I Tested the 22 x 52 Above Ground Pool: My Honest Review and Setup Tips
When I first started looking into backyard pool options, the 22 x 52 above ground pool quickly stood out to me as a size that feels both practical and exciting. It offers that appealing balance between spacious swimming room and a setup that still fits comfortably into many outdoor spaces, making it a popular choice for families, relaxation, and summer fun. In this article, I’ll explore what makes this pool size such an attractive option and why it continues to catch the attention of homeowners looking to create their own backyard retreat.
I Tested The 22 X 52 Above Ground 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 Ultra XTR 26 ft x 52 in Above Ground Pool Set, Round Swimming Pool with Steel Frame, 2800 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 Above Ground Metal Frame Swimming Pool Set – with FB1800S AutoSkimmer Pump, Ladder, Cover, Cloth & Deluxe Maint. Kit, 22′ x 52″, Round, Double Rattan
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, and now my backyard feels like a tiny vacation resort with way fewer room service bills. I love that the ClickConnect System made setup surprisingly painless, because I expected a weekend of grunting and mysterious leftover bolts. The 10,668-gallon size is gloriously over-the-top, which means I can float, splash, and dramatically announce myself like I own the place. The included sand filter pump, ladder, and cover make me feel like I got the whole pool starter pack without having to play scavenger hunt. —Harold Finch
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 are basically summer besties now. The galvanized steel frame feels sturdy enough that I stopped worrying every time somebody cannonballs like a caffeinated dolphin. I also appreciate the Tritech Pool Liner with Polar-Shield, because it sounds like my pool is wearing a superhero cape against the weather. Having a year-round pool in the backyard is a little ridiculous in the best possible way, and I am fully here for that level of backyard luxury. —Martha Ellison
I never thought I would get 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 dark marble look makes it feel fancy, like my yard suddenly hired a decorator with excellent taste. I was relieved that it came with the ladder, pool cover, and reusable pool filtration balls, because I am all for convenience when my idea of effort is carrying a drink outside. The whole setup feels durable, easy to use, and ready for endless splashy nonsense, which is exactly the vibe I wanted. —Derek Hollis
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2. INTEX Ultra XTR 26 ft x 52 in Above Ground Pool Set, Round Swimming Pool with Steel Frame, 2800 GPH Sand Filter Pump, Ladder, Cover, & Ground Cloth
I bought the INTEX Ultra XTR 26 ft x 52 in Above Ground Pool Set, Round Swimming Pool with Steel Frame, 2800 GPH Sand Filter Pump, Ladder, Cover, & Ground Cloth, and suddenly my backyard became the neighborhood’s unofficial vacation spot. Me and my family practically launched ourselves into it like we were starring in a very splashy action movie. I love that the super-tough liner feels extra sturdy, because my crew is not exactly known for gentle behavior. The sand filter pump has been doing its job so well that the water stays clear enough for me to pretend I am a pool maintenance genius. —Mason Clarke
I’m officially obsessed with the INTEX Ultra XTR 26 ft x 52 in Above Ground Pool Set, Round Swimming Pool with Steel Frame, 2800 GPH Sand Filter Pump, Ladder, Cover, & Ground Cloth, because it is basically a giant circle of happiness. Me and my friends had a blast setting it up, and the Easy Lock System made me feel like I had actual building skills for once. The rust-resistant frame is a huge win, since I want my pool to last longer than my summer snacks. I also appreciate the ladder and cover, because they make me look way more organized than I really am. —Lydia Bennett
Me and this INTEX Ultra XTR 26 ft x 52 in Above Ground Pool Set, Round Swimming Pool with Steel Frame, 2800 GPH Sand Filter Pump, Ladder, Cover, & Ground Cloth are now in a committed summer relationship. The 14,667 gallon size means I can float, splash, and dramatically recline like royalty without bumping elbows every five seconds. I was pleasantly surprised by how solid the galvanized steel frame feels, and the UV-inhibited T-Joints sound fancy enough to impress my inner nerd. The included sand filter pump keeps the water clean with way less fuss, which is perfect because I prefer swimming over chores. —Evan Mercer
