Best Framed Swimming Pools of 2026

"I was really impressed with how simple the assembly was, even for someone who's not especially handy. The instructions made sense and everything fit together easily. My kids absolutely love the space—there’s plenty of room for fun and the depth is just right for younger swimmers. If I had to pick something to improve, it would be the skimmer; I wish there was a better surface skimming system. But overall, this pool has brought endless summer enjoyment to our backyard!"

"This pool has been a fantastic purchase for our family. It arrived fast and was ready to use in just a few hours. The materials feel solid and have withstood daily use from both kids and adults. The pump does a solid job, and keeping the water clear has been easy. It’s definitely one of my best summer buys—perfect for families needing affordable relief from the heat!"

"As a complete rookie, I was skeptical, but the setup was quick and painless, even for a first-timer. With a simple chlorine floater and a cheap hand skimmer, the water has stayed crystal clear for months. The filter is easy to clean, and while some hoses needed a quick fix, I’ve gotten amazing value and use out of this pool almost year-round in a warm climate."

"I've been around pools for decades, and I have to say, the Bestway Steel Pro MAX 12' x 30" Above Ground Pool is a 10/10. The setup was a breeze—two of us had it done in under an hour. The pool feels sturdy and the size is ideal for both families and adults. My advice for newcomers: the included pump is a bit weak, so plan on upgrading for better water quality. Overall, this pool is a great summer investment."

"As someone who can't afford an inground pool, this pool has been a wonderful alternative for relaxing and cooling off in the Florida heat. Set up was quick, even for one person, and I really appreciate the durable plastic frame, especially after my last metal-framed pool rusted. The depth is great for floating and exercise. Only downside is the pump leaked after a day, but I still feel it's worth every penny."

"Our family is loving this pool! The setup was straightforward, and the material feels top-notch and long-lasting. It's spacious enough for everyone to enjoy without overtaking our backyard. The pump keeps the water clean, reducing maintenance time. Exceeded my expectations for quality and value—I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a reliable above-ground pool."

"I was really happy with how simple the assembly process was. My husband and I had it up in no time, and the kids were thrilled! The pool feels sturdy and well-made, and adding a fountain and skimmer basket made a big difference in keeping the water clean. The included pump works, but I do wish the filtration was a bit better. Overall, it's a great pool for the family to cool off and relax."

"At first, I wasn't sure about buying this pool due to mixed reviews, but I'm glad I did! The 15x42 size is huge, easily fitting a bunch of people for a pool party. Setup took a few hours with some help, but the instructions were clear and everything was included, from the ladder to the ground tarp. The pump works fine for now, and even after a minor leak (our fault), we fixed it easily. Definitely worth the price for the size and features."

"The quality isn't quite what it used to be—the liner material feels thinner than before, and the bottom lets sunlight through. I was worried about punctures since it doesn't feel as durable as my previous purchase. Unfortunately, I noticed some water pooling around the bottom, but I can't pinpoint the leak. I'd appreciate it if the liner was a bit thicker, but otherwise, it's functional for the season."

"I bought this pool for some summer fun and have been impressed by how easy it is to set up and move around. The pump works well, especially once you make sure there’s little air in the lines. I also love the timer function. After a tough Texas summer, the pool is still in great shape with no problems at all."

"For the price, this pool was honestly a steal! My kids love it, and it’s easy to maintain with just a net, vacuum, cover, and chlorine tablets. Setup was simple, and even with my 7 and 5 year olds playing rough, the pool has held up great. The pump is quiet and runs efficiently. Overall, it brought new life to our backyard."

"As a first-time above-ground pool owner, I learned a lot with this pool. The setup is super easy, but I highly recommend properly leveling the ground. Upgrading the pump made a big difference—water circulation and debris removal improved instantly. With a few extra accessories, it's straightforward to keep clean and enjoyable all season long."

"I absolutely adore this pool! Setting it up was a breeze, and it fits perfectly in my yard without taking up too much space. The sturdy frame and thick lining give me peace of mind, and I’ve been able to keep the water clear with a simple pump and chlorine tablets. It’s been a huge hit for both me and my dog—we spend hours outside grilling, playing, and relaxing. The pink color also adds a fun touch!"

"I picked this pool for my family, and the easy installation and leak-proof design impressed us right away. Our two kids can splash for hours, and with a simple Intex pump and floating chlorine puck, maintenance is minimal. It’s been a perfect addition for our daily summer fun!"

"After owning bigger pools, I was looking for something more manageable. This small pool was super easy to put up and take down, and I love the handy corner shelves for drinks and phones. I’ve received tons of compliments and would definitely buy again. The only hiccup was a minor issue with one of the support poles not having holes, but overall, it’s a fantastic pool."

