Collection: Pools

Install your above ground pool on a flat, level, firm surface (not on two different surfaces) at least 10 feet away from your house or any large object. The location must be clear of aggressive plants or weeds, or overhead power lines or trees. Ensure the area is free of rocks, debris, plants and sharp objects.

After you've chosen a flat, level, firm surface that's free of sharp objects, identify any high points using 2x4s or stakes and string. Add or remove dirt to/from the needed areas until it's level. Once the ground is leveled, rake the area to remove any rocks or debris that may have surfaced from the leveling process. Once all debris has been removed, water the soil with a hose and use a tamper to flatten the ground. Use a ground cloth to protect the pool bottom. Follow the complete step-by-step process here.

Test the chemicals 2-3 times a week using 4-in-1 test strips. Adjust chemicals as needed. Clean the pool with a skimmer, brush and/or vacuum once a week. Clean the inlet and outlet strainer covers and strainer basket weekly. If you have a cartridge filter pump, clean or replace the filter cartridge every 1-2 weeks. If you have a sand filter pump, clean the sand using the backwash function at least once a month. Get our easy-to-follow above ground pool cleaning schedule & timelines here.

Bestway Hydrium™ steel wall pools, APX 365™ steel frame pools and TANX™ stock tank pools, featuring innovative Polar-Shield™ weather-defense technology, are designed to stay up year-round with proper winterization before freezing temperatures hit. All other Bestway above ground pools should be drained, taken down and stored at the end of summer. Always follow the model's specific care instructions in the manual to extend its lifespan.

Clean the water. Disconnect the filtration system and other pool accessories from the pool. Drain the water to the level indicated in your pool manual. Place an inflatable item made of cold-resistant material, such as a pool pillow, on the water’s surface. Install the pool cover to prevent any dust and debris from falling into the pool. Pack up the filter pump and any other pool accessories, and store them in a cool, dry location. Always follow the model's specific care instructions to extend its lifespan. Full step-by-step guide here.

Most above ground pool sets include a filter pump and filter cartridge. Some pool sets also include a pool ladder and pool cover. In addition to a pool cover, upgraded steel frame pools may include a sand filter pump, galvanized steel ladder and reusable Polysphere™ pool filtration balls. Year-round steel wall pools normally include a sand pump, ladder, cover, surface skimmer and chemical dispenser. Always check the product details for the exact included accessories, as smaller pools may be sold as the pool only.

Most above ground pools take from 30 minutes to a few hours to set up (does not include fill time), depending on the model and size and require a flat, level, firm surface. Inflatable pools are the fastest, often ready in under an hour. Larger steel frame pools may take 1 to 3 hours and are easier with 1 or 2 people helping. Semi-permanent steel wall pools may take 3 to 4 hours with 2 to 4 people.

Before you use your pool for the first time, run the Backwash function on your sand filter pump for 3-5 minutes, then the Rinse function for 1 minute to clean the sand and prepare the system for operation. These functions remove water from the pool, so you may need to add more water afterward. Turn off the pump immediately if the water level drops to the same level as the pool inlet or outlet valves. Once complete, set the control valve to Filter. Before operation, ensure the tank is securely positioned on its base and properly connected to the pump.