If you are not yet ready to commit to digging a pool in your backyard just yet, setting up an above ground metal frame pool will be a great alternative. An above ground pool is spacious, flexible, and be deep enough for you to have the same experience as the real deal. The 18 feet version is one of the most popular and purchased sizes because it can accommodate a lot of swimmers at once. It can also fit most backyard spaces.
Some users choose inflatable pools for portability, but, if you have the budget, it is also nice to invest in a metal frame pool as it comes with plenty of advantages.
Sturdy
Metal frames are sturdier than plastic ones. By keeping the pool material well-supported with metal frames, they prevent it from sagging and crumpling on the sides.
Fewer leaks
Inflatable pools have the outer material filled with air to hold its shape and for stability. This makes it prone to leaks due to the pressure from the water, as well as from the swimmers. Meanwhile, a metal frame pool only utilizes a very thick material to hold the water. With its sturdy support from the metal frame, it can resist water pressure better thus, subjecting itself to fewer leaks.
Maintenance
Due to the absence of air, you do not need to have an air compressor on standby with a steel pool to keep it filled. Metal frames are also coated with chemicals to make them corrosion and weathering resistant so you can just let them outdoors.
Portability and flexibility
Above ground swimming pools are also flexible when it comes to their location. You can choose the best spot in your backyard or garden where you can spend more hours on your metal pool. You can also dismantle and fold it when the weather is getting colder, and set it up again in summer.
Are you looking for the best metal frame pool for your backyard? We’ve compiled three of the best ones in the market today. And the best news is, you can easily avail them online via Amazon!
Best 18-foot Above Ground Metal Frame Pool Set – (Comparison)
| Name | Key Feature | |
| Intex 26329EH Intex-18′ X 52″ Ultra XTR Frame Set Pool – (Editor’s Choice) | Comes with a powerful and reliable water filtration system with a sand filter and Hydro aeration technology | Check Price |
| Coleman Power Steel Deluxe Series 18’ x 48” Metal Frame Round Above Ground Pool Set | Equipped with corrosion-resistant Power Steel frames that utilize Seal and Lock System for easy assembly | Check Price |
| Bestway 56717E Power Steel Swim Vista 18′ x 9′ x 48″ Outdoor Oval Above Ground Swimming Pool Set | Includes a built-in chemical dispenser | Check Price |
Intex 26329EH Intex-18′ X 52″ Ultra XTR Frame Set Pool – Editor’s Choice
This metal frame pool comes in a spacious 18 by 52 inches swimming area that you and your family can enjoy. Plus, it also looks beautiful and modern in your backyard with its gray exterior and the classic blue tile design interior. It comes with a graphite liner for extra protection on the inside.
The Intex 26329EH Intex-18′ X 52″ Ultra XTR Frame Set Pool is well-supported by well-engineered T-joints that easily install with each other during assembly. The overall design of the steel frames combines strength and support to carry the whole weight of the water and the users, plus the pressure. In the same way, the frames are also able to hold the pool’s shape and allow for optimal weight distribution so you can use it for a very long time.
Meanwhile, this metal frame pool’s steel frames are powder coated inside and outside. This allows it to resist rusting and weathering while in the outdoors.
This Intex metal frame pool allows you to choose between a round or a rectangle above ground pool. Both utilize the same materials and construction. The pool material comes in a 3-ply liner that is also made extra durable so it can resist puncturing and tearing.
Meanwhile, this steel frame pool set already comes with a powerful and reliable water filtration system with a sand filter. The Krystal Clear sand filter has a flow rate at the pump of 2,100 gallons per hour and 1,600 gallons per hour at the water system. You can also program the timer to run from 1 to 12-hour cycles. Intex’s Hydro Aeration technology also helps keep the water hygienic, as well as for easy maintenance.
The Intex 26329EH Intex-18′ X 52″ Ultra XTR Frame Set Pool also comes with a removable ladder made of corrosion-resistant steel with non-slip steps. It can also hold up weight safely up to a maximum of 300 pounds. This metal frame pool also comes with a debris cover to keep the water clean from dust and debris. To protect the bottom, it also comes with a ground cloth to put beneath.
