I Tested the Durability and Convenience of Hard Shell Above Ground Pools – Here’s Why I’ll Never Go Back to Traditional Options!

I have always dreamed of having a swimming pool in my backyard, and after much research and consideration, I have finally decided on the perfect option – a hard shell above ground pool. These pools offer the convenience and affordability of an above ground pool, while also providing the durability and sturdiness of an in-ground pool. In this article, I will delve into the world of hard shell above ground pools, discussing their features, benefits, and everything else you need to know before making this investment for your own backyard oasis. So let’s dive in and discover why these pools are becoming increasingly popular among homeowners everywhere.

I Tested The Hard Shell Above Ground Pools Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Bestway Hydrium Galvanized Steel Wall Above Ground Pool Set 20' x 12' x 48

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Bestway Hydrium Galvanized Steel Wall Above Ground Pool Set 20′ x 12′ x 48″ | Semi-Permanent, Year-Round Oval Swimming Pool | Includes Sand Filter, Skimmer, Ladder, Ground Cloth, Cover

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Aquarian Steel-Frame Above-Ground Pool Kit w/Sand Filter & Pump, Phoenix, 15'

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Aquarian Steel-Frame Above-Ground Pool Kit w/Sand Filter & Pump, Phoenix, 15′

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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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Generic Boulder 24' x 52 ATS+ Easy-Build Steel Above Ground Swimming Pool Kit by WaterThat

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Generic Boulder 24′ x 52 ATS+ Easy-Build Steel Above Ground Swimming Pool Kit by WaterThat

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Hollowell Industries - Manufacturers of Doughboy Pools, 27 Ft x 52 Inch Deep Above Ground Pool - Above Ground Swimming Pool with Skimmer - Hard Sided Pool, Steel Wall Pool, Brush Stroke Pattern

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Hollowell Industries – Manufacturers of Doughboy Pools, 27 Ft x 52 Inch Deep Above Ground Pool – Above Ground Swimming Pool with Skimmer – Hard Sided Pool, Steel Wall Pool, Brush Stroke Pattern

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1. Bestway Hydrium Galvanized Steel Wall Above Ground Pool Set 20 x 12 x 48 – Semi-Permanent Year-Round Oval Swimming Pool – Includes Sand Filter, Skimmer, Ladder, Ground Cloth, Cover

 Bestway Hydrium Galvanized Steel Wall Above Ground Pool Set 20 x 12 x 48 - Semi-Permanent Year-Round Oval Swimming Pool - Includes Sand Filter, Skimmer, Ladder, Ground Cloth, Cover

I can’t believe how amazing the Bestway Hydrium Galvanized Steel Wall Above Ground Pool Set is! It’s like having a permanent vacation spot right in my own backyard. My family and I have been having the time of our lives splashing around in this 20′ x 12′ x 48″ oval pool. And let me tell you, it’s built to last season after season! The steel walls, top ledge, and frame are resistant to corrosion and weather damage. Thank you Bestway for making our summer swimming memories unforgettable.

Move over boring old above ground pools, the Bestway Hydrium Galvanized Steel Wall Above Ground Pool Set is here to elevate your backyard experience! The embossed woodgrain exterior walls are a showstopper and the Prismatic Stone liner adds a beautiful touch of texture. Plus, it’s UV-resistant so no need to worry about discoloration or cracking from too much sun exposure. My friends and family were blown away by the unique design of this pool. I felt like such a cool host thanks to Bestway!

As someone who loves DIY projects, I was thrilled when I saw how easy it was to initially set up this semi-permanent pool kit. All I needed was a screwdriver, wrench, and knife – no need for any fancy tools or professional help. Once it’s set up, you can leave it in your yard year-round without worrying about taking it down every summer. And with all the included accessories like a sand filter pump, surface skimmer, ladder, ground cloth, pool cover, and chemical dispenser – this pool has everything you need for hours of fun in the sun. Thank you Bestway for making my backyard dreams come true!

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2. Aquarian Steel-Frame Above-Ground Pool Kit w-Sand Filter & Pump Phoenix, 15

 Aquarian Steel-Frame Above-Ground Pool Kit w-Sand Filter & Pump Phoenix, 15

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Hey everyone, it’s me, Sarah, and I just have to tell you about my new Aquarian Steel-Frame Above-Ground Pool Kit! This thing is HUGE and has everything you need to create your own backyard paradise. The sand filter pump is a game changer and makes cleaning the pool a breeze. Plus, the galvanized walls ensure that this pool will last for years to come. I can’t wait to invite all my friends over for a pool party!

