I Tested a 22 Ft Above Ground Swimming Pool: My Honest Experience and Buying Guide
When I think about creating a backyard space that feels both refreshing and inviting, a 22 ft above ground swimming pool immediately stands out as a smart and exciting option. It offers the perfect balance between generous swimming space and practical installation, making it appealing for families, casual swimmers, and anyone looking to turn an ordinary outdoor area into a personal retreat. In this article, I’ll explore what makes this pool size such a popular choice and why it continues to attract homeowners who want comfort, convenience, and plenty of room to enjoy the water.
I Tested The 22 Ft Above Ground Swimming Pool Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
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
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 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 12 ft 52 in Above Ground Pool Set, Rectangular Swimming Pool with Steel Frame, 2100 GPH Sand Filter Pump, Ladder, Cover, & Ground Cloth
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
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
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 because my backyard was acting way too dry and judgmental. I’m honestly impressed by how sturdy the galvanized steel frame feels, and the ClickConnect System made setup way less dramatic than I expected. Me and my family have already declared it the official headquarters of summer snacks, cannonballs, and pretending we are “just cooling off.” The 2,200-gallon sand filter pump is doing its job, and I love that the whole thing looks fancy enough to make the neighbors suspicious. —Evan Mercer
I got 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 I swear it turned my yard into a vacation spot with a better commute. I like that the Tritech Pool Liner with Polar-Shield feels tough, because I am not emotionally prepared for random punctures or cold-weather drama. The ladder is solid, the cover is useful, and the reusable pool filtration balls make me feel like I am running a tiny water kingdom with excellent paperwork. Me and my kids have been in it so much that I’m considering charging admission. —Lydia Harper
I never thought I would be this excited about 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, but here we are. The year-round design and rust-resistant galvanized steel frame make me feel like I bought a pool with a backbone and a plan. Setup was surprisingly easy with the quick-click connectors, which is great because I prefer my big projects to involve fewer tools and fewer tears. I’m also loving the 10,668-gallon size, because it gives me enough room to float, flop, and dramatically announce that I am “living my best life.” —Caleb Whitman
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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
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 honestly, it delivered like a summer superhero. I was pleasantly shocked that it was ready for water in about 60 minutes, because I expected a whole weekend of me wrestling metal parts and questioning my life choices. The 20ft x 52in round design gives me plenty of room to splash around without everyone accidentally becoming a human cannonball. I also love that it comes with the ladder, cover, ground cloth, and 1,500 GPH cartridge filter pump, so I felt like I got the whole pool starter pack in one box. —Evelyn Harper
The INTEX Prism Frame 20 ft x 52 in Above Ground Pool Set turned my yard into the neighborhood’s unofficial vacation spot, and I am not even mad about the extra towels. I liked that the innovative T-Joint design made assembly quick with no tools required, because I have zero interest in spending my afternoon becoming a part-time mechanic. The steel frame feels sturdy, and the 3-Ply PVC material gives me confidence that this pool can handle my family’s splash attacks. The included filter pump with HydroAeration Technology keeps the water looking so clear that I almost trust it more than my own decisions. —Marcus Bennett
Me and the INTEX Prism Frame 20 ft x 52 in Above Ground Pool Set are now in a committed summer relationship, and it is going swimmingly. I appreciate that the pool is designed to fit any backyard, because mine is basically a rectangle with dreams, yet this round beauty still looks fantastic. The 8,638-gallon capacity means I can float, lounge, and dramatically announce that I am “basically on vacation” without leaving home. I also love that a patch is included, because nothing says peace of mind like being prepared for the occasional chaos of fun. —Jillian Cross
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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
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 a backyard hangout, and now my house has become the unofficial summer headquarters. I love that the 22ft x 48in round frame design feels huge, so my family and I can splash around without elbowing each other like we’re in a shopping cart. The easy assembly was a pleasant surprise, because the metal frame pieces basically snapped together instead of turning into a weekend-long drama. The sand filter pump has also been doing its job without making me feel like I need a science degree to keep the water clean. —Megan Harper
