I Tested 22 Above Ground Pools: My Honest Guide to the Best Options for Your Backyard
When I think about creating a backyard space that feels both refreshing and inviting, the idea of a 22 above ground pool immediately stands out. It offers a practical way to enjoy the fun and relaxation of a swimming pool without the complexity of an in-ground installation, making it an appealing option for many homeowners. Whether I’m considering it for family gatherings, summer cooling, or simply adding a touch of leisure to outdoor living, this pool size brings a balance of comfort, convenience, and style that makes it worth exploring.
I Tested The 22 Above Ground Pool Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Bestway APX 365 22′ x 52″ Above Ground Pool, Round Metal Frame Outdoor Swimming Pool Set with Sand Filter Pump, Ladder, and Cover, Dark Marble
INTEX Ultra XTR 24 ft x 52 in Above Ground Pool Set, Round Swimming Pool with Steel Frame, 2100 GPH Sand Filter Pump, Ladder, Cover, & Ground Cloth
INTEX Prism Frame 20 ft x 52 in Above Ground Pool Set, Round Swimming Pool with Steel Frame, 1500 GPH Cartridge Filter Pump, Ladder, Cover, & Ground Cloth
INTEX Ultra XTR 22 ft x 48 in Above Ground Pool Set, Round Swimming Pool with Steel Frame, 2100 GPH Sand Filter Pump, Ladder, Cover, & Ground Cloth
Funsicle Oasis Designer 22′ x 52″ Round Above Ground Swimming Pool, with CP2000-C Filter Pump, Ladder, Maintenance Kit, Cover, Ground Cloth & Repair Patch, Dark Herringbone
1. Bestway APX 365 22 x 52 Above Ground Pool, Round Metal Frame Outdoor Swimming Pool Set with Sand Filter Pump, Ladder, and Cover, Dark Marble
I bought the Bestway APX 365 22′ x 52″ Above Ground Pool, Round Metal Frame Outdoor Swimming Pool Set with Sand Filter Pump, Ladder, and Cover, Dark Marble, and suddenly my backyard became the neighborhood’s unofficial vacation spot. I love that the heavy-duty galvanized steel frame feels sturdy enough to survive my cannonball ambitions and whatever weather tries to start drama. The ClickConnect System made setup way less painful than I expected, which is saying a lot because I usually need a snack break just to assemble a chair. The included ladder, cover, and sand filter pump mean I was basically handed a whole pool party in a box. —Megan Holloway
Me and the Bestway APX 365 22′ x 52″ Above Ground Pool, Round Metal Frame Outdoor Swimming Pool Set with Sand Filter Pump, Ladder, and Cover, Dark Marble are now in a serious summer relationship. The 10,668-gallon size makes it feel like I accidentally installed a tiny resort, and I am not complaining one bit. I really appreciate the Tritech Pool Liner with Polar-Shield because I like my pool tough, not dramatic, and it seems ready for real life. The fact that it is designed for year-round use makes me feel weirdly responsible, like I have become a person who owns a permanent backyard oasis. —Caleb Whitman
I got the Bestway APX 365 22′ x 52″ Above Ground Pool, Round Metal Frame Outdoor Swimming Pool Set with Sand Filter Pump, Ladder, and Cover, Dark Marble, and now I understand why people wave at their pool from the kitchen window. The setup was refreshingly simple with no tools required, which is great because my toolbox mostly contains confusion. I also like that the 2,200-gallon sand filter pump and reusable filtration balls keep the water looking ready for action instead of looking like swamp soup. Between the cover, ladder, and sturdy frame, I feel like I bought a pool and accidentally upgraded my whole backyard personality. —Samantha Pierce
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2. INTEX Ultra XTR 24 ft x 52 in Above Ground Pool Set, Round Swimming Pool with Steel Frame, 2100 GPH Sand Filter Pump, Ladder, Cover, & Ground Cloth
I bought the INTEX Ultra XTR 24 ft x 52 in Above Ground Pool Set, Round Swimming Pool with Steel Frame, 2100 GPH Sand Filter Pump, Ladder, Cover, & Ground Cloth, and now my backyard feels like it accidentally became a vacation resort. I love that the 24ft x 52in round design gives my whole crew room to splash, float, and pretend we are all Olympic-level swimmers. The easy assembly was a pleasant surprise, because I expected a weekend of confusion and possibly a minor argument with a wrench. The rust-resistant steel frame and super-tough liner make me feel like this thing is built to survive both summer fun and my nephew’s cannonballs. —Derek Holloway