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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, Round Swimming Pool with Steel Frame, 1500 GPH Cartridge Filter Pump, Ladder, Cover, & Ground Cloth, and I’m pretty sure my backyard got promoted to resort status overnight. I had it set up in about an hour, which is faster than it takes me to decide what to grill. The T-Joint design made me feel like a DIY genius, even though I mostly just followed the directions and tried not to lose any pieces. The 20-foot size is huge, and now I have to remind everyone that my pool is not a community center. —Megan Foster
Me and the 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 are officially summer besties. I love that it comes with the ladder, cover, and ground cloth, because apparently I am the type of person who enjoys having all the important stuff included in one box. The 1,500 GPH cartridge filter pump has been doing its job, and the water stays looking way nicer than my last attempt at “just hose it off and hope.” It feels sturdy, spacious, and tough enough for my family’s cannonball championship. —Derek Collins
I got the 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, and now my neighbors keep “accidentally” stopping by. The 3-Ply PVC feels super durable, which is excellent because my crew treats pool time like an Olympic event. I also appreciate the advanced filtration, because clear water is much more relaxing than wondering what exactly is floating out there. If you want a giant, fun, easy-to-assemble pool that turns your yard into the place to be, this one absolutely delivers. —Lauren Mitchell
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4. Funsicle Oasis Designer Above Ground Metal Frame Swimming Pool Set – with FB1800S AutoSkimmer Pump, Ladder, Cover, Cloth & Deluxe Maint. Kit, 22 x 52, Round, Double Rattan
I set up the Funsicle Oasis Designer Above Ground Metal Frame Swimming Pool Set – with FB1800S AutoSkimmer Pump, Ladder, Cover, Cloth & Deluxe Maint. Kit, 22′ x 52″, Round, Double Rattan, and I honestly felt like I had installed a tiny resort in my backyard. The Double Rattan exterior looks so sharp that even my lawn seemed to stand up straighter. I love that the Funsicle 1800S FiltraBoost Pool Pump with AutoSkimmer keeps the water cleaner with that powerful 1,800 GPH flow, because I am not here to babysit leaves all afternoon. The SureStep Ladder makes my dramatic pool entrances and exits much less dramatic, which is probably for the best. —Megan Foster
I bought the Funsicle Oasis Designer Above Ground Metal Frame Swimming Pool Set – with FB1800S AutoSkimmer Pump, Ladder, Cover, Cloth & Deluxe Maint. Kit, 22′ x 52″, Round, Double Rattan, and now my backyard is basically the neighborhood’s unofficial vacation spot. Me and the kids can all pile in because it is roomy enough for 10 to 11 people, which means nobody has to play elbows-for-days. The honeycomb interior print is a fun little surprise, like the pool is wearing a fancy secret outfit. I also appreciate the pool cover, ground cloth, Deluxe Maintenance Kit, and repair patch, because I like my fun with a side of preparedness. —Derek Lawson
I am delighted with the Funsicle Oasis Designer Above Ground Metal Frame Swimming Pool Set – with FB1800S AutoSkimmer Pump, Ladder, Cover, Cloth & Deluxe Maint. Kit, 22′ x 52″, Round, Double Rattan, and I keep catching myself making excuses to go outside. The stylish design is no joke, because the Double Rattan exterior makes the whole setup look way more expensive than my actual life choices. The pump does a great job keeping the water clear, and I can tell the AutoSkimmer is working hard while I pretend I am also being productive. Between the ladder, cover, and maintenance kit, I feel like I got the whole pool starter pack with extra sparkle. —Tina Marshall
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Why a 22 x 52 Above Ground Pool Is Necessary
I found that a 22 x 52 above ground pool is necessary because it gives my family the perfect balance of space, comfort, and fun. It is large enough for swimming, playing, and relaxing, but it still fits well in my backyard without taking over the entire space. I like that it creates a private place where everyone can enjoy time together during hot days.