"I was a bit hesitant at first, but this pool ended up being a fantastic purchase! My 5-year-old absolutely loves it, and it's just the right size for her. Assembly was straightforward even by myself, and the sturdiness is far better than the inflatable pools we've used before. I do recommend upgrading to at least the 1000 GPH filter pump for the best experience. Setting up extra features like foam mats and a canopy made it even more comfortable and fun for the whole family. All in all, I'm extremely happy with how it turned out."

"We upgraded to the 12x30 pool this year and couldn't be more pleased. It's the perfect fit for our yard and provides plenty of space to float and relax during the summer heat. Set up was a breeze and the pool feels very sturdy. I would absolutely give it a 10 out of 10!"

"We bought this for our backyard, and it's been a wonderful addition for our family. The materials are durable and the liner feels thick, which gives me confidence it will last for years. The only minor issue was that a couple of support pipes bent a bit after some use, but it's not a dealbreaker. Overall, it's a great value and lots of fun!"

"I purchased the 24ft by 12ft Intex Ultra pool for my family and was pleasantly surprised by its solid build and generous size. After researching more expensive options, I found this pool to be a great value. The included sand filter works wonderfully, and the setup instructions were clear and easy to follow."

"Setting up the pool took some effort, mainly because proper ground leveling is absolutely critical. I learned from past experience to use foam board insulation and pavers under the legs, which made a huge difference in protecting the liner and supporting the pool. The end result was a comfortable, safe swimming area for the family."

"While the initial price seemed reasonable, I realized that there are extra costs involved in preparing the site and getting the necessary materials. Despite this, the pool is sturdy, fun, and well worth it for anyone looking to add a permanent feature for family enjoyment."

"After plenty of research, I picked this pool for my backyard and it turned out to be the perfect choice. It's sturdy, looks great, and was easy to set up. I do recommend putting something soft underneath to protect the liner. With the right pump upgrade, it's been smooth sailing. My wife loves floating in it all summer, and it's definitely worth the price. Just remember to keep up with the pool chemicals for the best experience."

"I was torn between the smaller and larger sizes, but the 12-foot model fits our family perfectly. We can all enjoy it together and there's even space for friends. The upgraded pump keeps it clean, and although the pool takes a little more work to maintain than I expected, it's totally manageable. The design feels solid, and I'm happy we can use it for most of the year."

"I purchased this pool without the included pump because I already had a better filter system ready. The material is high quality, and it was easy for me to set up solo. Maintaining it does take some effort, but for the size and value, I'd definitely buy it again when I want a larger pool."

"I found this pool to be super simple to assemble, and the materials feel really solid and well-made. The size works perfectly for our whole family, and the filter and pump are both high quality. I honestly have no complaints and, for the price, I’d say it’s the best above ground pool out there. I’d definitely recommend Intex to anyone in the market for a pool."

"After using this pool for a couple of seasons, I’m amazed at how well it’s held up. Set up was a breeze, and maintaining the water quality has been straightforward. Adding a chlorinator and a heating mat made a huge difference—my pool stays at a comfortable 80-85 degrees. Maintenance is minimal, and with the right accessories, it’s practically effortless to keep clean. It’s been a fantastic investment for my family, especially in the hot Southwest climate."

"The pool is much bigger than I expected, which is great for swimming laps or having friends over. The sand filter works really well and the included gauge is super helpful. Filling it takes a while, but it holds up well, even in rough weather. We had a liner issue, but Amazon quickly replaced the pool. Overall, I’m happy with the purchase and think it’s built to last."

"I really appreciate how sturdy and easy to assemble this pool is. My family of five uses it daily, and the pump keeps the water crystal clear. Covering it with a solar cover helps maintain both cleanliness and temperature, while regular maintenance like vacuuming and skimming makes a big difference. This pool is a perfect size for us, and it's been a fantastic alternative to a pool membership. It was simple to set up, and we've hosted birthday parties and enjoyed countless afternoons in it!"

"After upgrading from a smaller Intex pool, I was pleasantly surprised by how manageable the maintenance is, even with the larger 16x48 size. Assembly was straightforward, though leveling the ground took some effort. Using foam insulation under the pool made the floor comfortable, and the pump works great as long as you backwash regularly. The only minor downside is the ladder, which feels a bit shaky for adults. Overall, this pool has been a wonderful addition to our yard, and we've enjoyed it all summer long."

"This is our second Intex pool—the first one lasted seven years thanks to its durability. The sand filter is a big plus, and setup was a breeze. I do wish the new ladder had a platform like my old one, but that's a small issue. These pools offer great quality and value, and I'll keep buying Intex until I have a permanent pool of my own."