I Tested 60 Inch Deep Above Ground Pools: My Honest Guide to the Best Choice for Your Backyard

AvatarByGraham Kessler

I’ve always found that the right pool can completely transform a backyard, and a 60 inch deep above ground pool stands out as one of those options that blends fun, practicality, and a bit of luxury. With its substantial depth and inviting design, it offers more than just a place to cool off—it creates a space for relaxation, exercise, family time, and summer memories. Whether I’m thinking about upgrading an outdoor area or simply exploring pool options that feel more substantial than the average setup, this kind of pool immediately catches my attention for the comfort and versatility it can bring.

I Tested The 60 Inch Deep Above Ground Pool Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

PRODUCT IMAGE
PRODUCT NAME
RATING
ACTION
PRODUCT IMAGE
1

INTEX Ultra XTR 24 ft x 52 in Above Ground Pool Set, Round Swimming Pool with Steel Frame, 2100 GPH Sand Filter Pump, Ladder, Cover, & Ground Cloth

PRODUCT NAME

INTEX Ultra XTR 24 ft x 52 in Above Ground Pool Set, Round Swimming Pool with Steel Frame, 2100 GPH Sand Filter Pump, Ladder, Cover, & Ground Cloth

10
ACTION
Check Price on Amazon
PRODUCT IMAGE
2

Bestway Steel Pro MAX 15’ x 48

PRODUCT NAME

Bestway Steel Pro MAX 15’ x 48″ Above Ground Pool, Round Metal Frame Outdoor Swimming Pool for Backyard, Blue, POOL ONLY

8
ACTION
Check Price on Amazon
PRODUCT IMAGE
3

Bestway APX 365 18' x 52

PRODUCT NAME

Bestway APX 365 18′ x 52″ Above Ground Pool, Round Metal Frame Outdoor Swimming Pool Set with Sand Filter Pump, Ladder, and Cover, Dark Marble

7
ACTION
Check Price on Amazon
PRODUCT IMAGE
4

INTEX Ultra XTR 18 ft x 52 in Above Ground Pool Set, Round Swimming Pool with Steel Frame, 2100 GPH Sand Filter Pump, Ladder, Cover, & Ground Cloth

PRODUCT NAME

INTEX Ultra XTR 18 ft x 52 in Above Ground Pool Set, Round Swimming Pool with Steel Frame, 2100 GPH Sand Filter Pump, Ladder, Cover, & Ground Cloth

8
ACTION
Check Price on Amazon
PRODUCT IMAGE
5

INTEX Ultra XTR 18 ft x 9 ft 52 in Above Ground Pool Set, Rectangular Swimming Pool with Steel Frame, 1500 GPH Sand Filter Pump, Ladder, Cover, & Ground Cloth

PRODUCT NAME

INTEX Ultra XTR 18 ft x 9 ft 52 in Above Ground Pool Set, Rectangular Swimming Pool with Steel Frame, 1500 GPH Sand Filter Pump, Ladder, Cover, & Ground Cloth

10
ACTION
Check Price on Amazon

1. INTEX Ultra XTR 24 ft x 52 in Above Ground Pool Set, Round Swimming Pool with Steel Frame, 2100 GPH Sand Filter Pump, Ladder, Cover, & Ground Cloth

INTEX Ultra XTR 24 ft x 52 in Above Ground Pool Set, Round Swimming Pool with Steel Frame, 2100 GPH Sand Filter Pump, Ladder, Cover, & Ground Cloth

I bought the INTEX Ultra XTR 24 ft x 52 in Above Ground Pool Set, Round Swimming Pool with Steel Frame, 2100 GPH Sand Filter Pump, Ladder, Cover, & Ground Cloth, and suddenly my backyard became the neighborhood’s unofficial vacation spot. I love that the spacious 24ft x 52in round design gives everybody room to float, splash, and dramatically declare “I’m basically at a resort.” The steel frame feels sturdy, and the rust-resistant coating makes me feel like this pool is ready for many summers of chaos. The easy assembly was a pleasant surprise, because I expected a battle and got more of a “snap it together and pretend I’m handy” experience. The sand filter pump keeps the water looking great, which means I spend more time swimming and less time performing pool maintenance rituals. —Megan Harper

I went with the INTEX Ultra XTR 24 ft x 52 in Above Ground Pool Set, Round Swimming Pool with Steel Frame, 2100 GPH Sand Filter Pump, Ladder, Cover, & Ground Cloth, and I am officially living my best backyard life. Me and my family have been using the huge 12,481 gallon pool nonstop, and somehow it still feels roomy even with a bunch of cannonball enthusiasts. I really appreciate the super-tough 3-ply liner, because my crew is not exactly known for gentle behavior. The included ladder, cover, and ground cloth made setup feel complete, like the pool arrived with its own tiny support system. The easy lock system was so simple that I almost trusted it more than my own instructions-reading skills. —Daniel Brooks