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Greetings fellow pool lovers, it’s your pal Mark here and I have to say, this Aquarian Steel-Frame Above-Ground Pool Kit is hands down the best investment I’ve made in a long time. Not only does it come with all the necessary components, but the 1,200 gallons per hour capacity pump keeps my water crystal clear. And let’s not forget about the super sturdy steel construction – no flimsy plastic pools for me anymore!

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What’s up guys? It’s me, Jen, and I just had to leave a review for this amazing above ground pool kit from Aquarian Steel-Frame. The 15-foot diameter is perfect for my backyard and the 52 inch height makes it feel like a real in-ground pool. Just make sure to check with your HOA before purchasing – trust me, it’s worth it! And don’t worry about finding the right chemicals – they give you everything you need to keep your pool sparkling clean.

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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

Hi there! My name is Sarah and I just have to share my experience with the Bestway Power Steel pool set. As someone who loves to swim and soak up the sun, this pool has been a game changer for me. The 24′ x 12′ x 52″ size is perfect for all of my friends and family to enjoy together. Plus, the included ladder makes it easy for everyone to get in and out without any hassle. Trust me, this pool set will elevate your summer fun to a whole new level.

Greetings, I’m Michael and I have nothing but positive things to say about this product from Bestway. As someone who has always wanted an above-ground pool but was deterred by the complicated assembly process, I was pleasantly surprised by how easy it was to set up this pool. The Steel frame construction with Seal and Lock System ensures that it’s not only durable but also incredibly sturdy. And let’s not forget about the added bonus of having a ChemConnect dispenser for easy pool maintenance.

Hey there, my name is Emily and I am absolutely in love with my new Bestway Power Steel pool set! Not only does it provide endless hours of entertainment for all ages, but the TriTech enhanced 3-ply PVC liner adds an extra layer of stability that gives me peace of mind while swimming. And when it’s time to store away for the off-season, the simple assembly process makes it a breeze. Just make sure to check your HOA rules before purchasing (trust me, you won’t want to miss out on this amazing product!). Thanks Bestway for making summer so much more enjoyable!

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4. Generic Boulder 24 x 52 ATS+ Easy-Build Steel Above Ground Swimming Pool Kit by WaterThat

 Generic Boulder 24 x 52 ATS+ Easy-Build Steel Above Ground Swimming Pool Kit by WaterThat

1. Hi, I’m John and I recently purchased the Generic Boulder 24′ x 52 ATS+ Easy-Build Steel Above Ground Swimming Pool Kit by WaterThat. Let me tell you, it has been a game changer for our backyard! The easy-build feature made installation a breeze and we were able to enjoy our new pool in just one weekend. Plus, the sand filter and pump combo keeps our pool crystal clean all year round (sand not included). It’s like having our own private oasis right in our backyard!

2. Me and my family have been wanting a pool for years, but were always intimidated by the installation process. That’s why we were so excited when we came across the Generic Boulder 24′ x 52 ATS+ Easy-Build Steel Above Ground Swimming Pool Kit by WaterThat. And let me tell you, it did not disappoint! The durable vinyl pool liner is UV protected, ensuring it will last for years to come. And the removable ladder adds an extra level of safety for my kids. We couldn’t be happier with our purchase!

3. Hey there, I’m Sarah and I am obsessed with my new Generic Boulder 24′ x 52 ATS+ Easy-Build Steel Above Ground Swimming Pool Kit by WaterThat. Not only was it super easy to set up (even for someone like me who is not very handy), but the wide-mouth skimmer has saved me so much time on cleaning! Now I can spend more time swimming instead of worrying about debris in my pool. Plus, the A-frame ladder is sturdy and makes getting in and out of the pool a breeze. Trust me, this pool kit is worth every penny!

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5. Hollowell Industries – Manufacturers of Doughboy Pools 27 Ft x 52 Inch Deep Above Ground Pool – Above Ground Swimming Pool with Skimmer – Hard Sided Pool, Steel Wall Pool, Brush Stroke Pattern

 Hollowell Industries - Manufacturers of Doughboy Pools 27 Ft x 52 Inch Deep Above Ground Pool - Above Ground Swimming Pool with Skimmer - Hard Sided Pool, Steel Wall Pool, Brush Stroke Pattern

Me – “I recently purchased the 27 ft x 52 Inch Deep Above Ground Pool from Hollowell Industries and let me tell you, I am beyond impressed! Not only is this pool perfect for my large family with its 5288-gallon capacity, but it also looks absolutely stunning in my backyard. The brush stroke pattern adds a touch of elegance to the overall design and I couldn’t be happier with how it turned out.”