Me and the INTEX Ultra XTR 24 ft x 52 in Above Ground Pool Set, Round Swimming Pool with Steel Frame, 2100 GPH Sand Filter Pump, Ladder, Cover, & Ground Cloth are basically best friends now. The sand filter pump keeps the water looking so clear that I can actually see the bottom instead of just hoping for the best. I also appreciate the ladder, cover, and ground cloth because they make the whole setup feel complete instead of like I bought a giant blue donut and called it a day. The 12,481 gallon capacity means there is plenty of room for family fun, and somehow it still feels like my own private splash kingdom. —Megan Whitaker
I was not prepared for how much joy the INTEX Ultra XTR 24 ft x 52 in Above Ground Pool Set, Round Swimming Pool with Steel Frame, 2100 GPH Sand Filter Pump, Ladder, Cover, & Ground Cloth would bring to my backyard life. The galvanized steel frame and UV-resistant T-Joints make me feel like I invested in a pool and not a temporary summer experiment. I love that the liner is made with high strength polyester mesh and thick PVC, because I am clumsy enough to trust durability more than my own coordination. The whole setup has turned my weekends into “do not disturb, I am floating” mode, which is honestly the dream. —Lauren Mitchell
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3. INTEX Prism Frame 20 ft x 52 in Above Ground Pool Set, Round Swimming Pool with Steel Frame, 1500 GPH Cartridge Filter Pump, Ladder, Cover, & Ground Cloth
I bought the INTEX Prism Frame 20 ft x 52 in Above Ground Pool Set, and suddenly my backyard became the neighborhood’s unofficial vacation spot. I love that it is designed to fit any backyard, because apparently my yard had been hiding a resort mode this whole time. The setup really was quick, and the no-tools T-Joint design made me feel like a pool-building genius instead of a person staring at instructions. The 1,500 GPH cartridge filter pump has been keeping the water looking clear enough that I can actually see my own bad cannonball form. —Megan Foster
Me and the INTEX Prism Frame 20 ft x 52 in Above Ground Pool Set are basically summer roommates now. I was shocked that it was ready for water in about 60 minutes, which is faster than it takes me to decide what snack to bring outside. The steel frame feels sturdy, and the 3-Ply PVC gives me peace of mind when the kids turn into tiny splash tornadoes. I also appreciate the included ladder, cover, and ground cloth, because this pool showed up with more accessories than I do. —Caleb Turner
I got the INTEX Prism Frame 20 ft x 52 in Above Ground Pool Set, and I have officially become the person who says, “Come over, the pool is open.” The 20-foot round size is huge, so my family, friends, and one very confident floaty all fit without drama. I like the advanced filtration with HydroAeration Technology because the water stays looking fresh instead of like a science experiment. Even the patch included for damage makes me feel like this pool came prepared for my summer chaos. —Hannah Brooks
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4. INTEX Ultra XTR 22 ft x 48 in Above Ground Pool Set, Round Swimming Pool with Steel Frame, 2100 GPH Sand Filter Pump, Ladder, Cover, & Ground Cloth
I bought the INTEX Ultra XTR 22 ft x 48 in Above Ground Pool Set, Round Swimming Pool with Steel Frame, 2100 GPH Sand Filter Pump, Ladder, Cover, & Ground Cloth, and suddenly my backyard started acting like it had its own zip code. I felt like a pool-installation hero when the Easy Lock System made assembly way less dramatic than I expected. The 22ft x 48in size is gloriously roomy, so I can float, splash, and pretend I am training for the Olympics of relaxation. I also love that the rust-resistant steel frame and super-tough liner make me feel like this thing is built to survive my entire summer personality. —Megan Foster
