Above Ground Pools
Best Steel Frame Above Ground Pool (2026): 3 Picks Compared
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For a steel frame above ground pool, the Intex Ultra XTR leads this list: an 18 ft by 9 ft rectangular pool with a galvanized steel frame, a 1,500 GPH sand filter pump and a 2-year warranty. The SunSwell and Bestway pools also measure 18 ft by 9 ft, so the choice comes down to wall depth, capacity and what comes in the box. Match the footprint to your yard before choosing.
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 -
Runner-UpSunSwell 18ft X 9ft X 47in Above9.4 View on Amazon -
Also GreatBestway APX 365 18' x 9' x9.2 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 APX 365 18' x 9' x | 18 ft | 52 in | Yes | — | — |
INTEX 26355EH Ultra XTR Deluxe Rectangular Above
It pairs an 18 ft by 9 ft galvanized steel frame with a 1,500 GPH sand filter pump, a ladder and a 2-year warranty.
- Pool size: 18 ft
- Wall depth: 52 in
- Pump included
- 2-year warranty stated
Good for
- Owners of yards with room for an 18 ft by 9 ft pool
- Buyers who want a sand filter pump, a ladder and a cover included
Skip it if
- You need more than 4,545 gallons of capacity
- You want a warranty longer than 2 years
It has a galvanized steel frame with an inner and outer powder coating, and T-joints with a UV inhibitor. The 3-ply liner combines polyester mesh with an extra thick layer of PVC, and the set includes a 1,500 GPH sand filter pump, a ladder, a pool cover and a ground cover. The sand in the filter lasts up to 5 years with regular backwashing, and the liner, frame and filter pump carry a 2-year warranty. Metal frame pieces snap together with no locking pins or tools needed.
SunSwell 18ft X 9ft X 47in Above
It pairs an 18 ft by 9 ft galvanized steel frame with a movable ladder, a 300 GPH filter pump and repair patches.
- Pool size: 18 ft
- Pump included
Good for
- Buyers who want a movable ladder and a filter pump included
- Owners of yards with room for an 18 ft by 9 ft pool
Skip it if
- You need more than 3,848 gallons of capacity
- You want a pump rated over 300 GPH
It has a galvanized steel frame with a precision-engineered locking system, and a puncture-resistant 3-ply PVC liner with repair patches included. The pool holds 3,848 gallons, with inner dimensions of 18 ft by 9 ft by 47.24 in. A movable ladder gives entry to the water, and the included filter pump has 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.
Bestway APX 365 18' x 9' x
It pairs an 18 ft by 9 ft galvanized steel frame with a sand filter pump, filtration balls, a ladder and a cover.
- Pool size: 18 ft
- Wall depth: 52 in
- Pump included
Good for
- Buyers who want a sand filter pump, filtration balls and a cover
- Owners who want a pool for year-round use
Skip it if
- You need more than 4,352 gallons of capacity
- You want a wall deeper than 52 in
It has a galvanized steel frame that resists rust and damage from the elements, and a 3-layer Tritech liner with Polar-Shield for cold temperatures. The pool holds 4,352 gallons of water (90%) and measures 18 ft by 9 ft by 52 in. ClickConnect joints with quick-click connectors set up with no tools required, and the set includes a 1,600-gallon sand filter pump, reusable filtration balls, a ladder and a pool cover. The pool suits year-round use.
How to choose
Match size to your yard
All three pools measure 18 ft by 9 ft, so length and width will not separate them. The useful differences are wall depth and capacity: 52 in and 4,545 gallons for the Intex, 47.24 in and 3,848 gallons for the SunSwell, and 52 in and 4,352 gallons for the Bestway. Measure the yard space the frame needs, including room around the pool for the ladder and maintenance, and compare it with the pool size before choosing.
Pumps and what comes in the box
Each pool includes a pump, but the pumps differ. The Intex set includes a 1,500 GPH sand filter pump, and the sand lasts up to 5 years with regular backwashing. The SunSwell includes a 300 GPH filter pump with a control valve, and the Bestway set includes a 1,600-gallon sand filter pump with reusable filtration balls. Check the box contents against what you already own: the Intex and Bestway sets include a ladder and a cover, and the SunSwell includes a movable ladder.
Frames, liners and setup
All three frames use galvanized steel. The Intex frame adds an inner and outer powder coating with T-joints that carry a UV inhibitor, and its 3-ply liner combines polyester mesh with PVC. The Bestway frame resists rust and damage from the elements, and its liner is 3-layer Tritech with Polar-Shield for cold temperatures. The SunSwell liner is puncture-resistant 3-ply PVC with repair patches included. Assembly needs no tools on the Intex and Bestway, and the SunSwell main body assembles without hardware.
FAQ
What size are these steel frame pools?
All three measure 18 ft by 9 ft. The Intex and Bestway pools are 52 in deep, and the SunSwell pool measures 47.24 in deep inside the frame.
Which pool includes a sand filter pump?
The Intex set includes a 1,500 GPH sand filter pump, and the Bestway set includes a 1,600-gallon sand filter pump with reusable filtration balls. The SunSwell includes a 300 GPH filter pump.
Do these pools include a ladder?
The Intex set includes a ladder, the Bestway set includes a ladder, and the SunSwell includes a movable ladder.
How much water do these pools hold?
The Intex holds 4,545 gallons, the SunSwell holds 3,848 gallons, and the Bestway holds 4,352 gallons of water.
