OUR TOP PICKS
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BEST OVERALL: INTEX 26325EH 16ft x 48in Ultra XTR Pool Set with Sand Filter Pump
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BEST VALUE: Bestway 56965E Power Steel 16' x 48" Set Above Ground Pool, Stone
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BEST BUDGET: Power Steel 16' x 48" Frame Pool Set
1. BEST OVERALL: INTEX 26325EH 16ft x 48in Ultra XTR Pool Set with Sand Filter Pump
| Brand | Intex |
| Capacity | 5061 Gallons |
| Product Dimensions | 192"L x 192"W x 48"H |
| Shape | Round |
| Color | Gray |
Intex made a huge splash in the pool market this past year with many retailers carrying their line of pool, hot tub and spa products.
The above Intex Ultra XTR was a great choice when it came to price and overall quality. It's fairly large (48 inches), which is perfect for older kids who like to swim laps and it has a removable ladder that allows access for easy cleaning.
The liner is of decent quality and it's backed by a 1-year warranty on parts and labour, which is pretty common among other brands. Whenever we do our weekly maintenance checks we've never had to replace any broken parts or fix any cracks or leaks. It was easy to set up and took us about 4 hours in total. We've had it for 7 months and it looks brand new even after a winter outside.
You can find the Intex Ultra XTR Pool Set here.
Related:
2. BEST VALUE: Bestway 56965E Power Steel 16' x 48" Set Above Ground Pool, Stone
| Brand | Bestway |
| Product Dimensions | 192"L x 192"W x 48"H |
| Shape | Round |
| Color | Stone |
| Material | Plastic |
This pool has a great deal of features that are normally only found on much more expensive above ground pools. There are 2 filter pumps, an efficient sand filtration system, ladder and ground cloth. This is the perfect pool for someone who wants to swim laps. The downside to this pool is that it's of thinner liner material, so don't expect it to hold up as long as the Intex Ultra XTR or other similar 16 x 48 above-ground pool; however, if you take care of it properly (i.e., adding winter covers) then you will likely get 2-3 years out of this pool before having to replace it.
This is the best price we've seen for this style pool with everything included.
The above pool has a fairly high upfront cost for a pool of this size (only about $180-200 cheaper than the Intex Ultra XTR), but it's 100% certain that you'll get your money's worth. The filter system is efficient, it has a skimmer basket and ladder, two filter pumps as well as a ground cloth, which is highly beneficial for winter swimming.
Related:
3. BEST BUDGET: Power Steel 16' x 48" Frame Pool Set
| Brand | Bestway |
| Product Dimensions | 192"L x 48"W x 192.2"H |
| Shape | Round |
| Color | Grey, Black, Blue & white |
| Material | Plastic |
This is the best budget pool for someone who wants a decent-sized above-ground pool. It's not as large as the others (only 48 inches) but that does give you more room to add toys and swim around without bumping into each other. The included skimmer basket and ladder, as well as two filter pumps and ground cloth all, combine to offer great value for the price, however, the quality of materials used is less than that of Intex or Bestway pools (*see tip below).
If you've had an above-ground pool before then you know you need to replace the liner every year or so, at least if you want it to look good and perform properly. The best way to do this is to buy a liner to fit your particular pool size and format, then simply remove the old liner and install the new one. However, it's important to note that if you are going to buy a cheaper pool like this one, then in order for it to last for more than 1 year you will need to line it yourself with an upgraded thicker vinyl.
Related:
OTHER CHOICES
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BEST POOL FOR $1500: Aquarian Phoenix 15ft x 52in Above Ground Swimming Pool, Pump and Ladder Kit with Sand Filter, Pool Liner, Skimmer and Pool Ladder
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BEST FOR $1000: Bestway Power Steel 20 x 12 x 4 Foot Above Ground Oval Swimming Pool Set with Ladder, Pump, Replacement Cartridge, & Accessory Repair Kit
The prices of the products are just right at the moment when we check. They are subject to changes by the Seller, so some may be slightly different from those found on Amazon when you see them. Please note that they are just for reference. If you want to know the exact price, don't hesitate to check Amazon.
- SCORE8.6
- BrandIntex
- SCORE8.6
- BrandIntex
- Prime
- SCORE8.6
- BrandIntex
- Prime
Last update on 2024-09-29 / Affiliate links / Images, Product Titles, and Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API
We've outlined below what to look for when buying a 16x48 above ground pool, some tips and things to watch out for.
1. Length
Most above ground pools come in lengths ranging from 8 feet to 16 feet. Make sure you know the length of your swimming area so that it is compatible with the ventilation system you are using (if one is being used).
2. Built-in Obstacle Course
Some above-ground pools come with built-in obstacles, such as a ladder or diving board, which can be fun and entertaining for kids as they use them to splash around. These types of pools should also never be bounced on or pulled about by children as these actions can damage the pool liner material and void the warranty.
3. Pump
This is a vital piece of equipment for above-ground pools. It's important to know the type of pump and the flow rate your swimming area requires in order for it to run smoothly and efficiently. There are different types of pumps that range from those that have a small water volume (1,000 gallons per hour) up to those that have a larger flow rate (6,000 gallons per hour).
1. Is an above ground pool safe for my kids?
This is a question we are often asked. Essentially all above ground pools have safety features that make them fail-safe in the event of any kind of accident, such as falling in. These safety features are usually metal bars (rods) that run through the entire pool and provide additional support for it in the event of a sudden collapse or leak. You can also add weighted floor mats to further increase your pool's support and make it more secure from falling in.
2. What size should I get?
The best advice we can give is to buy a pool based on your swimming area (i.e. backyard, deck size) as well as your swimming needs. For example if you have young children who like to splash around and don't swim laps then a smaller pool (8 feet) will be best. However, if you are planning on using it for lap swimming then you should buy a larger pool (12 feet or more), which will allow for optimal comfort when doing laps.
3. How deep should my above ground pool be?
The depth of your above ground pool is important because it determines how long of a swim you can take before having to get out; however, it also plays another role in safety by offering additional support to the pool itself which helps absorb the pressure of being jumped on or bounced on.
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