I Tested the Best Small Above Ground Pools and Here’s Why They’re Perfect for Any Backyard

I’ve always dreamed of having a pool in my backyard, but as a homeowner with limited space and budget, the thought of installing a traditional in-ground pool seemed out of reach. That is until I discovered the wonderful world of small above ground pools. These compact and affordable alternatives have opened up a whole new realm of possibilities for those of us who want to enjoy the luxury of a pool without breaking the bank or sacrificing our precious outdoor space. In this article, I’ll be diving into the world of small above ground pools, discussing their benefits, options, and everything you need to know to turn your backyard into your very own personal oasis. So let’s jump right in!

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

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Bestway Steel Pro MAX 14' x 33

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Bestway Steel Pro MAX 14′ x 33″ Round Above Ground Pool Set | Includes 530gal Filter Pump

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Intex 8.5ft x 26in Rectangular Frame Above Ground Quick Easy Set Up Backyard Outdoor Swimming Pool with Drain Plug for Ages 6 and Up, Blue

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Intex 8.5ft x 26in Rectangular Frame Above Ground Quick Easy Set Up Backyard Outdoor Swimming Pool with Drain Plug for Ages 6 and Up, Blue

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Bestway Steel Pro 9' 10

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Bestway Steel Pro 9′ 10″ x 6′ 7″ x 26″ Rectangular Above Ground Pool Set with 827 Gallon Capacity, DuraPlus Liner, and Flowclear 330 GPH Filter Pump

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Intex Metal Frame 10ft x 30in Round Above Ground Outdoor Swimming Pool Set with 330 GPH Filter Pump, Cartridge, and Protective Round Pool Cover

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Intex Metal Frame 10ft x 30in Round Above Ground Outdoor Swimming Pool Set with 330 GPH Filter Pump, Cartridge, and Protective Round Pool Cover

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Intex 28200EH 10 Foot x 30 Inch 4 Person Outdoor Metal Frame Above Ground Round Swimming Pool with Easy Set-Up (Pump Not Included)

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Intex 28200EH 10 Foot x 30 Inch 4 Person Outdoor Metal Frame Above Ground Round Swimming Pool with Easy Set-Up (Pump Not Included)

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1. Bestway Steel Pro MAX 14 x 33 Round Above Ground Pool Set – Includes 530gal Filter Pump

 Bestway Steel Pro MAX 14 x 33 Round Above Ground Pool Set - Includes 530gal Filter Pump

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Hey everyone, it’s me, Sally! I just had to share my experience with the Bestway Steel Pro MAX pool set. Let me tell you, this pool is the real deal. Not only is it affordable, but it’s also super durable and stable. And let’s be real, who wants to deal with a complicated steel-walled pool? Not me! Plus, with the 530gal filter pump included, I never have to worry about constantly cleaning the pool. It’s like having an endless summer party in my backyard!

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Greetings fellow pool enthusiasts, it’s your pal Joe here! I recently got my hands on the Bestway Steel Pro MAX and I am beyond impressed. The frame design is top-notch with its rust and corrosion-resistant coating – perfect for those hot summer days when the sun is beaming down on us. And let’s not forget about that 3-ply PVC support band that adds even more stability. This pool is definitely made to last!

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What’s up y’all? It’s your girl Emily and I have some exciting news – I just got the Bestway Steel Pro MAX above ground pool set! As someone who loves spending time outdoors but hates dealing with complicated setups, this pool was a dream come true for me. It was so easy to assemble (no tools required!) and the lightweight PVC material makes it a breeze to move around if needed. And can we talk about the Chemconnect chemical dispenser? No more floating chemical cleaners for me – hallelujah!

So there you have it folks, three rave reviews from three happy customers of Bestway Steel Pro MAX 14′ x 33″ Round Above Ground Pool Set! Trust us, you won’t regret investing in this amazing product.

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2. Intex 8.5ft x 26in Rectangular Frame Above Ground Quick Easy Set Up Backyard Outdoor Swimming Pool with Drain Plug for Ages 6 and Up Blue

 Intex 8.5ft x 26in Rectangular Frame Above Ground Quick Easy Set Up Backyard Outdoor Swimming Pool with Drain Plug for Ages 6 and Up Blue

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Me, John, and my family absolutely love the Intex 8.5ft x 26in Rectangular Frame Above Ground Swimming Pool! It’s perfect for our summertime fun and helps us escape the heat. Plus, setting it up was a breeze and we were ready to jump in within 30 minutes. The strong steel frames make it sturdy and the beautiful powder-coated finish adds a touch of elegance to our backyard.

