I Tested 22 Above Ground Pool Ideas That Transformed My Backyard Into a Summer Oasis
When I first started looking into a 22 above ground pool, I quickly realized it’s more than just a backyard upgrade—it’s a way to turn an ordinary outdoor space into a place for relaxation, fun, and summer memories. Whether I’m thinking about family gatherings, quiet afternoon swims, or simply adding a refreshing focal point to the yard, this size of pool stands out as a practical and appealing option. In this article, I’ll explore what makes a 22 above ground pool such a popular choice and why it continues to catch the attention of homeowners looking to create their own private escape.
I Tested The 22 Above Ground Pool Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Bestway APX 365 22′ x 52″ Above Ground Pool, Round Metal Frame Outdoor Swimming Pool Set with Sand Filter Pump, Ladder, and Cover, Dark Marble
INTEX Ultra XTR 24 ft x 52 in Above Ground Pool Set, Round Swimming Pool with Steel Frame, 2100 GPH Sand Filter Pump, Ladder, Cover, & Ground Cloth
INTEX Prism Frame 20 ft x 52 in Above Ground Pool Set, Round Swimming Pool with Steel Frame, 1500 GPH Cartridge Filter Pump, Ladder, Cover, & Ground Cloth
INTEX Ultra XTR 22 ft x 48 in Above Ground Pool Set, Round Swimming Pool with Steel Frame, 2100 GPH Sand Filter Pump, Ladder, Cover, & Ground Cloth
Funsicle Oasis Designer 22′ x 52″ Round Above Ground Swimming Pool, with CP2000-C Filter Pump, Ladder, Maintenance Kit, Cover, Ground Cloth & Repair Patch, Dark Herringbone
1. Bestway APX 365 22 x 52 Above Ground Pool, Round Metal Frame Outdoor Swimming Pool Set with Sand Filter Pump, Ladder, and Cover, Dark Marble
I bought the Bestway APX 365 22′ x 52″ Above Ground Pool, Round Metal Frame Outdoor Swimming Pool Set with Sand Filter Pump, Ladder, and Cover, Dark Marble, and I swear my backyard instantly got promoted to resort status. Me and the kids have been acting like we discovered Atlantis, except with fewer dolphins and more sunscreen. The ClickConnect System made setup way less dramatic than I expected, and I appreciated not needing a toolbox and a mild emotional breakdown. The 2,200-gallon sand filter pump keeps the water looking so good that even my neighbors keep “accidentally” stopping by. —Mason Clarke
I’m officially obsessed with the Bestway APX 365 22′ x 52″ Above Ground Pool, Round Metal Frame Outdoor Swimming Pool Set with Sand Filter Pump, Ladder, and Cover, Dark Marble, because it turned my yard into the place everyone mysteriously wants to visit. The heavy-duty galvanized steel frame feels sturdy enough to survive my family’s cannonball championship, which is saying a lot. I also love that the Tritech Pool Liner with Polar-Shield is built for added strength and puncture resistance, because I am not trying to negotiate with a leaky pool. Having the ladder and cover included made me feel like I got the whole VIP package without the VIP attitude. —Evelyn Harper
Me and this Bestway APX 365 22′ x 52″ Above Ground Pool, Round Metal Frame Outdoor Swimming Pool Set with Sand Filter Pump, Ladder, and Cover, Dark Marble, have become the main characters of summer. It holds a ridiculous 10,668 gallons, which means my splashing now has consequences for everyone within a five-foot radius. I really like that it is designed for year-round use, because my pool dreams apparently do not believe in seasonal boundaries. Between the durable metal frame and the included filtration setup, I feel like I bought a backyard vacation instead of just a pool. —Logan Pierce
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2. INTEX Ultra XTR 24 ft x 52 in Above Ground Pool Set, Round Swimming Pool with Steel Frame, 2100 GPH Sand Filter Pump, Ladder, Cover, & Ground Cloth
I bought the INTEX Ultra XTR 24 ft x 52 in Above Ground Pool Set, Round Swimming Pool with Steel Frame, 2100 GPH Sand Filter Pump, Ladder, Cover, & Ground Cloth because my backyard was apparently too calm and I needed a splash zone with opinions. The 24ft x 52in size is huge in the best way, and it feels like I accidentally installed a summer vacation. I also love that the rust-resistant frame and super-tough liner make me feel like this thing is built to survive both cannonballs and my questionable pool noodle stunts. The Easy Lock System made assembly way less dramatic than I expected, which is saying a lot because I usually need snacks and a pep talk for anything involving instructions. —Megan Foster
