With summer just around the corner, we all dream of a swimming to cool off. Unfortunately, we do not have enough money and the space to build an underground pool, but have you thought about affordable models above ground pools? Not only are they economical, but in addition, it settles quickly and everywhere. Here is a complete guide that should help you choose the perfect model under $600 for this summer.
1. Intex 18ft X 48in Metal Frame Pool Set (highly recommend)
I almost never write reviews but in this case, when I am so pleased with a product, I feel compelled. I have four children who love to swim. They are 1, 4, 7 and 10. They know how to swim (except the one year old) but I don’t feel comfortable letting them in a pool that is over there heads without myself or wife in it. Problem is, they would be in the water all day, and I’m not always in the mood! This pool was the perfect compromise! At only 30″ deep they can all stand up in it and at 12′ round its big! They don’t realize it’s a kids pool. To them it’s like a 54″ above ground pool would be for an adult. They are in it all day every day and I don’t have to be in there with them. here are some pros and cons and some recommendations.
Pros:
Assemble is sooo easy. Took me a half hour. As with any pool it should be on level ground. I didn’t have a perfectly level spot in my yard so I set it up as level as possible and it’s fine.(water is a little higher on one side, no biggy) I wasn’t about to level the yard for a pool that I didn’t know anything about. Next year I will!
- Because of its size you can take it down and store it for the winter and not have to worry about winterizing
- Perfect size for kids! They can send up and swim!
- The frame is strong! We didn’t get a ladder. The kids hop over the side. They can hand and sit on it. It’s very strong!
- Because of its size, it warms up pretty quick, about a day after filling to get to a good temp. The liner is thick. Not sure what the mil size is but it feels heavy.
Cons:
- The filter! I’ve seen bigger filters on fish tanks! It uses a cartridge that has to be cleaned often and it doesn’t flow much.
- No skimmer. The filter will clean the water(eventually) but will not remove debris from the top of the water.
- Water quality can go downhill quick! This could be partially my fault for not monitoring the water as often as I should but after it rains, if it’s in direct sunlight often or if you have a lot of people in it, the chlorine levels can drop and it can go green real fast.
My recommendations
Along with the pool you will need a skimming net, a vaccuum that works with a garden hose, water test kit, the solar cover, a chlorine floating dispenser, quick dissolving chlorine tabs, and I would highly recommend getting the sand master 71225 filter and the index skimmer. The filter is so powerful it creates a small whirlpool which causes any debris on the floor to collect in the middle of the poll which makes it easy to vacuum up. Plus it’s rated for 9000 gallons and is super easy to clean. Just flip the valve to backwash and your done! You’ll end up spending about another $200 with these upgrades but totally worth it! Keep the filter running,add a tab or two a day and you’ll have crystal clear water all summer!
2. Intex 24ft X 52in Prism Frame Pool Set
Love it Have had INTEX pools for years and wouldn’t buy another brand. But, there are some steps that need to be taken in your location. For instance – we put bricks or tiles under some posts which are on “softer” parts of the yard to reduce sinking into the ground after heavy rain (we live in Houston). You DEFINITELY have to prepare the ground, clear and level the space as much as possible. You might want to add sand before you put down the ground cover. And keep watch on the pool as it fills to keep it straight”. An above-ground pool is a very inexpensive way to have a pool in your yard, but some of the savings comes from the cost of installation. If you want a GREAT EXPERIENCE it will take some effort, but it’s worth it!
3. Intex 20ft X 12ft X 48in Oval Frame Pool Set
Set up the pool over the Memorial day weekend. It took about a day and a half to get the ground level first. Once we started to set up the actual pool it took about 3 hours plus fill up time. The most time consuming part is putting down the pavers in the ground that go under the support bars. Everything worked great. We kept the pool covered when not in use. Mid-July the kids went off to camp for a couple of weeks & the pool was neglected. It turned green and nothing we tried could clear it. We had to order sand filter to fix the issue. In retrospect I think this size pool should ship with the sand filter instead of the little filter system it comes with.
