A 14 ft swimming pool hits that sweet spot for most backyards, big enough for a proper swim, small enough to set up in a weekend. The trick is matching the right format to your space, your soil, and how often you’ll actually use it. Steel-frame pools, soft-sided inflatables, and the covers and chemicals that keep them healthy all deserve a closer look before you commit.
A Closer Look At The Lineup
Colourtree TAPS12 Grey Rectangle Sun Shade Sail 12′ x 14′
ClawsCover Winter Pool Cover 15 ft Round, 12 Mil
BEFAMALI XL Inflatable Tanning Float 85″ x 59″
Aibiley 14FT Round Solar Pool Cover
In The Swim Pool Basic Opening Chemical Start Up Kit
Bestway Steel Pro MAX 14′ x 8’2″ Oval Pool Set
BEFAMALI Extra Large Inflatable Pool 145″ x 74″ x 22″
INTEX 26721MZ 14ft x 42in Prism Frame Pool Set
A Breakdown Of The Leading Choices
A 14 ft swimming pool rarely comes with a roof, which is exactly where this Colourtree sail earns its place. Sized at 12 by 14 feet in a clean grey rectangle, it stretches over a deck or pool edge to drop a generous shadow right where you sit. The fabric is a 190 GSM HDPE weave, a noticeably weightier material than the flimsy mesh you see on cheaper sails, and the brand backs it with a three-year warranty against UV breakdown.
You anchor each corner to a wall, post, or tree with hardware, then tension the edges. For most backyards, the rectangle shape actually fits the long side of a pool better than a triangle, and the UPF50 rating (the highest tier of ultraviolet protection in textile testing) means kids can play underneath without constant sunscreen touch-ups. It complements the pool sets coming up later by giving swimmers a place to dry off in the shade.
What Stands Out
- 190 GSM virgin HDPE, weightier and longer-lasting than recycled mesh
- UPF50 fabric blocks harsh midday UV over a deck or pool
- 12 by 14 foot rectangle lines up with the long side of a pool
- Three-year manufacturer coverage against sun-driven wear
- Neutral grey tone that blends into landscaping rather than competing with it
Points To Note
- Mounting hardware and posts are sold separately, so plan the install budget upfront
- HDPE weave breathes, so it shades without fully blocking light or light rain
The Right Fit
Households wanting shaded seating right next to a 14 ft pool, especially in full-sun regions, will appreciate the heavy fabric and rectangular footprint.
A Better Fit Elsewhere
Swimmers who want a built-in, year-round roof structure should look at the INTEX 26721MZ 14ft x 42in Prism Frame Pool Set instead, since that approach pairs the canopy idea with the pool itself.
Once the swim season ends, an uncovered 14 ft swimming pool collects leaves, snow, and algae through the cold months. This ClawsCover winter tarp is a 12 mil polyethylene sheet, a thicker gauge than the 8 mil covers commonly sold, and it lists an actual measurement of 19 feet so the extra fabric drapes over the pool wall. That extra overhang is the part that anchors the cover down with water bags or a cable, which matters when winter wind hits.
It’s cut for 15 foot pools but also stretches across 13 and 14 foot frames because of that oversized drop. You stretch it tight, weigh down the perimeter, and walk away until spring. The PE material resists tearing in freezing weather better than cheap mesh tarps, and the dark color blocks light to slow algae growth underneath.
A Favorable Mix
- 12 mil polyethylene, a heavier winter grade than basic mesh
- Generous 4 foot overhang for anchoring with bags or cable
- Compatible with 13 to 15 foot round above-ground frames
- Opaque finish that starves algae of sunlight through winter
Practical Considerations
- Requires water bags or a ratchet kit to hold the edge in winter storms
- Listed as a tarp, so it isn’t a safety cover that supports a child’s weight
Built With In Mind
Pool owners in snowy or leaf-heavy climates who want a tough seasonal cover for an above-ground frame will find the 12 mil thickness reassuring.
Where Another Pick Suits Better
If you want a cover that does double duty warming the water during the swim season, the Aibiley 14FT Round Solar Pool Cover is the better fit, since that design focuses on heat retention rather than winter sealing.
