Above Ground Pools
Best Rectangular Above Ground Swimming Pools (2026): 3 Models Side by Side
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For a rectangular above ground pool, the INTEX 36 ft pool leads this list: it pairs 52 in walls with a 2650 GPH sand filter pump and a saltwater system. The Bestway 24 ft pool suits a yard with room for 24 ft and the same 52 in wall depth, while the SunSwell 18 ft pool fits an 18 ft space with a ladder and a 300 GPH filter pump.
Starting out? See the main guide: Best Above Ground Pool
Top picks at a glance
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Best OverallINTEX 26379MZ 36ft x 18ft x 52in9.8 View on Amazon -
Runner-UpSunSwell 18ft X 9ft X 47in Above9.4 View on Amazon -
Also GreatBestway: 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 26379MZ 36ft x 18ft x 52in | 36 ft | 52 in | Yes | — | 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 26379MZ 36ft x 18ft x 52in
It pairs a 36 ft pool with 52 in walls, a 2650 GPH sand filter pump, a saltwater system, and a 2-year warranty.
- Pool size: 36 ft, the most here
- Wall depth: 52 in
- Pump included
- 2-year warranty stated
Good for
- Buyers who want a 36 ft pool with a sand filter pump
- Buyers who want a pool, ladder, cover and volleyball set
Skip it if
- You need a pool shorter than 36 ft
- You want setup faster than 90 minutes
It has a galvanized steel frame with a precision-engineered locking system and a rust-resistant powder coating inside and out. The set includes a pool ladder, ground cloth, liner, sand filter system, pool cover, volleyball set, and a deluxe maintenance kit with a leaf rake, a hose with a connector, vacuum heads, nozzles, a scrubber, and a 110-inch telescoping pole. Assembly needs no pins or tools, and the pool is ready for water in 90 minutes. It carries a 2-year limited warranty.
SunSwell 18ft X 9ft X 47in Above
It offers an 18 ft pool with a ladder, a 300 GPH filter pump, and a 3,848 gallon capacity.
- Pool size: 18 ft
- Pump included
Good for
- Buyers who want an 18 ft pool with a ladder
- Buyers who want a 3,848 gallon pool
Skip it if
- You need a pool longer than 18 ft
- You want a pump stronger than 300 GPH
It has a galvanized steel frame with a precision-engineered locking system and puncture-resistant 3-ply PVC. The set includes a movable ladder and a 300 GPH filter pump with a control valve to filter, drain, and infuse water. The main body assembles without hardware, and the pool is ready for water in 60 minutes. It weighs 100 lb and holds 3,848 gallons.
Bestway: Power Steel
It offers a 24 ft pool with 52 in walls, a 2500 GPH pump, a ladder, a cover, and a 7937 gallon capacity.
- Pool size: 24 ft
- Wall depth: 52 in
- Pump included
Good for
- Buyers who want a 24 ft pool with a filter pump
- Buyers who want a drain valve and a chlorine dispenser
Skip it if
- You need a pool longer than 24 ft
- You want more than 7937 gallons of capacity
It has Tritech 3-layer sidewalls with a reinforced polyester mesh core between two layers of high-gauge PVC. A Seal and Lock system secures the pipe connections, and a built-in flow control drain valve drains through a garden hose with an included adapter. The ChemConnect dispenser spreads chlorine through the pump. The set includes the pool, filter pump, ladder, pool cover, and a repair patch.
How to choose
Match the length to your yard
The three pools measure 36 ft, 24 ft, and 18 ft long, so measure the flat ground first and leave room around the frame for the ladder and the pump. Length decides how many swimmers fit and how much water the pool holds: the 36 ft pool pairs with a 2650 GPH sand filter pump, the 24 ft pool with a 2500 GPH pump, and the 18 ft pool with a 300 GPH filter pump.
Wall depth and who swims
Wall depth sets how deep the water stands. The INTEX and Bestway pools both have 52 in walls, while the SunSwell pool lists its size as 18 ft by 9 ft. Taller walls hold more water and suit swimmers who want depth, but they also need a ladder that reaches over the side, and all three sets include one.
Pumps, covers and upkeep
Every set here includes a filter pump and a ladder, and the INTEX and Bestway sets add a pool cover. Compare the pump figures before buying: 2650 GPH for the INTEX sand filter pump, 2500 GPH for the Bestway pump, and 300 GPH for the SunSwell filter pump. A drain valve, as on the Bestway, lets you empty the pool through a garden hose, and a chlorine dispenser, also on the Bestway, spreads chlorine through the pump water.
FAQ
What size rectangular above ground pool should I buy?
Measure your flat ground first, then match it to the lengths here: 36 ft for the INTEX, 24 ft for the Bestway, and 18 ft for the SunSwell. Leave room around the frame for the ladder and the pump.
Do these pools come with a filter pump?
Yes. All three sets include a filter pump: a 2650 GPH sand filter pump with the INTEX, a 2500 GPH pump with the Bestway, and a 300 GPH filter pump with the SunSwell.
What wall depth do these pools have?
The INTEX and Bestway pools have 52 in walls. The SunSwell pool is listed at 18 ft by 9 ft; compare its stated dimensions with your yard before buying.
How long does setup take for these pools?
The INTEX is ready for water in 90 minutes with snap-together frame components and no pins or tools. The SunSwell is ready for water in 60 minutes with a main body that assembles without hardware.
