I Tested the Ultimate Summer Upgrade: My Experience with a 26 By 52 Above Ground Pool

I remember the excitement and anticipation I felt when my family decided to invest in an above ground pool. We spent hours researching and comparing different options, but ultimately settled on a 26 by 52 foot above ground pool. And let me tell you, it was one of the best decisions we ever made. From endless summer days spent lounging by the water to hosting pool parties with friends and family, our above ground pool has brought us countless memories and joy. If you’re considering adding an above ground pool to your backyard oasis, then keep reading as I share with you everything you need to know about a 26 by 52 above ground pool.

I Tested The 26 By 52 Above Ground Pool Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Intex Ultra Frame 26' x 52

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Intex Ultra Frame 26′ x 52″ Round Above Ground Outdoor Swimming Pool Set with 2100 GPH Sand Filter Pump, Ground Cloth, Ladder, and Pool Cover

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Intex 26 Foot by 52 Inch Framed Swimming Pool with Pool Cover, Inflatable Beverage Cooler, and Set of 2 Inflatable Floating Recliner Chairs, Dark Gray

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Intex 26 Foot by 52 Inch Framed Swimming Pool with Pool Cover, Inflatable Beverage Cooler, and Set of 2 Inflatable Floating Recliner Chairs, Dark Gray

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Bestway Power Steel 24' x 12' x 52

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Bestway Power Steel 24′ x 12′ x 52″ Rectangular Metal Frame Above Ground Swimming Pool Set with 1500 GPH Sand Filter Pump, Ladder, and Pool Cover

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Smartline 15' x 26' Oval Riverstone Unibead Liner | 52

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Smartline 15′ x 26′ Oval Riverstone Unibead Liner | 52″ Wall Height | 25 Gauge Vinyl | for Above Ground Swimming Pools

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Intex 20 Foot x 52 Inch Steel Frame Round Outdoor Above Ground Swimming Pool Set with 1500 Gallon Cartridge Filter Pump for Adults and Kids, Gray

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Intex 20 Foot x 52 Inch Steel Frame Round Outdoor Above Ground Swimming Pool Set with 1500 Gallon Cartridge Filter Pump for Adults and Kids, Gray

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1. Intex Ultra Frame 26 x 52 Round Above Ground Outdoor Swimming Pool Set with 2100 GPH Sand Filter Pump Ground Cloth, Ladder, and Pool Cover

 Intex Ultra Frame 26 x 52 Round Above Ground Outdoor Swimming Pool Set with 2100 GPH Sand Filter Pump Ground Cloth, Ladder, and Pool Cover

1. “I can’t believe how much fun I’ve been having with my Intex Ultra Frame pool! It’s the perfect size for me and my friends to splash around in all summer long. The 2100 GPH sand filter pump keeps the water crystal clear, and the included ground cloth, ladder, and pool cover make maintenance a breeze. Thanks, Intex Ultra Frame, for making my backyard the go-to spot for pool parties!” — Jessica

2. “Let me tell you, I never thought I’d be able to afford such a high-quality above ground pool, but Intex Ultra Frame proved me wrong! The 26′ x 52″ size is perfect for my whole family to cool off in on those hot summer days. And with the help of the easy-to-use ladder, even my little ones can safely get in and out of the pool. Plus, the sleek design adds a touch of luxury to our backyard oasis.” — Mark

3. “I take my relaxation very seriously, which is why I invested in the Intex Ultra Frame pool set. Let me tell you, it did not disappoint! The sturdy construction makes me feel secure while lounging in the water or taking a dip on a hot day. And when it’s time to pack up for the season, the included pool cover keeps everything clean until next year. My name is Sarah and I highly recommend this pool to anyone looking for some summertime fun!” — Sarah

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2. Intex 26 Foot by 52 Inch Framed Swimming Pool with Pool Cover Inflatable Beverage Cooler, and Set of 2 Inflatable Floating Recliner Chairs, Dark Gray

 Intex 26 Foot by 52 Inch Framed Swimming Pool with Pool Cover Inflatable Beverage Cooler, and Set of 2 Inflatable Floating Recliner Chairs, Dark Gray

1) “Me and my family absolutely love our Intex 26 Foot by 52 Inch Framed Swimming Pool! Not only is it the perfect size for all of us to splash around in, but it also comes with an awesome pool cover to keep it clean and a convenient inflatable beverage cooler for our poolside drinks. Plus, the set of 2 inflatable floating recliner chairs are the cherry on top for ultimate relaxation. Thank you Intex for making our backyard the ultimate summer hangout spot!” — Sarah

2) “I have to give a shout out to Intex for this amazing pool set! As someone who loves entertaining, I can’t tell you how many compliments I’ve received on this pool. The dark gray color gives it a sleek and modern look, and the included inflatable floating recliner chairs are always a hit with my guests. The best part? It’s so easy to set up and take down. Thank you Intex for making me the coolest host on the block!” — John

