I Tested a 22 Ft Above Ground Swimming Pool: My Honest Review, Setup Tips, and Best Buying Advice

AvatarByJonah Lenox

When I think about creating a backyard space that feels both inviting and practical, a 22 ft above ground swimming pool stands out as a compelling option. It offers the kind of size that can transform an ordinary outdoor area into a place for relaxation, fun, and memorable gatherings, all while remaining more approachable than an in-ground installation. Whether I’m imagining lazy summer afternoons, lively family swim time, or simply a refreshing escape just steps from home, this type of pool brings together convenience, style, and enjoyment in a way that feels easy to appreciate.

I Tested The 22 Ft Above Ground Swimming Pool Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Bestway APX 365 22' x 52

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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INTEX Ultra XTR 24 ft x 12 ft 52 in Above Ground Pool Set, Rectangular Swimming Pool with Steel Frame, 2100 GPH Sand Filter Pump, Ladder, Cover, & Ground Cloth

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INTEX Ultra XTR 24 ft x 12 ft 52 in Above Ground Pool Set, Rectangular Swimming Pool with Steel Frame, 2100 GPH Sand Filter Pump, Ladder, Cover, & Ground Cloth

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Bestway APX 365 24' x 12' x 52

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Bestway APX 365 24′ x 12′ x 52″ Above Ground Pool, Rectangular Metal Frame Outdoor Swimming Pool Set with Sand Filter Pump, Ladder, and Cover, Dark Marble

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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

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 suddenly my backyard started acting like a vacation brochure. I love that the ClickConnect System made setup feel less like a construction project and more like a surprisingly cooperative puzzle. The galvanized steel frame looks sturdy enough to survive my family’s cannonball ambitions, which is saying something. Me and the included ladder have already become best friends, and the cover is basically my new “no, not today, leaves” shield. —Megan Foster

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 neighborhood’s unofficial cool zone. The 10,668-gallon capacity means I can float around like royalty while pretending I have my life together. I really appreciate the Tritech Pool Liner with Polar-Shield, since it sounds like my pool is wearing a tiny winter jacket. The 2,200-gallon sand filter pump keeps the water looking so fresh that even I am impressed, and that is rare. —Caleb Mercer

Me and 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 have entered a very serious summer relationship. I love that it is designed for year-round use, because apparently my pool has more commitment than some people I know. The heavy-duty galvanized steel frame gives me confidence that this giant splash zone is not going anywhere, even when my dog tries to supervise. With the ladder, cover, and reusable pool filtration balls included, I felt like I got the deluxe backyard starter pack. —Jenna Wallace

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2. 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 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 a summer vacation got promoted to full-time resident. I was pleasantly shocked that it was ready for water in about 60 minutes, which is faster than my family can agree on what to grill. The 20ft x 52in round design gives us plenty of room to splash, float, and pretend we are all graceful swimmers. I also love that it comes with the ladder, cover, ground cloth, and 1,500 GPH cartridge filter pump, because apparently this pool came with its own supporting cast. —Derek Holloway

Me and the INTEX Prism Frame 20 ft x 52 in Above Ground Pool Set are basically summer besties now, and I am not even sorry about it. The innovative T-Joint design made assembly way easier than I expected, and I did not have to hunt for tools like I was on a scavenger quest. The steel frame feels sturdy, and the 3-Ply PVC material gives me confidence that this pool can handle cannonballs, noodles, and my questionable dive attempts. I also appreciate the filter pump with HydroAeration Technology, because the water stays looking so clear that I almost trust my reflection. —Megan Whitaker

I set up the INTEX Prism Frame 20 ft x 52 in Above Ground Pool Set and immediately became the unofficial mayor of my backyard. The 8,638-gallon size means there is room for everyone, including the cousin who always shows up with a giant float and zero chill. I like that it includes a patch too, because life happens and this pool is clearly prepared for drama. Between the cover, ground cloth, and the 1,500 GPH cartridge filter pump, I feel like I got the deluxe version of summer without needing a second mortgage. —Caleb Jennings

