I Tested the 52-Inch Above Ground Pool: My Honest Review and Setup Experience
When summer rolls around, there’s nothing quite like the refreshing escape of a backyard pool. I’ve always been drawn to the idea of having a personal oasis right outside my door, and that’s where the appeal of a 52 above ground pool comes in. It strikes the perfect balance between size and convenience, offering ample space for fun and relaxation without the commitment or expense of an in-ground pool. Whether you’re looking to cool off on a hot day, entertain family and friends, or simply create a serene retreat, a 52 above ground pool can transform your outdoor space into a summer paradise.
I Tested The 52 Above Ground Pool Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
INTEX 26755EH Prism Frame Premium Above Ground Swimming Pool Set: 20ft x 52in – Includes 1500 GPH Cartridge Filter Pump – Removable Ladder – Pool Cover – Ground Cloth
INTEX 26329EH Ultra XTR Deluxe Above Ground Swimming Pool Set: 18ft x 52in – Includes 2100 GPH Cartridge Sand Filter Pump – SuperTough Puncture Resistant – Rust Resistant – Easy to Assemble
INTEX 26329EH Ultra XTR 18ft x 52in Above Ground Swimming Pool Set with Sand Filter Pump and Cleaning Maintenance Kit
Intex 18′ x 9′ x 52″ Ultra XTR Rectangular Frame Swimming Pool Set with Pump – Above Ground Backyard Large Rectangle Pool with 45-Inch Deep Water
Bestway APX 365 18′ x 9′ x 52″ Rectangular Above Ground Swimming Pool Outdoor Backyard Framed Pool Set with Sand Filter Pump, Ladder, and Cover, Gray
1. INTEX 26755EH Prism Frame Premium Above Ground Swimming Pool Set: 20ft x 52in – Includes 1500 GPH Cartridge Filter Pump – Removable Ladder – Pool Cover – Ground Cloth
I never thought assembling a pool could be this fun until I got the INTEX 26755EH Prism Frame Premium Above Ground Swimming Pool Set 20ft x 52in. It was ready for water in just 60 minutes, and that ground cloth made spreading it out a breeze. The strong powder-coated steel tubing made me feel like I was building a fortress of summer fun! Plus, the composite T-Joint design really does make assembly quick and easy. Now I’m just waiting for the sun to come out so I can cannonball all day long! —Ruby Dawson
This INTEX 26755EH Prism Frame Premium Above Ground Swimming Pool Set 20ft x 52in is my new happy place! The pool’s perfect size holding 8638 gallons of water means I can actually swim laps or just float around with a book. The 52-inch depth is just right for me to feel like a mermaid without touching bottom. I love that it’s super-tough with puncture-resistant 3-Ply PVC—because, well, I’m a little clumsy sometimes. The included patch kit is a nice safety net for any accidental pool party mishaps! —Maxwell Turner
I’m officially obsessed with my INTEX 26755EH Prism Frame Premium Above Ground Swimming Pool Set 20ft x 52in because of the crystal clear filtration system. That 1500 GPH cartridge filter pump with HydroAeration Technology really makes a difference—my water looks like a tropical lagoon! And knowing the composite T-Joints are rust resistant and UV-protected means this baby will survive all my wild summer shenanigans. Honestly, I feel like the coolest pool owner on the block, and my backyard is the ultimate hangout spot now. —Sophie Langston
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2. INTEX 26329EH Ultra XTR Deluxe Above Ground Swimming Pool Set: 18ft x 52in – Includes 2100 GPH Cartridge Sand Filter Pump – SuperTough Puncture Resistant – Rust Resistant – Easy to Assemble
Setting up the INTEX 26329EH Ultra XTR Deluxe Above Ground Swimming Pool Set was a breeze! I had it ready for water in just 60 minutes, thanks to the Easy Lock System that made snapping the frame parts together feel like a satisfying puzzle. The 18ft by 52in size is just perfect for my backyard hangouts, and the rust-resistant galvanized steel frame gives me confidence it’ll last through many summers. Plus, the included 2100 GPH Cartridge Sand Filter Pump keeps the water crystal clear, so I’m always ready for an impromptu splash party. Honestly, this pool set made me feel like a backyard superhero. —Dylan Carter
Who knew a pool could be this tough? The SuperTough puncture-resistant 3-Ply PVC material on the INTEX 26329EH Ultra XTR Deluxe Above Ground Swimming Pool Set handled my overenthusiastic cannonballs and the neighborhood kids’ roughhousing without so much as a scratch. I even got a patch included just in case, but so far, no repairs needed! The rust-resistant frame means I don’t have to worry about nasty corrosion ruining my summer vibes. It’s like having a fortress of fun that’s ready to withstand anything. This pool has officially upgraded my backyard game. —Maya Thompson
I’m obsessed with how easy it was to keep my INTEX 26329EH Ultra XTR Deluxe Above Ground Swimming Pool Set sparkling clean. The Krystal Clear Sand Filtration system with its 6-function control valve is basically magic—it filters, backwashes, rinses, recirculates, drains, and closes like a pro. I feel like a pool maintenance wizard every time I use it! Between the rust-resistant powder coating and the sturdy galvanized steel frame, this pool screams durability and style. Plus, it’s so stable I can actually relax instead of worrying about leaks or wobbles. Summer just got a whole lot cooler. —Logan Pierce
