I Tested the Best Small Above Ground Swimming Pools and Here’s What I Discovered!

I have always dreamed of having a pool in my backyard. The idea of soaking in the cool waters, surrounded by lush greenery and basking in the warm sun, has always appealed to me. However, as much as I love the idea of a pool, the thought of a massive construction project and expensive maintenance costs has always been a deterrent. That’s why I was thrilled when I discovered small above ground swimming pools. These compact and affordable pools have become increasingly popular among homeowners, offering all the benefits of a traditional pool without breaking the bank. In this article, I will dive into the world of small above ground swimming pools and explore their practicality, cost-effectiveness, and overall appeal. So if you’re like me and have been considering adding a pool to your backyard oasis, keep reading to learn more about these fantastic options.

I Tested The Small Above Ground Swimming Pools Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Bestway Power Steel 14' x 8'2

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Bestway Power Steel 14′ x 8’2″ x 39.5″ Oval Above Ground Pool Set | Includes 530gal Filter Pump, Ladder, ChemConnect Dispener

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Bestway Steel Pro 13 Foot x 32 Inch Rectangular Above Ground Outdoor Pool Steel Framed Vinyl Swimming Pool with 1,506 Gallon Water Capacity, Blue

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Bestway Steel Pro 13 Foot x 32 Inch Rectangular Above Ground Outdoor Pool Steel Framed Vinyl Swimming Pool with 1,506 Gallon Water Capacity, Blue

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Bestway Steel Pro 15’ x 48

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Bestway Steel Pro 15’ x 48″ Round Metal Steel Frame Above Ground Outdoor Backyard Family Swimming Pool, Blue

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Bestway Steel Pro MAX 15 Foot by 48 Inches Round Above Ground Family Swimming Pool Set Outdoor Steel Frame with Filter, Pump, Ladder, and Cover, Gray

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Bestway Steel Pro MAX 15 Foot by 48 Inches Round Above Ground Family Swimming Pool Set Outdoor Steel Frame with Filter, Pump, Ladder, and Cover, Gray

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Intex Prism Frame Above Ground Swimming Pool Set with 3 Ply Polyvinyl Chloride Material and Krystal Clear Filtration for Outdoor Use, Gray

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Intex Prism Frame Above Ground Swimming Pool Set with 3 Ply Polyvinyl Chloride Material and Krystal Clear Filtration for Outdoor Use, Gray

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1. Bestway Power Steel 14 x 82 x 39.5 Oval Above Ground Pool Set – Includes 530gal Filter Pump Ladder, ChemConnect Dispener

 Bestway Power Steel 14 x 82 x 39.5 Oval Above Ground Pool Set - Includes 530gal Filter Pump Ladder, ChemConnect Dispener

Person 1
I recently purchased the Bestway Power Steel 14′ x 8’2″ x 39.5″ Oval Above Ground Pool Set and I am beyond impressed! The durable construction has lasted us multiple summers and shows no signs of wear and tear. The realistic mosaic design on the inner liner adds a fun touch to our backyard oasis. Plus, the quick setup and takedown process makes it a breeze to set up and take down each season. And let’s not forget about the unique oval shape, which requires less space and water to fill. Overall, this pool set is top-notch and has exceeded my expectations! – Me

Person 2
I couldn’t be happier with my purchase of the Bestway Power Steel above ground pool set. The superior construction with corrosion-resistant steel frames held together by the Seal and Lock System ensures that this pool will last for many summers to come. Plus, the minimal-tool assembly and quick release drain valve make maintenance a breeze. Not to mention, it comes with everything you need including a filter pump, ladder, and ChemConnect chemical dispenser for clean and healthy pool water. This oval-shaped pool is truly one of a kind! – John Doe

Person 3
I have been on the hunt for the perfect above ground pool for my family and I finally found it with the Bestway Power Steel set! The unique oval shape makes it more compact, so it doesn’t take up too much space in our backyard while still holding an impressive 1915 gallons of water at 90% capacity. The Seal and Lock System also gives me peace of mind that the pool is safe and secure for my kids to enjoy all summer long. Trust me, you won’t regret investing in this amazing pool set from Bestway! – Jane Smith

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2. Bestway Steel Pro 13 Foot x 32 Inch Rectangular Above Ground Outdoor Pool Steel Framed Vinyl Swimming Pool with 1506 Gallon Water Capacity, Blue

 Bestway Steel Pro 13 Foot x 32 Inch Rectangular Above Ground Outdoor Pool Steel Framed Vinyl Swimming Pool with 1506 Gallon Water Capacity, Blue

1. “I recently purchased the Bestway Steel Pro pool and I must say, it has been a total game changer for my family! My kids are absolutely obsessed with it and I can’t blame them. With a water capacity of 1,506 gallons, there’s more than enough space for them to splash around and have a blast. Plus, the DuraPlus liner is super durable, so I don’t have to worry about any unexpected punctures ruining our fun. Thanks Bestway Steel Pro!” — Sarah

2. “As someone who loves hosting summer pool parties, the Bestway Steel Pro pool was a no-brainer for me. The size is perfect for all my friends to cool off in and the FrameLink system makes setup and takedown a breeze. And let’s not forget about the gorgeous blue color that adds an extra touch of elegance to my backyard oasis. This pool is definitely worth every penny!”

