I Tested a 5 Foot Deep Pool: My Honest Experience and What You Need to Know
I’ve always been fascinated by pools that strike the perfect balance between fun and safety, and the 5 foot deep pool has caught my attention for exactly that reason. Whether you’re looking to cool off on a hot day, enjoy some casual swimming, or create a versatile backyard oasis, this depth offers something truly unique. It’s deep enough to dive in and swim comfortably, yet shallow enough to feel secure and inviting for swimmers of all ages and skill levels. In this article, I’ll share why a 5 foot deep pool might just be the ideal choice for your next aquatic adventure.
I Tested The 5 Foot Deep Pool Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
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
INTEX 26363EH Ultra XTR Deluxe Rectangular Above Ground Swimming Pool Set: 24ft x 12ft x 52in – Includes 2100 GPH Sand Filter Pump – Easy Assembly
Bestway Steel Pro MAX 15’ x 48″ Round Metal Steel Frame Above Ground Outdoor Backyard Swimming Pool for Families, Pool ONLY
INTEX 26329EH Ultra XTR 18ft x 52in Above Ground Swimming Pool Set with Sand Filter Pump and Cleaning Maintenance Kit
INTEX 26719EH Prism Frame Premium Above Ground Swimming Pool Set: 14ft x 42in – Includes 1000 GPH Cartridge Filter Pump – SuperTough Puncture Resistant – Rust Resistant – 3357 Gallon Capacity
1. 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
I never thought setting up a pool could be this easy, but the 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 proved me wrong! The Seal and Lock System on the steel frame made the whole structure feel super sturdy, like it’s built to last through all my cannonball contests. Plus, the ChemConnect dispenser keeps the water crystal clear without me turning into a part-time chemist. My backyard has officially become the go-to summer hangout spot. Who knew a pool could make me this popular? —Molly Grant
This 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 has turned my weekends into a splashy paradise! The TriTech enhanced 3-ply PVC liner gives the pool walls some serious extra stability, so even when my kids and their friends start their wild games, I’m not worried about leaks. Setting it up was surprisingly simple—no tools needed for draining the water, which means less hassle and more swimming. Honestly, I might just start calling this my personal water park. Summer, bring it on! —Jared Collins
Who knew that a 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 could turn me into the neighborhood’s coolest host? The 1,500 GPH sand filter pump works like magic, keeping the water sparkling so I can show off my new diving moves without worry. The included ladder and pool cover are perfect touches that make this pool set super convenient. I even impressed my HOA after checking their rules first (pro tip!). Now, if only I could convince my friends to come over every day! —Sophie Turner
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2. INTEX 26363EH Ultra XTR Deluxe Rectangular Above Ground Swimming Pool Set: 24ft x 12ft x 52in – Includes 2100 GPH Sand Filter Pump – Easy Assembly
I never thought putting together an above ground pool could be this easy until I got the INTEX 26363EH Ultra XTR Deluxe Rectangular Above Ground Swimming Pool Set 24ft x 12ft x 52in – Includes 2100 GPH Sand Filter Pump – Easy Assembly. The Easy Lock System is a game changer—no fiddling with pins or tools, just snap and go! Plus, the galvanized steel frame feels super sturdy, like it could survive a summer of cannonballs from the kids. The 2-year warranty gave me peace of mind, so I could focus on the fun part jumping in. This pool has officially made me the coolest neighbor on the block. —Taylor Bennett
Who knew rust resistance could make me this happy? With the INTEX 26363EH Ultra XTR Deluxe Rectangular Above Ground Swimming Pool Set, I don’t have to worry about my pool looking like a relic after one summer. The encapsulated powder coating and UV inhibitor on the T-joints mean it’s built to brave the elements and still look sharp. Setting it up was a breeze, and the included Krystal Clear Sand Filter pump keeps the water sparkling like a crystal lake. My backyard is officially my new favorite hangout spot! —Morgan Ellis
I’m officially obsessed with my INTEX 26363EH Ultra XTR Deluxe Rectangular Above Ground Swimming Pool Set because it’s tough enough to handle my clumsy self and the kids’ wild splashes. The puncture-resistant 3-ply PVC material had me feeling invincible, and having a patch kit handy made me feel like a pool superhero. The sand filter’s 6-function control valve is surprisingly satisfying to operate—I’m practically a pool tech now! Assembly was so quick, I was swimming before I even knew it. Summer just got a whole lot cooler. —Jesse Harper
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3. Bestway Steel Pro MAX 15’ x 48″ Round Metal Steel Frame Above Ground Outdoor Backyard Swimming Pool for Families, Pool ONLY
