I researched the best above ground pool as i’ve been trying to make my backyard more enjoyable during the summer and have a place where my family can relax at home instead of spending money on outdoor activities. i have been experiencing problems with choosing the right pool because many options look good online but people mention issues like weak materials, difficult setup, leaks, or pools not lasting as long as expected. i wanted something reliable that would be easy to maintain and worth the investment.
i went through reviews from trusted sources like reddit, customer reviews, and pool guides and after comparing many options these two kept coming up as the top choices:
however, i am having trouble deciding which one would be better for me and i would love to get your expert advice and hoping maybe some pool owners or experienced backyard users on this forum can also share their advice. i usually want something for regular summer use and need something durable, easy to set up, and good for everyday family use. Any suggestions or advice would be appreciated.
I have actually seen both of these in real use in backyards and the difference usually doesn’t show up on day one, it comes after a few weeks when you start using it daily.
With the Intex Ultra XTR, one real problem I ran into early was slight water shifting on one side after filling it up. At first it looked like a defect, but it turned out the ground was not perfectly level. I drained it a bit, re-leveled the base with sand and plywood pads under the legs, then refilled it. After that it stayed solid the whole summer with no further issues.
The Bestway Steel Pro MAX is easier to set up, but I noticed over time the frame started feeling a bit loose at the corners when kids were getting in and out often. It still worked, but it needed more checking and tightening and I just didn’t want to deal with that during peak summer use.
That’s basically why I stuck with the Intex Ultra XTR. Once you fix the base properly at the start, it becomes a set it up once and forget it kind of setup, and that is what most people actually want from a backyard pool.
I don’t have any advice on what pool to choose, just make sure you know your cities rules regarding above ground pools. My city doesn’t allow them. Some have specific fencing requirements. There may also be rules against too much impervious surface on your lot.