Swimming pools are a great way to exercise and relax in the summer. The best part? 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 to find one in Australia, our list below evaluates the options available to help you choose which best suits your needs. We begin with our top picks before delving into in-depth product reviews.
Our Top Picks
Need to make a quick purchase? Here are the top 3 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 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
Dimensions: 4.88 × 1.22 m
Materials: Steel frame, plastic liner
Water capacity: 19,480 L
The Bestway Steel Pro Max is a high-quality above-ground pool that is reasonably priced. 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 includes 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 swimming pool has a round shape and is pretty stylish. 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. On purchase, the package includes a filter pump, ladder, pool cover, and repair patch.
To stop the pool’s bottom liner from getting wrinkles when you’re setting it up, first put a little water in the pool. Then, get rid of the wrinkles by starting from the middle and moving in a circle, like the hands of a clock.
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 which boosts the steel's durability and resistance to damage and corrosion, and 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. 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 Frame Pool Set has a length of 24 ft (731 cm), which makes it ideal for larger groups at a go. 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
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 offers storage convenience with an easy assembly process. It stands up on its own with an inflated air ring, requiring minimal effort to set up. Being a freestanding pool, it also requires no metal structure to be stable. The AVENLI pool's robust construction ensures durability and stability, promising hours of long-lasting fun.
Designed for ease of use, the prompt set pool comes with 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 on 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 earlier described pools, besides the AVENLI Family Pool. Compared to the Intex Ultra XTR Frame Pool, it's about half the size of the Ultra XTR Pool. On the bright side, however, it's easier to store, uses Intex's Hydro Aeration Technology in its cartridge filter pump, and is made of similar high-quality materials as the Ultra XTR Pool. Plus, it's the more affordable between the two.
The Intex 10ft Pool Kit is modest, making it safe for youngsters; it is very shallow and difficult to immerse completely. It also is beautiful to look at with its blue tile elements and crystal-clear water hue. On purchase, the package includes everything needed to set it up, Intex's 28002E maintenance tool with a vacuum skimmer, a filter pump and pole, and a 6-month warranty.
The Intex 10ft Pool Kit and AVENLI 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 if you have a small family and are shopping on a tight budget.
Pros
- Good value
- Long-lasting mesh net
- Simple to use and quick to setup
- Includes necessary accessories
Cons
- Shallow pool
- Not very durable
5. Lunaoo Foldable Dog Pool
Best Above-Ground Pool for Pets
Dimensions: 119.38 × 30.48 cm
Materials: Polyvinyl Chloride
The Lunaoo Foldable Dog Pool will help keep your dog comfortable over the summer. It's sturdy and spacious enough to amuse a pet with a short depth and well-built body to reduce the chances of your pet drowning. The Pet Pool has a built-in spiral drain and brand-new water pipe connector, making it easy to fill and empty. For durability, its made of premium, industrial-strength PVC to withstand all your dog or pet's doggy paddles.
Choosing a pool for your dog might occasionally be challenging, but the Lunaoo's reasonable price and qualities make it the ideal option. This pool is visually pleasing, and the built-in drains make filling and emptying the garden hose quite convenient. Likewise, thanks to its foldable design, you can easily transport and set it up anywhere—even at a dog park.
Pros
- East to set up and store
- Durable for pet use
- Thick, non-slip bottom material
- 3-year warranty
Cons
- Subject to damage from bigger pets
6. NEW Cruiser Pool
Deepest Above Ground Pool
Dimensions: 480 × 250 × 140 cm
Materials: Virgin Polyethylene
Water capacity: 12,000 L
The Cruiser Rectangle Pool is a modern, 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.
The 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 that 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 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 gone through our list but still have to decide between two or more shortlisted options, the step-by-step process below should help you decide your best option.
Step 1: Consider the size
You must first consider the amount of room in your backyard or compound 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
You must ensure to install it in an area free of overhead power lines for obvious safety reasons. 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
It's time to decide on your 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: Consider the price
Finally, consider your budget. We recommend selecting a product 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
Above-ground swimming pools come in many build materials. We explore them below:
#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. If your above-ground swimming pool is made of aluminium, you must take proper care of the material to improve its long-term durability.
#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. While it is subject to tear and deterioration, most pools add protective coatings.
#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. Good 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. When you're choosing a polyethylene pool, it's important to look at the product details, the brand's reputation, and other user reviews.
How to Maintain Your Above-Ground Pool
If you have one of the best above-ground pools in Australia, you need to take good care of it so it lasts longer and provides a great swimming experience. Here are some important tips to keep your pool in the best shape:
- Regular Cleaning: Perform routine cleaning to remove debris, leaves, and any other particles from the pool surface. Use a skimmer, pool hose, or a net to keep the water clear and prevent clogging of the filtration system.
- Water Balance: Regularly test and balance the pool water. Maintain the appropriate pH levels, alkalinity, and chlorine content to prevent the growth of algae and bacteria.
- Inspect and Lubricate Equipment: Check the pool equipment, including the pump, filter, liner, and skimmer, for signs of wear or damage. Lubricate moving parts to prevent friction and ensure smooth operation.
- Proper Filtration: Keep the pool filter clean and unclogged. Adhere to the manufacturer's instructions for cleaning and replacing the filter. This helps effective water circulation and filtration.
- Secure the Pool Cover: If your above-ground pool has a cover, use it when the pool is not in use. A cover helps stop debris from entering the pool, lowers evaporation, and controls heat.
- Monitor Water Level: Monitor the water level in your pool regularly. Ensure it remains at the recommended height to maintain proper skimming and filtration. Add water as needed, especially during hot and dry weather.
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 features. The finest advice we can add is to pick a durable, 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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