The 18 best plastic pool brands

  • 18 brands ranked
  • Ranked by brand visibility

Intex, Swimline and Coleman lead our ranking of 18 plastic pool brands. Compare what each brand makes, visit its official site, or shop it online.

Plastic Pool brands, ranked

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  1. 1

    Intex

    Easy Set inflatables and metal-frame above-ground kits, often the lowest-cost route into a round or rectangular backyard pool.

    Top products: Easy Set· Metal Frame Above Ground Pool Set

    Popularity 10.0/10

  2. 2

    Swimline

    Vinyl liners, pool toys and maintenance gear for above-ground and in-ground pools, with roots going back to 1971.

    Popularity 2.6/10

  3. 3

    Coleman

    The outdoors is calling. Coleman is where you can find all the items needed for a successful outdoor trip in the future. The brand started in 1950, and they have continued to revolutionize the outdoor experience for the people. You can buy tents, sleeping bags, grills, and so many other options to choose from. The company's gear runs on the field as smoothly as ever. They have overcome a lot of hurdles in the past and continued to move forward.

    Popularity 2.6/10

  4. 4

    Hayward

    Automatic pool cleaners, pumps and filters, plus skimmer and hose parts that fit its own systems.

    Top products: Navigator

    Popularity 1.0/10

  5. 5

    Dolphin

    Robotic pool cleaners that run on their own filter and scrub the floor and walls without needing your main pump.

    Top products: Nautilus CC

    Popularity 0.8/10

  6. 6

    Pentair

    Pumps, strainer baskets and filter parts, plus Kreepy Krauly-branded cleaners sold under the Pentair name.

    Top products: Great White

    Popularity 0.8/10

  7. 7

    Jandy

    Heaters, pumps and automation controls for residential and commercial pools, mostly sold through pool professionals.

    Popularity 0.6/10

  8. 8

    Polaris

    Pressure-side and robotic pool cleaners plus solar covers, built to cut down on manual scrubbing.

    Popularity 0.5/10

  9. 9

    Bestway

    Bestway designs inflatable pools, pool pumps and filters, and inflatable spas and furniture for backyard and family use. Pumps and filters are sold alongside the inflatables for the same backyard setups.

    Popularity 0.1/10

  10. 10

    Banzai

    Banzai makes outdoor water toys for children, including sprinklers, water blasters, pool floats and slides. Its Wigglin' Water Sprinkler, one of the brand's most recognized models, sits on a hose and sprays water in a moving pattern. The line is...

    Popularity 0.1/10

  11. 11

    Minnidip

    Founded by Emily Vaca from the inspiration of the extraordinary, MINNIDIP™ is a brand that manufactures and sells designer inflatable pools. The brand believes that the pools that they create are not only for kids but are also made for...

    Popularity 0.1/10

  12. 12

    Little Tikes

    Little Tikes designs outdoor and indoor play products for young children, including ride-on cars, playhouses, climbers and inflatable bouncers. Its lineup also includes baby toys and music toys for early development. Outdoor and indoor play products sit side by side...

    Popularity 0.1/10

  13. 13

    Sable

    Sable is a line of more fantastic, elegantly designed household goods. They are committed to providing exceptional client service and offer a lifetime warranty on all items. They strive to provide you with the most pleasing customer service experience possible,...

    Popularity 0.1/10

  14. 14

    ClearWater

    ClearWater produces men's short sleeve button-up shirts, part of a men's clothing line that also includes long-sleeved shirts. The shirts are made for daily wear and warm-weather outings, and the line includes fishing shirts with a casual cut. The brand's...

    Popularity 0.1/10

  15. 15

    One Step Ahead

    One Step Ahead provides a vast collection of high-quality and durable clothing options in their apparel. The company has designed its product line with regular fit styles that gives the best choices for customers looking for casual and simple wear....

    Popularity 0.1/10

  16. 16

    Step2

    Step2 brings children's imaginations to life via play by creating a universe of possibilities. The goal is to instill a love of learning, development, and vision in children via creative playtime. Kids find their creativity and begin to comprehend the...

    Popularity 0.1/10

  17. 17

    Poolmaster

    Poolmaster makes pool and spa accessories, pool hoses, floats, vacuums and swim spas, along with filters, heaters and water treatment products. Its line is designed for pool owners who want dependable, affordable equipment for maintaining new or existing pools.

    Popularity 0.1/10

  18. 18

    Summer Escapes

    Beat the scorching summer heat with fun swimming pools from Summer Escapes. They provide Quick Set inflatable pools that you can set up in almost no time for your kids to enjoy. Why spend a lot of money on installing...