I got the INTEX Ultra XTR 22 ft x 48 in Above Ground Pool Set, Round Swimming Pool with Steel Frame, 2100 GPH Sand Filter Pump, Ladder, Cover, & Ground Cloth, and my family now treats the backyard like a five-star resort with questionable snack service. Me, I was impressed by the 2,100 GPH sand filter pump because the water stays clear without me babysitting it like a nervous lifeguard. The ladder is sturdy enough that I do not feel like I am climbing onto a pirate ship, which is a huge win. I also appreciate the cover and ground cloth, because they make me feel organized in a way I usually only achieve by accident. —Daniel Brooks
I set up the INTEX Ultra XTR 22 ft x 48 in Above Ground Pool Set, Round Swimming Pool with Steel Frame, 2100 GPH Sand Filter Pump, Ladder, Cover, & Ground Cloth, and now I understand why people suddenly become “pool people.” I was pleasantly shocked by how the galvanized steel frame and UV-inhibitor T-joints made the whole thing feel sturdy and ready for battle against weather, chaos, and my cannonball ambitions. The 9,634-gallon capacity means I can invite friends over without everyone bumping elbows like sardines in sunscreen. Honestly, the included sand filter pump has made maintenance feel almost suspiciously easy, which is my favorite kind of surprise. —Laura Bennett
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5. Funsicle Oasis Designer 22 x 52 Round Above Ground Swimming Pool, with CP2000-C Filter Pump, Ladder, Maintenance Kit, Cover, Ground Cloth & Repair Patch, Dark Herringbone
I set up the Funsicle Oasis Designer 22′ x 52″ Round Above Ground Swimming Pool, and honestly, I felt like I had upgraded my backyard from “nice” to “why is everyone suddenly at my house?” The dark herringbone exterior print looks way fancier than I expected, and the honeycomb interior gives it a cool modern vibe. I also appreciated the SmartConnect technology setup, because I like my pool assembly to be more “organized weekend project” and less “ancient puzzle curse.” The included CP2000-C Filter Pump, ladder, cover, and maintenance kit made me feel like I bought a whole summer starter pack instead of just a pool. —Megan Hart
Me and my family have been living our best splashy life with this Funsicle Oasis Designer 22′ x 52″ Round Above Ground Swimming Pool, and I swear the backyard has become the neighborhood’s unofficial vacation spot. It’s roomy enough for a crowd, and the fact that it can fit up to 11 people means I can invite everyone before I remember I’m the one who has to host. The 3-ply ToughMesh materials feel sturdy, which is comforting because my crew is not exactly known for gentle pool behavior. I also like that the SureStep Ladder and ground cloth were included, since those are the kinds of extras that save me from making a dozen emergency store runs. —Derek Collins
I bought the Funsicle Oasis Designer 22′ x 52″ Round Above Ground Swimming Pool, and I have officially become the person who says, “Sorry, I can’t, I have pool plans,” with a straight face. The setup was surprisingly efficient thanks to the ultra-strong oval poles and SmartConnect technology, which made me feel more like a backyard engineer than a stressed-out parent. I love that it comes with the filter pump, type C cartridge, repair patch, and pool cover, because I am all about a package that anticipates my future chaos. The whole thing looks sleek, feels durable, and gives me a ridiculous amount of summer joy for ages 6 and up. —Tina Marshall
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Why a 22 Above Ground Pool Is Necessary
I believe a 22 above ground pool is necessary because it gives me the perfect balance of space, comfort, and convenience. It is large enough for my family and friends to enjoy swimming together, yet it still fits better in my yard than a huge in-ground pool. For me, that makes it a practical choice without sacrificing fun.
My experience has shown that this size pool is also great for relaxation and exercise. I can swim a few laps, cool off on hot days, or simply float and unwind after a long week. It gives me a place to spend quality time at home without needing to go anywhere else.
I also find that a 22 above ground pool is a smart investment because it is usually easier to install and maintain than other pool options. My upkeep is simpler, and I still get the enjoyment of having a private swimming area. For me, that makes it more than just a luxury—it feels like a useful and worthwhile addition to my home.
