When I’m looking for affordable swimming pool options during the hot summer months Lowe’s is my go-to destination. Whether you’re interested in an above-ground pool or a quick-setup inflatable option this home improvement retailer offers an impressive selection to fit any backyard and budget.
I’ve explored Lowe’s extensive range of swimming pools and discovered they carry top brands like Summer Waves Coleman and Bestway. From simple kiddie pools to large family-sized models with sturdy metal frames you’ll find everything needed to create your personal backyard oasis. Plus they stock essential accessories filters and maintenance supplies to keep your pool crystal clear all season long.
Key Takeaways
- Lowe’s offers three main types of swimming pools: above-ground pools (12-30 ft), inflatable pools (8-15 ft), and steel frame pools (12-18 ft) to suit different needs and budgets
- Top brands available at Lowe’s include Intex, Summer Waves, and Bestway, with warranties ranging from 1-2 years on frames and 90-180 days on liners
- Essential accessories like filters, pumps, covers, and safety equipment are available, with filter systems ranging from $199-$899 and pool covers from $89-$699
- Proper pool maintenance requires regular testing of pH (7.2-7.6), chlorine (1-3 ppm), and alkalinity (80-120 ppm), along with weekly cleaning tasks
- Swimming pool prices at Lowe’s range from $30-$150 for inflatable pools to $3,000-$6,000 for premium resin models, with various financing options available
Types of Swimming Pools Available at Lowe’s
Lowe’s offers three primary categories of swimming pools to match different space requirements, budgets and preferences.
Above Ground Pools
Above ground pools at Lowe’s feature durable resin walls with galvanized steel frames. These permanent structures range from 12 to 30 feet in diameter with depths of 48 to 52 inches. Popular brands like Summer Waves Elite and Hampton provide oval and round configurations with included filter pumps, pool ladders and ground cloth.
Inflatable Pools
Inflatable pools offer portable swimming solutions that set up in 10-15 minutes using an electric air pump. The selection includes 8-foot to 15-foot diameter pools from brands like Intex and Bestway. Key features include:
- Quick-release drain valves for easy emptying
- Reinforced 3-ply PVC walls
- Filter pump compatibility
- Built-in flow control drains
- Rust-resistant galvanized steel frames
- Heavy-duty PVC liner materials
- Sizes from 12 feet to 18 feet diameter
- Snap-lock assembly systems
- Filter pump connections
- Reinforced side walls
| Pool Type | Size Range | Setup Time | Durability Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Above Ground | 12-30 ft | 4-8 hours | 15-20 years |
| Inflatable | 8-15 ft | 10-15 min | 2-3 seasons |
| Steel Frame | 12-18 ft | 45-60 min | 5-7 years |
Top Swimming Pool Brands at Lowe’s
Lowe’s partners with premium pool manufacturers to offer high-quality swimming pools at competitive prices. Here’s my detailed analysis of the top brands available:
Intex Pools
Intex leads the above-ground pool market with their Ultra XTR Frame Pool series, featuring precision-engineered components. The powder-coated steel frames resist rust while the triple-layer pool liner maintains structural integrity for 5+ years. Models range from 16′ x 48″ round pools to 32′ x 16′ rectangular options, accommodating 4-12 swimmers.
Summer Waves
Summer Waves specializes in quick-setup pools with their Elite Frame collection, incorporating their DuraGuard fusion walls. Their standout 14′ x 42″ round pool includes a SkimmerPlus filtration system with a 2,500 GPH pump rate. The reinforced metal frame supports withstand 2,000+ gallons of water while maintaining stability throughout the swimming season.
Bestway
Bestway’s Power Steel pool lineup features their patented Seal & Lock System, eliminating leak concerns at frame connections. The 18′ x 48″ model comes with a ChemConnect chemical dispenser built into the design. Their corrosion-resistant steel frames undergo 7 layers of coating, extending pool life to 7+ years with proper maintenance.
| Brand | Popular Model | Capacity (Gallons) | Frame Material | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Intex | Ultra XTR 24′ | 12,481 | Powder-coated steel | 2 years |
| Summer Waves | Elite 14′ | 3,500 | Galvanized steel | 1 year |
| Bestway | Power Steel 18′ | 6,092 | Steel with TriTech | 2 years |
Essential Pool Accessories and Equipment
Swimming pools at Lowe’s require specific equipment for optimal functionality safety. Here’s my comprehensive review of essential accessories available at Lowe’s for pool maintenance safety.
Pool Filters and Pumps
Lowe’s stocks pool filters pumps from manufacturers like Hayward Intex Summer Waves. The cartridge filters feature easy-to-clean elements with 25-125 square feet of filtration area. I’ve identified these key filter pump combinations:
- Sand filters with 0.5-2 HP pumps for above-ground pools up to 30 feet
- Cartridge filtration systems rated for 1500-4500 gallons per hour
- Complete filter pump packages with chlorinator attachments
- Energy-efficient variable speed pumps that reduce power consumption by 80%
Pool Covers
Lowe’s offers three primary types of pool covers for protection safety:
- Solar covers that maintain water temperature increase heating efficiency by 15°
- Winter covers with reinforced edges cable ties for seasonal protection
- Safety covers meeting ASTM standards supporting 485 pounds per 5 square feet
- Mesh covers allowing rainwater drainage while blocking debris
- USCG-approved life vest sets in multiple sizes for adults children
- Pool alarms that detect water movement sound at 85 decibels
- 16-foot rescue poles with aluminum construction shepherd’s hooks
- First aid kits containing 100+ items for emergency response
- Non-slip pool steps ladders rated for 300-pound capacity
| Equipment Type | Price Range | Warranty |
|---|---|---|
| Filter Systems | $199-$899 | 1-3 years |
| Pool Covers | $89-$699 | 5-15 years |
| Safety Items | $29-$199 | 90 days-1 year |
Pool Installation and Setup Guide
I’ll detail the essential steps for installing and setting up swimming pools available at Lowe’s. This guide covers both ground preparation and assembly procedures to ensure a stable, safe pool installation.