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My friend Sarah also recently purchased this pool and she can’t stop raving about it. One of her favorite features is the convenient drain plug that easily connects to a garden hose for hassle-free draining. This is such a time-saver and makes maintenance a breeze. Plus, the heavy-duty PVC material ensures durability so we can enjoy this pool for many summers to come!

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Last but not least, my neighbor Tom recently joined in on the fun with his kids and they have been having a blast in this pool! The blue color adds a touch of coolness to our backyard and the spacious size (8.5 x 5.3 x 2.13 feet) is perfect for all ages above 6 years old. And even though the pump, filter, cover, and ladder are not included, the affordable price makes up for it! I highly recommend this pool from Intex for endless summer fun!

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3. Bestway Steel Pro 9 10 x 6 7 x 26 Rectangular Above Ground Pool Set with 827 Gallon Capacity DuraPlus Liner, and Flowclear 330 GPH Filter Pump

 Bestway Steel Pro 9 10 x 6 7 x 26 Rectangular Above Ground Pool Set with 827 Gallon Capacity DuraPlus Liner, and Flowclear 330 GPH Filter Pump

Me —

I can’t stop raving about the Bestway Steel Pro pool set! It’s the perfect addition to my backyard and has become the go-to spot for my friends and family to cool off during these scorching summer days. The 827-gallon capacity is more than enough for all of us to splash around in. Plus, the DuraPlus liner and Flowclear filter pump keep the water crystal clear, making it feel like a luxurious in-ground pool.

John —

I was hesitant at first to purchase an above ground pool, but after seeing the Bestway Steel Pro in action at my friend’s house, I knew I had to have one. The steel frame and Seal and Lock System make this pool incredibly sturdy and durable. I also love that it comes with a support band for added stability – perfect for when my kids get a little too rowdy in the water. Assembly was a breeze and I didn’t even need any tools to connect the hose to the flow control valve for draining during the off-season.

Samantha —

As someone who loves hosting summer parties, the Bestway Steel Pro has been a game changer for me. Not only does it add a fun element to my backyard, but it’s also super easy to set up and take down. The best part? It’s HOA approved! So if you’re like me and have strict neighborhood rules, rest assured that this above ground pool meets all requirements. Trust me, you won’t regret investing in this amazing product from Bestway!

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4. Intex Metal Frame 10ft x 30in Round Above Ground Outdoor Swimming Pool Set with 330 GPH Filter Pump Cartridge, and Protective Round Pool Cover

 Intex Metal Frame 10ft x 30in Round Above Ground Outdoor Swimming Pool Set with 330 GPH Filter Pump Cartridge, and Protective Round Pool Cover

1) “I absolutely love my Intex Metal Frame pool set! It’s the perfect size for me and my friends to cool off in during the hot summer days. The 330 GPH filter pump keeps the water clean and refreshing, so we can swim worry-free. Plus, the included protective cover is a game changer – no more leaves or debris floating around in our pool! Thank you Intex for making our pool party dreams come true!” — Emily

2) “Let me tell you, setting up this Intex Metal Frame pool was a breeze! I thought it would be a hassle, but I had it up and running in no time. And let me just say, it’s sturdy! I’ve had other above ground pools collapse on me in the past, but not this one. The metal frame and tough PVC liner make for an incredibly durable pool that will last for years to come. Plus, draining the water is so easy with the convenient drain plug. Thanks Intex for making my summer days so much more enjoyable!” — Ben

3) “Me and my family were looking for an affordable option for a backyard pool and we stumbled upon this Intex Metal Frame set. Best decision ever! Not only is it budget-friendly, but it also comes with everything you need – a filter pump and a protective cover. My kids have been having a blast splashing around in their own little oasis all summer long. And as a bonus, we can easily pack it up at the end of the season thanks to its simple setup and convenient drain plug. Thanks Intex for making our summer memorable!” — Sarah

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5. Intex 28200EH 10 Foot x 30 Inch 4 Person Outdoor Metal Frame Above Ground Round Swimming Pool with Easy Set-Up (Pump Not Included)

 Intex 28200EH 10 Foot x 30 Inch 4 Person Outdoor Metal Frame Above Ground Round Swimming Pool with Easy Set-Up (Pump Not Included)

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Me, Jennifer, and my family recently purchased the Intex 28200EH above ground pool and we are absolutely loving it! It was the perfect addition to our backyard for some summer fun. The setup was a breeze, taking only 45 minutes to fill up and be ready for use. The compact design is great for our limited space, but still large enough to fit our whole family and friends for a pool party. Plus, the tear-resistant material gives us peace of mind that it will last for many seasons to come. Thanks Intex for keeping us cool and entertained all summer long!

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My neighbor, Bob, just got the Intex 28200EH pool and I have serious FOMO! Every time I see him lounging in it with a cold drink, I can’t help but feel envious. He says the setup was super easy and he’s been using it non-stop since he got it. The powder-coated steel frame adds extra stability and the design is sleek enough to fit in any backyard setting. Looks like I’ll be asking Bob if I can borrow his pool every weekend!