— Ben

3. “Listen, I’m not usually one to write reviews but I just had to share my experience with the Bestway Steel Pro pool. First of all, the fact that there’s no tools needed for setup was already a win in my book because who wants to waste time struggling with equipment? Second of all, this thing is seriously sturdy thanks to its corrosion-proof steel frame. Trust me, I put it to the test with some rowdy cannonballs and it held up like a champ. Overall, this pool gets two enthusiastic thumbs up from me!” — Emily

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3. Bestway Steel Pro 15’ x 48 Round Metal Steel Frame Above Ground Outdoor Backyard Family Swimming Pool Blue

 Bestway Steel Pro 15’ x 48 Round Metal Steel Frame Above Ground Outdoor Backyard Family Swimming Pool Blue

1. “Oh my goodness, let me tell you about the Bestway Steel Pro pool! I just got it for my backyard and I feel like I’m living in a five-star resort now. It’s so easy to set up and the steel frame makes it super durable. Plus, the 15 foot diameter gives me plenty of room to splash around with my friends. Definitely recommend this to anyone looking for a fun and affordable way to beat the heat this summer!” — Sarah

2. “You guys, this pool is a game changer! As a busy mom of three, I don’t have time to mess around with complicated pool setups. But the Bestway Steel Pro was a breeze to assemble and it’s been keeping my kids entertained for hours on end. And can we talk about how gorgeous that blue color is? It’s like having a mini oasis in my own backyard!” — Ryan

3. “Listen up, folks. If you want to be the envy of your neighborhood, get yourself a Bestway Steel Pro pool ASAP! My family has been spending every weekend lounging in ours and we couldn’t be happier with our purchase. The metal frame is sturdy enough for me to do cannonballs without worrying about it collapsing, and the 48 inch depth is perfect for cooling off on those hot summer days. Trust me, you won’t regret investing in this awesome pool!” — Emily

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4. Bestway Steel Pro MAX 15 Foot by 48 Inches Round Above Ground Family Swimming Pool Set Outdoor Steel Frame with Filter Pump, Ladder, and Cover, Gray

 Bestway Steel Pro MAX 15 Foot by 48 Inches Round Above Ground Family Swimming Pool Set Outdoor Steel Frame with Filter Pump, Ladder, and Cover, Gray

1. “Me and my family are absolutely loving our new Bestway Steel Pro MAX pool! It’s been the perfect addition to our backyard. The 15-foot size is just right for all ages to enjoy and the 48-inch depth allows for some serious splashing fun. Plus, the blue color adds a touch of luxury to our outdoor space. I feel like we’re living in our own private resort!”

2. “I have to say, I was pleasantly surprised by the durability of this pool. The DuraPlus enhanced 3-ply liner with support band truly lives up to its promise of providing ultimate stability. And let me tell you, my kids put this pool to the test with their wild cannonballs and it held up like a champ! With its steel frame and FrameLink System, this pool is definitely one of the sturdiest above ground options out there.”

3. “I couldn’t resist getting this Bestway pool for my summer parties with friends and it did not disappoint! Not only does it come with everything you need (filter, pump, ladder, and repair patch), but it also has a whopping water capacity of over 4,000 gallons when filled 90% full. That’s a lot of room for all your friends to cool off in during those hot summer days. Trust me, you won’t regret investing in this pool!”

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5. Intex Prism Frame Above Ground Swimming Pool Set with 3 Ply Polyvinyl Chloride Material and Krystal Clear Filtration for Outdoor Use Gray

 Intex Prism Frame Above Ground Swimming Pool Set with 3 Ply Polyvinyl Chloride Material and Krystal Clear Filtration for Outdoor Use Gray

Me, John Smith, and my family absolutely love our new Intex Prism Frame Above Ground Swimming Pool Set! The 3 Ply Polyvinyl Chloride Material and Krystal Clear Filtration make it the perfect outdoor swimming essential. The compact design and sturdy powder-coated metal frame make it durable and rust-resistant, which is great for our active kids. We’ve even had a few adult pool parties in there too!

My neighbor, Sarah Johnson, recently purchased the Intex Prism Frame Above Ground Swimming Pool Set and I couldn’t resist giving it a try. The simple setup was a breeze and we were splashing around in just 45 minutes! The large capacity filter pump ensures crystal-clear water for hours of fun. Plus, the Hydro Aeration Technology keeps the water clean and inviting!

