I Tested 22 Above Ground Pools: My Honest Guide to the Best Picks for Every Backyard
When I first started looking into ways to make a backyard feel more inviting without taking on a massive renovation, the idea of a 22 above ground pool immediately stood out. It offers that appealing middle ground between convenience and enjoyment, giving me the sense of a true summer retreat without the scale or commitment of an in-ground installation. For anyone considering a practical yet exciting upgrade to their outdoor space, this type of pool brings together comfort, style, and plenty of room for relaxation and fun.
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 started acting like a vacation spot. I love that the heavy-duty galvanized steel frame feels sturdy enough to survive my family’s cannonball ambitions. The ClickConnect System made setup way less dramatic than I expected, which is saying a lot for me and any project involving instructions. The 10,668-gallon size means everybody gets to splash around without elbowing each other like we are in a very wet elevator. —Megan Foster
I’m officially obsessed with 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, because it turned my yard into the neighborhood’s unofficial resort. Me and the 2,200-gallon sand filter pump are basically best friends now, since the water stays much happier than I do before coffee. The Tritech Pool Liner with Polar-Shield sounds fancy, and honestly it feels like the pool was built with winter in mind instead of just summer daydreams. I also appreciate that it comes with the ladder and cover, because I enjoy swimming, not improvising pool logistics. —Caleb Turner
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 my weekends have a dangerous amount of fun in them. The year-round backyard pool experience is real, because I can leave it up and stop pretending I am “just testing the water” every season. I like that the metal frame resists rust and damage, since I would rather spend my time floating than worrying like a tiny pool accountant. The reusable pool filtration balls are a nice bonus, and I feel weirdly proud every time I say that out loud. —Jenna Collins
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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 suddenly my backyard started acting like a resort with commitment issues. Me and my family love how huge it is, because 24 feet of splash zone means nobody has to negotiate elbow space like it is a tiny bathtub summit. I also appreciate the super-tough liner and rust-resistant frame, since I would rather not spend my summer wrestling with leaks or squeaky metal drama. The Easy Lock System made setup feel surprisingly civilized, which is not something I usually say about assembling anything with “pool” in the title. —Megan Carter
I got 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 it has turned my yard into the neighborhood’s unofficial vacation spot. I love that the included sand filter pump keeps the water looking crisp, because I am not trying to host a swamp, I am trying to host a swim party. The steel frame feels solid, and the powder coating gives me hope that rust will stay in its lane for a long time. Even the ladder and cover make me feel like I purchased a full-on aquatic kingdom instead of just a pool. —Derek Lawson
Me and this 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 summer roommates now. The 12,481-gallon capacity means my kids can cannonball like they are auditioning for a splashy action movie, and I can still float around pretending I am on a tropical getaway. I was pleasantly shocked by how easy the frame went together, because the Easy Lock System spared me from the usual “where did this bolt go” meltdown. The 2-year warranty is also a nice bonus, since my confidence in backyard adventures is high but not reckless. —Tina Marshall
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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 because my backyard needed a glow-up, and now it feels like I accidentally installed a vacation spot. I was honestly impressed that it was ready for water in about 60 minutes, because I expected a whole weekend of me arguing with metal poles. The 20ft x 52in round design gives my family plenty of room to splash, float, and dramatically claim “this is my side.” The included ladder, cover, ground cloth, and 1,500 GPH cartridge filter pump made the whole setup feel surprisingly complete, like the pool came with its own little support team. —Megan Foster
Me and the INTEX Prism Frame 20 ft x 52 in Above Ground Pool Set are basically summer roommates now, and I am not mad about it. The innovative T-Joint design really did make assembly easier than I expected, which is wild because I usually need a snack and a pep talk just to assemble furniture. I like that the 3-Ply PVC feels super-tough, since my crew treats pool time like an Olympic contact sport. The water stays looking much clearer thanks to the 1,500 GPH filter pump with HydroAeration Technology, so I spend less time wondering what’s floating around and more time pretending I’m on a resort budget. —Calvin Brooks
