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 one that suits your needs. We begin with our top picks and then dive 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.
Intex Ultra XTR Pool Set
Best durable, above-ground pool for families and friends with Hydro Aeration Technology enhancing water clarity
Intex 10ft Pool Kit
Best affordable, above-ground inflatable pool safe for youngsters and excellent for quick setup and unpacking
Top 6 Above-Ground Pools for Australians
Whether you seek a durable camping shelter, a comfortable resting spot during road trips, or the convenience of an above-ground swimming pool, our product reviews and analysis should help you decide.
1. Bestway Steel Pro Max
Best Value Above-Ground Pool
Dimensions: 4.88 × 1.22 m
Materials: Steel frame, plastic liner
Water capacity: 19,480 L
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 remove water for 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
2. Intex Ultra XTR Frame Pool Set
Best Above-Ground Pool for Large Groups
Dimensions: 7.32 x 3.66 m
Water capacity: 31,805 L
Warranty: 2 years
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 with a triple-ply PVC liner for durability and resistance to damage and corrosion.
The sturdy steel frame, heavy-duty liner, and self-sanitation system give the Intex Ultra XTR the feel of an in-ground pool. Its cartridge filter pump uses hydro aeration technology, which improves circulation and filtration and enhances water clarity. On purchase, you get a two-year warranty, a sand filter pump, a safety ladder, ground cloth, and a pool cover.
The Intex Ultra XTR is 24 feet (731 cm) long, making it ideal for larger groups. The pool size is advantageous over the 16-foot Bestway Steel Pro Max model above. Choose Intex for durability and group use; 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
3. AVENLI Family Pool
Best Above-Ground Pool for Kids
Dimensions: 2.4 × 0.63 m
Water capacity: 2074 L
The AVENLI Family Prompt Set Pool is easy to assemble and store. It stands independently 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
4. Intex 10ft Pool Kit
Best Above-Ground Inflatable Pool
Dimensions: 3.05 × 0.76 m
Materials: Resin frame, plastic, and PVC liner
Water capacity: 3,853 L
The Intex 10ft Pool Kit is smaller than the previously described pools except for the AVENLI Family Pool. It's about half the size of the Intex Ultra XTR Frame Pool. On the bright side, however, it's more affordable and easier to store. Its cartridge filter pump uses Intex's Hydro Aeration Technology and is made of high-quality materials like the Ultra XTR Pool.
The Intex 10-ft Pool Kit is simple and safe for kids. It’s very shallow and difficult to submerge fully, but its blue tile design and clear water make it look great. The package includes everything you need to set it up, including Intex's 28002E maintenance tool with a vacuum skimmer, a filter pump, a pole, and a 6-month warranty.
Intex's Pool Kit and AVENLI's Family Pool are inflatable above-ground pool models. However, the AVENLI pool is more affordable but smaller than Intex and does not include accessories. We recommend 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
5. CACSPS Foldable Dog Pool
Best Above-Ground Pool for Pets
Dimensions: 180.3 x 30.5 cm
Materials: Hard plastic
The CACSPS Foldable Dog Pool is easy to carry and store. Its collapsible design requires no inflation—unfold it, and it’s ready to use. The pool is made from 0.5mm thick PVC and a 6mm rigid 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
6. Polyworld Cruiser Pool
Deepest Above Ground Pool
Dimensions: 480 × 250 × 140 cm
Materials: Virgin Polyethylene
Water capacity: 12,000 L
The Polyworld Cruiser is a comfortable pool made from durable polyethene with UV inhibitors. It's robust and lightweight. With a depth of 140 cm, it's the deepest above-ground pool on our list. It is slightly ahead of the Intex Ultra XTR Frame Pool Set, which is 132 cm tall.
Polyworld's Cruiser Pool has stable built-in steps, is versatile, and is suitable for narrow spaces. However, due to its stature, 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 quickly. 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
How to Choose the Best Above-Ground Pool?
If you've reviewed our list but still need to choose 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 pay attention to the units to avoid purchasing a pool larger than your backyard. Luckily, most options on our list come in various sizes.
Step 2: Survey the area
Install the pool in an area free of overhead power lines for safety. 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
The most common options for the pool's building materials include steel, aluminium, resin, optimum, and hybrid materials. Each has advantages and disadvantages, depending on how you intend to use your pool. Below, we will discuss the building materials in detail.
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 building material due to its strength, especially in cold temperatures. However, oxidisation makes it prone to wear and corrosion, making it 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. Although resin pools are usually steel, the top rails, uprights, and tracking systems are made of resin or other plastic materials. This prevents the metallic parts of the pool from touching the ground.
Thus, resin minimises rusting and oxidation. It 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, polyethene 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:
- Perform routine cleaning to remove debris, leaves, and any other particles from the pool surface.
- Test and balance the pool water regularly. Keep pH, alkalinity, and chlorine levels in check to stop algae and bacteria from growing.
- Check the pool equipment, including the pump, filter, liner, and skimmer, for signs of wear or damage.
- Keep the pool filter clean and unclogged. Adhere to the manufacturer's instructions for cleaning and replacing the filter.
- If your pool has a cover, use it when not in use. It keeps debris out, reduces evaporation, and helps control heat.
- 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.
What is the most popular size for an above-ground pool?
24-inch diameter pools are the most commonly purchased above-the-ground pool. They are popular with consumers as they have the capacity to fit 4 or 5 people with enough space to enjoy. Given that these sizes of above-ground swimming pools are also mid-range priced, they are common with most Australian households.
Can I install an above-ground pool without professional help?
Yes, you can install the pool by yourself if your space is levelled or it can be done with a little digging. If not, a professional will be needed; they have the tools, personnel, and expertise to complete your pool installation swiftly and can handle any special difficulties that may arise.
How long do above-ground pools last?
Above-ground pools usually last anywhere between 7 and 15 years. The longevity of this pool depends on various factors, such as the method of installation, type of pool, location, and maintenance.
How is an above-ground pool cleaned?
Cleaning an above-ground pool is similar to cleaning an in-ground pool.
- Use a pool skimmer or a pool hose, or manually fish out any debris with a pool net.
- Then drain the pool completely and get rid of any other debris.
- Afterward, use a cleaning solution or simple chlorine with water to disinfect the pool surfaces.
- You can leave it to air dry or pat it dry with a cloth before adding in clean water afterwards.
Can an above-ground pool have a “deep end?”
Yes, above-ground pools can have a deep end. For instance, round pools can have deeper ends compared to oval pools because they do not have underlying straps or braces that can hinder a deeper pool. Additionally, consider your choice of liners; expandable liners allow you to go an extra foot deeper than regular liners.
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.
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