Looking for the best above ground pool kit recommendations

[Peter K]

I’m starting to shop around for an above ground pool kit and could really use some advice. There are so many different brands and packages out there that it’s hard to know what’s actually worth the money. Some kits seem super basic, while others come with extras like upgraded filters, ladders, and even decking options.

If you’ve bought a complete pool kit before, which one did you go with and would you recommend it? I’m especially interested in hearing how the quality held up over time, how easy it was to install, and whether you needed to buy a bunch of extra parts separately.

Also open to hearing about any brands or kits you’d avoid. I’d rather learn from someone else’s experience than make a pricey mistake.

Appreciate any tips or recommendations. Just trying to make sure we start this off right.

 

[Eli.J.M]

I’m starting to shop around for an above ground pool kit and could really use some advice. There are so many different brands and packages out there that it’s hard to know what’s actually worth the money. Some kits seem super basic, while others come with extras like upgraded filters, ladders, and even decking options.

If you’ve bought a complete pool kit before, which one did you go with and would you recommend it? I’m especially interested in hearing how the quality held up over time, how easy it was to install, and whether you needed to buy a bunch of extra parts separately.

Also open to hearing about any brands or kits you’d avoid. I’d rather learn from someone else’s experience than make a pricey mistake.

Appreciate any tips or recommendations. Just trying to make sure we start this off right.

I recommend looking for kits with solid customer reviews that include essential extras like a reliable filter and sturdy ladder.
Brands like Intex and Bestway offer good balance between quality and price. Installation is usually straightforward with clear instructions, but prepping a level ground is key. Watch out for kits that skimp on pumps or liners, they might cost more in replacements later.
Avoid very cheap sets with poor reviews, as they often need extra parts or repairs soon. Overall, investing a bit more upfront saves hassle down the road.

 

[syedsalman]

I’m starting to shop around for an above ground pool kit and could really use some advice. There are so many different brands and packages out there that it’s hard to know what’s actually worth the money. Some kits seem super basic, while others come with extras like upgraded filters, ladders, and even decking options.

If you’ve bought a complete pool kit before, which one did you go with and would you recommend it? I’m especially interested in hearing how the quality held up over time, how easy it was to install, and whether you needed to buy a bunch of extra parts separately.

Also open to hearing about any brands or kits you’d avoid. I’d rather learn from someone else’s experience than make a pricey mistake.

Appreciate any tips or recommendations. Just trying to make sure we start this off right

Hey! I went with an Intex kit a couple years ago. It was super easy to set up the instructions were clear and everything fit pretty well. The quality is decent for the price, but after a couple summers, the liner showed some wear, so I had to patch a few spots. The pump and filter worked fine but nothing fancy. I did end up buying a better ladder and a pool cover separately, which I’d recommend.

If you want something more heavy-duty, maybe look at Blue Wave or Steel Pro. Avoid super cheap brands that don’t have good reviews they might save you money upfront but could cause headaches later.

 

[John Michael]

I’m starting to shop around for an above ground pool kit and could really use some advice. There are so many different brands and packages out there that it’s hard to know what’s actually worth the money. Some kits seem super basic, while others come with extras like upgraded filters, ladders, and even decking options.

If you’ve bought a complete pool kit before, which one did you go with and would you recommend it? I’m especially interested in hearing how the quality held up over time, how easy it was to install, and whether you needed to buy a bunch of extra parts separately.

Also open to hearing about any brands or kits you’d avoid. I’d rather learn from someone else’s experience than make a pricey mistake.

Appreciate any tips or recommendations. Just trying to make sure we start this off right.

I got a Bestway kit last summer. It came with some upgraded filters and a ladder, which was nice. Installation was pretty straightforward, though it took a bit longer than I expected to get the liner smooth. The quality feels okay so far, but I’m only on year one so can’t say for sure about long-term stuff.

One tip don’t forget to check what’s included carefully. Some kits look good but then you have to buy the pump or filter separately, which adds up. Also, definitely invest in a good pool cover to keep the maintenance down.

Good luck with your search!

 

[Sophia Henry]

Totally get where you're coming from. I went through the same process not too long ago, and yeah, it’s a lot to sort through. I ended up going with a mid-range kit from Pool Warehouse that came with a resin frame, upgraded sand filter, and a decent ladder. It wasn’t the cheapest, but the quality’s been solid and I didn’t have to buy much extra beyond some basic tools and ground prep materials. The liner has held up well, and installation was pretty straightforward as long as we followed the steps and didn’t rush the base work.