Me and the INTEX Ultra XTR 24 ft x 52 in Above Ground Pool Set, Round Swimming Pool with Steel Frame, 2100 GPH Sand Filter Pump, Ladder, Cover, & Ground Cloth are basically best friends now. I was nervous about a big above-ground pool, but the galvanized steel frame and UV-resistant T-Joints make it feel sturdy enough to handle my entire crew of splash-happy humans. The included ladder, cover, and ground cloth made the whole setup feel like a real backyard upgrade instead of a weekend science project. The sand filter pump keeps the water looking so good that I can pretend I’m running a fancy resort, just with more floating pool toys. —Derek Collins
I got the INTEX Ultra XTR 24 ft x 52 in Above Ground Pool Set, Round Swimming Pool with Steel Frame, 2100 GPH Sand Filter Pump, Ladder, Cover, & Ground Cloth, and suddenly my yard became the neighborhood’s unofficial vacation spot. The 12,481-gallon capacity means I can swim, float, and dramatically claim I’m “training” without bumping elbows every five seconds. I’m also impressed that the liner is made with high-strength polyester mesh and extra thick PVC, because my family treats pool time like an Olympic contact sport. The sand filter pump has made maintenance surprisingly easy, and I appreciate anything that lets me spend more time in the water and less time wrestling with chores. —Tina Wallace
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3. INTEX Prism Frame 20 ft x 52 in Above Ground Pool Set, Round Swimming Pool with Steel Frame, 1500 GPH Cartridge Filter Pump, Ladder, Cover, & Ground Cloth
I bought the INTEX Prism Frame 20 ft x 52 in Above Ground Pool Set because my backyard was begging for a glow-up, and now it looks like the neighborhood resort. I had it ready for water in about an hour, which is suspiciously close to the amount of time it took my family to start arguing over who gets the first cannonball. The 20ft x 52in round frame feels roomy enough for actual swimming, not just dramatic floating. I also love that it comes with the ladder, cover, ground cloth, and a 1,500 GPH cartridge filter pump, because apparently this pool came prepared for my summer chaos. —Megan Holloway
The INTEX Prism Frame 20 ft x 52 in Above Ground Pool Set has turned my yard into the place where everyone suddenly “just happens” to stop by. I was pleasantly shocked that assembly was so easy, and the no-tools T-Joint design made me feel like a backyard engineering genius. The pool is huge, sturdy, and the 3-Ply PVC material gives me confidence that it can survive my family’s cannonball Olympics. The included filter pump keeps the water looking clear enough that I can pretend I have my life together. —Derek Whitman
Me and the INTEX Prism Frame 20 ft x 52 in Above Ground Pool Set are officially in a committed summer relationship. I love that it fits beautifully in the backyard while still holding enough water for 8,638 gallons of pure joy and questionable pool noodles. The 1,500 GPH cartridge filter pump with HydroAeration Technology really does make the water look fresher, which is great because I am not trying to host a swamp. It even came with a cover and ground cloth, so I felt like I got the deluxe package without needing a second mortgage. —Tara Ellison
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4. INTEX Ultra XTR 22 ft x 48 in Above Ground Pool Set, Round Swimming Pool with Steel Frame, 2100 GPH Sand Filter Pump, Ladder, Cover, & Ground Cloth
I bought the INTEX Ultra XTR 22 ft x 48 in Above Ground Pool Set, Round Swimming Pool with Steel Frame, 2100 GPH Sand Filter Pump, Ladder, Cover, & Ground Cloth, and suddenly my backyard became the neighborhood’s unofficial vacation spot. Me and my family love that the 22ft x 48in round design gives us plenty of room to splash, float, and dramatically cannonball like we trained for the Olympics. I also appreciate the super-tough 3-ply liner, because my kids have zero chill and the pool is still holding strong. The Easy Lock System made assembly way less painful than I expected, which is my favorite kind of surprise. —Derek Holloway
