Above Ground Pool Buying Guide: Everything You Need to Know (2025)

So you've decided you want an above ground pool. Now comes the part that trips up most first-time buyers: there are hundreds of options, dozens of brands, and enough conflicting information online to make your head spin.

This guide cuts through all of it.

We'll cover every decision you'll need to make — pool size, shape, wall material, included equipment, installation, and cost — so you can buy with confidence and not wake up six months later wishing you'd gone bigger, or wondering why your pump is already dying.

Let's start with the most important question most buyers skip.

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What Do You Actually Want From This Pool?

Before you look at a single model, answer these three questions honestly:

Who is going to use it? Young kids who want to splash around need something different than a family of adults who want to actually swim. If your kids are under 10, a 15-foot round pool might be perfect. If you're planning real exercise or entertaining adults, you probably want a 24-foot round or an oval.

How long are you keeping it? A pool you're planning to use for two or three summers is a very different purchase than one you want to last 15–20 years. This affects how much you should spend on wall material and equipment.

What does your yard look like? Flat and level ground is ideal. A sloped yard requires leveling work before installation. The shape of your yard may also steer you toward round vs. oval — oval pools need more clearance for their buttress supports on the outside of the wall.

Get clear on those three things first. Everything else flows from there.

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Pool Size: How Big Is Big Enough?

This is where most buyers make their biggest mistake — they go too small and regret it within the first season.

Here's a practical size guide based on how you plan to use the pool:

Round Pools

Round pools are the most popular shape for above ground. They're easier to install, more structurally stable, and less expensive than ovals of similar volume.

The 24-foot round is our most popular size. It fits comfortably in most backyards, accommodates a family of 4–5 without feeling crowded, and hits a sweet spot on price.

Oval Pools

Oval pools give you a longer swim lane, which is ideal if any swimmers in your household want to actually exercise. They feel more like a "real" pool and look more impressive with decking.

The tradeoff: oval pools require external buttress supports that extend 2–3 feet beyond the pool wall on each end. You need to account for that space when measuring your yard.

Popular oval sizes:

• 12 x 24 ft — starter oval, fits tighter yards

• 15 x 30 ft — one of our best sellers, great balance of space and cost

• 16 x 32 ft — the most popular oval size overall, accommodates real swimming

• 18 x 33 ft — larger family or entertaining-focused

Rule of thumb: If you're debating between two sizes, go with the larger one. You will never wish you had a smaller pool.

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Pool Wall Material: Steel vs. Resin vs. Hybrid

This is the decision that affects long-term durability more than any other.

Steel Walls

Steel is the most common wall material for above ground pools, and the most affordable. High-quality galvanized steel walls are strong, durable, and will last 15–20+ years when properly maintained.

The concern with steel: Exposure to saltwater chlorine generators will cause corrosion over time. If you plan to run a saltwater system, look for pools specifically rated as saltwater-compatible, or consider a resin or hybrid option.

Bottom line: Steel is a great choice for traditional chlorine pools and offers the best value at most price points.

Resin (Polymer) Walls

Resin walls are made from high-density polymer and offer one major advantage over steel: they won't rust or corrode, ever. That makes them ideal for saltwater systems, humid climates, and buyers who want the absolute longest lifespan.

Resin pools also don't get as hot to the touch as steel in direct sunlight — a small but real quality-of-life benefit.

The tradeoff: resin pools cost more. Expect to pay 20–40% more for an all-resin pool vs. a comparable steel model.

Bottom line: Worth the premium if you want a saltwater system or plan to keep the pool for 20+ years.

Hybrid Pools (Steel Wall, Resin Frame)

Hybrid pools split the difference — steel wall panels with resin top rails, uprights, and stabilizer bars. The resin frame components resist corrosion and UV damage, while the steel walls keep costs reasonable.

This is the sweet spot for most buyers who want durability without paying full resin prices.

Bottom line: The best value for longevity. Most of Poolzilla's most popular kits are hybrid construction.

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Wall Height: How Deep Is Your Pool?

Standard above ground pools come in 48-inch (4 ft) and 52-inch (4 ft 4 in) wall heights. Most pools also have a slight "dish" shape to the floor, making the center a few inches deeper than the walls.

48-inch walls are sufficient for most families with young children. The water line typically sits 6 inches below the top of the wall, giving you about 42 inches of actual water depth.

52-inch walls are worth the small additional cost if you have adults who want to swim laps, float comfortably, or if you have older kids. The extra 4 inches makes a noticeable difference in usability.

Expandable liners are another option for buyers who want more depth in the center of the pool without upgrading the wall height. These liners include extra material that allows you to dig out a deeper center area — typically adding 1–2 feet of depth in the middle. They work best in round pools with larger diameters.

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What Comes in the Kit? What Doesn't?

This is where buyers get confused — and sometimes burned.

A complete above ground pool kit from Poolzilla includes:

• Pool wall panels (steel or resin/hybrid)

• Top rails, uprights, and stabilizer bars

• Vinyl pool liner

• Skimmer and return jet fittings

• Sand or cartridge filter

• Pump

• Ladder or steps

• Installation hardware

What's NOT typically included in a kit:

• Sand for the base (you source locally — typically 1–2 tons for an average pool)

• Chemicals (start-up kit purchased separately)

• Coping strips or foam wall foam (sometimes included, sometimes add-on)

• Decking or fencing

• Electrical work for the pump

Before buying, confirm exactly what's in the kit. A cheap kit that requires $400 in additional equipment isn't cheap.

