The best rectangular above ground pool depends on your available space, desired swimming area, and included equipment. The Bestway Power Steel 24-by-12-foot set is a strong option for buyers who want a large pool with a pump, ladder, and cover. INTEX offers several sizes, from an 18-by-9-foot model for more compact yards to a 32-by-16-foot pool for households seeking the most room. The SunSwell 18-by-9-foot pool is another smaller-footprint choice, with a movable ladder and filter pump.
| Pool | Best For | Dimensions |
|---|---|---|
| Bestway Power Steel | Large pool with listed accessories | 24 × 12 × 52 inches |
| INTEX Ultra XTR | Smaller rectangular footprint | 18 × 9 × 52 inches |
| INTEX Ultra XTR | Roomy family swimming | 24 × 12 × 52 inches |
| INTEX Ultra XTR | Maximum listed swimming area | 32 × 16 × 52 inches |
| SunSwell | Compact pool with movable ladder | 18 × 9 × 47 inches |
Bestway Power Steel 24-by-12-Foot Pool
Best for: Buyers who want a large rectangular pool set with several listed accessories. The product name specifies a filter pump, ladder, and cover, and gives a 52-inch height and 7,937-gallon capacity.
The pool uses three-layer Tritech construction: a reinforced polyester mesh core between two layers of high-gauge PVC. Bestway’s Seal & Lock System is designed to secure pipe connections, while the flow-control drain valve connects to a garden hose with the included adapter for drainage.
Why it stands out: It combines a substantial 24-by-12-foot footprint with reinforced sidewalls and a specified drainage method. Limitation: Its listed capacity is lower than the 24-by-12-foot INTEX model below, so compare stated capacity as well as dimensions when choosing.
INTEX Ultra XTR 18-by-9-Foot Pool
Best for: Households seeking a rectangular pool with a smaller footprint than the 24-foot models. It measures 18 by 9 feet and stands 52 inches high, with a listed 4,545-gallon capacity.
The three-ply liner combines polyester mesh with extra-thick PVC. Its galvanized steel frame has inner and outer powder coatings, and the high-strength T-joints include a UV inhibitor. The product listing states that a two-year warranty covers the liner, frame, and filter pump.
Why it stands out: It offers the Ultra XTR construction features in the smallest listed INTEX size here. Limitation: Its capacity and swimming area are smaller than the 24-by-12-foot and 32-by-16-foot options, so choose another size if a larger pool is the priority.
INTEX Ultra XTR 24-by-12-Foot Pool
Best for: Buyers who want a middle ground between a compact pool and an extra-large backyard installation. Its dimensions are 24 by 12 by 52 inches, and the listed water capacity is 8,403 gallons.
Like the smaller Ultra XTR, this model has a three-ply polyester-mesh-and-PVC liner and a galvanized steel frame with inner and outer powder coatings. Its T-joints include a UV inhibitor. The listed two-year warranty applies to the pool liner, frame, and filter pump.
Why it stands out: It has the same stated footprint as the Bestway pool while listing a larger water capacity. Limitation: The listing’s capacity is a useful comparison point, but shoppers should still check the complete product details for included accessories before buying.
INTEX Ultra XTR 32-by-16-Foot Pool
Best for: Buyers with enough backyard space who want the largest pool in this selection. It measures 32 by 16 by 52 inches and lists a 14,364-gallon capacity.
The package description specifies a 2,800 GPH sand filter pump, ladder, pool cover, and ground cloth. The pool has a three-ply liner with polyester mesh and extra-thick PVC, plus a galvanized steel frame with inner and outer powder coatings. The listing states a two-year warranty for the liner, frame, and filter pump.
Why it stands out: Its dimensions and stated capacity make it the largest option here, and the package lists several setup accessories. Limitation: Its large footprint and 14,364-gallon capacity call for careful planning of placement and water filling.
SunSwell 18-by-9-Foot Pool With Ladder
Best for: Buyers looking for an 18-by-9-foot pool with a movable ladder and filter pump. The listing gives a 47.24-inch height and a 3,848-gallon capacity; overall dimensions with the frame are approximately 20 by 11.3 feet.
The pool uses puncture-resistant three-ply PVC and includes repair patches. Its galvanized steel frame has a locking system, and the ladder is described as movable. Why it stands out: The frame dimensions and ladder details help buyers plan a smaller installation.
Limitation: A ground cloth is not included. The listing also notes that the material can become stiff in winter and softer in summer, which may make installation and folding more difficult in colder weather.
Buying Guide: How To Choose A Rectangular Above Ground Pool
What size fits your yard?
Compare the pool’s full outside dimensions with the usable, level area in your yard. Frame dimensions can exceed the stated inner swimming dimensions, as the SunSwell listing demonstrates. Leave practical room for access around the pool and check the manufacturer’s placement guidance before installation.
How much water capacity do you need?
Capacity affects how much water the pool requires. Among these options, listed capacities range from 3,848 gallons for the SunSwell to 14,364 gallons for the largest INTEX. Compare capacity alongside length, width, and height rather than selecting by footprint alone.
Which liner and frame details matter?
Look for clearly specified materials. The INTEX models list three-ply liners with polyester mesh and PVC, plus powder-coated galvanized steel frames. Bestway specifies a three-layer Tritech construction and a pipe-connection system. These descriptions help compare construction, but they do not replace following setup and care instructions.
What accessories are included?
Included equipment varies by model. Check whether the set lists a filter pump, ladder, cover, or ground cloth. The 32-by-16-foot INTEX package names all four, while the SunSwell listing explicitly says a ground cloth is not included. Verify the current package contents before purchase.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the largest rectangular pool in this selection?
The INTEX Ultra XTR measures 32 by 16 by 52 inches and lists a 14,364-gallon capacity.
Which pool is the shortest in height?
The SunSwell is listed at 47.24 inches high. The other four pools are listed at 52 inches high.
Which models list a two-year warranty?
The three INTEX Ultra XTR listings state that a two-year warranty covers the pool liner, frame, and filter pump.
Does every pool include a ground cloth?
No. The SunSwell listing says a ground cloth is not included. The 32-by-16-foot INTEX listing names one among its included accessories.
Which pool has the largest stated capacity among the 24-by-12-foot options?
The 24-by-12-foot INTEX lists an 8,403-gallon capacity, compared with 7,937 gallons for the Bestway model.