6 Best Above-Ground Pools in Australia (2024)

Swimming pools are a great way to exercise and relax in the summer. But they don't always need to be built into the ground. You can get above-ground swimming pools that are portable or as deep as regular pools.

If you want one in your backyard, we evaluate the best options available in Australia to help you choose which suits your needs. We begin with our top picks before delving into in-depth product reviews.

Our Top Picks

Here are the top three above-ground swimming pools in Australia:

Bestway Steel Pro Max

Best value above-ground pool with corrosion-resistant steel frame and reinforced three-ply liner shielding.

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Intex Ultra XTR Pool Set

Best durable, above-ground pool for families and friends with Hydro Aeration Technology enhancing water clarity

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Intex 10ft Pool Kit

Best affordable, above-ground inflatable pool safe for youngsters and excellent for quick setup and unpacking

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Top 6 Above-Ground Pools for Australians

Whether you seek a durable shelter for camping, a comfortable resting spot during road trips, or the convenience of an above-ground swimming pool, our comprehensive product reviews and analysis will guide you to the perfect choice.

1. Bestway Steel Pro Max

Best Value Above-Ground Pool

The Bestway Steel Pro Max is a reasonably priced, high-quality above-ground pool. It comes in 12 different sizes and two shapes. The option pictured above has a diameter of 488 cm and a height of 122 cm, offering good value for most people. While affordable, the product has essential features required of standard above-ground pools. You get a steel frame, a plastic liner, and sufficient water capacity to accommodate you and your family at a go.

Bestway's above-ground pool is round and pretty modern. The build material of the family pool is also incredibly sturdy and long-lasting. Its built-in flow control drain valve helps with effortless water removal and off-season storage. It also has a corrosion-resistant steel frame and a reinforced three-ply liner shielding the interior from tears. It ships with a filter pump, ladder, pool cover, and repair patch on purchase.

Pros

• Good value for money
• Robust strength and stability
• Durable and corrosion-resistant
• Quick assembly

Cons

• Pump isn’t strong enough

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2. Intex Ultra XTR Frame Pool Set

Best Above-Ground Pool for Large Groups

The Intex Ultra XTR Frame Pool Set is perfect for friends and family. It has a water capacity of 31,805 litres and measures 7.32 by 3.66 m. It comes in nine different sizes and two shapes: rectangle and round. For build quality, the pool is constructed of a powder-coated steel frame for durability and resistance to damage and corrosion, as well as a triple-ply PVC liner.

The sturdy steel frame, heavy-duty liner, and self-sanitation system give the Intex Ultra XTR an in-ground pool feel when in use. It also uses Hydro Aeration Technology in its cartridge filter pump, which improves circulation and filtration and enhances water clarity. You get a two-year warranty, a sand filter pump, a safety ladder, ground cloth, and a pool cover on purchase.

The Intex Ultra XTR has a length of 24 ft (731 cm), making it ideal for larger groups. It has this advantage over the 16 ft Bestway Steel Pro Max model above. For durability and group use, choose Intex; otherwise, get the Bestway model for portability and affordability.

Pros

• Corrosion protection
• Robust three-layer liner
• Effortless pool care
• 2-year warranty

Cons

• Not safe for children under six
• Long preparation and installation time

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3. AVENLI Family Pool

Best Above-Ground Pool for Kids

The AVENLI Family Prompt Set Pool is easy to assemble and store. It stands on its own with an inflated air ring, so setting it up takes minimal effort. Since it’s a freestanding pool, it doesn't need a metal frame to stay stable. The pool's strong design makes it a durable and stable pick.

Designed for ease of use, the family set pool has thoughtful features like 32 mm connections for a standard pool filter pump and two blanking plugs for closing pump connections. Its compact size makes it an ideal addition for small families, especially children. On the downside, while the pool offers a wide range of accessories, none are included in the purchase.

Pros

• Affordable
• Effortless design for quick setup
• Has blanking plugs and easy drainage
• Space-saving and easy to dismantle

Cons

• Limited depth
• No pump included

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4. Intex 10ft Pool Kit

Best Above-Ground Inflatable Pool

The Intex 10ft Pool Kit is smaller than the earlier described pools, besides the AVENLI Family Pool. Compared to the Intex Ultra XTR Frame Pool, it's about half the size. On the bright side, however, it's more affordable and easier to store. It uses Intex's Hydro Aeration Technology in its cartridge filter pump, which is made of similar high-quality materials as the Ultra XTR Pool.

The Intex 10ft Pool Kit is simple and safe for kids; it’s very shallow and hard to submerge in fully. It also looks great with its blue tile design and clear water. The delivered package includes everything you need to set it up, including Intex's 28002E maintenance tool with a vacuum skimmer, a filter pump, and a pole, plus a 6-month warranty.

Intex's Pool Kit and AVENLI's Family Pool are similar above-ground pool models, as they are both inflatable. Between the two, AVENLI is more affordable but a little smaller than Intex and includes no accessories. Only consider it if you have a small family and are shopping on a tight budget.

Pros

• Long-lasting mesh net
• Simple to use and quick to setup
• Includes necessary accessories
• Good value

Cons

• Shallow pool
• Not very durable

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5. CACSPS Foldable Dog Pool

Best Above-Ground Pool for Pets

The CACSPS Foldable Dog Pool has a collapsible design that is easy to carry and store. No inflation is needed—just unfold it, and it’s ready to use. The pool is made from 0.5mm thick PVC material and a 6mm hard plastic board for excellent durability. It’s also built to stay upright and has an anti-slip bottom to prevent your pets from slipping while they play.

