It is safe to say that both above ground and in-ground pools are loved by kids and adults equally and can be a fun place to spend your summers. However, it is important to note that both types of pools have their special advantages and disadvantages along with several features which you should definitely be aware of before buying one. In this article, you will find all the information needed in order to help you make a smart decision when purchasing your pool.
Best Hard Side Pools Reviews
1. INTEX 26701EH 10ft x 30in Prism Frame Pool with Cartridge Filter Pump
| Brand | Intex |
| Material | Metal, Polyvinyl Chloride |
| Color | Blue |
| Item Weight | 44 Pounds |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 120 x 120 x 30 inches |
Beat the heat and make a splash in this Intex 10ft x 30in Prism Frame Above Ground Pool Set. At 10 feet wide and 30 inches tall, this above-ground pool is great for having friends and family over to cool off. It’s easy to assemble, easy to maintain, and fits perfectly on a flat surface in your backyard. It’s made of strong and durable PVC material, which is highly resistant to damage and puncture-resistant from abrasion, impact, and sunlight. The metal frame is powder-coated for rust resistance and the filter pump is equipped with a safety feature to shut off the pump if the current is exposed.
The pool set includes an Intex 330 GPH filter pump and the 10’x30″ pool with Hydro Aeration Technology filter pump providing improved circulation and filtration, improved water clarity, and increased negative ions at the water surface. Your backyard will be the hot spot on the block with this Intex 10-foot x 30-inch Metal Frame Above Ground Pool Set summer after summer. Disclaimer: Please review your HOA rules and restrictions before purchasing this product. Not all housing agencies permit private above-ground pools.
It’s all in the bubbles.
Patented HydroAeration Technology by INTEX improves water circulation, clarity, and freshness in thousands of above ground pools.
Advanced Filtration and Circulation
Injecting air into the water accelerates circulation and joins fine particles into larger clusters that can be filtered more effectively.
Increased Freshness
More negative ions are generated by activating air bubbles, which improves the overall air quality around the pool.
Improved Clarity
Aeration removes minerals like manganese and iron through oxidation for ultimate water clarity.
2. WaterWarden Inground Pool Safety Cover
| Size | Left Step |
| Color | Green Mesh |
| Material | Aluminum,Brass |
| Brand | WaterWarden |
| Style | Left Step |
WaterWarden Pool Safety Covers are UL classified in accordance with ASTM Standard F1346-91, giving you peace of mind that your inground pool will be properly safeguarded. This swimming pool cover features 2-ply strapping that’s triple stitched throughout for maximum strength. All straps have non-corrosive aluminum tips and large X-tacking manually sewn on for added safety and durability.
The solid brass anchors recess flush into the pool deck so they don’t pose a tripping hazard when the cover is not in use. Abrasion-resistant pads protect the pool cover from wear at its contact points with your pool decking. The fine, lightweight mesh material of this safety pool cover allows rain to seep through into the pool but screens out leaves, twigs & other debris.
This WaterWarden Pool Safety Cover features a generous 1’ overlap on all sides to ensure complete coverage. The overall cover measures 20′ x 38′ plus a 4′ x 8′ left step for an 18’ x 36’ inground swimming pool with a left step. A tamping tool, installation rod, and hex key are included for installation.
3. Bestway Power Steel 18′ x 9′ x 48″ Oval Above Ground Pool Set
| Brand | Bestway |
| Material | Stainless Steel |
| Color | Gray |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 216 x 107.87 x 48 inches |
| Shape | Oval |
Have the summer of your (and your kids’) dreams with an above ground pool right in your own backyard! Durable Construction The Bestway® Power Steel™ Above Ground Pool is easy to set up and built to last. The durable, corrosion-resistant steel frame is equipped with our Seal & Lock System™ for a sturdy and secure pipe connection.
The Tritech™ liner is made of durable material that is reinforced for strength and puncture resistance. Additional Features This above ground pool set also comes stocked with a filter pump, a ladder, a pool cover, and a ChemConnect™ chemical dispenser. The ChemConnect dispenser maintains clean, healthy pool water by providing a stable level of chlorine that is evenly dispersed throughout the pool. Have fun in the sun and relax the day away with this Power Steel Pool Set!