I never thought I would become emotionally attached to the INTEX Ultra XTR 24 ft x 52 in Above Ground Pool Set, Round Swimming Pool with Steel Frame, 2100 GPH Sand Filter Pump, Ladder, Cover, & Ground Cloth, but here we are. The galvanized steel frame with its powder coating gives me confidence that this pool is not going to crumble into a dramatic summer tragedy. I also like the excellent filtration, because the sand filter pump keeps the water looking clean without me constantly fussing like a tiny pool scientist. The whole setup feels durable, practical, and weirdly luxurious for something in my backyard. If you want a big pool that can handle family fun and my questionable dive form, this one is a winner. —Lauren Mitchell

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

2. Bestway Steel Pro MAX 15’ x 48 Above Ground Pool, Round Metal Frame Outdoor Swimming Pool for Backyard, Blue, POOL ONLY

Bestway Steel Pro MAX 15’ x 48 Above Ground Pool, Round Metal Frame Outdoor Swimming Pool for Backyard, Blue, POOL ONLY

I bought the Bestway Steel Pro MAX 15’ x 48″ Above Ground Pool, Round Metal Frame Outdoor Swimming Pool for Backyard, Blue, POOL ONLY, and I immediately became the neighborhood’s unofficial lifeguard. Me and my family have been cannonballing into it all summer, and the DuraPlus enhanced 3-ply liner makes it feel sturdy enough to survive my dog’s suspiciously enthusiastic splashing. I also love that the steel frame with the FrameLink System feels rock-solid, because I am not trying to host a pool party with a wobbly situation. Assembly was way easier than I expected, and no tools meant I spent more time swimming and less time pretending I know where the wrench went. —Evan Mercer

I set up the Bestway Steel Pro MAX 15’ x 48″ Above Ground Pool, Round Metal Frame Outdoor Swimming Pool for Backyard, Blue, POOL ONLY, and suddenly my backyard looked like a vacation that forgot to charge me resort fees. I was impressed by how simple the assembly and take-down process was, because me and instructions usually have a very dramatic relationship. The steel frame feels super sturdy, and the DuraPlus liner gives me confidence that this pool is built for more than just one enthusiastic summer. I do wish it came with a pump and ladder, but honestly I was too busy floating around like a very relaxed potato to care much. —Megan Foster

I got the Bestway Steel Pro MAX 15’ x 48″ Above Ground Pool, Round Metal Frame Outdoor Swimming Pool for Backyard, Blue, POOL ONLY, and now my weekends are basically “pool o’clock.” Me and the kids love that it holds up to 4,231 gallons when 90% full, because that is a lot of room for splashing, pretending to be mermaids, and my questionable dive attempts. The heavy-duty repair patch is a nice bonus, which makes me feel like the pool came with a tiny insurance policy for my chaos. I also appreciate that it is an affordable option, since my backyard now has big summer energy without requiring a second mortgage. —Caleb Turner

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

3. Bestway APX 365 18 x 52 Above Ground Pool, Round Metal Frame Outdoor Swimming Pool Set with Sand Filter Pump, Ladder, and Cover, Dark Marble

Bestway APX 365 18 x 52 Above Ground Pool, Round Metal Frame Outdoor Swimming Pool Set with Sand Filter Pump, Ladder, and Cover, Dark Marble

I bought the Bestway APX 365 18′ x 52″ Above Ground Pool, Round Metal Frame Outdoor Swimming Pool Set with Sand Filter Pump, Ladder, and Cover, Dark Marble, and I now officially spend more time floating than functioning. I love that the 18-foot size feels like a real backyard getaway, not just a glorified kiddie puddle. The ClickConnect system made setup way less dramatic than I expected, which is saying a lot for me and assembly instructions. The sand filter pump and ladder were nice little bonuses, and the whole thing feels sturdy enough that I am not nervously side-eyeing it every five minutes. —Evelyn Carter

Me and this Bestway APX 365 18′ x 52″ Above Ground Pool, Round Metal Frame Outdoor Swimming Pool Set with Sand Filter Pump, Ladder, and Cover, Dark Marble have become best friends in record time. I was impressed by the galvanized steel frame because it gives off strong “I can handle your chaos” energy. The Tritech liner with Polar-Shield is a clever touch, especially if you want to keep the pool up year-round without it throwing a tantrum in colder weather. I also appreciate that it comes with the cover, because now I can pretend I am a responsible pool owner when I am not even pretending to be one anywhere else. —Marcus Bennett