One thing I’d suggest is avoiding kits that look like a deal but come with really cheap filters or thin steel walls. You’ll end up replacing stuff sooner than you'd like, and it adds up. Also, some of the really stripped-down kits don’t include essentials like a skimmer or return fittings, which feels a bit sneaky when you realize it halfway through the build.

If you’re leaning toward a complete kit, just make sure the filter system and liner aren’t bottom-tier, even if the frame is decent. A little extra upfront saves a lot of hassle down the line.

 

[Sean Whitaker]

I’m starting to shop around for an above ground pool kit and could really use some advice. There are so many different brands and packages out there that it’s hard to know what’s actually worth the money. Some kits seem super basic, while others come with extras like upgraded filters, ladders, and even decking options.

If you’ve bought a complete pool kit before, which one did you go with and would you recommend it? I’m especially interested in hearing how the quality held up over time, how easy it was to install, and whether you needed to buy a bunch of extra parts separately.

Also open to hearing about any brands or kits you’d avoid. I’d rather learn from someone else’s experience than make a pricey mistake.

Appreciate any tips or recommendations. Just trying to make sure we start this off right.

We went with a 15x30 resin-framed oval kit from Doughboy about two years ago, and honestly, it’s held up way better than we expected. It came with a decent sand filter and ladder, but we did end up upgrading the pump for better circulation. Installation wasn’t terrible, took a full weekend with a couple of friends helping, but leveling the ground was definitely the hardest part

If I had to do it again, I’d avoid any kit that doesn't include at least a mid-grade filter and pump from the start. The really basic kits often mean you’ll spend extra later anyway. Also, watch out for liners, some of the thinner ones don’t last more than a season or two if you get a lot of sun exposure.

Hope that helps a bit. It’s a big upfront project, but totally worth it once you’re floating with a cold drink on a hot day.

 

[Richard Thomas]

I’m starting to shop around for an above ground pool kit and could really use some advice. There are so many different brands and packages out there that it’s hard to know what’s actually worth the money. Some kits seem super basic, while others come with extras like upgraded filters, ladders, and even decking options.

If you’ve bought a complete pool kit before, which one did you go with and would you recommend it? I’m especially interested in hearing how the quality held up over time, how easy it was to install, and whether you needed to buy a bunch of extra parts separately.

Also open to hearing about any brands or kits you’d avoid. I’d rather learn from someone else’s experience than make a pricey mistake.

Appreciate any tips or recommendations. Just trying to make sure we start this off right.

I went with an Intex Ultra XTR pool kit and have been happy with it. The quality has held up well, and it came with a good filter and ladder. The installation wasn’t too bad, though it’s definitely easier with two people. I didn’t need to buy extra parts, but I recommend investing in a durable liner and a strong filter.

I’d avoid Bestway as I’ve heard their pools aren’t as durable. Overall, focus on a sturdy frame and reliable pump/filter. It’s worth spending a bit more upfront to avoid issues down the road!

 

[Monica Cardona]

I’m starting to shop around for an above ground pool kit and could really use some advice. There are so many different brands and packages out there that it’s hard to know what’s actually worth the money. Some kits seem super basic, while others come with extras like upgraded filters, ladders, and even decking options.

If you’ve bought a complete pool kit before, which one did you go with and would you recommend it? I’m especially interested in hearing how the quality held up over time, how easy it was to install, and whether you needed to buy a bunch of extra parts separately.

Also open to hearing about any brands or kits you’d avoid. I’d rather learn from someone else’s experience than make a pricey mistake.

Appreciate any tips or recommendations. Just trying to make sure we start this off right.

Popular brands like Intex and Blue Wave are great options for above-ground pools. Intex offers budget-friendly kits that are easy to install but may need upgrades like a better filter. Blue Wave provides higher-quality pools with better filtration and sturdier materials. If you want extras like ladders or decking, consider if the kit includes good-quality components or if you’ll need to buy upgrades separately. Look for durable liners and rust-resistant frames for long-term use. Avoid kits with cheap filters or pumps, as these can cause issues down the line.