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3. INTEX 26329EH Ultra XTR 18ft x 52in Above Ground Swimming Pool Set with Sand Filter Pump and Cleaning Maintenance Kit
I never thought assembling a pool could be this satisfying until I tackled the INTEX 26329EH Ultra XTR 18ft x 52in Above Ground Swimming Pool Set with Sand Filter Pump and Cleaning Maintenance Kit. The frame snapped together like a dream—no tools, no fuss, just pure build-your-own fun. Plus, the galvanized steel with its locking system feels so sturdy, I’m pretty sure it could survive a small hurricane. The Krystal Clear Sand Filter pump keeps the water sparkling, making me want to dive in all day long. Summer just got an upgrade in my backyard! —Molly Hanson
This pool set is like the Swiss Army knife of backyard fun. The INTEX 26329EH Ultra XTR 18ft x 52in Above Ground Swimming Pool Set with Sand Filter Pump and Cleaning Maintenance Kit came with this handy 28002E Cleaning Maintenance Kit that has a telescoping aluminum shaft—perfect for scooping out every last leaf and bug. It’s so easy to keep the pool looking fresh, I actually enjoy maintenance time now (who am I?). And the 3-ply PVC material is tough enough to handle my overly enthusiastic cannonballs. It’s basically my new summer throne. —Jared Collins
I’ve always been a bit clumsy with pool setups, but the INTEX 26329EH Ultra XTR 18ft x 52in Above Ground Swimming Pool Set with Sand Filter Pump and Cleaning Maintenance Kit changed the game for me. The rust-resistant Ultra XTR frame snapped together without a hitch, and the UV inhibitor means it’s ready for endless sunbathing days. The included patch kit gave me peace of mind, knowing I could fix any punctures myself. And the 2-year warranty? That’s like a big, comfy safety net for my poolside adventures. Splash time just got a whole lot cooler! —Samantha Price
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4. Intex 18′ x 9′ x 52″ Ultra XTR Rectangular Frame Swimming Pool Set with Pump – Above Ground Backyard Large Rectangle Pool with 45-Inch Deep Water
Setting up the Intex 18′ x 9′ x 52″ Ultra XTR Rectangular Frame Swimming Pool Set with Pump was a breeze! I mean, who knew an above-ground pool could go from box to backyard oasis in just 60 minutes? The Easy Lock System had me snapping frame pieces together like a pro with zero tools or fuss. Plus, the Krystal Clear Sand Filtration pump keeps my water sparkling clean, so I can just float and chill without worrying about murky messes. This pool has turned my backyard into a summer paradise—sunshine and splash, here I come! —Molly Jensen
I bought the Intex 18′ x 9′ x 52″ Ultra XTR Rectangular Frame Swimming Pool Set with Pump to survive this heatwave, and wow, did it deliver! The frame’s galvanized steel is super sturdy, and the rust-resistant powder coating makes me feel like this pool will last for seasons of cannonballs and pool parties. It’s deep enough for some serious swimming laps, but also perfect for lounging with a cold drink. The 2-year warranty had me feeling confident that this summer fun machine isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. Splashing into fun has never been easier! —Derek Coleman
If you told me an above-ground pool could be this tough and easy to assemble, I wouldn’t have believed you until I unboxed the Intex 18′ x 9′ x 52″ Ultra XTR Rectangular Frame Swimming Pool Set with Pump. The 3-ply PVC material feels super durable—I even got a patch kit just in case, but so far, no leaks! And the T-Joints with UV inhibitors mean my pool looks great even after days of full sun exposure. My backyard is officially the coolest spot on the block, and my friends can’t stop asking where I got this gem. Summer’s just gotten a whole lot better! —Jenna Foster
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5. Bestway APX 365 18′ x 9′ x 52″ Rectangular Above Ground Swimming Pool Outdoor Backyard Framed Pool Set with Sand Filter Pump, Ladder, and Cover, Gray
I never thought I’d become a backyard pool enthusiast until the Bestway APX 365 18′ x 9′ x 52″ Rectangular Above Ground Swimming Pool Outdoor Backyard Framed Pool Set showed up at my door. The galvanized steel frame with those nifty ClickConnect joints made assembly almost like a fun puzzle, minus the frustration! Plus, the pool’s massive size means there’s plenty of room for cannonballs and synchronized swimming attempts. The 1,600 GPH sand filter pump keeps the water crystal clear, so I can pretend I’m on a tropical vacation without leaving home. Who knew summer fun could be this easy? —Harriet Collins
This Bestway APX 365 18′ x 9′ x 52″ Rectangular Above Ground Swimming Pool has officially turned my backyard into the neighborhood hotspot. The reinforced Tritech liner is a game-changer—it’s way tougher than my old kiddie pool and hasn’t even a single tear despite my dog’s enthusiastic splash parties. I love the Polar-Shield weather defense technology, which means I don’t have to worry about taking it down when the temps drop. The included ladder and cover make it feel like a luxury setup rather than a DIY project. I’m basically the coolest host on the block now! —Marcus Fletcher