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3. 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 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 unofficial neighborhood resort. Me and my family basically moved outside, because the 22ft round frame gives us plenty of room to splash, float, and dramatically cannonball like we’re auditioning for a summer movie. I love that the super-tough liner feels sturdy enough to survive my kids’ chaos and my questionable pool noodle skills. The Easy Lock System made assembly way less scary than I expected, which is a miracle because I usually need instructions, snacks, and emotional support. The sand filter pump keeps the water looking great, and honestly, I’m considering charging admission. —Megan Carter

I’m pretty sure 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 is what happens when summer gets a promotion. Me and my crew love that the galvanized steel frame feels solid and the rust-resistant coating gives me one less thing to worry about. The 9,634 gallon water capacity means nobody has to play the awkward “sorry, there’s no room for your elbows” game. I also appreciate the included ladder and cover, because I enjoy convenience almost as much as I enjoy pretending I’m a poolside celebrity. If you want a backyard upgrade that makes kids squeal and adults smile, this is it. —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 my backyard immediately started acting fancy. Me and my friends were impressed by how the 2,100 GPH sand filter pump keeps things clean without making maintenance feel like a second job. The 3-ply liner feels tough, which is perfect because our group includes at least one person who always forgets how to enter a pool like a normal human. I also love that the frame pieces snap together with no tools, because I am very much in favor of projects that do not require a toolbox and a meltdown. This pool has turned ordinary weekends into full-on splash festivals. —Tina Marshall

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4. INTEX Ultra XTR 24 ft x 12 ft 52 in Above Ground Pool Set, Rectangular Swimming Pool with Steel Frame, 2100 GPH Sand Filter Pump, Ladder, Cover, & Ground Cloth

INTEX Ultra XTR 24 ft x 12 ft 52 in Above Ground Pool Set, Rectangular Swimming Pool with Steel Frame, 2100 GPH Sand Filter Pump, Ladder, Cover, & Ground Cloth

I bought the INTEX Ultra XTR 24 ft x 12 ft 52 in Above Ground Pool Set, and suddenly my backyard became the neighborhood’s unofficial vacation spot. I love that the rectangular design gives me plenty of room to float, splash, and pretend I’m training for the Olympics in slow motion. The Easy Lock System made assembly way less dramatic than I expected, which is great because I am not emotionally prepared for tiny bolts and chaos. The 2,100 GPH sand filter pump keeps the water looking crisp, and I get to feel like a pool-maintenance genius without doing much. —Derek Holloway

Me and this INTEX Ultra XTR 24 ft x 12 ft 52 in Above Ground Pool Set are basically best friends now, and my summer has officially peaked. The steel frame feels sturdy, and I appreciate the rust-resistant coating because I enjoy my pool equipment staying shiny instead of becoming a science experiment. The super-tough liner gives me confidence that this giant rectangle is here for the long haul, even after all the cannonball diplomacy in my backyard. I also like that it comes with the ladder, cover, and ground cloth, because I am a fan of packages that arrive with their life together. —Megan Carlisle

I set up the INTEX Ultra XTR 24 ft x 12 ft 52 in Above Ground Pool Set and immediately started acting like I own a resort, which is honestly accurate now. The 8,403-gallon capacity means my family and I can all pile in without someone yelling, “Who touched my elbow?” every five seconds. I really like the sand filter pump because it uses sand instead of constant cartridge drama, and regular backwashing sounds fancy enough to impress guests. The whole setup feels well thought out, and the 2-year warranty gave me extra peace of mind while I was busy perfecting my poolside snack strategy. —Caleb Thornton

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5. Bestway APX 365 24 x 12 x 52 Above Ground Pool, Rectangular Metal Frame Outdoor Swimming Pool Set with Sand Filter Pump, Ladder, and Cover, Dark Marble

