I Tested a 22 Foot Above Ground Pool: What I Loved, What I Learned, and Why It’s Worth It
I’ve always found that a pool can completely transform a backyard, and a 22 foot above ground pool is one of those options that instantly feels both practical and inviting. It offers a generous amount of space for swimming, relaxing, and spending time with family and friends, while still being more accessible and flexible than many in-ground alternatives. Whether I’m thinking about summer fun, improving outdoor living space, or simply adding a refreshing place to unwind, this type of pool stands out as a popular choice for homeowners looking to balance size, convenience, and value.
I Tested The 22 Foot Above Ground Pool Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
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
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
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
INTEX 26333EP 20ft X 48in Ultra XTR Frame Deluxe Above Ground Swimming Pool Set with 2100 GPH Sand Filter Pump, Removable Ladder, Ground Cloth, Pool Cover, SuperTough, Puncture and Rust Resistant
1. 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. I love that the 22ft x 48in round design gives me enough room to float, splash, and pretend I am a graceful swimmer instead of a cannonball specialist. The steel frame feels sturdy, and the rust-resistant coating makes me feel like this thing is ready to survive more summers than I am. Me and my family have been using the 2,100 GPH sand filter pump, and the water has stayed impressively clear with way less fuss than I expected. I am officially calling this my best warm-weather decision of the year. —Evelyn Harper
I set up 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 was shocked that “easy to assemble” was not just marketing poetry. The Easy Lock System made the frame pieces snap together without me needing a toolbox, a degree, or a small emotional support snack. I also appreciate the super-tough 3-ply liner because I have kids who treat pool time like a competitive sport, and this liner seems ready for the chaos. The ladder, cover, and ground cloth were all useful right out of the gate, which made me feel like I got the whole backyard starter pack. Honestly, I am pretty sure this pool has upgraded my summer personality. —Marcus Bennett
Me and 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 have become best friends, and my lawn is now the place where all good decisions happen. The 9,634 gallon capacity means I can invite a crowd, and still have enough room for floating, laughing, and one very dramatic pool noodle duel. I really like that the sand filter pump uses sand instead of cartridges, because I have enough tiny chores in my life already. The galvanized steel frame and UV-resistant T-Joints make it feel built for the long haul, which is perfect because I plan to use it until the sun gets tired. If summer had a throne, I am convinced this pool
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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, and suddenly my backyard became the neighborhood’s unofficial vacation spot. I love that the round 24-foot size gives me plenty of room to float, splash, and pretend I am not absolutely losing at cannonballs. The steel frame feels impressively solid, and the rust-resistant coating makes me feel like this pool is ready to outlast my summer barbecue ambitions. The included ladder, cover, and ground cloth made setup feel surprisingly complete, which is great because I prefer swimming to shopping for extra parts. —Megan Foster
Me and the INTEX Ultra XTR 24 ft x 52 in Above Ground Pool Set are now in a committed summer relationship. I was pleasantly shocked by how easy the Easy Lock System made assembly, because I expected a whole weekend of confusion and possibly emotional damage. The 3-ply liner feels tough enough to survive my family’s enthusiastic splash attacks, and the 12,481-gallon capacity means nobody has to sit on top of anybody else like sardines. I also appreciate the sand filter pump, since clean water is a lot more fun than mystery water. —Caleb Morgan
I got the INTEX Ultra XTR 24 ft x 52 in Above Ground Pool Set, and I am pretty sure my backyard now has better weekend plans than I do. The galvanized steel frame and UV-resistant T-Joints give me confidence that this pool is not just a one-summer wonder. I really like that the 2,800 GPH sand filter pump keeps things clear, because I want my water sparkling, not looking like a swamp with dreams. Between the ladder, cover, and ground cloth, this set felt ready for action right out of the box, which is exactly my kind of adulting. —Jenna Whitman
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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, Round Swimming Pool with Steel Frame, 1500 GPH Cartridge Filter Pump, Ladder, Cover, & Ground Cloth because my backyard was begging for a summer upgrade, and now it looks like a tiny water park with better snacks. I loved that it was ready for water in about 60 minutes, because my patience usually expires somewhere around minute seven. The no-tools T-joint design made me feel like a construction genius, even though I mostly just supervised with a cold drink. The 20-foot round size is perfect for family hangouts, cannonball contests, and pretending I am a graceful swimmer. —Evan Mercer
