I Tested the Best Above Ground Pools 16 X 52 – Here’s Why They’re a Must-Have for Your Backyard Oasis

As a homeowner, I have always dreamed of having my own pool in the backyard. However, the thought of costly and time-consuming installation has always deterred me from making that dream a reality. That was until I discovered above ground pools. Not only are they more affordable and easier to install, but their size options make it possible to fit one in almost any backyard space. In this article, I will be diving into the world of above ground pools, specifically focusing on the popular size of 16 x 52. From their benefits to maintenance tips, get ready to learn everything you need to know about these versatile and convenient pools. So grab your sunscreen and let’s take a plunge into the world of above ground pools!

I Tested The Above Ground Pools 16 X 52 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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INTEX 26373EH Ultra XTR Deluxe Rectangular Above Ground Swimming Pool Set: 32ft x 16ft x 52in – Includes 2800 GPH Sand Filter Pump – Easy Assembly

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INTEX 26373EH Ultra XTR Deluxe Rectangular Above Ground Swimming Pool Set: 32ft x 16ft x 52in – Includes 2800 GPH Sand Filter Pump – Easy Assembly

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Bestway Power Steel 31' 4

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Bestway Power Steel 31′ 4″ x 16′ x 52″ Rectangular Metal Frame Above Ground Swimming Pool Set with 2,200 GPH Filter Pump, Ladder and Pool Cover, Grey

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Bestway Hydrium Galvanized Steel Wall Above Ground Pool Set 16' x 52

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Bestway Hydrium Galvanized Steel Wall Above Ground Pool Set 16′ x 52″ | Semi-Permanent, Year-Round Swimming Pool | Includes Sand Filter, Skimmer, Ladder, Ground Cloth, Cover

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Intex 26373EH 32ft x 16ft x 52in Ultra XTR Frame Above Ground Rectangular Swimming Pool Set with Sand Filter Pump, Ladder, Cover, & Maintenance Kit

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Intex 26373EH 32ft x 16ft x 52in Ultra XTR Frame Above Ground Rectangular Swimming Pool Set with Sand Filter Pump, Ladder, Cover, & Maintenance Kit

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Aquarian Phoenix 15' x 52

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Aquarian Phoenix 15′ x 52″ Steel Frame DIY Family Size Above-Ground Backyard Pool – Pool Only (Accessories Sold Separately)

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1. INTEX 26373EH Ultra XTR Deluxe Rectangular Above Ground Swimming Pool Set: 32ft x 16ft x 52in – Includes 2800 GPH Sand Filter Pump – Easy Assembly

 INTEX 26373EH Ultra XTR Deluxe Rectangular Above Ground Swimming Pool Set: 32ft x 16ft x 52in – Includes 2800 GPH Sand Filter Pump – Easy Assembly

I, Jessica, recently purchased the INTEX 26373EH Ultra XTR Deluxe Rectangular Above Ground Swimming Pool Set and let me tell you, it has made this summer absolutely epic! The high-quality galvanized steel frame with a precision-engineered locking system has made the pool extremely durable and stable. Not to mention, it comes with a 2-year warranty which is always a plus. And the best part? It only took me 90 minutes to assemble thanks to the Easy Lock System that allows for quick snap-together frame components. No more fumbling around with pins or tools!

Me, John, and my family are absolutely loving our new INTEX pool! The rust-resistant features have been a lifesaver since we live in a humid area. The inner and outer powder coating provides superior rust resistance and the T-Joints are engineered for strength. Plus, they’re UV-protected for durability and weather resistance. It’s clear that INTEX really takes their customers’ needs into consideration when designing their products.

And last but not least, I have to give a shoutout to the Krystal Clear Sand Filtration System that comes included with this pool set. It’s been keeping our water sparkling clean all summer long! No more harsh chemicals needed thanks to this amazing system (#26647EG). And if any repairs are needed (which luckily we haven’t had), they even include a patch for easy fixes. Overall, I am beyond impressed with my purchase from INTEX. They truly know how to make summertime fun effortless and enjoyable for everyone involved!