4. Intex 18ft X 48in Prism Frame Pool Set
Filter pump included is nothing more than a glorified coffee pot, barley moves water and barley filters. Instructions should give advise to use a foot under each of the upright legs, to prevent the pool from sinking into the ground, but honestly I should have been smart enough to know this initially. no issues with install, relatively easy set up for a beginners pool. the ladder is very direct with small stairs, so if your not sure of yourself, secure the ladder to a piece of 2x6x4 on the outside of the pool to add some stability to the included stairs.
all in all, its a cheap starter pool, that seems relatively reliable.
5. Intex 20′ x 12′ x 48″ Oval Frame Above Ground Pool Set
At 20′ long and 12′ wide (48″ high), this Intex Oval Frame Pool is great for family and friends and shaped perfectly to fit in the space you need it to in your backyard. Packed with great features and accessories for fun in the sun, this pool is sure to make a splash with the entire crowd. Easy to assemble without tools and ready for the water in as little as 30 minutes, this pool is ideal for years of fun. Keep your pool performing at its best by investing in Intex Pool Easy-Set Type A Replacement Filter Cartridges. Constructed out of 13.5 square feet of high-quality Dacron, this filter cartridge was designed to keep your Intex or other compatible filter pumps running longer and stronger. Replace this filter cartridge every 2 weeks for peak performance. For the long healthy life of your pool, invest in this quality Intex Pool Easy-Set Type A Replacement Filter Cartridge and let it go to work for you.
6. Intex 14ft X 42in Ultra Frame Pool Set
Proudly say that two 5′ women put this pool up, if we can do it you can too. We took breaks to go instead and watch the DVDs then came out to tackle each stage, it was all very easy and straightforward. This is a HUGE pool that takes awhile to fill up.
Please note
1) Even though it is 18×9, make sure you add at least 3 feet to each side when laying out your area.
2) I put mine on a fairly level concrete patio, the holes for the plumbing are a little high, make sure that the filter holes are on the lower side if you have a little uneven leveling
3) Lay the liner out in the sun, unfold it in the sun and let it sit for a little bit. This softens it up a little to be able to move around.
4) Look at filter hole placement, we layed it out and was so focused on the next setups we nearly forgot to turn the pool around.
5) There is this extra little piece that has a small screw end and a black cap, it goes on at the larger filter ring on the outside opening, we couldn’t find in the instructions.
If the hoses that connect to the Y leaks put a couple of layers of plumbers tape on it.
6) Watch youtube videos of the sand filters
7) Sand for the sand filters can be found at home depot or pool stores
8) You can call to have water delivered to your pool, if you are on city water and fill with the hose call the city after you get your bill to have the sewer water portion removed from your bill.
7. Summer Waves Elite Metal Frame Swimming Pool Package, 15-ft Round x 48-in Deep
This pool is very similar to the previous model we are replacing, though not exactly the same. The steel frame and legs are actually nicer than the first one, so that’s a plus. The liner appears exactly the same, which is also good, as these are tough liners, and our last one lasted for over 4 years, left up year-round. The problem of the weak filter system remains, and I dislike using the filter cartridges, but we’re modifying it to fit a sand filter and saltwater system, which worked great for the last one like this that we had. The last model had a rectangular skimmer entrance, which meant that the water level could fluctuate by a few more inches and still have efficient skimmer function. This newer model has a round skimmer entrance, which looks more modern and nicer, but doesn’t function as well. With these little pools, function is more important than looks. With a round skimmer inlet, there is only about a 2 inch variance of water level in which the skimmer will function optimally, then the top or the bottom of the round entrance becomes too narrow to do much work. So, if it rains or if its hot and sunny or you have a lot of splashing out or a small leak, you’d have to be constantly on top of adjusting water level for the skimmer to work. This pool was already hampered by a weak filter system, which we worked round by buying and adapting to a better external pump and filter, but the round skimmer entry now makes that more difficult, even with modification. With saltwater, we expect this pool to last just two summers before the salt rusts the frame. We will not buy again, because the round skimmer is just one too many negatives to overcome.
In conclusion, now you have the most over view about the best 7 above ground pool under $600. It clearly that buying, setting up, and having your own swimming pools really make sense. Therefore, choosing the right one can help you save time and money. In my point of view, above ground pool is most practical, economical, flexible, affordable and convenient option for swimming pools. It is one of the most popular types of swimming pool that people are using widely for relaxation, recreation, and fun. Hope you may get a right swimming pool for your family in 2024 summer.