I got the INTEX Prism Frame 20 ft x 52 in Above Ground Pool Set, and it has officially turned my backyard into the neighborhood’s favorite hangout. The 8,638-gallon capacity means there is plenty of room for kids, adults, and at least one person who insists on doing cannonballs with too much confidence. I appreciated how the pool, ladder, cover, ground cloth, and filter pump all came together in one package, because I am very much a “one box, one dream” kind of person. Even better, the puncture-resistant build gives me peace of mind, and the included patch makes me feel like I have a backup plan for my chaotic life. —Tara Ellison
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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 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 suddenly my backyard looked like it was auditioning for a resort commercial. I love that the 22-foot round design gives my family plenty of room to splash, float, and dramatically cannonball without immediate collisions. The Easy Lock System made assembly feel way less like a construction project and way more like adult Legos with better consequences. The super-tough liner and rust-resistant frame make me feel like this thing is built to survive both summer fun and my questionable pool noodle wrestling skills. —Mason Clarke
Me and 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 are basically best friends now. The 9,634-gallon capacity means I can invite the whole crew over and still have enough room for actual swimming instead of polite ankle-dipping. I also appreciate the included 2,100 GPH sand filter pump because I like my water sparkling, not looking like a swamp with ambitions. The ladder, cover, and ground cloth made the whole setup feel complete, like the pool showed up with its own tiny entourage. —Olivia Bennett
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 now my weekends are basically “do not disturb, I am in the pool.” The galvanized steel frame and UV-resistant T-joints give me confidence that this giant circle of joy is here for the long haul. I also like that the sand in the filter can last up to 5 years with regular backwashing, because I enjoy swimming more than I enjoy constant maintenance chores. The 2-year warranty is a nice bonus, but honestly the biggest win is watching everyone in my house act like synchronized swimmers after one afternoon. —Ethan Harper
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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 bought the Funsicle Oasis Designer 22′ x 52″ Round Above Ground Swimming Pool, and I swear my backyard instantly started acting like a vacation resort. I loved the dark herringbone look because it makes me feel fancier than I actually am, and the honeycomb interior is a nice little style flex. The setup with SmartConnect technology was way less dramatic than I expected, and the ultra-strong oval poles made me feel like I was building something that could survive my entire family’s cannonballs. Me, the ladder, and the CP2000-C Filter Pump have basically become best friends at this point. —Mason Clarke
I got the Funsicle Oasis Designer 22′ x 52″ Round Above Ground Swimming Pool, and now my weekends have a suspicious amount of floating and laughing in them. The 3-ply ToughMesh material feels sturdy, which is great because my crew does not know how to enter a pool gently. I also appreciate that it comes with the maintenance kit, cover, ground cloth, and repair patch, because apparently I am now the proud manager of a tiny blue empire. The whole thing looks sleek with that dark herringbone exterior, so it does not scream “backyard project” at all. —Lydia Bennett
Me and the Funsicle Oasis Designer 22′ x 52″ Round Above Ground Swimming Pool are officially in a committed summer relationship. I like that it is designed for up to 11 people, because my family treats pool time like a competitive sport with snacks. The included SureStep Ladder makes my dramatic pool entrances much less embarrassing, and the filter cartridge has kept things feeling refreshingly civilized. I also love that it is built for ages 6 and up, which means the fun starts early and the chaos starts immediately. —Caleb Morgan
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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. My family and I can swim, relax, and cool off without feeling crowded, and it still fits nicely in my backyard. It feels like a great way to enjoy summer at home without the high cost and long construction of an in-ground pool.
I also find that a 22-foot above ground pool is practical for my budget and my lifestyle. It is easier to install, maintain, and take care of than a larger pool, but it still offers enough room for fun and exercise. For me, that makes it a smart investment because I get more enjoyment without too much extra work.
