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Our experts have curated and reviewed a list of this seasons best Intex above ground pool buys.
Take a deep dive into the Intex above ground pool features, size options and user experiences. We’ve reviewed some brilliant exampless as well as some great paddling and splash pools for the kids too.
So whether you’re looking for a pool to do a few laps in, or one to splash around with your children, you’ll find there’s plenty of options here.
Finding the perfect pool to suit your budget and backyard space does need a little research, but buying an above ground pool comes down to just three things how big, how much, and how will it be used. Is it just for a fun splash and cool down or doing a few laps?
Enjoying the summer and making memorable moments around the pool need not break the bank either. Whether you’re buying a splash pool or a full sized Intex above ground swimming pool they’re actually surprisingly cheap.
But a budget price doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice quality or features.
Here we’ve only reviewed brilliant large Intex pools as well as some smaller pools from well established, well trusted manufacturers.
Let’s dive right in….
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| LARGE INTEX ABOVE GROUND POOLS Four of the Best Pools Reviewed | |||
 INTEX ULTRA FRAME POOL  |  INTEX ULTRA FRAME POOL |  INTEX PRISM FRAME POOL |  INTEX PRISM FRAME POOL |
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IN A HURRY ?
HERE’S OUR PRO RECOMMENDATIONS
INTEX POOL REVIEWS
INTEX ULTRA FRAME POOLS
These are swimmers pools. They comes in three sizes, large, larger and enormous.
The Brilliant Intex Ultra Frame Rectangular Pool
- BUILD: The build process uses the Intex Pool easy lock system for the tubulars, that helps to really speed and simplify pool construction. Of course all the interlocking pool supports are powder coated and rust resistant. Pool liner is made from super durable laminated PVC.
- SAND FILTER PUMP: This is the simplest and most convenient method of filtration and it is fitted to the Ultra range. No real maintenance is required once the sand filter has been set up. No cartridges to worry about with this system, just flush the sand during routine pool service. Easy life!
- SALTWATER SYSTEM: Many above ground pool owners upgrade to this system. It comes as option with the larger Ultra range. Like the sand filter this is a low maintenance method of pool hygiene. Once set up and running correctly chemical usage should be greatly reduced and pool water softer and even more pleasant to enjoy.
- OPTION SIZES: Large, larger an huge. Choose from 18 x 9 ft, 24 x 12 ft or 32 x 16 ft.
- INCLUDED IN THE BOX: Although deals do vary throughout the year this highlighted pool comes with a compendium of products to get new owners started. Bundled are a ladder, a ground and debris cover and a complete maintenance guide.
on Amazon.com
What Owners Like
What Owners Don’t Like So Much
Intex ROUND Ultra Frame Pool Range
- BUILD: Strong and durable design. The round ultra Intex above ground pool uses a durable, powder coated steel frame. We like the architectural visual effect it gives the pool
- SAND FILTER PUMP: This is almost a maintenance free filtration system. Just an occasional backwash depending on the pool usage. No pump filters to change, just replace the sand every 3 – 4 years!
- SALTWATER SYSTEM: This upgrade option is well worth considering especially on the larger models in the ultra frame range. The salt water system will simplify pool maintenance and give a much improved and softer feel to the water. Naturally produced chlorine for the salt is odourless as well.
- OPTION SIZES: Amazing range of sizes available from 14 feet to a generous 26 foot diameter
- INCLUDED IN THE BOX: Everything you need to get the pool up and ready for water. Krystal clear sand filter pump, ladder. ground cloth and debris cover. The box can be quite heavy and cumbersome. If delivered kerbside unpack and transport pieces individually to levelled site
on Amazon.com
What Owners Like
What Owners Don’t Like So Much
INTEX PRISM ABOVE GROUND POOLS
A nice visual impact from the Intex Prism range. An Intex above ground pool with clean lines, understated livery and an elegant architectural quality. There is a wide range of sizes available, especially in the round option model.