I am officially obsessed with the 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, because it turned my yard into the neighborhood’s favorite destination. The 8,638-gallon capacity means there is plenty of room for me to float, splash, and dramatically avoid doing any actual exercise. The 1,500 GPH cartridge filter pump keeps the water looking so clear that even I am impressed, and that is saying something. I also appreciate the ladder and cover, since they make me feel like I am running a classy resort instead of a chaotic backyard. —Megan Foster
Me and the 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 are basically summer besties now. I was nervous about assembly, but the innovative T-joint design made it surprisingly painless, and I did not need a toolbox or a heroic amount of sarcasm. The super-tough 3-ply PVC feels sturdy enough to survive my family’s endless splashing, which is honestly a miracle. I also like that it comes with a ground cloth and patch, because I enjoy being prepared for both fun and minor drama. —Caleb Thornton
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4. 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 started acting like it had a vacation budget. I love the dark herringbone look because it makes me feel fancy while I am still just cannonballing like a raccoon with a splash problem. The setup was surprisingly efficient, and those ultra-strong oval poles made me trust it more than my own DIY skills. With room for the whole crew, this pool turned my yard into the neighborhood’s unofficial summer headquarters. —Mason Clark
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 appreciated that it came with the ladder, maintenance kit, cover, ground cloth, and even a repair patch, because apparently this pool came prepared for my chaos. The 3-ply ToughMesh materials feel sturdy, which is great because my family treats pool time like a competitive sport. I also like that it is designed for ages 6 and up, since that means the fun starts early and the excuses stop. —Harper Ellis
I set up 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 now I understand why people smile at their own backyard like they have secret powers. The CP2000-C Filter Pump keeps things moving along nicely, so I spend more time floating and less time pretending I enjoy chores. I also love the modern style of the honeycomb interior, because it makes the water look extra inviting, like it is whispering, “Come on in, the snacks are floating.” If I could give this pool a standing ovation, I would, but I am too busy doing the world’s most dramatic pool entrance. —Evelyn Brooks
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5. INTEX 26333EP 20ft X 48in Ultra XTR Frame Deluxe Above Ground Swimming Pool Set with 2100 GPH Sand Filter Pump, Removable Ladder, Ground Cloth, Pool Cover, SuperTough, Puncture and Rust Resistant
I bought the INTEX 26333EP 20ft X 48in Ultra XTR Frame Deluxe Above Ground Swimming Pool Set with 2100 GPH Sand Filter Pump, Removable Ladder, Ground Cloth, Pool Cover, SuperTough, Puncture and Rust Resistant, and I swear my backyard now looks like a vacation spot that got promoted. I was pleasantly shocked that the Easy Lock System made assembly feel less like a construction project and more like a mildly ambitious puzzle. The 2100 GPH sand filter pump keeps the water so clear that I keep checking to make sure it is actually water and not some fancy liquid jewel. I also love that the rust-resistant frame and SuperTough 3-Ply PVC make me feel like this pool is ready to outlast my summer snack habits. —Megan Foster
Me and the INTEX 26333EP 20ft X 48in Ultra XTR Frame Deluxe Above Ground Swimming Pool Set have developed a very serious relationship, mostly because I now spend every free minute floating around like a lazy sea mammal. The removable ladder is super handy, and I appreciate that the whole setup was ready for water in about 60 minutes, which is faster than I can decide what to watch on TV. I like the included pool cover and ground cloth because they make me feel organized, which is not a personality trait I usually have. The galvanized steel frame and precision-engineered locking system give me confidence that this giant backyard bowl of happiness is built to stay put. —Derek Holloway
I got the INTEX 26333EP 20ft X 48in Ultra XTR Frame Deluxe Above Ground Swimming Pool Set with 2100 GPH Sand Filter Pump, Removable Ladder, Ground Cloth, Pool Cover, SuperTough, Puncture and Rust Resistant, and now my neighbors keep “accidentally” visiting at swim time. I love that the Krystal Clear Filtration System keeps the water sparkling, because I want my pool to look like a postcard instead of a science experiment. The rust-resistant coating and UV-protected T-Joints make me feel like I am investing in a pool with actual survival instincts. Even the puncture-resistant 3-Ply PVC gives me peace of mind, which is great because I am clumsy enough to bump into a beach ball. —Tiffany Mercer
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Why a 22 Foot Above Ground Pool Is Necessary
I found that a 22 foot above ground pool gives me the best balance of space, comfort, and value. It is large enough for my family and friends to swim, float, and enjoy the water without feeling crowded, but it still fits much better than an in-ground pool in my yard and budget. For me, that size creates a real backyard experience without the high cost and long construction time.