Once the 14 ft swimming pool is full and the filter is humming, the next upgrade is something to actually sit on. The BEFAMALI tanning raft is an 85 by 59 inch inflatable lounger built for two adults, with a ribbed base that keeps the surface steady when you shift around. Built-in cup holders and a removable pillow round it out, so you don’t have to balance a drink on your stomach while you tan.
It floats on the surface, so it works in any pool deep enough to clear the bottom of the raft, including the Bestway and INTEX sets later in this list. The wide footprint spreads weight evenly, which keeps it level when both passengers sit up. When you’re done, deflate and stash it in a closet.
Bright Spots
- Generous 85 by 59 inch surface fits two adults without crowding
- Removable pillow adds neck support for longer sessions
- Two cup holders keep drinks upright while you float
- Ribbed underside reduces wobble compared to flat pool floats
Worth Bearing In Mind
- Needs a hand or electric pump to inflate since none is included
- Surface-level floats work best in pools with calm water, not heavy splash zones
Made For
Couples or friends who share a backyard pool and want a stable, full-size lounger rather than tossing single-person floats into the water.
Consider Something Else When
Households with energetic kids and rough play will get more use out of the BEFAMALI Extra Large Inflatable Pool 145″ x 74″ x 22″, which gives the whole family a place to splash together.
A solar cover is the difference between a 14 ft swimming pool that feels like a bath and one that stays cold well into June. The Aibiley 14 foot round solar cover sits on the water surface, traps heat during the day, and slows evaporation overnight. The actual sheet measures 16 feet so it drapes over the pool rim, and the brand notes it also fits 12 and 13 foot frames if you size up on purpose.
You trim it with scissors if needed and lay it bubble-side down, and the included stainless steel ratchet tensioner helps anchor the edge. The thicker build holds up better than thin bubble covers that shred after a season, and the dark tint also blocks falling leaves.
Notable Upsides
- Traps solar heat and lifts pool temperature a few degrees between swims
- 16 foot sheet fits 14 foot pools with extra drape over the rim
- Includes a stainless steel ratchet for the anchor point
- Cuts down on water loss from evaporation overnight
Where It May Fall Short
- Not designed for inflatable pools, so check your pool type before buying
- You may need to size up if a raised air pillow sits in the center
Who Will Love This
Pool owners in cooler climates or short swim seasons who want to extend the warm-water window without running a heater.
Skip It When
Anyone covering the pool for the off-season should grab the ClawsCover Winter Pool Cover 15 ft Round instead, since that tarp is built for snow load rather than daily heat retention.
Filling the 14 ft swimming pool is only step one. The water needs chemistry before anyone dives in, and this In The Swim starter kit handles the basics for pools up to 7,500 gallons, which covers most above-ground setups. It bundles dichlor shock, a clarifier, and balancing chemicals in one box, so you don’t have to figure out which product to chase first.
The kit works for opening day or for mid-season corrections when the water turns hazy. The included clarifier binds fine particles so the filter can pull them out, which is the kind of step first-timers usually skip. Apply the shock, run the pump, test the water, and the pool is swim-ready.
Benefits That Matter
- Pre-bundled kit removes guesswork for new pool owners
- Sized for pools up to 7,500 gallons, a common above-ground range
- Includes a clarifier that helps the filter catch fine particles
- Useful for both opening and mid-season water corrections
Trade-Offs To Consider
- Larger pools or in-ground setups may need the deluxe tier rather than the basic
- You’ll still need a test kit to confirm levels after dosing
Best Suited To
First-time pool owners who want a single box that walks them through the opening process without stocking half an aisle of chemicals.
Look Elsewhere When
Anyone running a bigger in-ground pool or a salt system will want a more advanced kit than the 7,500 gallon basic tier offers.
The Bestway Steel Pro MAX is the closest thing to a classic backyard pool in this lineup, an oval frame measuring 14 feet long by roughly 8 feet wide and 39.5 inches deep. The corrosion-resistant steel frame uses a Seal and Lock system (a click-fit connection that locks tubing sections without tools) and the Tritech liner is a three-layer reinforced material that resists punctures better than single-layer PVC. The pump ships in the box, so filtration starts the day you fill it.
You assemble the frame on level ground, snap the joints, hang the liner, hook up the pump, and fill. The oval shape gives you a swim lane for actual laps, which a round pool can’t, and the included ladder handles entry for kids. The flow control valve on the side hooks to a garden hose for draining at season’s end.