PRISM Square Frame Pool Set
- BUILD: Constructed with super strong and durable puncture resistant material. The steel support frame is heavily powder coated for optimum rust proofing. The delicate look of the pool is deceptive, it’s tough as they come. It’s tough but with a pretty face
- FILTER PUMP: Filtration is taken care of by a 1000 gph filter pump that’s bundled wth the pool
- OPTION SIZES: Just one size 14ft x 14ft x 42 inches.
- INCLUDED IN THE BOX: Every thing you need, comes with a cartridge filter pump, a ladder, ground cloth, and a debris cover.
on Amazon.com
What Owners Like
What Owners Don’t Like So Much
Best Selling Intex PRISM Round Pool Set
- BUILD: Takes a couple of hours to set up, it’s a really straight forward process. Super rugged fabric and powder coated support bars. The bottom has been specially reinforced to avoid problems with unnoticed sharp objects on the base.l
- FILTER PUMP: A cartridge filter pump is supplied with all the Prism range pool. The output will vary depending on the pool capacity.
- OPTION SIZES: Lots of choice here. 10ft, 12ft, 14ft, 15ft and 18ft diameter.
- INCLUDED IN THE BOX: Everything but the water is in the box to get your pool up and running. Filter pump,access ladder, ground cloth and debris cover.
on Amazon.com
What Owners Like
What Owners Don’t Like So Much
Rectangular Intex PRISM Pool Range
- BUILD: Stable construction. Some rectangular pools suffer from bulging and instability but not this one, the double support system see to that. Quality materials are used throughout
- FILTER PUMP: Cartridge filtration system
- OPTION SIZES: 16ft X 8ft X 42in. Holds 2875 gallons filled to 90% capacity.
- INCLUDED EQUIPMENT: Filter pump, access ladder and ground cloth.
on Amazon.com
What Owners Like
What Owners Don’t Like So Much
SMALL ABOVE GROUND POOLS
Plunge, Splash and Paddle Pools
Lot’s of family fun. Pool options to suit most backyards and most wallet sizes. We love the Intex Oval Frame pool pictured below
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| BEST ABOVE GROUND POOLS. SMALL. | |||
 INTEX METAL FRAME POOL |  INTEX EASY SET POOL |  BESTWAY STEEL PRO POOL |  INTEX OVAL FRAME POOL |
| Four Of the Best Small Pools Reviewed | |||
INTEX OVAL FRAME POOL RANGE
A combination the Easy Set pool and the metal framed one. This Intex Above Ground Pool has been designed to fit into smaller spaces than the equivalent capacity round pools.
We like the shape a lot, we think it looks pretty grown up, and it does allow users to actually swim a few strokes in it.
Designed with the same inflatable ring around the top perimeter as its cousin the Easy Set, but also incorporates a steel frame support system at the sides.
This smaller Intex Oval Pool range represents for us the best above ground pool for ease of build, and the value for money.
A real bargain in our opinion.
Size Options
18 feet x 42 inches. 20 feet x 48 inches.
on Amazon.com
INTEX EASY SET POOL RANGE
This is a pump up pool, no real assembly required here, just a little muscle power to inflate the upper ring.
Once the ring is inflated and the filter pump is connected it’s ready for water. Although it is made with heavy duty PVC fabric care should be taken to clear and level the ground before filling the pool.
Many extras can be purchased to ease pool maintenance. We particularly liked the skimmer that Intex sells to clear floating debris from the water.
The smaller sizes are great for the children to have fun in, but the range goes up to a family size for everybody to enjoy.
A great pool for quick, hassle free set up. Why it’s even called “Easy Set”
Size Options
12 feet x 30 in. 15 feet x 48 in. 18 feet x 48 in.
on Amazon.com
INTEX METAL FRAME POOL
This best selling range of Above Ground Pools by Intex offers a full package of affordable family fun.
Included in the purchase price is a quality krystal filter pump matched to the pool capacity. For setting up, even the larger pools should not take more than an hour. It’s simple, intuitive and requires no special tools.
To comply with safety regulations a ground fault circuit interrupter is fitted to the pump.