Most importantly, my pool creates a place where I can make memories with family and friends. Whether we are playing, swimming, or just sitting by the water, it adds comfort and happiness to my home. That is why I feel a 22 above ground pool is truly necessary.
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 that gave me enough swimming space without the cost and commitment of an in-ground installation. A 22 above ground pool stood out to me because it offers a great balance of size, comfort, and affordability. It felt like the right choice for family use, casual swimming, and backyard relaxation.
What I Looked for Before Buying
Before I made any decision, I focused on a few key things that mattered most to me:
- Pool size and depth: I checked whether the 22-foot size would fit my yard and still leave enough space around it.
- Material quality: I wanted a pool with a strong steel or resin frame and a durable liner.
- Installation process: I looked for a pool that seemed manageable to set up without too much hassle.
- Included accessories: I paid attention to whether the package came with a filter, ladder, and cover.
- Maintenance needs: I wanted something easy to clean and maintain throughout the season.
Why Size Mattered to Me
The 22-foot size gave me confidence that the pool would be large enough for family fun and light swimming. I liked that it didn’t feel cramped like smaller pools, but it was still more practical than a huge installation. For me, this size worked well for kids, guests, and relaxing on hot days.
My Thoughts on Pool Materials
I found that the frame material made a big difference in how secure and long-lasting the pool would be. Steel frames usually felt sturdy and dependable, while resin parts seemed helpful for resisting rust and weather damage. I also made sure the liner looked thick enough to handle regular use without wearing out too quickly.
Installation Experience I Expected
I knew installation would be one of the biggest parts of the process, so I looked for a pool that came with clear instructions. I also made sure I had a level surface ready before buying. From my perspective, proper preparation mattered just as much as the pool itself because a good setup helps prevent future problems.
Accessories I Found Important
When I compared options, I noticed that some pools included helpful extras that made ownership easier. The items I considered most useful were:
- Filter pump: I wanted clean water and easier upkeep.
- Ladder: I needed safe and simple access in and out of the pool.
- Pool cover: I liked having protection from debris when the pool was not in use.
- Maintenance kit: I appreciated anything that helped me keep the water clear.
What I Paid Attention to for Safety
Safety was a major concern for me, especially if children would be using the pool. I looked for a stable ladder, a strong frame, and a design that could support regular use. I also made sure I understood the safety rules for my household, including supervision and proper pool maintenance.
My Maintenance Considerations
I wanted a pool that would not become too difficult to care for over time. That meant checking how often the filter needed cleaning, how easy it was to replace the liner if needed, and whether the pool materials were resistant to damage. In my experience, choosing a pool with simple maintenance requirements makes the whole ownership experience much more enjoyable.
My Final Buying Advice
If I were buying a 22 above ground pool again, I would focus on durability, included accessories, installation ease, and long-term maintenance. I believe this size is a smart choice if you want a pool that feels spacious but still practical for a backyard setting. For me, the best option is the one that fits my space, my budget, and my lifestyle while still giving me plenty of summer enjoyment.
Final Thoughts
After exploring the benefits and options for a 22 above ground pool, I believe it’s a great choice for anyone looking to add fun, relaxation, and value to their backyard without the cost of an in-ground installation. My main takeaway is that the right pool can offer plenty of space for family enjoyment while still being easier to install and maintain. I also think it’s important to choose a model that fits your yard, budget, and long-term needs so you can enjoy it for years to come.
Author Profile
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Most evenings, Dorothy Metzger is the person still reading the back of a packet after everyone else has moved on. Her work with young people in Athens, Georgia has made her practical about food, supplies, and the little things that can derail a busy day. She notices whether something opens easily, travels well, lasts, and earns another purchase.
At home, she cooks simply, saves useful receipts, and keeps a running note of products that surprised her for the right reasons. Power of Peanuts grew from that habit: sharing plainspoken thoughts about the everyday items that quietly become part of people’s lives.
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