Top Picks for Above Ground Pool Brands That Make a Splash

During the warmer months, many families look to create an ideal backyard oasis, and an above ground pool is often the centerpiece of this transformation. With a vast array of options available, choosing the right brand can make a significant difference in terms of quality, durability, and ease of maintenance. Brands like Bestway, Intex, and Summer Waves have established themselves as leaders in the market, offering a variety of sizes and styles to suit different needs and preferences. For those ready to find the perfect swimming solution, explore the detailed list of the best above ground pool brands below.

Illustration of above ground pool

Best brands of above ground pool in 2025

Intex

Intex is a leading brand in the above-ground pool market, recognized for its affordability and ease of setup, with a wide range of products including metal frame and inflatable pools. While Intex held only a 0.02% market share in the overall swimming pool market in 2023, the above-ground pool market segment is projected to grow at a CAGR of 2.5% between 2023 and 2028, indicating a potential growth opportunity for Intex. The company's pools are made with durable materials and are designed for easy maintenance, offering a cost-effective alternative to in-ground pools. You can explore their product range on their official website.

Bestway

Bestway, established in 1994, is a leading global brand in above-ground pools, offering a diverse range of products including steel frame and inflatable pools, with approximately 1 in 50 people worldwide owning a Bestway product. Known for their quality and innovation across over 110 countries, Bestway also emphasizes sustainability in their manufacturing processes. For the 2025 range, Bestway is offering a wide selection of above ground pools perfect for the summer.

Coleman

Coleman, a well-known brand, is a considerable producer of above-ground pools, offering durable options with corrosion-resistant steel frames and Tritech liners that are 15% more tear-resistant than standard PVC. While they held around a 15-20% market share in 2023 among other major brands, their pools are designed for easy setup and longevity, with some models including filter pumps, ladders, and pool covers, making them a popular choice for families seeking backyard fun. A 22x52 Coleman pool can last for 4-5 years if properly winterized.

Summer Waves

Summer Waves, established in 1968, is a well-known brand for above-ground pools, offering a variety of durable and easy-to-set-up options for family fun. While the portable pool market is moderately fragmented with major players holding a combined 15-20% market share in 2023, Summer Waves is considered a popular choice among consumers, with many models available at retailers like Walmart, Target, and Amazon. Despite some customer reviews mentioning missing parts or price concerns, a large percentage of users recommend the pools for their quality and value, further demonstrating the brand's commitment to providing enjoyable summertime experiences. You can find their products at Summer Waves' official website.

Palisades

Palisades brand, known for its robust construction and stylish designs, offers above-ground pools featuring durable, hot-dipped galvanized steel components and weather-resistant steel top rails, with some models boasting a 25-year warranty, making them a top choice for families looking for a long-lasting pool. Although assembly can be complex, often requiring multiple people or professional help, their hard-sided pools are considered one of the best designs by The Spruce. For more product information, please visit their website.

Cornelius

Cornelius, a leading above-ground pool manufacturer since 1971, is known for its innovative materials and functional designs, and has grown into a large international company with sales across North America and around the world. It is considered one of the most environmentally friendly options, with the US market reaching a valuation of $529.6 million in 2023 and projected to reach $966.2 million by 2034. For more information, you can visit their official website.

Aquarian

Aquarian brand, established in 1971, is a reputable above-ground pool producer, offering durable steel-frame pools with features like 7-inch top rails and 6-inch vertical posts for lasting strength, with some models having a capacity of over 13,000 gallons, providing a great option for families seeking a backyard oasis. Though some customers report challenging assembly, many appreciate the aesthetic design and the overall quality for family enjoyment, with some noting a need for thicker walls.

Blue Wave

Blue Wave, established over 10 years ago, is a prominent manufacturer of above-ground pools, offering a variety of full pool kits and accessories. They are known for providing good quality for the price, with many customers appreciating the value, size, and features of their pools, though some have noted the assembly can be challenging with vague instructions and that the liners could be thicker. Blue Wave pools come in various shapes, including round and oval, and different depths such as 48 or 52 inches, often including a pump and filter system, ladder, and skimmer. Some models feature a Star Galfan galvanization coating for corrosion protection. While some customers have had issues with the pool's instructions and liner quality, many are happy with their purchase, particularly the size of the pool. You can explore their products further at Blue Wave's website.

Embassy Pools

Embassy Pools, a division of Doughboy Recreational and a leading above-ground pool manufacturer since the 1940s, offers high-quality and affordable pools with heavy-duty steel or resin frames and Aqua-Tru liners that are 50%-90% more durable than commodity liners and have a 15-year limited warranty with the first 3 years fully covered, all while being proudly made in the USA with a commitment to value and quality. Additionally, they offer a 20-year limited warranty on all pool components. For more information on their products, please visit Embassy Pools.

Heritage Pools

Heritage Pools, established in 2018, has quickly become a leading above-ground pool producer, known for its durable steel-frame pools featuring Krystal Kote protection, and offering models with 7-inch top rails and 6-inch uprights with a 40-year warranty on some of their products; their pools also include features like interlocking steel stabilizers, resin bottom boots and the space-saving Yardmore system for oval pools. Heritage Pool Supply Group has been rapidly expanding, acquiring 20 companies in the past three years, and is on track to open 25 new branches this year, further solidifying their position in the industry, offering a variety of pool sizes and shapes with options for customization. You can explore their range of products on the Inyo Pools website.