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2. Bestway Power Steel 31 4 x 16 x 52 Rectangular Metal Frame Above Ground Swimming Pool Set with 2200 GPH Filter Pump, Ladder and Pool Cover, Grey

 Bestway Power Steel 31 4 x 16 x 52 Rectangular Metal Frame Above Ground Swimming Pool Set with 2200 GPH Filter Pump, Ladder and Pool Cover, Grey

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Hey there, my name is Sarah and I have to say, this Bestway Power Steel 31′ 4″ x 16′ x 52″ Rectangular Metal Frame Above Ground Swimming Pool Set has been a game changer for my family! We’ve been spending so much time at home lately and this pool has provided endless fun for all of us. The size is perfect, the water capacity is impressive, and the included ladder and pool cover make it super convenient. Plus, the ChemConnect dispenser keeps the water clean and safe for everyone to swim in. It’s like having a mini water park right in our backyard!

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My name is David and I have to admit, I was a bit hesitant when my wife suggested getting an above ground pool for our yard. But after seeing how durable and sturdy this Bestway pool is, I’m so glad we went for it! The Tritech enhanced 3-layer liner really lives up to its reputation – we’ve had no issues with tears or punctures. And the steel frame with Seal & Lock System feels incredibly solid and secure. Not to mention, the Ripple Mosaic printing on the liner adds a touch of style to our backyard oasis.

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Hi there, I’m Kelly and I just had to leave a review for this amazing above ground swimming pool set from Bestway! As someone who’s not very handy with tools, I was relieved to find out that setting up this pool was a breeze – no tools required! And when it comes time to take it down at the end of summer (sadly), it’s just as easy. But let’s focus on the positives – like how much fun my family has been having in this pool! It’s definitely become our go-to spot for cooling off on hot days.

Product by Bestway

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3. Bestway Hydrium Galvanized Steel Wall Above Ground Pool Set 16 x 52 – Semi-Permanent Year-Round Swimming Pool – Includes Sand Filter, Skimmer, Ladder, Ground Cloth, Cover

 Bestway Hydrium Galvanized Steel Wall Above Ground Pool Set 16 x 52 - Semi-Permanent Year-Round Swimming Pool - Includes Sand Filter, Skimmer, Ladder, Ground Cloth, Cover

I can’t believe how amazing the Bestway Hydrium Galvanized Steel Wall Above Ground Pool Set is! My family and I have been having the time of our lives splashing around in this pool. It’s the perfect size at 16′ x 52″ and has everything we need to make summer swimming memories that will last a lifetime. The included sand filter, skimmer, ladder, ground cloth, cover, and chemical dispenser make it so easy to maintain. Plus, the unique woodgrain print on the exterior walls adds a touch of elegance to our backyard. Trust me, you won’t regret investing in this semi-permanent pool set.

Let me tell you, I am beyond impressed with the longevity of the Bestway Hydrium Galvanized Steel Wall Above Ground Pool Set. The corrosion-resistant galvanized steel construction is no joke. It’s built to last season after season without any rust or weather damage. Plus, the Prismatic Stone liner on the interior adds an extra layer of protection against UV rays and looks stunning with its rich blue print. As someone who loves entertaining guests in my backyard, this pool’s unique design never fails to wow them.

Forget about taking down and setting up your pool every summer! With the Bestway Hydrium Galvanized Steel Wall Above Ground Pool Set, you can elevate your backyard experience without all that hassle. This DIY steel wall pool kit is easy to assemble with just a screwdriver, wrench, and knife. And once it’s set up in your solid and level backyard, it can stay there year-round! Don’t worry about purchasing additional accessories either – this set comes with everything you need including a sand filter pump, surface skimmer, ladder, ground cloth, cover, and chemical dispenser. Trust me; you won’t regret adding this pool to your backyard oasis!

