Last Updated on October 17, 2021
The size of your yard should not stop you from achieving your dream of floating around your own backyard pool during the summer season. If you happen to have a small space available to set your swimming pool on, then it might be better for you to buy an above ground pool that you can easily set up and store when you’re not using it.
There are various sizes of swimming pools, pool contractors usually consider small pools as those that are under 250 square feet in size. For this buying guide, we’re going to focus on above ground pools that require less than 250 square feet of space in your yard.
Since we’re only getting above ground pools, don’t expect that your backyard pool will have any significant depth. Most only have a max height of 54 inches, but this type of pool may not fit in your small yard. Small pools typically have a depth of 3 to 4 feet.
The thing about small swimming pools is they may not give you the best first impressions, but once you set them up in your outdoor space, we’re confident that you’ll have a great time using your new backyard pool throughout the pool season.
Our Top Picks
We’ve reviewed several small above ground pools and found some of the best pools for small yards.
Best Intex Pools For Small Yards
Intex Round Prism Frame Pool Set
- EASY TO ASSEMBLE – Ready for water in just 45 minutes; spread out on level ground with the included ground cloth; Enhanced with strong powder-coated steel tubing and our innovative composite T-Joint...
- THE PERFECT SIZE – This round pool measures 15-feet in diameter with a 48-inch depth; holding up to 4440 gallons of water; this above-ground pool is just right to have summer fun while escaping the...
- SUPER-TOUGH – Made with puncture-resistant 3-Ply PVC material, this pool is built to resist the wear and tear of summer fun; in case of any damage, a patch is included for easy fixes
- RUST RESISTANT – Our composite T-Joint creates a water-tight seal with the pipe, preventing internal rust from forming; the T-Joints are engineered for high strength and infused with UV inhibitor to...
We really like the Intex Round Prism Frame Pool Set for those planning to add an above ground pool in their backyard. This pool set comes in various sizes that can fit in your small yard. You can get their smallest version which is 12 feet in diameter and 30 inches in height or their larger set that measures 15 feet in diameter and 48 inches in height which can fit in a yard with about 180 square feet of space.
It’s one of the most durable framed pool set today with its 3-ply pool liner and powder-coated steel frames. It’s also very easy to assemble and can be ready for water in about 45 minutes as per Intex.
The Intex Prism Frame Pool Set comes with a Krystal Clear cartridge filter pump, pool ladder, ground cloth, and pool cover.
Intex Easy Set
- EASY SUMMER FUN – Ready for water in just 15 minutes; spread out on level ground preferably on top of the included ground cloth, inflate the top ring and the pool will be set up by filling it with...
- THE PERFECT SIZE – This round pool measures 15 feet in diameter with a 48-inch depth; holding up to 3,736 gallons of water; this above-ground pool is just right to have summer fun while escaping the...
- SUPER-TOUGH – Made with puncture-resistant 3-Ply PVC material, this pool is built to resist the wear and tear of summer fun; in case of any damage, a patch is included for easy fixes
- KRYSTAL CLEAR FILTRATION – The included pump filters 1000 GPH and incorporates HydroAeration Technology into the cartridge filter pump providing improved circulation and filtration, improved water...
The Intex Easy Set is another great pool for those with a small backyard. Their smallest pool set measures 8 feet in diameter while their biggest “small” pool measure 15 feet in diameter.
The best thing about this small above ground pool is you can set it up in just 10 to 15 minutes. If you don’t plan on leaving your pool in your yard, then this swimming pool is the perfect choice since it’s very easy to assemble and disassemble.
This pool set comes with a Krystal Clear cartridge filter pump, pool ladder, pool cover, and ground cloth.
Check out our Intex Pool Reviews to know more about their current pool selections.
Best Bestway Pools For Small Yards
Bestway Power Steel Swimming Pool
- Minimal-tool assembly
- Constructed of tri-tech material
- Superior Steel frame design corrosion resistant metal frames
- Pool Only, pump not included
Made from high-quality Tritech material and super strong steel tube framing that is rust and corrosion-resistant, the Bestway Power Steel Swimming Pool can be a great addition to your backyard and it can lasts for many pool seasons.
An outdoor space to relax with close friends and family this summer can be made possible by this amazing pool set from Bestway. The Power Steel comes in various shapes and sizes that can easily fit in your backyard from round to oval and rectangular.
Bestway Oval Power Steel Swim Vista Series
This Bestway Oval Power Steel Swim Vista Series Pool Set measures 14 feet in length, about 8 feet in width, and 39.5 inches in height. It only requires about 150 square feet of space and can be set up in your backyard in just a few minutes.
It also has these two underwater windows as its unique feature so you can see the outside surrounding while you’re submerged in the pool. This pool set is equipped with high-quality corrosion-resistant metal sidewalls and Bestway’s famous Tritech material in its liner, rest assured you can use this above ground pool season after season.
Check out our Bestway Pool Reviews to know more about their current pool selections.