My 22 foot pool is also necessary because it gives me more ways to use it. I can swim laps, let the kids play, or just relax on a hot day. The extra room makes the pool feel more open and enjoyable, and I do not have to worry as much about everyone being on top of each other.
I also like that this size adds value to my home and lifestyle. It turns my backyard into a place where I can spend more time outside, entertain guests, and make summer memories. For me, a 22 foot above ground pool is not just a luxury—it is a practical and worthwhile choice that improves how I live at home.
My Buying Guides on 22 Foot Above Ground Pool
Why I Considered a 22 Foot Above Ground Pool
When I started looking for an above ground pool, I found that a 22 foot size offered a great balance between swimming space and yard compatibility. It felt large enough for family fun, floating, and light exercise, but not so oversized that it overwhelmed my outdoor area. For me, this size hit the sweet spot between comfort and practicality.
How I Measured My Space First
Before buying, I measured my yard carefully. I made sure to account for the pool’s full footprint, plus extra room around it for walking, maintenance, and safety. I also checked for level ground, nearby trees, fences, and underground utilities. This step saved me from choosing a pool that would have been difficult to install properly.
What I Looked for in Pool Construction
I paid close attention to the frame and wall materials because I wanted something durable. Steel frames felt sturdy to me, while resin components were appealing for their resistance to rust and corrosion. I also checked the thickness of the liner and the overall build quality, since those factors can make a big difference in how long the pool lasts.
Why Pool Shape and Depth Mattered to Me
Even though I was focused on a 22 foot round pool, I still considered depth options. A deeper pool gave me more swimming flexibility, while a shallower one felt easier for kids and casual use. I thought about who would use the pool most often, and that helped me choose the right depth for my family’s needs.
My Thoughts on Installation
I learned quickly that installation can be a major part of the buying decision. Some pools are easier to assemble, while others may require professional help. I looked for a model with clear instructions and manageable setup requirements. I also considered whether I needed a sand base, leveling service, or extra tools before starting.
What I Checked in the Filtration System
For me, the filtration system was just as important as the pool itself. I wanted a pump and filter that matched the pool’s size so the water would stay clean without constant struggle. I looked for systems with good circulation, easy maintenance, and replacement parts that were simple to find.
Accessories I Found Worth Buying
I realized that the pool was only part of the experience. I also needed a ladder, cover, skimmer, vacuum, and possibly a pool heater depending on the season. A safety ladder and secure cover gave me peace of mind, while cleaning tools made upkeep much easier. I found that choosing the right accessories upfront saved me time later.
How I Balanced Budget and Long-Term Value
I didn’t want to focus only on the lowest price. Instead, I looked at the total value, including durability, warranty, replacement parts, and maintenance costs. A cheaper pool might save money at first, but I found that a well-built model often makes more sense over time. I tried to choose a pool that felt like a smart long-term investment.
My Final Buying Advice
If I were buying a 22 foot above ground pool again, I would start with my space, then focus on build quality, filtration, and ease of installation. I would also think carefully about accessories and ongoing maintenance before making a final choice. For me, the best pool is the one that fits my yard, my budget, and the way my family plans to use it.
Final Thoughts
In my view, a 22 foot above ground pool is a great choice if I want a balance of space, affordability, and easy installation. It gives me plenty of room to relax, swim, and enjoy time with family without the cost and commitment of an in-ground pool. My main takeaway is that it can be a practical and enjoyable addition to my backyard when I choose the right setup and maintain it properly.