Site Preparation
Ground preparation forms the foundation for a successful pool installation. I recommend these essential steps:
- Clear vegetation, rocks, sticks & debris from the installation area
- Measure the space, adding 3 feet of clearance around all sides
- Level the ground using a transit level, ensuring less than 1-inch variation
- Remove 2 inches of topsoil to expose firm earth
- Add 2 inches of crushed limestone or sand as a base layer
- Compact the base material using a plate compactor
- Verify levelness with a carpenter’s level in multiple directions
- Install pool pad or landscaping fabric to protect the liner
Key measurements for different pool types:
| Pool Type | Minimum Clear Area | Base Material Depth | Maximum Grade Variance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Above Ground | 3ft larger than pool | 2 inches | 1 inch |
| Steel Frame | 2ft larger than pool | 1.5 inches | 0.5 inch |
| Inflatable | 1ft larger than pool | 1 inch | 0.25 inch |
Assembly Instructions
I’ve broken down the installation process into clear, sequential steps:
- Layout & Organization
- Unpack all components
- Group parts by assembly stage
- Verify all pieces against inventory list
- Layout parts in assembly order
- Frame Assembly
- Connect base rails following numbered sequence
- Install vertical supports at marked intervals
- Secure all connecting points with provided hardware
- Check level after each major component
- Liner Installation
- Spread liner evenly within frame
- Center pattern and seams
- Attach liner to frame clips
- Remove major wrinkles before filling
- Final Setup
- Install filter system components
- Connect pump & return lines
- Add water slowly while removing wrinkles
- Install ladders & safety equipment
| Pool Type | Average Setup Time | Number of People Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Above Ground | 4-6 hours | 2-3 |
| Steel Frame | 2-3 hours | 2 |
| Inflatable | 30 minutes | 1 |
Pool Maintenance and Care Tips
Swimming pool maintenance combines routine cleaning tasks with proper chemical balance for safe swimming conditions. Here’s my comprehensive guide to keeping your Lowe’s swimming pool in optimal condition.
Water Treatment
I maintain proper water chemistry through regular testing of five essential parameters:
- Test pH levels between 7.2-7.6 using a digital pH meter
- Keep chlorine levels at 1-3 parts per million using test strips
- Maintain alkalinity between 80-120 parts per million with alkalinity increasers
- Balance calcium hardness at 200-400 parts per million using hardness adjusters
- Monitor cyanuric acid levels at 30-80 parts per million for outdoor pools
| Chemical Parameter | Ideal Range | Testing Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| pH | 7.2-7.6 | 2-3x per week |
| Chlorine | 1-3 ppm | Daily |
| Alkalinity | 80-120 ppm | Weekly |
| Calcium Hardness | 200-400 ppm | Monthly |
| Cyanuric Acid | 30-80 ppm | Monthly |
- Skim surface debris daily using a pool net
- Brush pool walls weekly with a pool brush to prevent algae buildup
- Vacuum pool floor twice weekly using manual or automatic cleaners
- Clean skimmer baskets every 2-3 days to maintain proper circulation
- Backwash sand filters when pressure gauge shows 8-10 PSI above normal
- Replace cartridge filters every 2000 operating hours
- Empty pump baskets weekly to prevent clogging
| Cleaning Task | Frequency | Tools Required |
|---|---|---|
| Surface Skimming | Daily | Pool Net |
| Wall Brushing | Weekly | Pool Brush |
| Vacuuming | 2x Weekly | Pool Vacuum |
| Filter Maintenance | Weekly | Varies by Type |
Swimming Pool Costs and Value
Lowe’s swimming pools offer diverse price points across different types & sizes. I’ve analyzed the costs & warranties to help customers make informed purchasing decisions.
Price Ranges
The cost breakdown for Lowe’s swimming pools varies by category:
| Pool Type | Price Range | Size Range |
|---|---|---|
| Inflatable | $30-$150 | 8-12 ft |
| Steel Frame | $200-$800 | 12-15 ft |
| Above-Ground | $1,500-$4,000 | 15-30 ft |
| Premium Resin | $3,000-$6,000 | 24-33 ft |
Popular add-ons & their costs:
- Basic filter systems: $100-$300
- Pool ladders: $50-$150
- Maintenance kits: $75-$200
- Solar covers: $40-$150
Warranty Coverage
Lowe’s pool warranties vary by manufacturer & model:
| Brand | Frame Warranty | Liner Warranty |
|---|---|---|
| Intex | 2 years | 90 days |
| Summer Waves | 1 year | 90 days |
| Bestway | 2 years | 180 days |
| Heritage | 25 years | 15 years |
- Manufacturer defect protection
- Parts replacement coverage
- Labor costs excluded
- Registration required within 30 days
- Original receipt maintenance needed
Shopping for a swimming pool at Lowe’s has proven to be a smart choice for homeowners seeking quality and value. I’ve found their extensive selection of pools equipment and accessories truly impressive. From budget-friendly inflatable options to premium above-ground models they’ve got everything covered.
I’m confident that whether you’re looking for a small pool for the kids or a larger one for family gatherings Lowe’s delivers on both quality and price. Their reliable warranties excellent customer service and comprehensive maintenance supplies make them my go-to destination for all swimming pool needs. With proper care and maintenance your Lowe’s pool will provide countless hours of summer fun and relaxation.