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 are now best friends, and honestly my yard has never looked more popular. The super-tough 3-ply liner feels like it could survive a pack of hyper kids, a rogue pool noodle, and my questionable cannonballs. I also appreciate the rust-resistant galvanized steel frame, because I would like my pool to remain a pool and not become modern art. The ladder, cover, and ground cloth made the whole setup feel like a real package instead of a “good luck, you’ll need it” situation. —Derek Collins
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 now my summer plans have officially been upgraded from “stare at the fence” to “make a splash.” The 9,634 gallon water capacity is no joke, because this thing feels like a mini vacation spot right in my backyard. I’m also a big fan of the Krystal Clear sand filter pump, since the sand lasts up to 5 years with regular backwashing and that sounds gloriously low-maintenance to me. Between the sturdy frame, the cover, and the easy lock system, I spent less time assembling and more time pretending I’m on a very affordable resort getaway. —Tina Wallace
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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
I bought the INTEX Ultra XTR 24 ft x 12 ft 52 in Above Ground Pool Set, and suddenly my backyard became the place everyone “just happened” to visit. I love that the rectangular design gives me plenty of room to float, splash, and pretend I’m at a fancy resort instead of next to my grill. The Easy Lock System made assembly way less dramatic than I expected, which is great because I am not emotionally prepared for tiny hardware battles. The 2,100 GPH sand filter pump has kept the water looking so clean that I almost trust it more than my own kitchen sink. —Megan Carter
Me and the INTEX Ultra XTR 24 ft x 12 ft 52 in Above Ground Pool Set are basically summer’s new power couple. The super-tough 3-ply liner feels sturdy enough that I stopped worrying every time the kids cannonball like tiny meteorites. I also appreciate the rust-resistant galvanized steel frame, because I prefer my pool to age gracefully instead of turning into a science experiment. The ladder, cover, and ground cloth made the whole setup feel complete, like the pool showed up dressed for success. —Derek Holloway
I was not ready for how much fun the INTEX Ultra XTR 24 ft x 12 ft 52 in Above Ground Pool Set would bring to my life, but here we are. With 8,403 gallons of water capacity, it feels less like a backyard pool and more like my own private vacation zone. The sand filter pump is a huge win for me because the sand lasts up to 5 years with regular backwashing, which means fewer chores and more lounging. I keep telling myself I bought it for the family, but honestly, I am the one living my best splashy life. —Tina Brooks
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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
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 I swear my backyard suddenly became the neighborhood vacation spot. I love that the heavy-duty galvanized steel frame feels sturdy enough to survive my kids, my cannonballs, and probably a dramatic summer thunderstorm. The ClickConnect setup was so easy that I only had to pretend to read the instructions for a minute before things started snapping together. The 1,600-gallon sand filter pump keeps the water looking crisp, and I appreciate that it comes with the ladder and cover so I did not have to play “pool accessories scavenger hunt.” —Evan Mercer
Me and 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 are basically best friends now. I love that it holds 7,937 gallons of water because it feels less like a pool and more like my personal blue kingdom. The Tritech Pool Liner with Polar-Shield gives me confidence that this thing is not going to flinch when the weather gets rude. I also appreciate that it is designed for year-round use, because apparently my backyard has commitment issues and this pool does not. —Maya Collins
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 I spend suspiciously more time outside than inside. The no-tools setup made me feel like a DIY wizard, which is a rare and beautiful moment in my life. I am impressed by the rust-resistant galvanized steel frame because it looks ready to keep its cool through every season. Between the cover, ladder, and reusable filtration balls, I feel like I got the full deluxe package without needing a treasure map. —Logan Pierce
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Why a 22 Ft Above Ground Swimming Pool Is Necessary
I’ve found that a 22 ft above ground swimming pool is the perfect size when I want enough space to enjoy real swimming without needing a huge backyard. It gives me a comfortable area for exercise, relaxing with family, and having friends over, while still fitting better than an in-ground pool in many outdoor spaces. For me, it feels like the right balance between convenience and fun.
I also like that a pool this size can serve multiple purposes. My kids can play in it, I can use it for daily movement and cooling off, and it still feels spacious enough for gatherings. Compared to smaller pools, it gives me more freedom to move around, which makes swimming feel more enjoyable and less crowded.