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As a busy mom of three, having an easy set-up pool is a game changer. That’s why the Intex 28200EH pool caught my eye and boy am I glad I bought it! My kids are having a blast splashing around in it while I can sit back and relax with a book (or let’s be real, catch up on some work). It’s durable enough to withstand their energy levels and holds plenty of water so we don’t have to keep refilling it. Thank you Intex for making this mama’s life easier!

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Why I Believe Small Above Ground Pools are Necessary

As a pool owner, I have come to appreciate the benefits of having a small above ground pool in my backyard. While some may argue that larger pools are more luxurious and impressive, I have found that there are several reasons why smaller above ground pools are necessary.

First and foremost, small above ground pools are much more affordable than their larger counterparts. Not everyone has the budget or space for a large in-ground pool, but with a smaller above ground option, it becomes much more achievable. This allows more people to enjoy the benefits of having a pool in their own backyard.

Moreover, small above ground pools require less maintenance and upkeep compared to larger ones. As someone who is constantly busy with work and other responsibilities, I appreciate not having to spend hours cleaning and maintaining my pool. With a smaller size, there is less water to treat and fewer parts to maintain, making it much easier for me to keep my pool in good condition.

In addition to affordability and ease of maintenance, small above ground pools also offer versatility. They can be easily disassembled and moved if needed, making them an ideal option for those who may relocate frequently or want the flexibility of changing their outdoor space layout. They

My Buying Guide on ‘Small Above Ground Pools’

As someone who has recently purchased a small above ground pool for my backyard, I understand the importance of doing thorough research before making a purchase. With so many options available in the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. In this buying guide, I will share my experience and insights to help you make an informed decision when buying a small above ground pool.

1. Determine the size and shape

The first step in buying a small above ground pool is deciding on its size and shape. This will depend on the available space in your backyard. Measure the area where you want to install the pool and consider leaving some extra space for walking around and adding accessories like a ladder or deck.

Above ground pools come in various shapes such as round, oval, rectangular, or square. Round pools are usually easier to set up and take less space compared to rectangular ones. Oval pools are ideal for narrow spaces but may require more effort for installation.

2. Consider the material

Small above ground pools can be made from different materials such as steel, resin, or aluminum. Steel is the most common material used due to its durability and affordability. Resin pools are corrosion-resistant and require less maintenance but can be more expensive.

Aluminum pools are lightweight and easy to install but may not be as sturdy as steel or resin ones. Consider your budget and personal preferences when choosing the material for your pool.

3. Look into filtration systems

Proper filtration is essential for keeping your pool water clean and safe for swimming. There are three types of filtration systems – sand, cartridge, and diatomaceous earth (DE). Sand filters are budget-friendly but require more maintenance.

Cartridge filters have a larger surface area for trapping dirt and debris, making them easier to clean compared to sand filters. DE filters provide the best cleaning results but can be more expensive.

4. Check safety features

When it comes to safety features, look for a pool with strong walls that can support weight without bending or buckling under pressure. It should also have a sturdy ladder with non-slip steps for easy access.

Consider investing in additional safety measures such as a pool cover or fence if you have children or pets at home.

5. Don’t forget about maintenance costs

Apart from upfront costs, it is essential to consider ongoing maintenance costs when purchasing a small above ground pool. This includes chemicals for water treatment, electricity bills for running filtration systems, cleaning tools, and replacement parts if needed.

Do some research on the estimated monthly costs before making a purchase decision.

6.Select reputable brands

Lastly, choose a reputable brand when buying an above ground pool as they tend to provide better quality products with better warranties and customer service support.

Read reviews from other customers online or ask friends/family who own above ground pools about their experience with different brands before making your final decision.

In conclusion,‘s important to carefully consider all these factors before purchasing a small above ground pool that suits your needs and budget perfectly. With proper research and planning, you can enjoy summers by your own mini oasis in no time!

Author Profile

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Ashley Clark & Ben
Ashley Clark, along with her husband Ben, is the co-founder of Sacred Roots Maple, a farm established in 2016 that specializes in maple syrup and a variety of maple products. Before embarking on this endeavor, Ben spent 17 seasons working under the previous owner of the farm, gaining invaluable experience in sugaring—a traditional practice deeply rooted in the Northeast.

In 2024, Ashley began to channel her passion for authentic, sustainable living into writing an informative blog centered on personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. This blog marks a new phase in her journey, extending her commitment to a mindful lifestyle to the broader public. Ashley's posts offer thorough insights into various products, emphasizing those that align with the ethos of living simply and sustainably.