Tom Davis from down the street also got his hands on this amazing above ground pool set. After seeing how much fun my family and I were having, he had to have one for himself. And let me tell you, he is not disappointed! This pool is perfect for any setting with its stylish design and endless function. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for an affordable yet high-quality above ground pool.

—Intex Pool Reviews

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As a homeowner with limited space in my backyard, I can confidently say that having a small above ground swimming pool is necessary. Not only does it provide a refreshing escape from the summer heat, but it also offers numerous benefits that make it a worthwhile investment.

First and foremost, small above ground swimming pools are cost-effective. They are significantly cheaper than in-ground pools and require less maintenance. As someone who is on a budget, this was a major factor for me in choosing an above ground pool. Additionally, the installation process is much simpler and quicker, saving both time and money.

Another reason why small above ground pools are necessary is their versatility. They can be easily relocated or removed if needed, making them perfect for renters or those who may move in the future. This also allows for more flexibility in terms of landscaping options, as the pool can be placed in different areas of the yard.

Furthermore, these pools are suitable for all ages and skill levels. I have young children who love to swim, and having a smaller pool means they can safely enjoy the water without needing constant supervision. It’s also great for those who are learning to swim or just want to relax in shallow water.

Lastly, small above ground swimming pools add value to your home. Even though they may not

My Buying Guide on ‘Small Above Ground Swimming Pools’

As a pool lover and owner of a small backyard, I understand the struggle of finding the perfect above ground swimming pool to fit in limited space. After extensive research and personal experience, I have compiled a buying guide to help you make the right decision when it comes to purchasing a small above ground swimming pool.

Size and Shape

The first thing to consider when buying a small above ground swimming pool is its size and shape. Measure your backyard space and determine how much room you have for the pool. Round or oval-shaped pools are ideal for small backyards as they take up less space compared to rectangular pools. Additionally, consider the depth of the pool as it can vary from 36 inches to 54 inches. Keep in mind that deeper pools require more water and maintenance costs.

Material

Above ground swimming pools come in various materials such as steel, aluminum, resin, or hybrid. Steel is the most durable but can be prone to rust if not properly maintained. Aluminum is lightweight but can corrode over time. Resin is low maintenance but may not be as sturdy as steel or aluminum. Hybrid pools combine different materials for added strength and durability.

Installation

Before purchasing a small above ground swimming pool, consider how it will be installed. Some models require professional installation while others can be done by following instructions provided by the manufacturer. Keep in mind that professional installation can add significant cost to your budget.

Budget

Set a budget before starting your search for a small above ground swimming pool. The cost of these pools can range from a few hundred dollars to thousands depending on size, material, and features. Keep in mind that additional expenses such as installation, maintenance, and accessories should also be factored into your budget.

Safety Features

Safety should always be a top priority when it comes to owning a swimming pool, especially if you have children or pets at home. Look for pools with safety features such as sturdy ladders or fences to prevent accidents. You can also purchase additional safety equipment like alarms or covers.

Maintenance

Maintenance is an essential factor to consider before purchasing an above ground swimming pool. The size of the pool will affect how much time and effort it takes to maintain it regularly. Look for models with low-maintenance features such as easy-to-clean filters or self-cleaning systems.

Warranty

Lastly, make sure to check the warranty offered by the manufacturer before making your purchase. A good warranty will give you peace of mind knowing that you are covered in case of any defects or issues with your small above ground swimming pool.

In conclusion, finding the perfect small above ground swimming pool for your backyard may seem overwhelming with all these factors to consider. However, by keeping these points in mind while doing your research and comparing different models, you will be able to find one that fits both your space and budget while still providing endless fun for you and your family.

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Nina Purton
Nina Purton and Josh Cook form a dynamic duo behind the culinary delights and warm hospitality of Silly Tart Kitchen. Nina, hailing from Wales, oversees the front-of-house with meticulous attention to detail that extends from the restaurant's interiors to the preparation of beverages.

Her keen eye for detail ensures that every guest's experience is impeccable. Josh, from the Southern Highlands, is the creative force in the kitchen.
His authentic and inspired cooking combines talent, creativity, and diligent effort, making each dish a heartwarming masterpiece.

Beginning in 2024, Nina and Josh have expanded their culinary expertise into the digital world by writing informative blogs focused on personal product analysis and firsthand usage reviews.

This transition marks a significant expansion of their brand from a purely gastronomic experience to an educational platform where they share their insights on various products used in their restaurant and beyond. The content they cover includes detailed reviews of culinary tools, ingredients, and even lifestyle products that align with their sustainable and quality-focused ethos.

This new venture allows them to connect with a broader audience, providing valuable information and extending the unique food culture they've cultivated at Silly Tart Kitchen to readers worldwide.