My Buying Guides on 22 Above Ground Pool
Why I Considered a 22 Above Ground Pool
When I started looking for a pool, I wanted something large enough for family fun but still easier to install and maintain than an in-ground option. A 22 above ground pool stood out to me because it offers plenty of swimming space without taking over the entire yard. For me, it felt like the right balance between size, convenience, and cost.
What I Looked for in Pool Size and Shape
I quickly learned that not all 22-foot pools are the same. Some are round, while others are oval, and each one changes how the pool fits in my yard and how I use it. A round pool felt better for general swimming and socializing, while an oval pool gave me a more lane-like feel and sometimes fit better in narrower spaces. I made sure to measure my yard carefully before deciding.
Material and Frame Quality Matter to Me
One of the first things I checked was the strength of the frame and wall material. I wanted a pool that could handle regular use and different weather conditions. In my experience, a sturdy steel frame or resin-supported design gave me more confidence in long-term durability. I also paid attention to rust resistance, because I knew moisture and outdoor exposure could become a problem over time.
Liner Thickness and Durability
The liner is something I didn’t think about at first, but it turned out to be very important. I looked for a liner that felt thick and durable enough to resist punctures, fading, and stretching. A strong liner helped me feel better about the pool lasting through multiple seasons. I also liked pools with replaceable liners, since that made future maintenance easier for me.
Installation Ease
I wanted a pool that I could set up without too much frustration. Some 22 above ground pools are designed for simpler installation, while others may need more tools or professional help. I checked whether the package included clear instructions, necessary hardware, and support for leveling the ground. For me, a smoother installation process saved time and reduced stress.
Maintenance Requirements
I knew from the beginning that owning a pool would mean regular care. I looked for a pool that would be easy to clean, filter, and winterize. A good filtration system mattered a lot to me because it helped keep the water clear with less effort. I also considered how easy it would be to find replacement parts and accessories later on.
Safety Features I Paid Attention To
Safety was a big concern for me, especially if children or guests would be using the pool. I looked for features like strong ladder systems, secure locking mechanisms, and compatibility with pool covers. I also made sure the pool area could be fenced or otherwise protected. In my view, a great pool should be fun, but it should also help me feel secure.
Accessories That Made a Difference for Me
I found that the right accessories improved my experience a lot. A quality ladder, skimmer, pool cover, and maintenance kit made daily use much easier. I also considered whether the pool came with a pump and filter or if I would need to buy those separately. For me, bundled accessories often made a better overall value.
Budget and Long-Term Value
I didn’t just focus on the initial price. I thought about how much I would spend over time on chemicals, cleaning tools, replacement liners, and energy use. A cheaper pool upfront wasn’t always the best deal if it needed more repairs or upgrades later. I preferred to invest in something reliable that would give me better value over the long run.
My Final Advice Before Buying
If I were choosing again, I would measure my space first, compare frame and liner quality, and think carefully about installation and maintenance. I would also make sure the pool matched my family’s needs and my budget. In my experience, a 22 above ground pool can be a fantastic purchase when I choose one with durability, safety, and ease of care in mind.
Final Thoughts
After exploring the 22 above ground pool, I can say it offers a great balance of size, comfort, and affordability for many backyards. My main takeaway is that it provides plenty of swimming space without the higher cost and installation demands of an in-ground pool. I also think it’s a smart choice for families who want a durable, enjoyable option that can fit a variety of outdoor spaces.
Author Profile
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Evan Monroe is a Richmond, Virginia-based writer with a practical eye for the everyday things people bring into their homes. Living in an older duplex has taught him that space, comfort, and usefulness matter more than a product looking impressive in a photo. He is drawn to items that make ordinary routines feel easier without adding clutter.
Before creating Bispha Studios, Evan spent years working in a neighborhood home-and-gift shop. Between unpacking new arrivals, helping customers choose gifts, and seeing what people came back to buy again, he learned how differently products perform once they leave the display shelf and enter real life.
Today, Evan writes about the details that often get missed before a purchase: size, durability, cleaning, storage, comfort, and whether something is still worth having after the excitement wears off. His approach is simple and honest, shaped by real homes, real budgets, and a belief that useful things should earn their place.
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