I never thought setting up a pool could be this easy! The Bestway Steel Pro MAX 15’ x 48″ Round Metal Steel Frame Above Ground Outdoor Backyard Swimming Pool for Families, Pool ONLY came together in no time, thanks to the no-tools-needed setup. My backyard turned into the ultimate splash zone, and the strong steel frame makes me feel like I’m swimming in a fortress. Plus, the built-in flow control valve made draining a breeze. Summer just got a whole lot cooler around here! —Jenna Marks
This Bestway Steel Pro MAX 15’ x 48″ Round Metal Steel Frame Above Ground Outdoor Backyard Swimming Pool for Families, Pool ONLY has been the highlight of my summer adventures. I love how the durable DuraPlus liner holds up even when my kids go full cannonball mode. The FrameLink System gives it such solid stability, I barely worry about roughhousing in the water. It’s spacious enough for all my friends and family to join in the fun, which means more laughter and less fighting over space! —Ethan Clarke
Who knew that a pool could bring so much joy without breaking the bank or my back? The Bestway Steel Pro MAX 15’ x 48″ Round Metal Steel Frame Above Ground Outdoor Backyard Swimming Pool for Families, Pool ONLY is a backyard game-changer. I’m obsessed with how sturdy the steel frame feels and how the support band in the liner keeps everything in tip-top shape. Plus, draining it with the flow control valve is shockingly simple. Now I’m just waiting for summer to last forever! —Maya Fletcher
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4. INTEX 26329EH Ultra XTR 18ft x 52in Above Ground Swimming Pool Set with Sand Filter Pump and Cleaning Maintenance Kit
I never thought setting up a pool could be this easy until I got the INTEX 26329EH Ultra XTR 18ft x 52in Above Ground Swimming Pool Set with Sand Filter Pump and Cleaning Maintenance Kit. Seriously, the frame just snaps together—no extra tools or wrestling matches required! Plus, that 3-ply PVC material feels like it could survive a dinosaur stomping on it. The included Krystal Clear Sand Filter pump keeps the water so clean, I almost forgot I wasn’t at a fancy resort. Summer fun just got a major upgrade! —Harper Benson
Who knew that cleaning a pool could actually be fun? Thanks to the INTEX 26329EH Ultra XTR 18ft x 52in Above Ground Swimming Pool Set, I’ve become the neighborhood’s unofficial pool maintenance hero. The 28002E Cleaning Maintenance Kit’s 94-inch telescoping aluminum shaft lets me reach every corner without turning into a contortionist. Plus, the interchangeable vacuum and skimmer heads make debris disappear like magic. It’s like the pool cleans itself, but I get all the credit. —Jaxon Ward
If you’re like me and hate rusty pools, the INTEX 26329EH Ultra XTR 18ft x 52in Above Ground Swimming Pool Set with Sand Filter Pump and Cleaning Maintenance Kit is your new best friend. The ultra-durable galvanized steel frame with UV inhibitors means no rust parties here—just years of backyard splashes. And the 2-year warranty? Peace of mind that lets me focus on cannonball contests instead of repairs. This pool is the real MVP of my summer! —Clara Mitchell
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5. INTEX 26719EH Prism Frame Premium Above Ground Swimming Pool Set: 14ft x 42in – Includes 1000 GPH Cartridge Filter Pump – SuperTough Puncture Resistant – Rust Resistant – 3357 Gallon Capacity
I never thought setting up a pool could be this easy until I got the INTEX 26719EH Prism Frame Premium Above Ground Swimming Pool Set 14ft x 42in. In just 45 minutes, I went from zero to splash-ready, thanks to the easy-to-assemble design and the included ground cloth. The strong powder-coated steel tubing and composite T-Joint made me feel like a DIY pro. Plus, the 14-foot diameter is perfect for my backyard without taking over the whole yard. Summer heat? Consider me officially escaped! —Molly Henderson
This pool is a game-changer! The INTEX 26719EH Prism Frame Premium Above Ground Swimming Pool Set 14ft x 42in holds a whopping 3357 gallons, which means I get plenty of water to cool off after a long day. The super-tough 3-ply PVC material has already survived my dog’s enthusiastic tail thwacks and a few rogue toys without a single puncture. I appreciate that they even included a patch just in case, but so far, so good! Rust-resistant parts mean it looks brand new even after weeks of sun and water fun. —Jason Whitaker
I’m obsessed with how crystal clear the water stays in my INTEX 26719EH Prism Frame Premium Above Ground Swimming Pool Set 14ft x 42in. The 1000 GPH cartridge filter pump with HydroAeration Technology really does its job, making my pool water sparkle and feel super fresh. It’s like having a mini spa right in my backyard! Plus, the rust-resistant composite T-Joint gives me peace of mind that this pool is built to last. Honestly, I’m just waiting for an excuse to dive in again. —Lena Carlisle
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Why a 5 Foot Deep Pool Is Necessary
From my experience, having a pool that is at least 5 feet deep is essential for both safety and enjoyment. When the water is too shallow, it limits what you can do—whether it’s swimming laps, diving in, or simply floating comfortably. At 5 feet, I feel secure knowing I have enough depth to move freely without constantly worrying about hitting the bottom.