The Practical Payoff
- Corrosion-resistant steel frame with tool-free Seal and Lock assembly
- Tritech three-layer liner for puncture resistance during heavy use
- Oval shape supports actual lap swimming rather than just splashing
- Pump and ladder included in the box for a complete setup
- Built-in drain valve for fast end-of-season water removal
Some Limits To Know
- 39.5 inch depth is shallower than a true lap pool, so taller swimmers will crouch
- Oval shape needs a longer, flatter stretch of yard than a round pool
Who Should Grab It
Families with a longer backyard strip who want a pool that supports real swimming, with a pump and ladder included on day one.
Another Choice May Suit
Backyards with a more square footprint may prefer the INTEX 26721MZ 14ft x 42in Prism Frame Pool Set, since the round shape tucks into tighter spaces.
Not every 14 ft swimming pool needs a steel frame, and this BEFAMALI inflatable proves it. At 145 by 74 inches and 22 inches tall, it’s a soft-sided blow-up pool that holds 635 gallons and easily fits a family or a small group of friends. The thickened walls inflate in a few minutes with a separate pump, and when the party ends, you drain and fold it flat for storage.
It works well for households that don’t want a permanent structure, renters, or anyone setting up a one-summer splash zone for kids and pets. The rectangular footprint is closer to 12 by 6 feet, so it covers more of the lawn than a round frame pool at a similar price. For shallow, easy-entry fun, it sidesteps ladder climbing entirely.
What Works In Its Favor
- Generous 145 by 74 inch surface fits a full group at once
- 22 inch depth is friendly for kids and pets to wade safely
- Inflates and deflates fast, ideal for seasonal or rental use
- Folds flat for off-season storage in a garage or shed
Where It Is Less Suited
- No built-in pump or filter, so water changes need to be more frequent
- Air pump for inflation is sold separately
Perfect Match For
Hosts who run backyard parties a few times each summer and want a low-commitment splash zone without committing to a permanent frame.
Reach For A Different Pick When
Anyone wanting a permanent swim-ready setup with built-in filtration should pick the Bestway Steel Pro MAX 14′ x 8’2″ Oval Pool Set, which includes the pump in the box.
The INTEX Prism Frame pool is the round counterpart to the Bestway oval, sized 14 feet across and 42 inches deep with a clearview window that lets you watch swimmers from outside the pool. The 3-ply liner (a layered PVC sheet with a polyester mesh sandwiched between two outer layers) resists punctures, and the powder-coated metal frame handles a full season of use. The included 1000 GPH cartridge filter pump (one that moves 1,000 gallons per hour) keeps the water moving without a separate purchase.
Assembly is straightforward on a level pad, and the pool holds about 3,357 gallons. The 42 inch depth is a step up from the 39.5 inch Bestway oval, so taller swimmers get a little more headroom. It pairs naturally with the Aibiley 14FT Round Solar Pool Cover above for heat retention.
The Helpful Details
- Clearview side window for watching swimmers from outside the pool
- 3-ply liner material handles daily family use
- 1000 GPH cartridge filter pump included in the box
- 42 inch depth offers more headroom than a typical above-ground pool
Trade-Offs
- Cartridge filter needs regular rinsing, and replacement cartridges add to running costs
- Round shape limits true lap swimming compared to an oval design
Made For
Standard round backyards where swimmers want a step up in depth, a clear viewing window, and a complete pump-and-pool package in one delivery.
Consider Something Else When
Yards with a long, narrow footprint suit the Bestway Steel Pro MAX 14′ x 8’2″ Oval Pool Set better, since the oval shape makes better use of that kind of space.
What Matters Most When Choosing A 14 ft Pool
Space, Shape, And Surface
The first call is shape. Round pools like the INTEX 26721MZ 14ft x 42in Prism Frame Pool Set tuck into a circular pad, while the Bestway Steel Pro MAX 14′ x 8’2″ Oval Pool Set asks for a long rectangular strip. Soft-sided inflatables such as the BEFAMALI Extra Large Inflatable Pool 145″ x 74″ x 22″ need an even flatter zone because they don’t have a frame to keep the walls rigid. Always measure the actual pad, not just the lawn, and leave a walking margin around the edge for ladders, pumps, and foot traffic.