    Popularity 0.1/10

Plastic Pool Buying Guide

Summer is the season of swimming and staying cool, but sometimes we don't have a public pool or access to a backyard pool. In that case, a plastic pool can be a good option. They are affordable, easy to set up, and don't require as much maintenance as large in-ground pools. But with so many plastic pool options available in the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. This guide will provide you with necessary information to make informed decisions about buying a plastic pool.

Types of Plastic Pools

Before diving into which plastic pool to buy, it's important to understand the different types of plastic pools available in the market.

Hard-sided Pools

Hard-sided pools are made of durable plastics such as polyethylene or polypropylene. They offer a sturdy structure that can hold a decent amount of water depending on their size. Hard-sided pools are either oval, round or rectangular in shape, and require a level surface to be placed on. The typical size of a hard-sided pool ranges from 8 to 24 feet in diameter, and the depth from 30 inches to 50 inches. These pools require more maintenance as they don't have a filtration system included, and you may need to purchase a pump and filter separately.

Inflatable Pools

Inflatable pools are made of vinyl, PVC or nylon materials and can be either kiddie-sized or large enough for adults. They are relatively cheaper and easy to set up. Inflatable pools come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and don't require a level surface but need a flat and stable surface to be placed on for stability. They come with an air pump, and some models may come with a filtration system. Inflatable pools are easy to maintain, although they may require frequent filling of water and chemicals.

Size Considerations

One of the most significant factors to consider when buying a plastic pool is the size. This decision should be based on the available space you have, the intended use and the number of people who will be using the pool. Hard-sided pools are more substantial, require a larger level surface, and are great for bigger groups of people. Inflatable pools are compact and can fit into small spaces, making them a good option for kids and small backyards. To make sure the size is the right fit for you, measure the area where you'll place your pool and allow some extra space around the pool for easy access.

Materials

The type of material used for your pool has an impact on durability, strength, weight, and maintenance. Different types of plastic pools are made from different materials, and understanding the materials can inform your decision on which pool to buy.

Vinyl

Most inflatable pools are made from vinyl material. It is a non-toxic, heat-resistant and flexible material that is easy to patch if it's punctured. However, vinyl requires a bit more maintenance than other materials since it has a lower life span. It is prone to sun damage and may develop leaks if not adequately taken care of.

Plastic

Plastic is used to make hard-sided pools as it's durable, strong and lightweight. Polyethylene and polypropylene are the most common plastic materials used for hard-sided pools. They do not rust, corrode or get affected by harsh weather elements. However, plastic pools don't come with filtration systems, and this can be a drawback, especially for larger pools. Additionally, plastic pools require more maintenance than inflatable pools but have higher durability.

Additional Features

Another factor to consider when buying a plastic pool is the additional features that come with the pool. Some pools come with useful features, while others don't. Examples of additional features include the following:

Pump and Filter

A filtration system is necessary to ensure your pool stays clean and healthy for swimming. Hard-sided pools don't come with filtration systems, and you have to buy a pump, skimmer, and filter separately. However, some inflatable pools may come with a built-in filtration system, or you may need to buy one separately.

Cover

A pool cover is essential to keep dirt, debris, and bugs out of your pool when you're not using it. Some pools come with covers included in the package while others require you to buy them separately.

Ladders

Some pools come with built-in ladders, which provide an easy way to get in and out of the pool. The ladder should be sturdy, rust-resistant and easy to use.

Price

The cost of a plastic pool varies depending on the type, size, and features. Inflatable pools are the cheapest and can cost anywhere between $20 to $300, while hard-sided pools can cost between $100 and $2000. Extra features such as the pump and filter, covers, and ladders can add to the cost of your pool.

Maintenance

Maintaining your plastic pool is essential to keep it clean, safe and durable. The type of maintenance required depends on the type of pool you have.

Inflatable Pools

Inflatable pools require regular cleaning using a pool skimmer or net to remove debris and leaves. You may need to top up with water frequently, and add pool chemicals such as chlorine to purify the water.

Hard-sided Pools

Hard-sided pools require regular cleaning to get rid of dirt, debris and algae that may accumulate. A filtration system is necessary to clean the water effectively, and you should aim to run the pump for at least eight hours a day. Chemicals such as chlorine are also necessary to keep the water clean and clear.

Conclusion

Choosing the right plastic pool requires thoughtful consideration of several factors such as the size, materials, additional features, price, and maintenance. Determine your pool needs, understand the different types of plastic pools available, and choose the one that suits your lifestyle and budget. A plastic pool is an excellent investment for the warmer seasons as it provides a refreshing way to stay cool and has plenty of benefits that make it a great alternative to in-ground pools.