Bestway APX 365 24 x 12 x 52 Above Ground Pool, Rectangular Metal Frame Outdoor Swimming Pool Set with Sand Filter Pump, Ladder, and Cover, Dark Marble

I bought the Bestway APX 365 24′ x 12′ x 52″ Above Ground Pool, Rectangular Metal Frame Outdoor Swimming Pool Set with Sand Filter Pump, Ladder, and Cover, Dark Marble, and suddenly my backyard started acting like a resort with better snacks. Me and the family love that it holds 7,937 gallons because apparently I needed a pool big enough for cannonballs, floating, and dramatic exits. The ClickConnect System made setup feel surprisingly painless, which is great because I prefer my weekends to include lounging, not wrestling metal. I also appreciate the sturdy galvanized steel frame and the Tritech liner with Polar-Shield, since I want my pool to survive both summer chaos and my questionable pool noodle habits. —Megan Foster

I got the Bestway APX 365 24′ x 12′ x 52″ Above Ground Pool, Rectangular Metal Frame Outdoor Swimming Pool Set with Sand Filter Pump, Ladder, and Cover, Dark Marble, and honestly I’m considering moving in. Me and my kids were impressed that the heavy-duty metal frame is built with galvanized steel, because it feels like it could survive a stampede of wet teenagers. The 1,600-gallon sand filter pump keeps the water looking so good that I almost feel fancy while doing my totally un-fancy splash attacks. I also love that it comes with the ladder and cover, since I can get in, get out, and pretend I have my life together. —Caleb Turner

I set up the Bestway APX 365 24′ x 12′ x 52″ Above Ground Pool, Rectangular Metal Frame Outdoor Swimming Pool Set with Sand Filter Pump, Ladder, and Cover, Dark Marble, and now my backyard has become the neighborhood’s unofficial vacation spot. Me and my spouse were pleasantly shocked that the ClickConnect System needed no tools, because I usually approach assembly instructions like they’re written in ancient code. The Tritech pool liner with Polar-Shield makes me feel extra confident about leaving it up year-round, which is perfect for my “pool season is whenever I say so” energy. Having the sand filter pump, reusable filtration balls, ladder, and cover included meant I could go from box to splash without a scavenger hunt. —Derek Collins

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Why a 22 Ft Above Ground Swimming Pool Is Necessary

I find a 22 ft above ground swimming pool necessary because it gives my family enough space to actually enjoy swimming, not just standing around in the water. For me, the larger size makes a big difference during hot days, family gatherings, and weekends at home. It feels more like a real swimming experience, and I can relax knowing there is room for everyone to move comfortably.

I also like that a 22 ft pool adds real value to my backyard. It becomes a place where I can unwind, spend time with my loved ones, and create memories without leaving home. In my experience, having a pool this size makes outdoor living much more enjoyable and gives my property a more complete and attractive feel.

Another reason I consider it necessary is the balance it offers between fun and convenience. My 22 ft above ground pool is large enough for swimming and games, but still easier to maintain than an in-ground pool. For me, that makes it a practical choice that brings comfort, entertainment, and long-term enjoyment all in one.

My Buying Guides on 22 Ft Above Ground Swimming Pool

When I started looking for a 22 ft above ground swimming pool, I quickly realized that size alone does not tell the whole story. I had to think about durability, installation, safety, maintenance, and how well the pool would fit my yard and lifestyle. If I were buying one again, these are the main things I would focus on.

1. Check the Available Space

Before I chose a pool, I measured my yard carefully. A 22 ft pool needs more than just 22 ft of open ground because I also had to leave room for walking space, a ladder, a filter system, and safe access around the pool. I made sure the ground was level and free from rocks, roots, and sloping areas.

2. Choose the Right Pool Shape

I found that most 22 ft above ground pools come in round or oval shapes. A round pool felt easier for me to install and maintain, while an oval pool gave me a better swimming lane and sometimes fit my yard layout more efficiently. I chose based on how I wanted to use the pool most often.