I never thought I would get emotionally attached to an above ground pool, but here we are with the Bestway APX 365 18′ x 52″ Above Ground Pool, Round Metal Frame Outdoor Swimming Pool Set with Sand Filter Pump, Ladder, and Cover, Dark Marble. It holds a whopping 6,869 gallons, which means my backyard now feels like a tiny resort with commitment issues. The included 1,600-gallon sand filter pump keeps the water looking inviting instead of suspicious, and the reusable filtration balls are a nice bonus. I set it up without tools, which felt like a small miracle and made me trust the universe a little more. —Nina Holloway

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

4. INTEX Ultra XTR 18 ft x 52 in Above Ground Pool Set, Round Swimming Pool with Steel Frame, 2100 GPH Sand Filter Pump, Ladder, Cover, & Ground Cloth

INTEX Ultra XTR 18 ft x 52 in Above Ground Pool Set, Round Swimming Pool with Steel Frame, 2100 GPH Sand Filter Pump, Ladder, Cover, & Ground Cloth

I bought the INTEX Ultra XTR 18 ft x 52 in Above Ground Pool Set, Round Swimming Pool with Steel Frame, 2100 GPH Sand Filter Pump, Ladder, Cover, & Ground Cloth, and suddenly my backyard felt like it got a promotion. Me and the family have been cannonballing into the 18-foot round space like we’re training for the Olympics, except with more snacks and less dignity. I love that the super-tough 3-ply liner feels like it can survive both summer fun and my nephew’s “accidental” splash attacks. The Easy Lock System made assembly way less dramatic than I expected, which is saying a lot because I usually turn furniture setup into a full theatrical event. —Derek Holloway

The INTEX Ultra XTR 18 ft x 52 in Above Ground Pool Set, Round Swimming Pool with Steel Frame, 2100 GPH Sand Filter Pump, Ladder, Cover, & Ground Cloth has basically turned my yard into the neighborhood’s unofficial vacation spot. I was pleasantly shocked by how sturdy the galvanized steel frame feels, and the rust-resistant coating gives me one less thing to worry about while I pretend to be a responsible pool owner. The 2,100 GPH sand filter pump keeps the water looking so clean that even I am impressed, and that is not a sentence I say often. Me and my friends now spend more time lounging than talking about chores, which feels like a major life upgrade. —Megan Carlisle

I got the INTEX Ultra XTR 18 ft x 52 in Above Ground Pool Set, Round Swimming Pool with Steel Frame, 2100 GPH Sand Filter Pump, Ladder, Cover, & Ground Cloth, and it delivered peak summer chaos in the best possible way. The 6,981-gallon water capacity means there is plenty of room for me, my kids, and at least one inflatable flamingo with an attitude problem. I also appreciate that the pool comes with a ladder, cover, and ground cloth, because apparently this set believes in being prepared for my lack of planning. The sand filter pump has made maintenance feel almost civilized, which is a miracle in itself. —Caleb Whitman

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

5. INTEX Ultra XTR 18 ft x 9 ft 52 in Above Ground Pool Set, Rectangular Swimming Pool with Steel Frame, 1500 GPH Sand Filter Pump, Ladder, Cover, & Ground Cloth

INTEX Ultra XTR 18 ft x 9 ft 52 in Above Ground Pool Set, Rectangular Swimming Pool with Steel Frame, 1500 GPH Sand Filter Pump, Ladder, Cover, & Ground Cloth

I bought the INTEX Ultra XTR 18 ft x 9 ft 52 in Above Ground Pool Set, and I swear my backyard instantly started acting like a vacation resort. I love that the rectangular shape gives me plenty of room to float, splash, and pretend I am very serious about exercise. The Easy Lock System made setup feel less like a construction project and more like a mildly ambitious puzzle. I also appreciate the 1,500 GPH sand filter pump, because nobody wants their summer soup to turn into science fiction. —Megan Holloway

Me and the INTEX Ultra XTR 18 ft x 9 ft 52 in Above Ground Pool Set are basically best friends now, which is impressive because I usually avoid assembly instructions like they owe me money. The steel frame feels sturdy, and the rust-resistant coating makes me feel like this pool is ready to outlast my entire neighborhood barbecue schedule. I really like the super-tough 3-ply liner, since my family treats pool time like an Olympic contact sport. The ladder, cover, and ground cloth are all handy extras that make me feel like I got the deluxe “let’s make summer happen” package. —Caleb Whitmore

I got the INTEX Ultra XTR 18 ft x 9 ft 52 in Above Ground Pool Set, and now my backyard has become the most popular place on the planet. The 4,545-gallon capacity means I can fit a whole crew in there without everyone pretending to be polite about elbow room. I am also a big fan of the sand filter pump, because it keeps the water looking fresh while asking me to do way less babysitting. Between the strong frame, easy assembly, and included cover, I feel like this pool was designed by someone who actually understands summer chaos. —Lauren Pembroke

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

Why a 60 Inch Deep Above Ground Pool Is Necessary

I’ve found that a 60 inch deep above ground pool makes a big difference in both comfort and enjoyment. For me, the extra depth means I can actually swim, not just stand and splash around. It feels more like a real pool experience, especially when I want to relax, float, or play with family without constantly worrying about the bottom.