4. Intex Deep Sea Blue SnapSet Kiddie Swimming Pool
| Brand | Intex |
| Material | Plastic |
| Color | Multicolor |
| Item Weight | 8.8 Pounds |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 7.1 x 6.9 x 19.2 inches |
| Age Range (Description) | 3+ |
| Shape | Round |
| Assembly Required | No |
Kids can splish splash and have fun all day in the Intex Deep Sea Blue Snap Set Kiddie Pool Remarkably easy to set up this plastic kiddie pool requires no air inflation Simply fill with water to hold the sides up and little ones will be cooling off from the summer heat in minutes Bring the fun of the beach to the backyard and enjoy the outdoors all summer long with this 8′ round kiddie pool This pool features a colorful print on the outside of sea life such as dolphins fish turtles and much more The inside of this plastic swimming pool is white with a blue floor Recommended for use outdoors and can be stored during the cooler months when not in use Watch as kids spend countless hours of fun under the sun in their Intex Deep Sea Blue Snap Set Kiddie Pool.
5. INTEX 26167EH 15ft x 48in Easy Set Pool with Cartridge Filter Pump
| Brand | Intex |
| Material | Polyvinyl Chloride |
| Color | Blue |
| Item Weight | 95 Pounds |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 180 x 180 x 48 inches |
Make a splash all summer long with the Intex easy set, one of the easiest to assemble pools on the market. This pool will make your backyard the place to be all summer as your family can relax & play. Connect the Krystal clear cartridge filter pump to enjoy the clean, refreshing water. Equipped with the ground fault interrupter, which is an added safety feature that shuts off the pump if electrical current is exposed to water. Ready for water in 15 Min, – simply spread out on the level ground, inflate the top ring, fill the pool with water, & enjoy the fun! water capacity: (80%) 3, 736 gallons. Includes Krystal clear cartridge filter pump, 1, 000 GPH (110-120V). ladder. Ground cloth. Debris cover. Pool Height 36inches to 48inches.
It’s all in the bubbles.
Patented HydroAeration Technology by INTEX improves water circulation, clarity, and freshness in thousands of above ground pools.
Advanced Filtration and Circulation
Injecting air into the water accelerates circulation and joins fine particles into larger clusters that can be filtered more effectively.
Increased Freshness
More negative ions are generated by activating air bubbles, which improves the overall air quality around the pool.
Improved Clarity
Aeration removes minerals like manganese and iron through oxidation for ultimate water clarity.
What to understand before purchasing a hard-sided pool
A less expensive option for buying an in-ground pool is a hard-sided pool. Without committing to the expense and installation time of an in-ground pool, you can use it for a decade or more, which is significantly longer than a soft-sided pool. You should take a few factors into account before buying a hard-sided pool.
Capacity
When selecting a hard-sided pool, capacity should be given priority. Determine the approximate number of users the pool will have at any given time. A 20-foot hard-sided pool may seem large at first, but once a few people are in it, it can quickly become constricting.
The majority of hard-sided pools are made to accommodate two or three users simultaneously. When determining what size is ideal for you, it’s important to consider whether you intend to use your hard-sided pool for sunbathing or something else.
Accessories
Not every hard-sided pool will come complete with everything you need to maintain it. Keep up with routine maintenance if you want to get the most use out of your pool. Verify that the model you’ve chosen has a filter, ladder, liner, and skimmer. It’s worth buying them separately at the same time as your pool if any of these aren’t included.
Qualities of a high-quality hard-sided pool
Material
The hard-sided pool’s quality will be determined by its material. The majority are made of steel or aluminum, but some models combine the two materials. Aluminum is more flexible and lighter than steel, but it will eventually oxidize to form a layer that resists corrosion. Although more expensive than wood, steel requires more effort to assemble due to its weight.
Size
You should take your hard-sided pool’s length and depth into account. The depth ranges from 30-52 inches, while the length difference can be anywhere between 10 and 30 feet long. You should strike a balance between the two that suit your requirements. If you have kids, you’ll probably want a shallower pool, which means you’ll have to make a length concession.
Shape
The majority of hard-sided pools available are either oval or round. The volume of a circular pool is typically greater than an oval pool of the same size. An oval pool typically costs more and takes longer to assemble than a circular pool.
How much should you budget for a pool with hard sides?
Even though a hard-sided pool requires investment, it is still much less expensive than an in-ground pool. Depending on the style you select, the price range ranges from $600-$6,000. You can expect to pay up to $1,000 for a basic model, though these models rarely come with accessories. The price range for an average, mid-range hard-sided pool is up to $3,000, while that of the highest caliber is between $3,000 and $6,000.
Conclusion
Assuming that you’ve already weighed the options, spas and hot tubs remain the better of the two. They offer several benefits over hard-side pools, like a decrease in the risk of injury and increased enjoyment of swimming. Hot tubs are still more expensive than their hard side counterparts, but they can provide years of enjoyable swimming and entertainment for your family.
Hard side pools, on the other hand, may have some psychological benefits for children, but for the price of a new hard-side pool, you could easily afford to buy several spa packages. Because hot tubs are superior to hard side pools in nearly every way, we strongly recommend that prospective buyers consider this option when choosing their next pool.