Best Side Wall Swimming Pools of 2025

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Side wall swimming pools are a popular choice for homeowners who want to enjoy the benefits of having a pool without the hassle and expense of an in-ground installation. These pools are easy to set up and come in a variety of sizes and shapes to fit any backyard. Made from durable materials, they can withstand the elements and provide years of enjoyment. The side walls offer stability and support, and many models feature built-in filtration systems for easy maintenance. Whether you're looking to cool off on a hot summer day or want to entertain friends and family, a side wall swimming pool is a great option.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks
Top 10 Side Wall Swimming Pools
Lake Effect Meadows Reprieve Above Ground Swimming Pool Bundle Kit
The Lake Effect Meadows Reprieve 18' x 33' Oval Above Ground Swimming Pool Bundle Kit includes a slide-lock resin A-frame ladder, widemouth skimmer, "Boulder Swirl" 25 gauge overlap liner, 3 bags of "Rx Clear" Luster Filter Media, and a 24" sand filter system with pump. The elegantly designed pool features a super strong galvanized steel wall that is resin coated inside and out to protect against premature rusting. The liner boasts a beautiful "Boulder Swirl" pattern that is made of North American cut material and hand-folded to prevent creasing. The pool is easy to install and designed to remain in place all year round. The pool will be shipped via freight services and a complimentary liftgate service is included for curbside delivery.
Bestway Hydrium Steel Wall Pool Set 20' x 12' x 48"
The Bestway Steel Wall Pool is perfect for creating lasting summer memories with your family. Built with durable galvanized steel, this pool is designed to withstand the test of time. Its unique woodgrain print exterior and UV-resistant Prismatic Stone liner add a touch of elegance to your backyard. You can enjoy the convenience of keeping this pool up year-round, thanks to its semi-permanent design. Included accessories like a sand filter pump, skimmer, ladder, ground cloth, cover, and chemical dispenser make maintenance a breeze.
Blue Wave San Pedro Pool
The Blue Wave Pool Package, also known as the Blue Wave San Pedro Pool, is designed to last with its rustproof galvanized steel construction. The Sandman Filtration System ensures crystal clear water and energy efficiency. The included resin ladder supports safe and easy entry, while the DIY installation kit makes it a complete backyard oasis. Backed by a 15-year warranty, this pool promises years of memorable experiences for you.
Hollowell Industries Doughboy Pools 12’ x 18’ Oval Above Ground Pool
Shop Square Oval Pool by Hollowell Industries offers a sturdy steel frame for durability and stability. With a large family-sized 52-inch deep pool, it provides ample space for relaxation and fun. The beautiful rust-resistant design adorned with a brush stroke pattern adds aesthetics to durability. Included skimmer and connectors make setup and maintenance hassle-free, ensuring a seamless experience. Made in America, backed by a 20-year warranty, this pool provides peace of mind for worry-free use.
Wilbar Meadows Oval Above-Ground Pool
The Wilbar Oval Pool Bundle includes a complete setup with a ladder, skimmer, swirl pattern liner, and sand filter system. The beautiful boulder swirl liner adds a touch of elegance to your pool. This pool is designed for year-round use, with easy installation and corrosion-resistant components. The resin-coated steel walls offer durability and protection against rust, ensuring longevity for your swimming enjoyment.
Bestway Hydrium 15'x 48" Steel Wall Above Ground Swimming Pool Set
Bestway Hydrium Pool Set is a family-sized round pool made of durable galvanized steel. The textured wood grain pattern with UV coating ensures long-term use without discoloration. This deep pool can stay assembled year-round, offering seasonal convenience with easy DIY setup. It includes a sand filter pump, skimmer, ladder, ground cloth, and pool cover, providing a premium swimming experience for the whole family.
WaterThat Boulder 24' Pool Kit
WaterThat Pool Kit is a family-friendly above ground swimming pool kit by WaterThat. With a quick build design, you can set it up over the weekend with minimal tools. The included sand filter and pump combo ensure your pool stays clean year-round. Its durable vinyl liner is UV protected for long-lasting use. The heavy-duty removable ladder supports up to 300lbs, providing easy access. Spend more time swimming with the wide-mouth skimmer that efficiently catches debris.