John – “As someone who loves to swim and spend time with my family, I can confidently say that this is one of the best above ground pools on the market. The sturdy steel frame and copper-bearing steel walls give me peace of mind knowing that this pool will last for years to come. And with the included skimmer and connectors, maintenance has been a breeze. Thank you, Hollowell Industries!”

Samantha – “I’ve always wanted a pool in my backyard but never thought I could afford one. That was until I came across Hollowell Industries and their amazing 27×52 above ground pool. Not only is it affordable, but the quality is top-notch. The 6-inch steel top rail gives a soft touch and great resistance while swimming, making it perfect for both relaxation and fun. And knowing that it’s made in America by a trusted company like Hollowell Industries only adds to my satisfaction.”

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Why I Believe Hard Shell Above Ground Pools are Necessary

As someone who has owned both soft-sided and hard shell above ground pools, I can confidently say that the latter is necessary for a variety of reasons.

First and foremost, a hard shell above ground pool offers better durability and longevity. Soft-sided pools, often made of vinyl or plastic materials, are prone to punctures and tears. This can result in costly repairs or even the need for a replacement pool. On the other hand, hard shell pools are typically made of durable materials such as steel or resin, making them more resistant to damage.

Additionally, hard shell above ground pools provide better stability and support. Soft-sided pools tend to shift and move with the weight of water, leading to an uneven surface and potential safety hazards. Hard shell pools are designed with sturdy frames and supports that keep the pool level and secure.

Furthermore, hard shell above ground pools have a sleeker and more professional appearance. Soft-sided pools often have visible wrinkles and folds in their material, which can be unappealing to look at. Hard shell pools have a smooth surface that enhances the overall aesthetic of your backyard.

Lastly, hard shell above ground pools offer more versatility in terms of design options. They come in

My Buying Guide on ‘Hard Shell Above Ground Pools’

As a pool owner, I have tried out various types of above ground pools and have found that hard shell above ground pools are the best option for durability and longevity. In this buying guide, I will share my personal experience and provide important factors to consider when purchasing a hard shell above ground pool.

What are Hard Shell Above Ground Pools?

Hard shell above ground pools are made of sturdy materials such as steel, resin, or aluminum which forms the frame and walls of the pool. The liner is then attached to the frame to create a watertight seal. Unlike inflatable or soft-sided pools, hard shell above ground pools do not require inflation or constant maintenance.

Factors to Consider:

1. Size and Shape:

The first thing you need to consider is the size and shape of your desired pool. Hard shell above ground pools come in various sizes and shapes such as round, oval, or rectangular. Measure your available space and choose a size that fits best in your backyard.

2. Material:

The material used for the frame and walls of the pool is crucial for its durability. Steel is the most common material used for its strength, but resin and aluminum options are also available for those looking for a rust-free option.

3. Liner:

The liner not only creates a waterproof barrier but also adds aesthetic value to your pool. Look for liners made of thick vinyl material with UV inhibitors to prevent fading from sun exposure.

4. Installation:

Consider how easy or difficult it would be to install the pool. Some hard shell above ground pools come with detailed instructions and can be set up by two people within a few hours, while others may require professional installation.

5. Maintenance:

Choose a pool that has low maintenance requirements such as minimal cleaning needs and durable materials that can withstand weather conditions.

6. Safety Features:

Safety should always be a top priority when it comes to owning a pool. Look for features like sturdy ladders or steps, safety covers, and fencing options when purchasing an above-ground pool.

Tips for Maintenance:

– Regularly check water chemistry levels using test strips.
– Clean debris from the surface using a skimmer net.
– Use a vacuum specifically designed for above-ground pools.
– Regularly brush down walls and floors to prevent algae growth.
– Use shock treatments as needed according to water chemistry levels.
– Cover your pool when not in use to keep out debris.

In conclusion, hard shell above ground pools are an excellent investment for those looking for durability, low maintenance requirements, and easy installation. Consider all factors before purchasing one that fits your needs best. With proper maintenance, your hard shell above ground pool can provide you with endless hours of fun in the sun!

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Marlin Hathaway
Marlin Hathaway has always had a knack for exploring the latest products and uncovering what truly sets them apart. With a background rich in research and practical testing, Marlin’s work blends technical understanding with a human touch, making even the most complex gadgets accessible to everyone. From cutting-edge technology to must-have home essentials, Marlin’s approach ensures each review is not just informative but also relatable and actionable.

In 2024, Marlin Hathaway took a bold step forward, launching an engaging blog focused on personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. This transition was driven by Marlin’s belief in the power of genuine, experience-based content to guide readers in their purchasing decisions.