Above Ground Pools Master Guide

What Sizes Are Available for Above Ground Pools?

Above ground pools come in a range of sizes to fit different yards and families.

Round sizes include 18′, 21′, 24′, 27′, 30′, and 33′. Oval sizes include 12’x24′, 15’x30′, and 18’x33′. Your choice should line up with how much space you have and how you plan to use the pool.

The 24-foot round is the most popular choice among pool buyers. For ovals, the 15’x30′ is the most common. Both strike a solid balance between space and usability.

Should You Choose a Round or Oval Pool?

Round pools are versatile. They give you plenty of room for swimming, relaxing, and activities without feeling cramped. They’re also the best value. A 27′ round pool holds about 5,000 more gallons than a 15’x30′ oval and costs quite a bit less. Ultimately, they are a better value.

Oval pools are great for yard constraints, swimming laps, or aesthetic preference. Keep in mind that ovals cost more because they require a buttress system to support the water on the longer sides, and they take longer to install.

The shape of your backyard can help guide the decision. A square yard often fits a round pool better. A longer, narrower space may work better with an oval.

With a bigger round pool, you also get more circumference to hang out and relax without constantly being in the splash zone if there are active swimmers around.

What Pool Height Should You Choose?

Above ground pools come in 48″, 52″, or 54″ heights. The waterline usually sits about 4 to 6 inches below the top of the wall.

In the premium above ground market, 52″ and 54″ are the most popular. A 48″ pool is generally purchased because it costs less, but we recommend going with 54″.
Kids will enjoy the extra depth as they grow, and adults can still stand comfortably.

How Do Above Ground Pool Structures Differ?

Above ground pools can look very similar from the outside, but the materials underneath make a big difference in how long they last and how well they hold up.

At Galaxy Pool Spa Patio, we use a G-Rating System to help you understand the differences.

• G1 (Steel Structure) uses galvanized steel for the wall, frame, and all components.
• G2 (Steel Structure +) uses galvanized steel with a stainless steel service panel for added durability.
• G3 (Aluminum Return Panel) uses galvanized steel with an aluminum service panel.
• G4 (Aluminum Wall) features an aluminum wall and service panel, steel components, and injection-molded resin top rails.
• G5 (100% Resin Structure) uses all aluminum walls and components with molded resin parts. This is the most durable and corrosion-resistant option available.

The higher the G-rating, the longer the pool is built to last.

What Are the Best Above Ground Pool Brands?

When it comes to durability and innovation, we recommend the Wilbar family of brands, including Sharkline, Backyard Leisure, and Vogue. Other well-known premium brands include Doughboy, Carvin, and Trevi.

Wilbar owns roughly 60% of the world’s market share in premium above ground pools, and there are a few reasons for that.

1. Their injection-molded resin rails are significantly stronger and more durable than traditional thin steel. 
2. Their higher-end models feature aluminum walls that resist rust and provide better structural strength. 
3. Their buttress-free oval systems take up less yard space and require a smaller over dig, which is a practical advantage if space is tight.

Some manufacturers still use steel rails and steel walls across the board. Others, like Doughboy, offer expandable liner deep-end pools, but stretching the liner shortens its lifespan, and the deep-end hole is just dirt and sand, which can become uneven over time. Doughboy also requires that liners and other aftermarket parts be purchased directly from them to maintain the warranty, which means you pay more over time. 

If you want more depth without compromising the liner, a 54″ flat-bottom pool is the better long-term option.

How Long Do Above Ground Pools Last?

A well-maintained above ground pool can last for decades. The structure itself is built to hold up for years, and most of the wear over time happens to the liner and equipment rather than the pool frame.

Longevity comes down to the quality of the structure, the materials used, and how consistently you maintain your water chemistry and equipment.

How Do Pool Liners Work and How Long Do They Last?

The liner is what holds the water and protects the pool structure, so quality matters here.

Liners are made from either recycled or virgin materials. A higher-end, virgin-grade liner is more durable and lasts longer. 

The installation method also plays a role. Traditional, less expensive pools use an overlap system where the liner hangs over the pool wall. It puts more stress on the material, looks less clean, and is harder to replace, especially if you have a deck around the pool. 

Premium pools use a beaded or multi-bead system that clips into the top of the pool wall. It provides a cleaner look, puts less stress on the liner, and makes future replacements much easier.

A quality liner can carry a warranty of 20 years or more, but actual lifespan depends on sun exposure, chemical balance, usage, and general wear. Most well-maintained liners last between 7 and 10 years before needing replacement.

How Much Does an Above Ground Pool Cost?

Above ground pool pricing varies based on size, structure, brand, and features. Pools typically range from $2,699 to $15,000, with additional costs for installation, electrical, water, and accessories.

Beyond the pool itself, plan for things like a dedicated electrical outlet, water to fill the pool, landscaping after installation, and any optional upgrades like decking, ladders, or sanitization systems.