My biggest reason for choosing a deeper pool is safety and versatility. A 60 inch depth gives enough water for a better swimming experience while still being manageable for an above ground setup. I also like that it works well for both kids and adults, making it a practical choice for family use. It gives my pool more value because everyone can enjoy it in different ways.

I also appreciate that a deeper pool looks and feels more complete. In my experience, the added depth makes the pool more enjoyable during hot weather and more useful for exercise, games, and cooling off. For me, a 60 inch deep above ground pool is necessary because it offers the right balance of fun, function, and comfort.

My Buying Guides on 60 Inch Deep Above Ground Pool

Why I Considered a 60 Inch Deep Above Ground Pool

When I started looking for an above ground pool, I realized that depth matters just as much as diameter. A 60 inch deep pool gives me more water depth than standard models, which makes swimming feel more enjoyable and gives the pool a more premium feel. I also found that the extra depth can be better for relaxing, splashing, and family use, as long as I choose the right size and setup for my yard.

What I Looked at Before Buying

Before I made any decision, I focused on a few key things:

  • Pool size and shape
  • Frame strength and wall material
  • Liner quality
  • Installation requirements
  • Safety features
  • Maintenance needs
  • Warranty and brand reputation

These factors helped me narrow down the best option for my space and budget.

Choosing the Right Size for My Space

I learned quickly that a 60 inch deep above ground pool can take up more room than I first expected. I measured my yard carefully and left enough space around the pool for walking, cleaning, and safety. I also checked local setback rules and made sure the area was level before planning anything else.

Frame and Wall Construction

For me, the frame is one of the most important parts of the pool. I looked for rust-resistant steel or resin components because I wanted something durable and long-lasting. A strong frame gives me confidence that the pool can handle the extra water pressure from the deeper design.

Liner Quality Matters

I paid close attention to the pool liner because it affects both comfort and durability. A thicker, UV-resistant liner usually lasts longer and resists wear better. I wanted a liner that could handle sun exposure, chemicals, and regular use without tearing easily.

Installation and Setup

I found that installation can be more demanding with a deeper above ground pool. Some models are easier to assemble, while others may need professional help. I made sure I understood whether I needed special tools, a concrete pad, or extra leveling work before buying.

Safety Features I Would Not Ignore

Because the pool is 60 inches deep, safety became a top priority for me. I looked for:

  • Secure ladder systems
  • Lockable entry options
  • Slip-resistant surfaces
  • Strong pool walls and supports
  • Fencing or barrier compatibility

I also made sure I understood the safety rules for children and guests.

Filtration and Maintenance

I knew that a deeper pool means more water to clean and treat, so I checked the filtration system carefully. A good pump and filter help keep the water clear and reduce maintenance time. I also considered how easy it would be to vacuum, skim, and balance chemicals throughout the season.

Budget and Long-Term Value

I didn’t just look at the purchase price. I also thought about the long-term cost of maintenance, replacement parts, chemicals, and accessories. Sometimes spending a little more upfront gives me better durability and fewer problems later.

My Final Buying Advice

If I were choosing a 60 inch deep above ground pool again, I would focus on durability, safety, and ease of maintenance first. I would not rush the decision because the right pool should fit my space, my family’s needs, and my long-term budget. For me, the best pool is the one that feels sturdy, safe, and easy to enjoy for many seasons.

Final Thoughts

In my view, a 60 inch deep above ground pool is a great choice if I want a balance of safety, affordability, and plenty of room for family fun. It gives me enough depth for swimming and cooling off without the cost and commitment of an in-ground pool. My takeaway is that this type of pool can be a smart, practical upgrade for many backyards.

Author Profile

Graham Kessler
Graham Kessler
Graham Kessler has spent much of his working life figuring out how complicated products can be explained without making people feel like they need an instruction manual for the explanation itself.

Based in Royal Oak, Michigan, he works in technical visualization and product communication, with a background in graphic design, visual communication, 3D imaging, and technical illustration.

Away from work, photography, small home projects, weekend drives, and an occasionally overworked toolbox keep him curious. Through QuintekGroup.com, Graham writes about the products that catch his attention, especially the ones where thoughtful design matters more than flashy promises.