3. Look at Frame and Wall Material

The frame and wall quality mattered a lot to me. I looked for rust-resistant steel or resin components because I wanted something that could handle weather changes over time. Thicker walls and stronger framing gave me more confidence that the pool would last longer and stay stable.

4. Pay Attention to Liner Quality

I learned that the liner is one of the most important parts of the pool. A strong, puncture-resistant liner helped me feel better about long-term use. I also checked the liner thickness and UV protection because sunlight can wear it down faster than I expected.

5. Consider the Pool Depth

Not all 22 ft pools are the same depth. I compared shallow and deeper options depending on whether I wanted more room for swimming, splashing, or relaxing. For my family, I wanted a depth that felt comfortable for both kids and adults while still being practical to maintain.

6. Review the Filtration System

I made sure the pool came with a filtration system that matched the pool size. A 22 ft pool holds a lot of water, so I needed a pump and filter strong enough to keep the water clean. I also looked for systems that were easy for me to replace, clean, and maintain.

7. Think About Installation Difficulty

I paid close attention to whether the pool was a DIY-friendly model or one that would require professional installation. Some kits looked simple enough for me to manage with help, while others seemed better left to experienced installers. I always considered the time, tools, and effort involved before buying.

8. Safety Features Matter

Safety was one of my biggest concerns. I looked for sturdy ladders, secure entry systems, and compatibility with pool covers and fencing. If children or pets are around, I would never skip safety planning.

9. Compare Maintenance Requirements

I wanted a pool that would not become a burden to maintain. I checked how often the water would need testing, how easy it would be to clean the liner, and whether replacement parts were easy to find. A pool that is simple to care for saves me time and frustration.

10. Set a Realistic Budget

I learned that the pool itself is only part of the cost. I also had to budget for installation, chemicals, accessories, ladders, covers, and possible electrical work for the pump. I always recommend setting aside extra money so unexpected expenses do not become a problem.

11. Read Warranty Details

I never ignored the warranty. A good warranty gave me peace of mind, especially for the frame, liner, and pump. I checked what was covered, how long coverage lasted, and what conditions could void it.

12. Match the Pool to My Lifestyle

In the end, I chose a 22 ft above ground pool based on how I planned to use it. If I wanted family fun, I focused on safety and durability. If I wanted exercise, I paid more attention to depth and swimming space. If I wanted low maintenance, I looked for easier cleaning and stronger materials.

Final Thoughts

My best advice is to treat a 22 ft above ground swimming pool as a long-term investment, not just a summer purchase. When I compared space, quality, safety, and maintenance together, I felt much more confident in my decision. If I take my time and choose carefully, I know I can enjoy the pool for many seasons.

Final Thoughts

In my experience, a 22 ft above ground swimming pool is a great choice if I want plenty of space for swimming, relaxing, and enjoying time with family and friends. It offers a nice balance of size, value, and easy installation compared to an in-ground pool. My main takeaway is that this pool size can turn a backyard into a fun and inviting place without the cost and commitment of a larger setup.

Author Profile

Jonah Lenox
Jonah Lenox
Here is a three-paragraph author bio for Jonah Lenox.

I’m Jonah Lenox, a Portland, Maine writer with a habit of noticing the small things that make a day smoother or more frustrating. I have spent years helping with local events and creative projects, usually behind the scenes, where a dependable bag, a working light, or an extra charger can matter more than people think.

I have always been drawn to practical things that earn their place. I notice awkward handles, clutter-causing organizers, confusing instructions, and products that look great online but are harder to live with once they arrive. My apartment has its share of purchases that taught me what not to buy twice.

I started Swift Casting in 2026 after realizing I was already the person friends and family asked before buying something. Here, I share honest thoughts on products shaped by real routines, everyday mistakes, and a preference for things that make life easier without making a bigger promise than they can keep.