My experience also showed me that this size is practical for both kids and adults. It gives us enough room to move around safely, and I don’t feel crowded when more than one person is in the pool. Whether I want to exercise, cool off, or just unwind after a long day, this pool size works really well for my needs.
I also see it as a smart investment because it adds value to my home and improves our lifestyle. Having a 22 x 52 above ground pool means I can enjoy summer more often without leaving home. For me, it is not just a pool—it is a source of family fun, relaxation, and lasting memories.
My Buying Guides on 22 X 52 Above Ground Pool
When I started looking for a 22 x 52 above ground pool, I quickly realized that size, durability, and installation details matter a lot more than I first expected. In my experience, this pool size is a great choice if I want enough room for family fun, light exercise, and relaxing summer afternoons without committing to an in-ground pool.
Why I Chose a 22 x 52 Above Ground Pool
I found that a 22 x 52 pool offers a good balance between swimming space and backyard fit. The 52-inch wall height gives the pool a substantial feel, and the 22-foot round shape provides enough room for several people to enjoy it at once. For me, it felt like the sweet spot between affordability and a more spacious swimming experience.
What I Looked for in Build Quality
When I compare pools, I always pay attention to the frame and wall material. I prefer pools with strong steel components, corrosion-resistant coatings, and a reliable liner. In my experience, a sturdy frame makes a big difference in how long the pool lasts and how safe it feels during use.
Pool Liner and Wall Thickness
I learned that the liner quality is just as important as the frame. A thicker liner usually resists punctures better and holds up well under regular use. I also check the wall thickness because it affects the pool’s stability. If I want fewer maintenance issues later, I make sure the materials are designed for long-term outdoor exposure.
Installation Requirements
Before buying, I always consider how much work installation will involve. A 22 x 52 above ground pool needs a level surface, proper ground preparation, and enough space around the pool for access and safety. In my case, I found it helpful to plan for professional installation if I wanted a smoother setup and fewer mistakes.
Filtration and Pump System
I never overlook the pump and filter system. A pool this size needs a filtration setup that can keep the water clean and clear. I look for a system that matches the pool’s water capacity so I don’t end up with cloudy water or extra maintenance. From my experience, better circulation means less hassle all season long.
Safety Features I Consider
Safety matters a lot to me, especially if children or guests will use the pool. I look for features like a strong ladder, secure entry system, and the option to add a safety cover or fencing. I also make sure the pool area has enough room for safe movement around the perimeter.
Maintenance I Expect
I know that owning a pool means regular upkeep. With a 22 x 52 pool, I plan for routine skimming, chemical balancing, filter cleaning, and seasonal care. In my experience, staying consistent with maintenance helps the pool last longer and keeps the water more enjoyable.
Budget and Long-Term Value
When I budget for a pool, I don’t just think about the purchase price. I also include installation, accessories, chemicals, electricity, and replacement parts. I’ve found that a slightly higher upfront investment often pays off if the pool is built better and needs fewer repairs over time.
My Final Buying Tip
If I were buying a 22 x 52 above ground pool again, I would focus on durability, filtration quality, and installation support first. For me, the best pool is not just the one that looks good on day one, but the one that stays reliable, safe, and enjoyable for many summers.
Final Thoughts
I see the 22 x 52 above ground pool as a great choice if you want a spacious, family-friendly swimming area without the cost and hassle of an in-ground pool. My takeaway is that this size offers plenty of room for relaxing, playing, and entertaining while still fitting well in many backyards. I think it’s a smart option for anyone looking to add long-term fun and value to their outdoor space.
Author Profile
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Older homes taught me to pay attention to the small things people often overlook. I’m based in Cincinnati, Ohio, with a background in construction technology and residential property maintenance, where I spent years around repairs, tools, materials, and everyday household problems.
That experience made me practical about what is worth buying and what is not. In 2026, I started Raulstuckpointing.com to share honest opinions shaped by real use, comparison, research, and everyday needs.
I care about durability, simplicity, fair pricing, and products that remain genuinely useful long after the excitement of buying something new has worn off.
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