Frame Material And Liner Build
Steel frames with tool-free connections, like the Seal and Lock system on the Bestway Steel Pro MAX, cut setup time drastically. Liners matter just as much, since a 3-ply or Tritech sheet holds up better than single-layer PVC when kids and dogs get in and out. Powder-coated metal resists corrosion in humid summer air, which is worth prioritizing if you leave the pool up for the full season.
Filtration, Chemistry, And Covering
A 1000 GPH pump on the INTEX 26721MZ handles a 14 ft pool, and pairing it with the In The Swim Pool Basic Opening Chemical Start Up Kit covers your opening-day chemistry. To keep heat in overnight, the Aibiley 14FT Round Solar Pool Cover drops onto the surface and saves you a few degrees of warm-up time. For winter, the ClawsCover Winter Pool Cover 15 ft Round with its 12 mil polyethylene seals the pool against snow and leaf load.
Comfort And Extras
Once the pool runs, small touches matter. A shade sail like the Colourtree TAPS12 12′ x 14′ Grey Rectangle turns a hot deck into usable seating, and a tanning float such as the BEFAMALI XL Inflatable Tanning Float 85″ x 59″ gives adults a place to actually rest on the water. None of these are required, but they turn a pool from a swimming hole into a real hangout zone.
Key Considerations Across These Picks
Pitfalls Shoppers Hit
Many first-time pool owners underestimate the ground prep. A 14 ft swimming pool on uneven soil puts stress on the frame and creates wrinkles in the liner that wear through early. Other shoppers buy a cover sized exactly to the pool, then realize they need extra drape for anchoring in wind, which is why a 15 or 16 foot sheet over a 14 foot pool is usually the smarter call. Skipping the chemistry kit on day one is another common miss, since green water shows up faster than expected without a clarifier and shock.
Where The Extra Money Goes
Higher-tier pools earn their price in three places: thicker liners, better frames, and included filtration. The INTEX 26721MZ bundles a 1000 GPH pump and uses a 3-ply liner, so the total package costs more upfront but saves the separate pump purchase. Premium covers like the ClawsCover Winter Pool Cover also use heavier 12 mil polyethylene, which outlasts thin mesh tarps over multiple winters. The upgrade pays off when the pool sees weekly use and needs to stand up to real wear, not just a single summer of light splashing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much space do you need around a 14 ft pool?
Plan for at least two to three feet of clear margin on every side. A round 14 ft pool actually needs a pad closer to 18 feet across when you include walking room and pump access, while an oval 14 by 8 ft pool wants a roughly 16 by 10 ft zone.
Can a 14 ft pool support actual lap swimming?
An oval design like the Bestway Steel Pro MAX gives you a usable swim lane, but a round 14 ft pool mostly suits playing and wading. Taller swimmers will still crouch in a 39.5 or 42 inch depth, so true lap training is a stretch for any above-ground pool this size.
Do these pools include a pump?
The INTEX 26721MZ 14ft x 42in Prism Frame Pool Set and the Bestway Steel Pro MAX both ship with a pump in the box. Soft-sided inflatables like the BEFAMALI Extra Large Inflatable Pool do not include a pump or filter, so water changes happen more often.
How do you keep the water clean through summer?
Pair the pool with the In The Swim Pool Basic Opening Chemical Start Up Kit for the opening shock, then run the included pump daily and add a clarifier as needed. A solar cover like the Aibiley 14FT Round Solar Pool Cover also reduces debris and evaporation.
What about winter storage?
Above-ground pools in snowy climates should be covered with a heavy tarp like the ClawsCover Winter Pool Cover 15 ft Round. Inflatables can be drained, deflated, and folded flat in a garage, while framed pools usually stay up but covered through the off-season.
Wrap Up
A 14 ft swimming pool is one of the more rewarding upgrades a backyard can hold, and the right pick depends on the shape of your space and how permanent you want the setup. Frame pools give you the most swim time, soft-sided inflatables give you the most flexibility, and the right cover and chemistry kit keep either one healthy all season. Match the pool to your yard, your household, and your tolerance for maintenance, and the rest falls into place.