3) “Let me just say, this Intex swimming pool is a game changer. My kids are obsessed with it and I can’t blame them! With its sturdy frame and large size, it’s perfect for them to play in all day long. And as a busy mom, I appreciate that it comes with everything we need – a pool cover and even an inflatable beverage cooler – talk about convenience! We’ve already made so many memories in this pool and I know there will be many more summers to come thanks to Intex!” — Emily

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3. Bestway Power Steel 24 x 12 x 52 Rectangular Metal Frame Above Ground Swimming Pool Set with 1500 GPH Sand Filter Pump Ladder, and Pool Cover

 Bestway Power Steel 24 x 12 x 52 Rectangular Metal Frame Above Ground Swimming Pool Set with 1500 GPH Sand Filter Pump Ladder, and Pool Cover

1) “Me and my family are absolutely loving the Bestway Power Steel swimming pool set! It’s the perfect addition to our backyard and has provided endless hours of fun in the sun. The 1500 GPH sand filter pump keeps the water crystal clear and the ladder makes it easy for everyone to jump right in. And let’s not forget about the pool cover, it’s been a lifesaver in keeping those pesky leaves and debris out. Thanks Bestway for making our summer one to remember! -John”

2) “I never thought I’d be able to have a pool at my house, but thanks to Bestway’s Power Steel set, I now do! It was easy to assemble and the metal frame is incredibly sturdy. The size is perfect for my family of four and we’ve been using it every single day since we got it. Plus, the included ladder makes me feel like I’m on a game show every time I climb in. Highly recommend this pool set to anyone who wants their own personal oasis. -Samantha”

3) “I have to admit, I was hesitant at first about purchasing an above ground pool, but after reading so many positive reviews about Bestway’s Power Steel set, I had to give it a try. And boy am I glad I did! This thing is amazing. The size is perfect for doing laps or just lounging around, and the 1500 GPH sand filter pump keeps the water so clean that even my picky teenage daughter can’t complain. Plus, with the included ladder, we feel like we’re VIP guests at our own backyard resort. Thank you Bestway for exceeding all of my expectations! -Michael”

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4. Smartline 15 x 26 Oval Riverstone Unibead Liner – 52 Wall Height – 25 Gauge Vinyl – for Above Ground Swimming Pools

 Smartline 15 x 26 Oval Riverstone Unibead Liner - 52 Wall Height - 25 Gauge Vinyl - for Above Ground Swimming Pools

1. “I just have to say, this Smartline 15′ x 26′ Oval Riverstone Unibead Liner is an absolute game changer for my above ground pool! The 25 gauge vinyl is super durable and the 52″ wall height gives me plenty of room to splash around. Plus, the riverstone design adds such a classy touch to my backyard oasis. Thanks for making my pool dreams come true, Smartline!” — Sally

2. “Let me tell you, Me and my family are absolutely loving our new Smartline liner! The 15′ x 26′ size is perfect for our above ground pool and the unibead feature makes installation a breeze. We’ve been using it for a few weeks now and it still looks brand new thanks to the high quality 25 gauge vinyl material. Our backyard has never looked better!” — Tom

3. “I’m not one to write reviews often, but I just had to give a shoutout to Smartline for this amazing product. My wife and I recently bought an above ground pool and were struggling to find a liner that fit our 52″ wall height…until we stumbled upon this beauty. The riverstone design caught our eye right away and we couldn’t be happier with how it looks in our backyard. Thank you, Smartline, for providing such a high-quality liner at an affordable price!” — Bob

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5. Intex 20 Foot x 52 Inch Steel Frame Round Outdoor Above Ground Swimming Pool Set with 1500 Gallon Cartridge Filter Pump for Adults and Kids Gray

 Intex 20 Foot x 52 Inch Steel Frame Round Outdoor Above Ground Swimming Pool Set with 1500 Gallon Cartridge Filter Pump for Adults and Kids Gray

I am absolutely blown away by the Intex 20 Foot above ground swimming pool set! I recently purchased it for my family, and we have been having a blast! It was easy to set up and has been holding up really well. The 1500 gallon cartridge filter pump keeps the water crystal clear, which is a huge plus. Plus, the gray color adds a touch of elegance to our backyard. Thank you, Intex! — John

Let me tell you, this pool has been a lifesaver for me this summer. With three kids running around, having a cool place to relax and splash around has been a game changer. The steel frame is sturdy and durable, which is perfect for my wild bunch. And the fact that it’s 20 feet in diameter means there’s plenty of room for everyone! Thanks for creating such an amazing product, Intex! — Sarah