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Understanding Your Filter Options

The filter that comes with your pool is one of the most important long-term cost decisions you'll make.

Sand Filters

Sand filters use a bed of silica sand to trap debris as water passes through. They're very durable, require minimal maintenance (just backwash periodically), and can run for years before needing fresh sand.

The downside: sand filters are less fine than cartridge filters and will miss some smaller particles.

Best for: Large pools, high-use pools, buyers who want low-maintenance filtration.

Cartridge Filters

Cartridge filters use a pleated filter element — similar to a furnace filter — that traps very fine particles and provides excellent water clarity.

The downside: cartridges need to be cleaned every few weeks and replaced every 1–3 seasons depending on use. Replacement cartridges cost $20–$80 depending on size.

Best for: Smaller pools, buyers who prioritize water clarity, and anyone who wants to avoid backwashing.

Pro tip: Make sure you know your filter model and cartridge size before buying replacement cartridges. This is the #1 cause of wrong-product purchases in the pool supply industry. 

DE (Diatomaceous Earth) Filters

DE filters provide the finest filtration of any pool filter type. They use diatomaceous earth powder as the filter media.

They're uncommon in above ground pool kits and more expensive to maintain. Generally not necessary for residential above ground pools.

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Pump Sizing: Don't Undersize This

Your pump needs to be able to circulate the entire volume of your pool water in 8–12 hours. Undersizing your pump means poor water circulation, cloudy water, and algae problems.

A rough guide:

Variable speed pumps are worth serious consideration. They cost more upfront but can save $200–$500 per year in electricity costs. Many states now require variable speed pumps on new pool installations. If you're planning to keep your pool for 5+ years, a variable speed pump pays for itself.

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The True Cost of an Above Ground Pool

Let's be honest about what you're actually spending.

Kit Cost

• Entry-level round pools (12–15 ft): $500–$1,200

• Mid-range round pools (18–21 ft): $1,200–$2,500

• Premium round pools (24–27 ft): $2,000–$4,000

• Oval pools (15x30 to 16x32): $2,500–$5,000

Installation Costs

• DIY installation: $0 in labor (you'll need a few helpers and a weekend)

• Professional installation: $500–$2,500 depending on your area

First-Year Setup Costs

• Start-up chemicals: $150–$300

• Sand for base: $50–$150

• Electrical hookup for pump (if needed): $100–$400

Optional Upgrades

• Deck or platform: $500–$5,000+

• Solar cover + reel: $200–$500

• Pool heater: $500–$2,000

• Robotic cleaner: $300–$800

Realistic total first-year cost for a mid-range above ground pool: $3,000–$6,000 all-in.

That's still a fraction of what an inground pool costs — and you can be swimming within a weekend.

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Above Ground vs. Semi-Inground vs. Inground: Quick Comparison

Not sure which pool type is right for you?

Semi-inground pools like the ones Poolzilla carries can be installed partially buried — typically up to halfway — giving you a more finished, landscaped look without the full cost of inground construction.

Inground pool kits (starting around $7,000 for materials) allow you to build a true inground pool DIY or with a local contractor, saving $20,000–$40,000 vs. hiring a full-service pool company.

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Installation: Can You Really Do It Yourself?

Yes — and thousands of homeowners do every year.

Most above ground pool kits are designed for DIY installation. The process takes a full day or weekend with 2–3 helpers and basic tools. No heavy equipment is required for standard installations on level ground.

The keys to a successful DIY install:

1. Level your ground first. This is the most important step. An unlevel pool puts uneven stress on the walls and liner. Measure carefully and don't rush this part.

2. Follow the instructions for your specific kit. Installation steps vary by model — don't assume it's the same as a pool you've seen installed before.

3. Use sand or foam as your base. Don't set the liner directly on dirt or grass. A 2-inch sand base protects the liner from punctures and gives a smooth, comfortable floor.

4. Don't fill faster than you install. As you fill with water, the liner settles and smooths out. Let the water weight help you position the liner before it's fully filled.

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What to Look for in a Pool Retailer

Not all pool retailers are the same. Here's what separates good ones from bad ones:

Post-purchase support. Will someone answer the phone when you have an installation question on a Friday afternoon? Poolzilla's team is reachable by phone or email throughout the season.

Transparent kit contents. A good retailer lists exactly what's in the kit. If you can't find a detailed contents list, that's a red flag.

Real warranty backing. Look for wall warranties of 10+ years. Some manufacturers offer limited lifetime warranties on steel or resin walls.

Price match policy. Poolzilla will beat any competitor's price on comparable pool kits. If you find a lower price elsewhere, call us.

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Ready to Shop?

Now that you know what to look for, here's how to find the right Poolzilla pool for your backyard:

• Browse all above ground pool kits →

• Shop round pools by size →

• Shop oval pools →

• Build a custom pool kit →

Still not sure what size or model is right for you? Call us at (732) 395-2225 or email sales@poolzilla.com. Our team has helped thousands of families find the right pool — we're happy to help you too.

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At Poolzilla, we carry above ground pool kits in every size and style — from starter round pools to large oval and semi-inground kits. All orders ship free, and our team is available to answer questions before, during, and after your purchase.