Bestway Steel Pro MAX features: Type: Metal Frame Pool | Dimensions: 15′ x 15′ x 42″ | Material: Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) | Shape: Round | Water Capacity: (90%) 3,955 gal. | Setup: Easy, no-tool setup and takedown process

The Bestway Steel Pro MAX earned our top pick spot due to its combination of price, design, and space. This above-ground pool includes a DuraPlus™ liner wall, which uses fade and tear-resistant material, as well as a 3-ply PVC band that wraps around the pool to provide an additional layer of reinforcement.

The pool’s oval frame is manufactured from steel with seal and lock system T-connectors with a pin-clip design to make it easy to assemble without any tools. While on Amazon, the exterior of the pool is a fairly basic white, you can get it with a stone-like finish from Bestway or Walmart. 

With the Bestway Steel Pro MAX, you can also get a cartridge-based pool filter, along with a ladder and cover. Allowing you to enjoy this pool long-term while keeping your water clear and protected.

Hamdol Inflatable Swimming Pool features: Type: Inflatable | Dimensions: 99″ x 72″ x 22″ | Material: PVC | Shape: Rectangular | Water Capacity: 153 Gallons | Setup: Takes 5-8 minutes with an electric pump (not included) to inflate or deflate.

If you’re looking for a place for your little ones to splash around, consider this kiddie pool with a lot to offer. Not only does it deliver an impressive length of more than 8 feet, but it also includes lots to keep young ones entertained, from the fun design to the spraying elephant head.

With three individual air chambers, you can adjust the height of this pool based on your kids’ ages. You might only inflate the bottom chamber for toddlers but fill it further for bigger kids. This lets you build in a layer of safety — although you should always supervise your kids when they’re in the water.

When filled all the way, this pool isn’t just for kiddies. It can accommodate two adults and several kids, too. In fact, it’s big enough to put your own pool float in there for some me-time. 

INTEX Ultra XTR Pool Set features: Type: Steel Frame Pool | Dimensions: 21″ x 40.75″ x 50.88″ | Material: PVC | Shape: Round | Water Capacity: 12481 Gallons | Setup: 60-minute setup

If you’re planning to buy an above-ground pool to host pool parties with your friends and family, you’re going to want ample capacity. This huge pool has a diameter of 24 feet, which means you get more than 450 square feet of water surface inside. You won’t need to trim down your pool party guest list with this one.

Filling this sizeable pool requires a lot of water, so you probably won’t want to drain it and take it down very frequently. Fortunately, the INTEX Ultra XTR pool comes with the accessories to keep the pool water clear and swimmable. 

Not only does it feature dual-suction outlet fittings, but it also includes the INTEX Krystal Clear Sand Filter Pump. To keep debris out, you also get a tie-down cover, and to protect the bottom of your pool, INTEX includes a ground cloth. On top of all of this, you get a ladder to make it easy to get in and out of your 52-inch high pool. 

Summer Waves Outdoor Swimming Pool features: Type: Galvanized metal frame | Dimensions: 12′ x 12′ x 2.75′ | Material: Triple-layer polyester mesh and heavy gauge PVC material | Shape: Round | Water Capacity: 16000 Gallons | Setup: Snap-in design allows you to set up the pool in a few minutes

Most above-ground pools have a telltale look: a white frame with a blue lining, a highly visible addition to your outdoor space.

Fortunately, you have other, subtler options. If you want an affordable above-ground pool that can integrate with your yard’s design, Summer Waves offers this alternative. Rather than using the signature above-ground pool blue, they finish the exterior walls of this round pool’s liner with something that looks like wicker. You can choose tan or gray to match it to your outdoor furniture, too.

Setting up this Summer Waves pool is easy, and maintaining it is, too, since it includes a filter pump that doubles as a skimmer. 

Hamdol Inflatable Swimming Pool features: Type: Rust-resistant frame | Dimensions: 8.5′ x 5.3′ x 2.13′ | Material: Heavy-duty PVC and polyester 3-ply sidewalls | Shape: Rectangular | Water Capacity: 439 Gallons | Setup: Adult Assembly Required, Tools Provided

If you want a way to create a backyard oasis without taking a financial hit, consider this low-cost option from Intex. For the price of a nice dinner out, you could be soaking up the sun while keeping cool submerged in water. 

Not only is it easy on your wallet, but setup’s easy, too. Intex says you can prop this pool up in just 30 minutes. If you’re not looking to have your pool set up year-round, you can also easily break this one down. It includes a drain plug that connects to a garden hose so you can direct the draining water wherever you want.

All this said, what you save in money you lose in style with this above-ground pool. It has that telltale bright blue look we mentioned earlier, which does make it look cheaper than a lot of other options on this list. That said, if budget is your top concern, it’s a solid option.