Pros
- Comes in gray exterior and the classic blue tile design interior
- Comes with a powerful and reliable water filtration system with a sand filter and Hydro aeration technology
- With a timer between 1 to 12-hour pump cycles
- Powder-coated galvanized steel frames
- T-joints at the frames that easily snap with each other
- Pool material comes in a 3-ply liner that is puncture and tear-resistant
- Includes a removable ladder, debris cover, and ground cloth
Cons
- Expensive
Conclusion
The Intex 26329EH Intex-18′ X 52″ Ultra XTR Frame Set Pool is sure in for a long haul with its sturdy construction and reliable pump and filter.
Coleman Power Steel Deluxe Series 18’ x 48” Metal Frame Round Above Ground Pool Set
This metal frame pool set offers a round swimming area that’s enough for your family to swim on. It comes with sturdy frame construction and multiple layers of pool material for extra strength and durability.
The Coleman pool is equipped with Power Steel frames that are engineered to be corrosion and weathering-resistant and strong enough to support the whole weight of the pool with the water on it. Despite the strength, the poles can be installed and snapped with each other easily for fast assembly/disassembly, which is what the Seal and Lock System essential’s purpose.
This metal frame pool also comes with the Tritech liner, a material that is durable to resist puncturing and tearing. The steel frames also support the lining to prevent it from deforming and losing its shape as the water fills it in.
This Coleman above ground pool will definitely look beautiful against your backyard’s or garden’s backdrop. It comes in a blue pebble-like pattern design at the interior and a rattan weave at the exterior for a contemporary look.
For additional protection, the Coleman 18ft pool set comes with a pool cover. Meanwhile, this metal frame pool includes a custom-made slip-resistant and removable ladder for easy ascending/descending on the pool. This metal frame pool also comes with a filter pump so you can enjoy your pool in no time.
Pros
- Equipped with corrosion-resistant Power Steel frames that utilize Seal and Lock System for easy assembly
- Comes with the Tritech liner
- Comes in a blue pebble-like pattern design at the interior, and a rattan weave at the exterior
- Comes with a pool cover, filter pump, and ladder
Cons
- Lacks a sand filter (need to be purchased separately)
Conclusion
The Coleman Power Steel Deluxe Series 18’ x 48” Metal Frame Round Above Ground Pool Set looks beautiful as it performs.
Bestway 56717E Power Steel Swim Vista 18′ x 9′ x 48″ Outdoor Oval Above Ground Swimming Pool Set
This metal frame pool comes with some cool features so you can enjoy your swim even more. And of course, the Bestway Power steel pool is still reliable when it comes to construction and durability.
This Bestway above ground pool is installed with corrosion-resistant and durable metal frames that also utilize the Seal and Lock system. This patented frame is designed to keep the poles from breaking or bowing down to the weight of the pool. It also comes with pin clips to add support and stability at the joints.
Meanwhile, this metal frame pool is rounded with woven steel frames that are also coated for extra resistance to UV and abrasion. As for the pool lining, it is made of Tritech material to resist puncturing, tearing, and for durability. The walls have a 3-ply lining for additional support.
The Bestway Steel Pro pool comes with a cool underwater see-through panel so the swimmers can peak through it – perfect for kids who love to play.
This metal frame pool includes a chemical dispenser so you do not need to buy a floating chemical cleaner than most portable pools use. The pool wall comes with a valve where you can attach the ChemConnect chemical dispenser.
This oval rectangular pool set also comes with a 1,500 GPH pool pump and a filter cartridge for operation and maintenance. It also includes a ladder and a pool cover.
Pros
- Installed with corrosion-resistant and durable metal frames with Seal and Lock system
- Tritech pool lining material
- Includes a built-in chemical dispenser
- Comes with a see-through panel
- Comes complete with a pool pump, filter cartridge, ladder, and pool cover
Cons
- Lacks the sand filter pump
Conclusion
The Bestway 56717E Power Steel Swim Vista 18′ x 9′ x 48″ Outdoor Oval Above Ground Swimming Pool Set looks durably constructed with premium materials and great engineering. The see-through panel is a fun feature.
Final Verdict
The best above ground pool should be reliable and durable for long-term use. And of course, it should be as enjoyable to use as an in-ground pool.
With those in mind, I find that the Intex 26329EH Intex-18′ X 52″ Ultra XTR Frame Set Pool brings more buck to your investment.
The Intex 26329EH Intex-18′ X 52″ Ultra XTR Frame Set Pool is already a complete set with its sand filter and pump, plus other essential accessories like the ladder, pool cover, and ground cloth. The frames are also durable and corrosion-resistant, plus the engineering allows for fast assembly. Definitely, you know you are investing in something you can use for multiple seasons.