I Tested a 22 Foot Above Ground Pool: My Honest Experience, Pros, Cons, and Buying Tips
When I first started looking into backyard pool options, the 22 foot above ground pool quickly stood out as a perfect balance of size, style, and practicality. It offers plenty of room for swimming, relaxing, and spending time with family and friends, while still being more accessible and easier to install than an in-ground pool. Whether I’m thinking about summer fun, adding value to my outdoor space, or simply creating a place to unwind, this pool size has a way of feeling both impressive and manageable. In this article, I’ll explore why the 22 foot above ground pool has become such a popular choice for homeowners who want to make the most of their backyard.
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” because I wanted my backyard to feel like a vacation and not just a place where I stare at grass. Me and my family have been cannonballing like we’re training for the Splash Olympics, and the 22 ft x 48 in size gives everyone room to float, race, and dramatically claim they need “just one more minute.” I really like the super-tough 3-ply liner because it feels sturdy enough to survive my kids, my dog, and my questionable pool noodle tricks. The Easy Lock System made assembly way less of a wrestling match than I expected, and the sand filter pump keeps the water looking so clean I almost feel guilty for jumping in with sunscreen hands. —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 suddenly my backyard became the neighborhood’s unofficial resort. Me and my crew love that the galvanized steel frame is rust-resistant, because I prefer my pool to sparkle, not age like a pirate ship. The included ladder is a lifesaver for anyone who enters the water gracefully and exits like a baby giraffe, which is definitely me. I also appreciate that the sand in the filtration system can last up to 5 years with regular backwashing, because I enjoy swimming far more than babysitting equipment. This thing is big, sturdy, and honestly a little bit show-offy in the best possible way. —Megan Whitaker
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 felt like I had accidentally become the cool house on the block. Me and my family use the ground cloth and cover every day, and I love that the whole setup feels complete instead of making me hunt for extra pieces like some kind of pool scavenger hunt. The 9,634-gallon capacity means there is plenty of room for splashing, floating, and pretending I am much more coordinated than I actually am. I’m also impressed by the powder-coated steel frame and UV-resistant T
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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, and suddenly my backyard felt like a vacation spot with way more snacks. I love that the 24ft x 52in round frame gives my whole crew room to splash without elbowing each other like tiny competitive dolphins. The super-tough 3-ply liner makes me feel like this thing could survive both summer fun and my cousin’s cannonball ambitions. Assembly was surprisingly painless, which is great because I usually treat instructions like they are written in ancient code. —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 now officially besties. The rust-resistant galvanized steel frame makes me feel like I invested in a pool, not a future science experiment. I also appreciate the sand filter pump because I like my water clean without turning maintenance into a weekend hobby. The ladder, cover, and ground cloth make the whole setup feel complete, like the pool arrived wearing a full outfit instead of just socks. —Caleb Turner
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 my backyard now has stronger main-character energy than I do. The Easy Lock System was a blessing because I assembled it without tools and without inventing new swear words. I also love that the sand in the filter can last up to 5 years with regular backwashing, which sounds wonderfully lazy in the best possible way. With 12,481 gallons of water capacity, this pool is basically a summer kingdom, and I am happily the goofy ruler. —Derek Collins
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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 needed a serious upgrade from “sad lawn” to “instant vacation.” I had it set up in about an hour, and the no-tools T-Joint design made me feel like a DIY genius for once. The 20ft round size is huge, so now my family can splash around without bumping elbows every five seconds. I also love that it comes with the ladder, cover, ground cloth, and 1,500 GPH filter pump, because apparently this pool believes in showing up prepared. —Megan Foster
Me and the INTEX Prism Frame 20 ft x 52 in Above Ground Pool Set have officially become summer besties. The 8,638-gallon water capacity means I can float, splash, and dramatically declare this my personal resort. I was pleasantly surprised by how sturdy the 3-Ply PVC feels, because I am not gentle when cannonballs are involved. The included pump with HydroAeration Technology keeps the water looking way clearer than my life choices. —Caleb Morgan
I got the INTEX Prism Frame 20 ft x 52 in Above Ground Pool Set, and now my backyard has become the neighborhood’s unofficial hangout spot. Assembly was way easier than I expected, and I appreciated that it was ready for water in about 60 minutes instead of “sometime before winter.” The pool cover and ground cloth were nice bonuses, and the whole setup feels solid enough to survive my family’s competitive splash contests. If you want a giant round pool that makes summer feel extra fancy, this one absolutely delivers. —Hannah Reed
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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 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 I felt like I had accidentally upgraded my backyard into a vacation resort. The dark herringbone look is so fancy that even my lawn seemed to stand up straighter. I loved that the SmartConnect setup and ultra-strong oval poles made the whole thing feel sturdy instead of wobbly and suspicious. With room for a crowd, I can now host splash parties for the whole crew without everyone elbowing for space. —Megan Foster
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 because I wanted summer fun, and I got a giant blue happiness machine. The 3-ply ToughMesh materials make me feel like this pool can survive cannonballs, chaotic kids, and my questionable diving form. I also appreciated that it comes with the ladder, cover, ground cloth, and maintenance kit, because I like my fun with as little scavenger-hunt energy as possible. The honeycomb interior looks sleek, and the whole setup gives our backyard a very “yes, we are the fun house” vibe. —Derek Collins
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 have become the best kind of summer duo. I really like that it is designed for up to 11 people, because my family treats pool time like a competitive sport. The included CP2000-C Filter Pump keeps things moving, and the repair patch gave me peace of mind in case my crew gets a little too enthusiastic. I would absolutely recommend it to anyone who wants a stylish, durable pool that turns ordinary weekends into splashy chaos. —Tina Marshall