The steel pool frame carcass has been powder coated, so should see many summer seasons of use.
This is a great little family pool from a top manufacturer.
Size Options
12 feet x 30 in. 15 feet x 48 in. 18 x 48 in
on Amazon.com
BESTWAY STEEL FRAME PRO RANGE
The Bestway Steel Pro range has several size options from 10 through to 15 feet.
The pool set up is a breeze, just clip the frame together with the T connectors, installing the lining as you go. It needs no special tools or knowledge.
The steel frame is rust resistant, and the liner made with heavy duty 3 ply PVC. It is durable and tear resistant.
Bestway is one of the giants in the inflatable goods and above ground pool industry. Their manufacturing knowledge insures many summers of enjoyment from this pool.
These models do not come with a filtration system, it has to be bought separately. That’s reflected in the price of course.
Size Options
10 feet x 30 in. 14 feet x 48 in. 15 feet x 48 in.
on Amazon.com
INTEX POOL FEATURE GUIDE
Everything you need to know all in one place
Pool Construction
Building an Intex Prism or Ultra above ground pool is essentially the same system for both models. The main thing is to be methodical throughout the assembly.
The easy lock system on the tubulars is used on both series, it makes for really fast assembly. Build time will vary on size of course, but shouldn’t take much more than a morning, even with coffee breaks. Some smaller pool owners report just an hour or two the have their above ground pool ready for water.
The same as many jobs, preparation is everything. Making the area where the pool will be sited takes the most time, and needs the most care.
Levelling the ground is a job that is imperative to get right, especially on larger pools. An inch or two difference between ends of the pool doesn’t sound much but it’s visually magnified with a pool is filled.
The water line should be parallel to the top of the pool. If it’s not it’s a real show stopper, at best it just looks odd but at worst it could lead to losing water over one end of the pool when it’s in use.
Hydro-Aeration
A number of pools in the Intex pool range are fitted with the Hydro Aeration system. It helps to keep the pool water clearer by causing the finer particles to clump together and drop to the bottom of the pool. This means they can be routinely vacuumed up during the pool cleaning schedule. We like this new feature and the concept does work well.
Intex claim an increase of negative ions in the atmosphere around the pool due to this aeration system. This may be measurably true, but the increase would be so insignificant as to be unnoticed by the owner we think. In fact you’ll probably be getting more negative ions taking you shower in the morning.
As an aid to pool cleaning though it’s great.
Filter System
Many of the current Ultra range are fitted with the brilliant Index sand filter pump. Sand filter systems the easiest of all to maintain. No cartridges to worry about here.
Simply fill the filtration bowl with special pool filter sand ( not included in purchase ) and you’re done, that’s it. The sand filter will just need occasional flushing to clean out accumulated debris and particles.
The Intex above ground pool filter sand should last a number of seasons before needing to be changed out for new sharper sand. Every pool store and most large hardware depots carry pool sand, but not all stock the correct filters to suit cartridge pumps. With a sand filter system you can’t go wrong.
Salt Water System
Some of the bigger and best Intex above ground pools come with a salt water system included in the bundle, and if not some owners choose to upgrade to this system anyway.
Ease of maintenance is one of the most compelling reasons to use a saltwater system for your pool. Theoretically after it is set up correctly it should run on autopilot.
Of course salinity checks need to be done, but forget having to add a lot of pool chemicals to keep it swimmer safe. Chemical use isn’t completely eliminated, occasional problems might call for chemical solutions but in general you’ll be buying an inexpensive sack of pool salt instead of an expensive bucket of chlorine tabs.
Salt Water System Benefits
- Reduced chlorine level
- No chlorine odour
- Water feels soft and silky
- Goodbye to “red eye
- Much less maintenance
- Cheaper to sanitise the pool
- More consistant sanitation
Salt Water System Benefits
- Reduced chlorine level
- No chlorine odour
- Water feels soft and silky
- Goodbye to “red eye
- Much less maintenance
- Cheaper to sanitise the pool
- More consistant sanitation
The extra cost of the upgrade is worth it in terms of overall pool experience, and the money spent on the saltwater system will be recuperated by the virtual elimination of often costly chemical treatments. We would definitely recommend thinking about that as an “add value” option if the Intex pool selected doesn’t come with it as standard.