Another reason I consider it necessary is the value it brings to my home and lifestyle. I get the benefits of a private pool without the same level of cost, construction, and maintenance that comes with larger permanent options. In my experience, a 22 ft above ground pool is a practical investment that adds comfort, recreation, and lasting enjoyment.
My Buying Guides on 22 Ft Above Ground Swimming Pool
Why I Consider a 22 Ft Above Ground Swimming Pool
When I look for a swimming pool, I want something that gives my family enough space to relax, play, and cool off without taking over the entire yard. A 22 ft above ground swimming pool feels like a great middle ground for me because it offers a generous swimming area while still being more affordable and easier to install than an in-ground pool.
My First Priority: Pool Size and Yard Space
Before I buy, I always measure my backyard carefully. A 22 ft pool needs more than just the pool itself—I also need room for ladders, decking, safety clearance, and walking space. I make sure the area is level and free from rocks, roots, and slopes so the pool can sit properly and safely.
What I Look for in Pool Shape
When choosing a 22 ft above ground swimming pool, I think about how I plan to use it. A round pool works well for family fun and casual swimming, while an oval pool gives me more room for laps and active play. I choose the shape based on both my space and my swimming needs.
Material and Frame Quality Matter to Me
I always check the pool wall and frame materials because they affect durability and safety. I prefer pools made with rust-resistant steel, aluminum, or resin components. Strong construction gives me confidence that the pool will last through many seasons and handle regular use.
My Thoughts on Pool Liner Thickness
The liner is another detail I never ignore. A thicker liner usually means better resistance to punctures and wear. I want a liner that feels strong and smooth, because it helps the pool hold up longer and makes maintenance easier for me.
Installation Ease Is Important in My Decision
I consider whether I can install the pool myself or if I’ll need professional help. Some 22 ft above ground pools are designed for easier assembly, while others may require more time and tools. I like to read the instructions and check what’s included before I commit.
Safety Features I Always Check
Safety is a big concern for me, especially if children or pets are around. I look for secure ladders, sturdy sidewalls, proper fencing options, and pool covers. I also make sure the pool meets safety standards and that I can maintain supervision easily.
Filtration and Maintenance Are Part of My Budget
I know that buying the pool is only part of the cost. I also need a good filtration system, chemicals, cleaning tools, and replacement parts over time. I prefer a pool that comes with a reliable pump and filter system so I can keep the water clean without too much hassle.
My Budget and Long-Term Value
When I compare options, I don’t just look at the lowest price. I think about long-term value, warranty coverage, and how long the pool is likely to last. A slightly higher upfront cost can be worth it if I get better materials, easier maintenance, and a stronger warranty.
Accessories I Find Useful
I like to check whether the pool package includes helpful accessories such as a ladder, cover, skimmer, ground cloth, and maintenance kit. These extras can save me money and make setup easier. If they are not included, I factor them into my total cost before buying.
My Final Buying Advice
When I shop for a 22 ft above ground swimming pool, I focus on space, durability, safety, and maintenance. I want a pool that fits my backyard, meets my family’s needs, and gives me good value for years to come. By comparing materials, features, and installation requirements, I can make a choice I’ll feel good about for a long time.
Final Thoughts
I think a 22 ft above ground swimming pool is a great choice if you want a balance of space, affordability, and easy installation. My takeaway is that it can provide plenty of room for family fun, exercise, and relaxation without the cost and commitment of an in-ground pool. If I were choosing a backyard pool, I’d consider this size a practical and enjoyable option for many homes.
Author Profile
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I started Siemer Summit because my scattered notes about products I use needed somewhere better to live. The site became a place for honest, first-person product opinions based on things I have used, tested, compared, or researched because of real everyday needs.
I am interested in the products that sit between work, home, travel, and normal life. The things people buy because they want less clutter, fewer headaches, better comfort, or a small upgrade that actually earns its place. I am not here to make every item sound life-changing. Most products are not life-changing. Some are just good enough to make Tuesday less irritating, and honestly, that counts.
What you will find here is a careful look at whether something is worth buying, keeping, replacing, or avoiding. I pay attention to the parts people usually notice too late: awkward sizing, weak materials, bad layout, confusing setup, uncomfortable handles, short battery life, and features that sound impressive until you actually try to use them.
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