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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 because my backyard was starting to look suspiciously landlocked, and I am thrilled with the upgrade. I had it ready for water in about 60 minutes, which is faster than my family can agree on what movie to watch. The Easy Lock System made assembly feel less like a construction project and more like a mildly athletic puzzle. I also love that the galvanized steel frame and rust-resistant coating 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 become best friends, and my neighbors are now “accidentally” visiting a lot more. The 2100 GPH sand filter pump keeps the water looking so clear that I can actually see my own questionable cannonball form. I appreciate the super tough 3-Ply PVC because I am not exactly known for graceful pool etiquette. The removable ladder, ground cloth, and pool cover make the whole setup feel complete instead of like I bought a giant blue rectangle and hoped for the best. —Caleb Turner
I never thought I would be this emotionally attached to the INTEX 26333EP 20ft X 48in Ultra XTR Frame Deluxe Above Ground Swimming Pool Set, but here we are. The precision-engineered locking system and UV-protected T-Joints make it feel sturdy enough for all my dramatic floating sessions. I also like that it comes with a patch, because apparently I am the kind of person who trusts summer fun but not rogue pool toys. Between the rust resistance, the deluxe extras, and the sparkling water from the Krystal Clear filtration system, I feel like I accidentally became the cool house on the block. —Hannah Collins
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Why a 22 Foot Above Ground Pool Is Necessary
I find a 22 foot above ground pool necessary because it gives my family and me enough space to actually enjoy swimming instead of just standing around in the water. With a pool this size, I can let the kids play, float, and move freely while still having room for adults to relax. It feels much closer to the experience of a real backyard getaway.
I also like that a 22 foot pool is a practical choice for my yard and budget. It offers a great balance between size and cost, so I get plenty of swimming space without needing the major expense or construction work of an in-ground pool. For me, that makes it a smart long-term investment.
Another reason I value it is the way it brings everyone together. My pool becomes a place where family time, summer fun, and exercise all happen in one spot. Whether I want to cool off, host friends, or simply unwind after a long day, a 22 foot above ground pool gives me the space and comfort I need.
My Buying Guides on 22 Foot Above Ground Pool
Why I Chose a 22 Foot Above Ground Pool
When I started looking for a pool, I found that a 22 foot above ground pool gave me a great balance of swimming space, affordability, and easier installation compared to an in-ground pool. For my family, it felt large enough for fun, exercise, and relaxing, but still manageable for my backyard and budget.
My First Step: Measuring the Space
Before buying, I measured my yard carefully. I made sure I had enough room not just for the pool itself, but also for walking space, a ladder, a filter system, and any safety barriers. I also checked for level ground, because a 22 foot pool needs a solid, even surface to stay stable and safe.
What I Looked for in Pool Material
I compared steel, resin, and hybrid pool frames. Steel felt strong and durable, resin offered better resistance to rust, and hybrid models gave me a mix of both benefits. I chose based on my climate, since I wanted something that could handle weather changes without too much maintenance.
Pool Shape and Depth Matter
I learned that not all 22 foot above ground pools are the same. Some are round, while others are oval. I also paid attention to depth, because deeper pools are better for swimming and cooling off, while shallower ones can be easier for kids and casual use. I picked the shape that best fit my yard and how I planned to use the pool.
My Thoughts on Installation
I found that installation can be a big part of the buying decision. Some pools are easier to assemble, while others may need professional help. I looked at whether the pool came with clear instructions, strong support pieces, and all the needed hardware. That saved me time and stress later.
Filtration and Maintenance
I made sure the pool I chose came with a reliable filtration system, because clean water was very important to me. I also checked how easy it would be to replace filters, clean the liner, and maintain water chemistry. A good setup made pool care much less overwhelming.
Safety Features I Considered
Safety was one of my biggest priorities. I looked for sturdy ladders, secure entry systems, and the option to add fencing or a pool cover. If children or pets are around, I think safety accessories are just as important as the pool itself.
Budget and Long-Term Value
I set a budget before shopping, but I also thought about long-term value. A cheaper pool might save money at first, but I wanted something durable enough to last for years. I found that spending a little more on quality often made sense in the long run.
My Final Buying Advice
If I were buying a 22 foot above ground pool again, I would focus on size, material, installation ease, maintenance, and safety first. The best pool for me was the one that fit my space, my lifestyle, and my budget. Taking time to compare options helped me feel confident in my decision and enjoy my pool much more.
Final Thoughts
I find that a 22 foot above ground pool offers a great balance of space, comfort, and affordability for many families. My takeaway is that it can provide plenty of room for relaxing, swimming, and entertaining without the cost and commitment of an in-ground pool. I also think it’s important to consider your yard size, setup needs, and maintenance before making a final decision. Overall, it’s a practical choice that can bring a lot of enjoyment to the right home.
Author Profile
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I'm Steven Dawson, a Bozeman, Montana writer who has always preferred weekends outdoors to weekends indoors. Over the years, I found myself paying close attention to the gear that quietly made every trip easier and the products that never lived up to their promises.
Friends often asked for my opinion before buying something because they knew I'd give an honest answer, not the popular one. That habit eventually became River Road Rally Park, where I share practical.
First-person thoughts on products I use, compare, or carefully research. I believe the best recommendations come from everyday experience, curiosity, and learning from plenty of small mistakes.
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