The foldable dog pool also serves as a dog bathtub, whelping box, ball pit, sandbox, and more. It comes in various sizes to accommodate different pet sizes, from small dogs to larger breeds. Plus, it has a low-position drain valve to quickly and easily empty the pool after use. You can even connect a hose to water your garden, saving water and reducing costs.

Pros

• Durable PVC material
• Easy to store and transport
• Anti-slip bottom for safety
• Repair patches included

Cons

• Not suitable for deep swimming
• Wears out with heavy use

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6. Polyworld Cruiser Pool

Deepest Above Ground Pool

The Polyworld Cruiser is a comfortable pool made from durable polyethylene with UV inhibitors. It's robust, lightweight, and the deepest above-ground pool on our list, with a height of 140 cm. It pulls slightly ahead of the Intex Ultra XTR Frame Pool Set, which has a height of 132 cm.

Polyworld's Cruiser Pool has stable built-in steps and is versatile and suitable for narrow spaces. Due to its stature, however, it requires extra hands to lift and needs a concrete base to avoid deformation. Thus, it's not a portable option if you want a pool you can undo or pack. We recommend it if you want a partially inground pool that stays put in your backyard.

On purchase, you get a 10-year warranty and a Poly Pool Filter Kit, which costs separately for the Polyworld Cruiser Pool. The kit includes a skimmer box, pool pump and cover, sand filter and pool sand, vacuum head, test kit and thermometer, and chlorine tablets.

Pros

• Impact resistant
• Durable polyethylene construction
• Ample swimming space
• 10-year warranty

Cons

• Requires a concrete base
• Needs four people to lift

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How to Choose the Best Above-Ground Pool?

If you've gone through our list but still have to decide between two or more shortlisted options, the stepwise guide below should help.

Step 1: Consider the size

Evaluate the amount of room in your backyard for the pool size you're looking for. Ensure you understand the measurements well and take notice of the units to avoid purchasing a pool that looms larger than your backyard. Luckily, most options on our list come in various sizes.

Step 2: Survey the area

For safety, install the pool in an area free of overhead power lines. Consider the distance to a plug socket and use a suitable outdoor extension lead, as your filter will require it. Additionally, consider installing your pool away from trees to minimise maintenance from falling leaves.

Step 3: Choose your build material

For the pool's building material, the most common options include steel, aluminium, resin, optimum, and hybrid materials. Each building material has advantages and disadvantages depending on how you intend to use your pool. We go into details of the build materials below.

Step 4: Check your budget

Finally, consider your budget. We recommend a pool kit based on the features that come with it and the warranty attached. Good products have excellent warranty offerings that cover you despite their build quality.

Common Above-Ground Pool Build Materials

Here are the four most common above-ground pool build materials:

#1 - Aluminium

Aluminium is a popular build material due to its strength, especially in cold temperatures. However, they are prone to wear and corrosion due to oxidisation, making them less ideal.

#2 - Steel

Aluminium's disadvantages make steel the ideal option for above-ground pool walls. It is strong, heavy, and solid enough to hold larger water capacities. Surprisingly, the material is also affordable, reducing the overall cost of your above-ground swimming pool.

#3 - Resin

Another good option for above-ground swimming pools is resin. Resin pools are usually made of steel, but the top rails, uprights, and tracking systems are made of resin or other plastic materials. This prevents the metallic parts of your above-ground pool from touching the ground.

Thus, minimising rusting and oxidation. Resin also does well in warmer conditions. Suitable coatings provide extra protection from UV rays, reducing flaking, cracking, and fading.

#4 - Polyethylene

Polyethylene is a lightweight and durable plastic. Its corrosion resistance, UV resistance, and low maintenance requirements make it an excellent choice for above-ground pools. The material's flexibility and insulating properties contribute to better water temperature retention. Also, polyethylene can be recycled, which is good for the environment.

How to Maintain Your Above-Ground Pool

If you have one of the best above-ground pools in Australia, you must take good care of it so it lasts longer and provides a great swimming experience. Here are some essential tips to keep your pool in the best shape:

1. Perform routine cleaning to remove debris, leaves, and any other particles from the pool surface.
2. Test and balance the pool water regularly. Keep pH, alkalinity, and chlorine levels in check to stop algae and bacteria from growing.
3. Check the pool equipment, including the pump, filter, liner, and skimmer, for signs of wear or damage.
4. Keep the pool filter clean and unclogged. Adhere to the manufacturer's instructions for cleaning and replacing the filter.
5. If your pool has a cover, use it when not in use. It keeps debris out, reduces evaporation, and helps control heat.
6. Check the water level in your pool regularly. Keep it at the recommended height for proper skimming and filtration.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions about setting up and maintaining an above-ground swimming pool in Australia.

Ready to Dive?

We detailed this guide to help you easily decide which above-ground swimming pool in Australia is the best for you. To recap, our best value and recommended option for most people is the Bestway Steel Pro Max.

But before purchasing, consider what matters most, like space, ease of use, budget, and essential features. The finest advice we can add is to pick a durable pool that is easy to maintain. All the pools on this list have unique traits; hopefully, you found one that fits your needs.