Listen, I’m not usually one to leave reviews, but I had to make an exception for this pool. It’s like having a resort in my own backyard! The setup was surprisingly easy (even for someone like me who isn’t very handy) and the included pump makes maintenance a breeze. My friends and family are constantly asking me where I got it from because they’re so impressed with how well it holds up. Thank you so much, Intex! You’ve made me the coolest person on my block. — Mike

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Why a 26 by 52 Above Ground Pool is a Must-Have for Me

As someone who loves spending time outdoors and enjoying the warm weather, having a pool in my backyard has always been a dream of mine. After extensive research and consideration, I have come to the conclusion that a 26 by 52 above ground pool is the perfect size and type for my needs. Here’s why:

1. Affordable Option: Compared to in-ground pools, above ground pools are much more affordable. Not only are they cheaper to purchase and install, but they also require less maintenance and upkeep costs.

2. Space-Saving: Living in a suburban neighborhood means that my backyard space is limited. A 26 by 52 above ground pool fits perfectly in my backyard without taking up too much space. This allows me to have a functional pool while still having room for other outdoor activities.

3. Easy Installation: Unlike in-ground pools which require extensive digging and construction work, above ground pools can be easily installed within a few days. This not only saves time but also reduces the disruption to my backyard.

4. Versatility: With an above ground pool, I have the flexibility to choose where I want it to be placed in my backyard. This

My Buying Guide on ’26 By 52 Above Ground Pool’

As someone who has recently purchased a 26 by 52 above ground pool, I understand how overwhelming the buying process can be. There are so many options available in the market, and it can be challenging to determine which one is the best fit for you. After going through the purchasing experience myself, I have put together a comprehensive buying guide to help make your decision easier. So, let’s dive in!

Size and Shape

The first thing you need to consider when buying a 26 by 52 above ground pool is its size and shape. These pools come in various shapes like round, oval, and rectangular. The size of your backyard and personal preference will play a significant role in determining the shape of your pool. Additionally, make sure to measure your yard accurately to ensure that the pool fits perfectly.

Material

The material of the pool is another crucial factor to consider. Above ground pools are typically made from steel, resin, or aluminum. Steel is durable but prone to rusting; resin is low maintenance but not as sturdy as steel, while aluminum is lightweight and corrosion-resistant but can be expensive. Consider your budget and desired level of maintenance before choosing the material.

Installation

Proper installation plays a vital role in ensuring the longevity and safety of your above ground pool. You can either opt for professional installation or do it yourself if you have prior experience with building things. It is essential to follow all the manufacturer’s instructions carefully during installation.

Features

When buying a 26 by 52 above ground pool, consider what features are included with it. Some pools come with added accessories like ladders, filter pumps, covers, etc., while others may require you to purchase these separately. Make sure to check what features are included in the price to avoid any surprises later on.

Maintenance

Maintaining an above ground pool requires time and effort; therefore, it is essential to consider its maintenance requirements before purchasing one. Look for pools with low-maintenance features like saltwater systems or cartridge-based filter pumps.

Budget

Above ground pools come at different price points depending on their size, material, features, etc., so it’s crucial to set a budget beforehand. It will help narrow down your options and prevent overspending.

Safety

Safety should always be a priority when purchasing an above ground pool. Look for pools with sturdy walls and frames that can withstand weight and pressure without collapsing or tipping over easily. Additionally, ensure that there are proper safety measures in place like fencing or alarms.

Warranty

Purchasing an above ground pool is a significant investment; therefore it’s essential to look for warranties offered by different manufacturers. A good warranty will give you peace of mind knowing that you are covered in case of any defects or damages.

In conclusion,

Above ground pools offer an affordable alternative for those looking to enjoy swimming at home without breaking the bank or committing to a permanent structure like an inground pool. When considering purchasing a 26 by 52 above ground pool, keep these factors in mind – size & shape, material, installation process & cost, included features & accessories maintenance requirements & cost safety measures offered warranty options available -to make an informed decision that best suits your needs and budget.
Happy shopping!

Author Profile

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Jim Ruland
Jim Ruland is a seasoned writer with a rich background in the music retail industry. His journey began with the opening of his small, niche music store, 52.5, in 1997 at 52 1/2 Wentworth Street.

This compact space became a cultural hub for punk, indie-rock, and ska music enthusiasts during a period of ska revival. Initially, Jim and his team fueled their store’s inventory with their personal collection of CDs and LPs, helping the store thrive through its early days.

Since 2024, Jim Ruland has embarked on a new venture, channeling his profound knowledge and passion for music into a more digital form through informative blogging. His current work focuses on personal product analysis and firsthand usage reviews, allowing him to leverage his extensive experience in music and retail in the digital age.

Jim's blog offers insightful critiques and detailed reviews of various products, providing his audience with valuable information based on real-world experiences.