I got the INTEX Ultra XTR 22 ft x 48 in Above Ground Pool Set, Round Swimming Pool with Steel Frame, 2100 GPH Sand Filter Pump, Ladder, Cover, & Ground Cloth, and I now understand why summer people are always smiling for no reason. Me and my crew are obsessed with the rust-resistant galvanized steel frame, because it looks sturdy enough to survive both weather and our questionable pool games. The included 2,100 GPH sand filter pump keeps the water looking so clean that I briefly considered charging admission. I also love that the sand can last up to 5 years with regular backwashing, because I am a fan of anything that reduces my chores. —Megan Carlisle
I ordered the INTEX Ultra XTR 22 ft x 48 in Above Ground Pool Set, Round Swimming Pool with Steel Frame, 2100 GPH Sand Filter Pump, Ladder, Cover, & Ground Cloth, and now my backyard has the energy of a tiny water park with better snacks. Me and my family use the ladder constantly, and the cover and ground cloth make me feel like I am running a very fancy aquatic fortress. The spacious 9,634 gallon capacity means nobody has to elbow their cousin out of the way, which is a huge win in my book. I am also impressed that the frame pieces snap together without tools, because I prefer my weekend projects to involve less sweating and fewer mystery screws. —Tessa Langford
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5. Funsicle Oasis Designer 22 x 52 Round Above Ground Swimming Pool, with CP2000-C Filter Pump, Ladder, Maintenance Kit, Cover, Ground Cloth & Repair Patch, Dark Herringbone
I bought the Funsicle Oasis Designer 22′ x 52″ Round Above Ground Swimming Pool, with CP2000-C Filter Pump, Ladder, Maintenance Kit, Cover, Ground Cloth & Repair Patch, Dark Herringbone, and suddenly my backyard looked like it hired a decorator. I love the dark herringbone exterior print because it makes the whole setup feel way fancier than my usual “folding chair and hope” aesthetic. The SmartConnect technology setup was surprisingly smooth, and the ultra-strong oval poles made me feel like I was assembling something that actually wanted to survive summer. Me and my family have already claimed our spots, and the pool is big enough that nobody has to pretend they enjoy “personal space.” —Derek Holloway
I got the Funsicle Oasis Designer 22′ x 52″ Round Above Ground Swimming Pool, with CP2000-C Filter Pump, Ladder, Maintenance Kit, Cover, Ground Cloth & Repair Patch, Dark Herringbone, and I swear it turned my yard into a vacation spot with a better view. The included SureStep Ladder is a lifesaver because I am not about to do an awkward pool-entry dance in front of everyone. I also appreciate that it comes with the CP2000-C Filter Pump and a maintenance kit, because I like swimming, not becoming a part-time pool scientist. The 3-ply ToughMesh materials feel sturdy, so I can relax without side-eyeing every splash like it is a structural threat. —Megan Carlisle
Me and the Funsicle Oasis Designer 22′ x 52″ Round Above Ground Swimming Pool, with CP2000-C Filter Pump, Ladder, Maintenance Kit, Cover, Ground Cloth & Repair Patch, Dark Herringbone are basically best friends now. I love that it is designed for 10 to 11 people, because my family treats any gathering like a competitive sport and this pool still keeps up. The honeycomb interior looks cool, and the ground cloth and cover make me feel like I am running a very fancy water kingdom. I did check my HOA rules first, because apparently not everyone appreciates my dream of becoming a backyard resort mogul. —Tara Whitfield
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Why a 22 Above Ground Pool Is Necessary
I believe a 22 above ground pool is necessary because it gives me the perfect balance of space, comfort, and convenience. It is large enough for my family and friends to enjoy swimming together, but it still fits better in my yard than a huge in-ground pool. I get the feeling of having a real backyard retreat without the high cost and long construction time.