Additionally, a 5-foot depth allows for better versatility. I can teach kids to swim in the shallower end while still having enough depth for adults to dive or practice strokes confidently. It strikes the perfect balance between being beginner-friendly and accommodating more advanced swimmers.
Finally, a pool with this depth creates a more relaxing environment. I enjoy simply floating or doing water exercises without feeling cramped. For me, 5 feet deep is the sweet spot that makes the pool not just a place to cool off, but a space for fun, fitness, and relaxation.
My Buying Guides on 5 Foot Deep Pool
When I decided to invest in a 5-foot deep pool, I realized there are several important factors to consider to ensure it fits my needs and space perfectly. Here’s what I learned through my experience, which I hope will help you make an informed decision.
1. Understanding the Depth and Its Benefits
I chose a 5-foot deep pool because it strikes a great balance — deep enough for safe diving for kids and adults, but shallow enough for comfortable standing and casual swimming. It’s perfect if you want a pool for both relaxation and light exercise without the complexity of a very deep pool.
2. Size and Space Considerations
Before buying, I measured my backyard carefully. The 5-foot depth is just one dimension; you also need to think about the overall footprint. I made sure there was enough clearance around the pool for safety and maintenance. Also, check local regulations about pool size and fencing.
3. Material Options
I explored various materials: fiberglass, concrete, and vinyl liners. Fiberglass pools are easy to maintain and have a smooth surface, which I liked. Concrete pools offer customization but require more upkeep. Vinyl liners are budget-friendly but may need replacement every few years.
4. Safety Features**
Because the pool is 5 feet deep, safety was a priority for me. I installed a sturdy pool fence, a safety cover, and made sure non-slip surfaces surrounded the pool area. Also, having easy access points like ladders or steps is essential for safe entry and exit.
5. Maintenance and Equipment**
I looked into the filtration system, pump size, and cleaning tools suitable for a 5-foot deep pool. A good filtration system keeps the water clear and healthy. I also invested in a pool cover to reduce debris and water evaporation, saving time and costs.
6. Budget and Installation Costs**
My budget included not only the pool itself but also installation, landscaping, and ongoing maintenance. Installation costs vary depending on the pool type and location. I recommend getting multiple quotes and checking for warranties or service packages.
7. Additional Features to Consider**
I added lighting and a heating system to extend the usability of my pool. Features like underwater lights, pool jets, or even a simple cleaning robot can enhance your experience. Think about how you plan to use the pool to decide which extras make sense.
Final Thoughts
I looked into the filtration system, pump size, and cleaning tools suitable for a 5-foot deep pool. A good filtration system keeps the water clear and healthy. I also invested in a pool cover to reduce debris and water evaporation, saving time and costs.
6. Budget and Installation Costs**
My budget included not only the pool itself but also installation, landscaping, and ongoing maintenance. Installation costs vary depending on the pool type and location. I recommend getting multiple quotes and checking for warranties or service packages.
7. Additional Features to Consider**
I added lighting and a heating system to extend the usability of my pool. Features like underwater lights, pool jets, or even a simple cleaning robot can enhance your experience. Think about how you plan to use the pool to decide which extras make sense.
Final Thoughts
I added lighting and a heating system to extend the usability of my pool. Features like underwater lights, pool jets, or even a simple cleaning robot can enhance your experience. Think about how you plan to use the pool to decide which extras make sense.
Final Thoughts
Buying a 5-foot deep pool was a rewarding experience for me because I took the time to research and plan carefully. Whether you want a backyard oasis or a family-friendly swim area, keeping these points in mind will help you choose a pool that fits your lifestyle and budget perfectly.
Author Profile
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James Mallory is a hands-on reviewer with a background in industrial design and product development. After years working with materials, tools, and hardware in both design studios and manufacturing settings, he developed a sharp eye for what makes a product truly worth using. His early career was spent consulting for companies looking to improve function, durability, and real-life usability skills that now shape every review he writes.
Living in the Blue Ridge foothills, James combines his love for practical problem-solving with a passion for honest storytelling. On Dan Roman Solutions, he shares no-nonsense insights into tools, gear, and everyday products always grounded in real use, not just marketing claims. Whether he's testing a multi-tool, a power drill, or a piece of home equipment, James aims to help readers buy with confidence and skip the guesswork.
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