallons. Sand in the INTEX pump lasts up to 5 years with regular backwashing, while the Steel Pro MAX uses a Type III filter cartridge.
Frames, liners and setup
Frame joints decide how the pool goes together, and the liner decides how the wall stands up to wear. The INTEX frame uses an Easy Lock System that snaps pieces together with no locking pins or tools needed, and its liner is a 3-ply layer of polyester mesh and PVC. The Bestway Power Steel and Steel Pro MAX use Tritech liners, and the Steel Pro MAX frame uses ClickConnect joints. The Steel Pro MAX frame and liner assemble in approximately 60 minutes with 2-3 people and no tools required.
FAQ
What is the biggest above ground pool here?
The Bestway Power Steel measures 24 ft x 12 ft with a 52 in wall depth and a 7937-gallon capacity.
Do these pools include a filter pump?
Yes. The INTEX set includes a 1,500 GPH sand filter pump, the Bestway Power Steel set includes a filter pump, and the Bestway Steel Pro MAX set includes a 1000-gallon filter pump.
Which pool has an oval shape?
The Bestway Steel Pro MAX is the oval pool here, measuring 16 ft x 10 ft with a 42 in wall depth.