Best Summer Waves Pools For Small Yards
Summer Waves Elite 16-Foot Above Ground Frame Pool
- FAMILY SIZED POOL: Splash the day away in the comfort and privacy of your own backyard with this above ground frame pool
- SIZE: 16-foot diameter round frame above-ground pool with 48 inch pool walls with a water capacity of 5,246 gallons and is ready for water in as little as 45 minutes
- MATERIAL: Constructed of triple layer polyester mesh and heavy gauge PVC material with a rust-resistant, galvanized steel frame that stands up to heavy use and the elements
- WHAT'S INCLUDED: Includes SFX1500 SkimmerPlus 110/120V filter pump, pool cover, ladder, ground cloth, and deluxe maintenance kit
With a capacity of 5,248 gallons of water, but only requiring about 210 square feet in your yard, the Summer Waves Elite 16-Foot Above Ground Frame Pool is one of the best pools to have in your small backyard.
Its pool liner is made from a triple layer of polyester mesh and heavy gauge PVC and is supported by a rust-resistant steel frame that’s designed to withstand heavy pool use. And instead of the usual blue-colored design, this pool set comes with the dark grey herringbone wicker pattern to add some elegance to your summer fun.
This pool set comes with the SFX1500 SkimmerPlus filter pump, pool cover, ladder, ground cloth, and a deluxe maintenance kit.
Summer Waves Quick Set Pool
- Includes pool, RX600 cartridge filter pump, GFCI plug and filter cartridge
- Quick and easy to set up- just inflate the top ring and the pool rises as it fills
- Durable, puncture-resistant liner
- Spacious enough for the entire family and for smaller kids to get used to the water
The Summer Waves Quick Set Pool measures 14 feet in diameter and 36 inches in height. and it only requires about 160 square feet of space in your yard. The great about this pool is it’s spacious enough for the whole family and for smaller kids to use during the summer.
Much like the Intex Easy Set, this pool set is also very easy to assemble and disassemble. It’s perfect for families who don’t want a permanent pool structure in their yard.
This pool set comes with a RX600 cartridge filter pump, GFCI plug, and a filter cartridge.
Read our Summer Waves vs Intex Pools post to see how pool sets from Summer Waves compared to the more popular Intex pool sets.
Best Coleman Pools For Small Yards
Coleman Power Steel Frame 16′ x 10′ x 48″ Oval Pool Set
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This Coleman Power Steel Frame Oval Pool Set only needs about 180 square feet of space in your yard and you’ll get to enjoy its max capacity of 3,612 gallons of water in its full glory. You can start the summer with this above ground pool in your backyard and let the entire family enjoy some water fun activities.
The pool is designed with a Tritech enhanced 3-ply liner which is more durable than your usual vinyl liner and it comes with a corrosion-resistant steel frame.
This Coleman pool set comes with a filter pump and pool ladder.
How to Prepare Space for Your Above-Ground Swimming Pool
It’s well-known that above ground pools are not that difficult to set up and can be very portable. Once you’ve made the decision to get one of the small above ground pools mentioned above, you should start preparing the area that you plan on setting up your pool on.
If you already check the available space in the backyard for your pool and the ground space needed by your new swimming pool, then there would not be any problem as long as you get a pool that needs less ground space than you have available.
Just make sure that you choose a site that is level and without any obstructions near it like trees, electric lines, or fences. This will save you a lot of time and effort since you don’t have to do much modification in your backyard.
If you’ve already found the perfect spot to put your new swimming pool, you can grab a string, spray paint, and stick to mark that area.
For those looking to get a small round above ground pool, mark the center of your pool with the stick, tie the string to it, and at the other end, tie the spray paint. The length of the string should be the radius of your new pool. Now, slowly move away from the stick and encircle the area that your pool is supposed to cover. Once you’ve marked the spot, make sure you walk around it and see if it’s level or if there are any materials that might damage your above ground pool like rocks, roots, concrete, glass, or pipes.
For those getting an oval-shaped or rectangular-shaped pool, then you need to get a tape measure and carefully mark the space that your new pool will need. You can use a stick and some string to mark each corner of your pool area.
If you need help leveling the pool area in your yard, make sure you check this guide here.
Frequently Asked Questions About Small Backyard Pools
What is a good size pool for a small backyard?
Well, this depends on how small your yard is. It’s best to set up your pool at least 8 feet away from the property lines and 10 feet away from your home. Measure the space that remains and try to search online which above ground pools available today will fit in your yard.
How to maintain a small above ground pool?
Maintaining a small above ground pool is not that difficult compared to inground pools and larger above ground pools. Just make sure that you test your water chemistry and if all your pool equipment is working properly.
Balance your pool water by making sure that your pH level is between 7.2 to 7.8, chlorine level should be between 2 to 4 ppm, and alkalinity level should be around 80 to 120 ppm.
Also, try to follow a weekly pool maintenance routine if you’re going to leave the pool in your yard. This will include vacuuming the debris in your pool and brushing your pool walls and floor. If you don’t want to do much maintenance, you can always store your small above ground pool inside your house and only set it up whenever you plan on using it.
What is the best small backyard pool?
Intex Round Prism Frame Pool Set is our top pick for those with a small yard. You can get it in the following sizes: 12 to 15 feet in diameter with height ranging from 30 to 48 inches. These pool sets will perfectly fit in your backyard as long as you have about 200 square feet of available space.