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What Accessories Should You Consider for Your Pool?

The right accessories improve safety, comfort, and how much time you actually spend enjoying your pool.

• Ladders are essential for safe entry and exit. If you have a deck, you’ll need a system that attaches to it. A 36-inch step ladder gives you the widest steps available. If you have young kids, look for a locking ladder that lets you control access when the pool isn’t in use.
• Fountains help keep the water cool and add a nice visual and sound element to your pool area. 
• Pool toys, floaties, and lounge chairs make the space more inviting for the whole family.
• For maintenance, you’ll want a good vacuum (robotic cleaners are the most efficient option), a quality filter system, and the right chemicals for your chosen sanitization method.

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How Do You Properly Balance Pool Water?

Balanced water protects your swimmers, your liner, and your equipment. When water chemistry is off, it can cause liner damage, equipment corrosion, cloudy water, algae growth, burning eyes and skin, and even unsafe swimming conditions.

The key levels to monitor are pH, total alkalinity, calcium hardness, and your sanitizer level. pH should stay between 7.2 and 7.6. Low pH can cause the liner to grow, wrinkle, and stain. High pH accelerates aging, shortens liner life, and makes your sanitizer less effective. Both extremes cause skin and eye irritation.

Total alkalinity acts as a buffer to keep pH stable. It should stay between 80 and 120 ppm. If it drops below 60, your pH will swing constantly, and you may see cloudy or green water. If it goes above 120, you can get cloudiness, scale buildup, and conditions that promote algae.

Calcium hardness should be between 100 and 400 ppm. Check it regularly to prevent problems with the liner and filter system.

Test your water regularly with strips at home, and bring a sample to any Galaxy showroom for a free professional analysis.

How Do You Open Your Pool for the Season?

Open your pool when the water temperature reaches about 60 degrees.

Start by cleaning all water and debris from the cover, then remove it. Fold the cover and soak it in a garbage pail with pool cover cleaner, let it dry, and store it.

Hook up your hoses and replace any plugs on the filter, pump, and motor. Make sure all o-rings and gaskets are in place. Remove any winter plugs from the return jet and skimmer, then fill with fresh water until it reaches the middle of the skimmer.

For sand filters, start on backwash for 2 minutes, rinse for 15 to 30 seconds, then switch to filter. For cartridge filters, place a clean filter in the canister and replace the winter drain plug.

Vacuum and clean the pool, then let the pump run for 24 hours. After that, bring a water sample to any Galaxy showroom and we’ll test it and help you get the chemicals you need to balance your water for the season.

How Do You Winterize Your Pool?

Close your pool after temperatures drop to highs of 60 to 65 degrees for a week.

Start with chemicals. Balance your water and add your final doses of sanitizer and shock based on your system (chlorine, Pristine Blue, Nature’s Pure, etc.).

Next, handle the plugs. Remove the eyeball or fountain from the return jet and insert a universal plug. For the skimmer, use a compensator so you don’t have to drain the water below the skimmer level. If you don’t use a compensator, you’ll need to drain to below the skimmer.

Cover the pool using an air pillow in the center (4’x4′ for pools up to 24′, 4’x8′ for 25′ to 33′ or ovals). Thread the cable through the cover grommets, spread the cover evenly, and tighten with the winch.

For equipment, unhook all hoses. If you use a Nature’s Pure or ClearBlue ionizer, unscrew the copper cell and bring both the cell and control pad inside. Pull the drain plug on your sand filter and set it to winterize. Remove the pump and bring it inside. 

For cartridge filters, open the pressure release, pull the drain plug, and bring in both the pump and the filter cartridge.

What Additional Costs Should You Plan For?

Beyond the pool purchase and standard installation, there are a few additional expenses to plan for.

Standard additional costs include electrical work for the pump and filter, sand for the pool bottom, water to fill the pool, and any permits required by your local jurisdiction.

Depending on your yard and preferences, you may also need to budget for landscaping and grading after installation, fencing to meet local safety codes, decking or hardscape around the pool, and accessories like ladders, covers, or sanitization upgrades.

Less common but possible costs include rock removal during the dig, retaining walls for sloped yards, dirt haul-off, mileage charges if you’re more than 30 miles from the nearest showroom, tree or stump removal, additional leveling beyond 6 inches, disassembly of an existing pool, moving overhead power lines or underground septic lines, and a sump pump if heavy rains hit during or shortly after the build.

What Warranties Should You Look For?

A strong warranty protects your investment and tells you a lot about how confident the manufacturer is in their product.

Pool structures and liners can carry warranties up to 25 years. Equipment warranties typically extend up to 3 years. A longer warranty generally indicates better materials and build quality.

The dealer backing the warranty matters just as much as the warranty itself. Look for a dealer with a long track record, a dedicated service team, and access to replacement parts. At Galaxy, we offer a worry-free 6-month warranty to all our customers and provide in-house service for complete peace of mind.