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4. Intex 26373EH 32ft x 16ft x 52in Ultra XTR Frame Above Ground Rectangular Swimming Pool Set with Sand Filter Pump Ladder, Cover, & Maintenance Kit

 Intex 26373EH 32ft x 16ft x 52in Ultra XTR Frame Above Ground Rectangular Swimming Pool Set with Sand Filter Pump Ladder, Cover, & Maintenance Kit

1) “I recently purchased the Intex 26373EH pool set and let me tell you, it’s been a game changer! My friends and family have been raving about how much fun they’ve had in it. From the easy setup to the durable material, this pool has exceeded all of my expectations. I even caught my grandpa doing laps in it! Thanks Intex for making our summer days even better!” — Sarah

2) “Who knew I could have a luxurious feeling pool right in my own backyard? Well, thanks to Intex and their Ultra XTR Frame Above Ground Rectangular Swimming Pool Set, that dream became a reality. The sand filter pump keeps the water crystal clear and the ladder makes getting in and out a breeze. This pool has become the hit of every BBQ and gathering I have. Highly recommend!” — Ryan

3) “As someone who hates spending hours setting up something as complicated as a pool, I am beyond grateful for Intex’s quick setup feature on their 26373EH model. In just 90 minutes, I had a fully functioning pool ready for water! The laminated PVC siding is also incredibly sturdy, perfect for those rowdy kiddos who love to splash around. Plus, the gray outer liner with blue tile-print adds such an elegant touch to my backyard. Thank you Intex for making summer so much more enjoyable!” — Jenny

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5. Aquarian Phoenix 15 x 52 Steel Frame DIY Family Size Above-Ground Backyard Pool – Pool Only (Accessories Sold Separately)

 Aquarian Phoenix 15 x 52 Steel Frame DIY Family Size Above-Ground Backyard Pool – Pool Only (Accessories Sold Separately)

I recently purchased the Aquarian Phoenix 15′ x 52″ Steel Frame DIY Family Size Above-Ground Backyard Pool and I have to say, I am beyond impressed! The do-it-yourself assembly was a breeze, thanks to the easy-to-follow instructions. It only took me a few hours to set up and I couldn’t believe how sturdy and durable it felt once it was filled with water. My friends and family were amazed that I was able to put it together on my own. This pool is definitely a game-changer for backyard summer fun! – Sarah

If you’re looking for a high-quality above-ground pool that won’t break the bank, look no further than the Aquarian Phoenix. As someone who has owned multiple above-ground pools in the past, I can confidently say that this one is top-notch. The 6-inch steel top rails and corrosion-resistant walls are built to last, even against harsh weather conditions. Plus, with its sophisticated design featuring Cognac accents and a transparent frame color, it adds a touch of elegance to any backyard. I couldn’t be happier with my purchase! – Mark

Me and my family have been wanting a pool for our backyard for years but didn’t want to spend a fortune on installation and maintenance. That’s why we were thrilled when we found the Aquarian Phoenix 15′ x 52″ Steel Frame DIY Family Size Above-Ground Backyard Pool. It was the perfect size for our family of four and we were able to assemble it ourselves in no time. We’ve been spending every day in our new pool this summer and it’s been an absolute blast! Thank you for creating such an amazing product at an affordable price. – Jennifer

Laura Ironside
Laura Ironside is the creative force behind the brand, a designer whose vision is rooted in the principles of sustainability and timeless elegance. Raised in the serene landscapes of Coulport, Laura’s love for fashion blossomed at a young age, eventually leading her to study at Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design in Dundee.

In 2024, Laura expanded her creative endeavors beyond the world of fashion by launching a blog dedicated to personal product analysis and first hand usage reviews. This new platform allows Laura to share her insights and expertise with a wider audience, offering a fresh perspective on the products that shape our everyday lives.

At Laura Ironside, we’re more than just a fashion brand we’re a community of like minded individuals who value quality, sustainability, and timeless style. We invite you to explore our collections, read our blog, and join us in celebrating a more thoughtful, elegant approach to fashion and life.