Doughboy 27 Ft x 52 Inch Pool
The Doughboy Above Ground Pool is designed for durability and family fun. Its sturdy steel frame, made with 20-gauge steel, ensures stability and long-lasting use, perfect for your backyard gatherings. With a generous size of 27 feet and a depth of 52 inches, it holds up to 5288 gallons, providing ample space for relaxation and enjoyment. The beautiful brush stroke pattern adds a touch of elegance while the rust-resistant construction enhances its durability. Plus, included skimmer and connectors make setup easy, so you can spend more time enjoying your pool and less time worrying about maintenance.
Lake Effect Pools Testudo 24' Above Ground Pool
The Lake Effect Testudo Pool is a robust above-ground swimming pool designed for year-round enjoyment. Its steel walls are coated with resin, providing excellent protection against rust, ensuring durability. The traditional solid blue liner adds a sleek look, allowing the shimmering water to take center stage. Installation is a breeze, thanks to the precise-fit components that keep everything securely in place. With interlocking stabilizer rails, you can rest assured that the liner remains snug and protected. This pool is perfect for creating memorable summer gatherings with family and friends.
WaterThat Above Ground Swimming Pool Kit
Get ready for a summer of fun with the WaterThat Above Ground Swimming Pool Kit. This do-it-yourself quick build kit is family-friendly and can be installed over the weekend with limited tools. The sand filter and pump combo, along with the wide-mouth skimmer, help to keep your pool crystal clean year-round, while the UV protected 20 gauge overlap vinyl liner provides years of durability. The heavy-duty A-frame pool ladder is easy-in and easy-out, supporting up to 300lbs for added safety.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How long do soft sided pools last?
Soft-sided pools, like Intex pools, can last for about one to three years. However, more expensive pools with metal frames can remain useful for up to ten years.
2. How much does a hard-sided pool cost?
The cost of hard-sided pools can vary depending on the size and materials used. For example, an 18-foot round, 52-inch rigid wall pool can range from $1,200 to $4,000. The higher prices of rigid steel wall pools reflect their durability and permanence.
3. What are the cheapest pools to install?
Vinyl liner pools generally have the lowest initial installation costs. On average, they cost between $35,000 to $65,000. Homeowners can customize vinyl liner pools into various shapes and designs.
4. How long do inground pool walls last?
The shell of a vinyl-lined inground pool can last for 8-15 years, depending on the materials used. However, the vinyl liner itself generally needs to be replaced every six years.
5. Can I leave my soft sided pool up all winter?
Leaving a soft-sided pool, such as an Intex pool, out in colder temperatures can cause the pool lining to rupture. It is not recommended to leave the pool up during winter to avoid potential damage.
6. Are soft sided pools worth it?
Soft-sided pools, while easy to assemble and disassemble, are generally less durable than hard-sided pools. They may not hold up well to sun, weather, or heavy usage over time, and may need to be replaced sooner.
7. What style of pool is cheapest?
A vinyl pool is the cheapest to install and can be built in any size and shape. However, the vinyl liner needs to be replaced every five to ten years and can be damaged by various factors.
8. What is the most expensive part of owning a pool?
Running the swimming pool pump is the most expensive part of maintaining a pool. It is the second most expensive thing to operate in a home after the HVAC units.
9. What is the least expensive type of inground pool?
Vinyl liner pools are generally the least expensive type of inground pools. They are cheaper compared to concrete or fiberglass pools, although the cost can still vary depending on customization and other factors.
10. What type of inground pool lasts the longest?
Concrete pools have the longest lifespan compared to vinyl liner and fiberglass pools. Although they require more maintenance, with proper care, concrete pools can last much longer and offer greater customization options.
11. Why are my pool walls caving in?
If your pool walls are caving in, it could be a sign of a leak. When there is too much water added to the pool, the saturated soil underneath the liner can start to cave in. This can happen when the pool liner begins to float due to pressure equalization inside and behind the vinyl liner.
During our side wall swimming pool research, we found 24 side wall swimming pool products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 5,385 customer reviews through our big data system to write the side wall swimming pools list. We found that most customers choose side wall swimming pools with an average price of $2,335.83.
The side wall swimming pools are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of side wall swimming pools, including Lake Effect Pools, Bestway, Blue Wave, Shop Square, Wilbar. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 1,988 consumers with an average rating of 4.6.

Bryan Hicks is a professional gardener and a writer who lives in North Texas with his family and his dog. Bryan has spent more than half of his life surrounded by garden products. He has extensive experience in garden makeovers and maintenance and lawn care. His areas of expertise include outdoor decoration, gardening and garden design.