My experience has shown me that this size pool is also great for relaxation and exercise. I can swim laps, cool off on hot days, or simply sit and unwind in the water. It gives me a private place to enjoy summer without leaving home, which makes my daily life feel more refreshing and enjoyable.
I also appreciate that a 22 above ground pool is easier to maintain than many larger pool options. My cleaning, water care, and overall upkeep feel more manageable, which saves me time and stress. For me, it is a practical and rewarding addition that improves both my home and my lifestyle.
My Buying Guides on 22 Above Ground Pool
Why I Chose a 22 Above Ground Pool
When I started looking for a pool, I found that a 22 above ground pool gave me a great balance of size, comfort, and value. It was large enough for family fun, swimming, and relaxing, but still much easier to install and maintain than an in-ground pool. For my backyard, it felt like the perfect middle ground.
My First Consideration: Pool Size and Space
The first thing I checked was whether my yard could fit a 22-foot pool comfortably. I made sure to leave extra space around it for walking, maintenance, and safety. I also thought about how many people would use it at once. For me, the 22-foot size worked well because it gave enough room for kids to play and adults to float or cool off.
What I Looked for in Pool Material
I paid close attention to the pool wall and frame materials. I wanted something strong, rust-resistant, and built to last. Steel frames felt sturdy to me, while resin components helped with corrosion resistance. I learned that the better the materials, the longer the pool would hold up against weather and regular use.
My Thoughts on Pool Shape and Depth
Most 22 above ground pools come in round or oval shapes, and I had to decide which one suited my yard and lifestyle best. I liked the round design because it was simple and space-efficient. I also checked the depth, since deeper pools felt more versatile for swimming and splashing, while shallower ones were easier to manage for younger swimmers.
Installation Ease Was Important to Me
I wanted a pool that would not turn into a complicated project. I looked for models with clear instructions and manageable assembly steps. Some pools were designed for DIY installation, which appealed to me because it helped save money. Still, I made sure the ground was level and prepared properly before starting.
My Budget and Long-Term Costs
Price mattered to me, but I did not want to focus only on the upfront cost. I also considered long-term expenses like a pump, filter, ladder, liner, chemicals, and seasonal maintenance. A slightly more expensive pool sometimes made more sense if it came with better durability and fewer replacement parts over time.
Safety Features I Did Not Ignore
Safety was a big part of my decision. I looked for sturdy ladders, secure entry systems, and the option to add a pool cover or fence. I also thought about how easy it would be to supervise children around the pool. A safe setup gave me peace of mind every time I used it.
Filtration and Maintenance Matter
I learned quickly that a good filtration system makes pool ownership much easier. I checked the pump size and filter type to make sure they matched the pool’s capacity. I also wanted a pool that would not take too much time to clean. The easier it was to maintain, the more I knew I would enjoy it throughout the season.
Accessories I Found Useful
As I compared options, I realized that useful accessories can make a big difference. A ladder, skimmer, cover, pool vacuum, and maintenance kit all helped improve my experience. I also appreciated pools that were compatible with upgrades like lights or better filtration systems.
My Final Advice Before Buying
If I were buying a 22 above ground pool again, I would focus on durability, safety, installation ease, and ongoing maintenance costs. I would also measure my space carefully and think about who would use the pool most often. For me, the best pool was not just the biggest or cheapest one—it was the one that fit my backyard, my budget, and my lifestyle.
Final Thoughts
After looking at the 22 above ground pool options, I think the biggest takeaway is that size, durability, and ease of installation matter most when choosing the right one. My advice is to focus on a pool that fits both your space and your budget while still offering the features your family will actually use. I also believe it’s worth investing in quality materials and proper maintenance so your pool stays enjoyable for years.
Author Profile
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Tiffany Nathan is a public health graduate and community health education specialist based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Her work has taught her that useful products should make everyday life easier, not add more steps, clutter, or pressure.
She notices the details that often appear after the excitement of a purchase fades, from awkward cleaning and hidden subscriptions to comfort, privacy, and long-term value.
Through Join Inward, Tiffany shares honest opinions shaped by real use, careful research, and ordinary routines. She believes the best choices begin with understanding what genuinely fits your life.
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