See our Saltwater Systems Guide >>
HOW LONG DOES AN ABOVE GROUND POOL LAST ?
Well there are a lot of “moving parts” here so it’s hard to be really specific. But a steel sided pool could easily last up to 8 years, and expect an Intex pool to last at least 3 – 5 years with the right maintenance and storage.
Storage is really the key here. Of course the pool will suffer wear and tear through the season and most often be in the full sun for much of the day. After all fun in the sun is why we buy an above ground pool in the first place.
A pool liner can be a cumbersome thing to store but it must be carefully dried and folded before being stowed for the winter. It needs a place free from rodents and sub zero conditions to emerge the following pool season in tact ready for the family to enjoy.
If this is done right your pool investment should give many years of service and fun.
BEST INTEX POOL
Well all Intex pools are good, but if you’re looking for a swimming pool to do a few laps in then choose the Intex Ultra Frame pool.
For a really easy to build, child friendly pool we’d choose an Intex Oval Frame pool. We particularly like the inflatable ring around the top perimeter of the liner. It’s a nice cushion when children are playing in the pool.
INTEX POOL SIZES
There’s a large array of Intex pool sizes to choose from. But remember they do come in and out of stock throughout the year, so a pool size in the table below may not be available when you’re actually looking to make a purchase.
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INTEX ABOVE GROUND POOL | Pool Capacity (90%) | |||
| Typical Pool Products | Feet / Inches | Centieters | Gallons | Liters |
EASY SET POOLS | 15' x 33" | 457cm x 84cm | 2587 | 9792 |
| 15' x 36" | 457cm x 91cm | 2822 | 10681 | |
 | 15' x 42" | 457cm x 107cm | 3284 | 12430 |
| 15' x 48" | 457cm x 122cm | 3736 | 14141 | |
| 16' x 42" | 488cm x 107cm | 3754 | 14209 | |
| 16' x 48" | 488cm x 122cm | 4273 | 16173 | |
| 18' x 42" | 549cm x 107cm | 4786 | 18115 | |
| 18' x 48" | 549cm x 122cm | 5455 | 20647 | |
| 18' x 52" | 549cm x 132cm | 5894 | 22309 | |
CIRCULAR POOLS | 15' x 36" | 457cm x 91cm | 3282 | 12422 |
| 15' x 42" | 457cm x 107cm | 3861 | 14614 | |
 | 15' x 48" | 457cm x 122cm | 4440 | 16805 |
| 16' x 48" | 488cm x 122cm | 5061 | 19156 | |
| 18' x 48" | 549cm x 122cm | 6423 | 24311 | |
| 18' x 52" | 549cm x 132cm | 6981 | 26423 | |
| 20' x 52" | 610cm x 132cm | 8638 | 32695 | |
| 24' x 48" | 732cm x 122cm | 11483 | 43462 | |
| 24' x 52" | 732cm x 132cm | 12481 | 47241 | |
OVAL POOLS | 18' x 10' x 42" | 549cm x 305cm x 107cm | 2885 | 10920 |
 | 20' x 12' x 48" | 610cm x 366cm x 122cm | 4393 | 16628 |
| 24' x 12' x 48" | 732cm x 366cm x 122cm | 5407 | 20465 | |
| 28' x 12' x 48" | 853cm x 366cm x 122cm | 6420 | 24300 | |
ULTRA FRAME | 16' x 48" | 488cm x 122cm | 5061 | 19156 |
 | 18' x 52" | 549cm x 132cm | 6981 | 26423 |
| 18' x 9' x 52" | 549cm x 274cm x 132cm | 4545 | 17203 | |
| 24' x 12' x 52" | 732cm x 366cm x 132cm | 8403 | 31805 | |
| 32' x 16' x 52" | 975cm x 488cm x 132cm | 14364 | 54368 | |
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