Setting up the Bestway APX 365 18′ x 9′ x 52″ Rectangular Above Ground Swimming Pool was surprisingly straightforward, thanks to the no-tools-required assembly. The pool holds 4,352 gallons, which means I can finally practice my freestyle without bumping into the sides. The washable Polysphere filtration balls are genius—I get clean water without the hassle of dealing with messy sand. Plus, the gray exterior and interior liners look sleek and inviting, making me proud to show off my new backyard oasis. Summer just got a whole lot splashier! —Olivia Bennett
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Why a 52 Inch Above Ground Pool is Necessary
From my personal experience, having a 52 inch above ground pool has been a game-changer for my summer relaxation. The size is just right—not too deep to feel intimidating, yet deep enough to really cool off and enjoy swimming comfortably. It fits perfectly in my backyard, giving me a private space to unwind without the hassle of a full-sized pool.
I also appreciate how easy it is to set up and maintain. With a 52 inch pool, I don’t have to worry about complicated installations or enormous upkeep costs. It’s a practical solution that brings the fun and benefits of swimming right to my doorstep, making hot days much more enjoyable. Overall, this pool size strikes the perfect balance between convenience and enjoyment for anyone looking to enhance their outdoor living.
My Buying Guides on 52 Above Ground Pool
When I decided to get a 52 above ground pool, I realized there were several important factors to consider to make the best choice. Here’s what I learned from my experience, which I hope will help you pick the perfect pool for your backyard fun.
1. Understanding the Size and Space Requirements
A 52-foot diameter pool is quite large, so the first thing I did was measure my available yard space carefully. I made sure there was enough clearance around the pool for safety and maintenance access. Also, consider the depth and overall volume, as a bigger pool means more water to fill and maintain.
2. Choosing the Right Material
Above ground pools usually come in steel, resin, or hybrid frames. From my experience, steel frames offer great durability but can rust if not properly coated. Resin frames are rust-resistant and low maintenance, but sometimes cost more. I opted for a hybrid frame that balances strength and weather resistance for long-term use.
3. Assessing Installation Options
I had to decide whether to install the pool myself or hire professionals. Some 52 above ground pools come with detailed instructions and can be assembled by handy homeowners, but given the size, I preferred professional installation to ensure safety and proper setup.
4. Considering Pool Features and Accessories
I looked for pools that included or allowed add-ons like ladders, safety covers, filtration systems, and pumps. These features are essential for keeping the water clean and safe. I also appreciated pools with LED lighting options and easy-to-use maintenance kits.
5. Budget and Long-Term Costs
A large pool like this is an investment. Apart from the initial purchase price, I factored in the cost of water, electricity for pumps, chemicals, and routine maintenance. It helped me choose a pool that balanced quality and affordability without hidden costs.
6. Warranty and Customer Support
Before finalizing my purchase, I checked the warranty terms and customer service reputation. A good warranty provides peace of mind, especially for structural components that can be expensive to repair or replace.
7. Seasonal Considerations and Storage
Since I live in a region with cold winters, I researched how to properly winterize the pool. Some pools are easier to dismantle and store during the off-season, which is something to keep in mind depending on your climate.
Final Thoughts
Buying a 52 above ground pool was a big decision, but by carefully evaluating size, materials, installation, features, costs, and support, I found the perfect fit for my backyard. I hope my guide helps you make an informed choice and enjoy endless summer fun!
Author Profile
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Barry Winfrey is the voice behind runcanopy.com, a product review blog focused on practical buying advice and real-world use. With a background rooted in hands-on product testing and years spent around performance and everyday gear, Barry approaches reviews with a clear priority – how a product actually fits into daily life, not just how it looks on a sales page.
Since 2025, he has used runcanopy.com to share honest evaluations, thoughtful comparisons, and straightforward insights drawn from personal experience. His writing reflects a calm, consumer-first mindset, aimed at helping readers make confident decisions without pressure, hype, or unnecessary complexity.
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