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Best Intex Pools

Updated February 2024
Bottom line
Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
Intex 32' x 16' x 52" Rectangular Ultra Frame Pool Set
Intex
32' x 16' x 52" Rectangular Ultra Frame Pool Set
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Spacious Option
Bottom Line

A massive aboveground pool, complete with all the essentials.

Pros

Durable, rust-resistant steel frame and puncture-resistant laminated PVC materials. Dual suction outlets for improved circulation. Convenient hose connection for drainage. Includes maintenance DVD and volleyball set.

Cons

Requires a large, firm, flat area for correct setup. Included ladder needs improvement. Costly.

Best Bang for the Buck
Intex Easy Set
Intex
Easy Set
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Budget Choice
Bottom Line

An affordable option suitable for the whole family.

Pros

Incredibly easy to set up — just inflate and fill. Made from durable PVC materials. Large enough for all ages. The best pool for those who need a quick and easy option that won’t break the bank.

Cons

Not as durable as a steel-frame pool. Included pump needs improvement.

Intex 16’ x 48” Framed Pool Set
Intex
16’ x 48” Framed Pool Set
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Stable & Durable
Bottom Line

A spacious, high-quality circular pool that is built to last.

Pros

Frame is extra durable with strong galvanized steel and a precision engineered locking system. Rust-resistant materials. Includes a sand filter pump with a 2,800 gallon/hour flow rate, pool ladder, ground cloth and pool cover.

Cons

Ladder quality could be improved.

Intex 24' x 12' x 52" Rectangular Ultra Frame Pool Set
Intex
24' x 12' x 52" Rectangular Ultra Frame Pool Set
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Large & Versatile
Bottom Line

A quality, extra-large, steel-frame pool. Somewhat costly, but worth the price.

Pros

Spacious and strong with steel frame and durable laminated PVC sidewalls. Drain plug can be connected to a hose. All-inclusive set with sand filter pump, ladder, ground cloth, cover, maintenance kit and volleyball set.

Cons

Proper assembly requires a large, level, firm area. Due to its size, setup can take a while.

Intex Snorkel Fun Swim Centre Pool
Intex
Snorkel Fun Swim Centre Pool
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Simple Yet Solid
Bottom Line

An affordable and inflatable pool large enough for several kids and an adult; offers reasonable durability and longevity for the price.

Pros

Crafted of sturdy material that resists rips and punctures better than most in this class and price range. Spacious design. Has 2 air chambers with 2 valves that make it fairly easy to inflate.

Cons

The drain plug is flimsy, and air has been known to leak from the valves, requiring additional fill-ups.

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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.About BestReviews 
HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

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Buying guide for best intex pools

You don’t have to be a kid to enjoy cooling off in a pool on a hot summer day. Unfortunately, the cost of building an in-ground pool is just too great for many homeowners. That’s why aboveground pools are such a popular alternative, and it’s difficult to top Intex pools when it comes to affordable aboveground pools that are easy to install.

Intex offers a wide variety of pools to choose from, so it can be tough to find the right option for your yard. You have to decide on the right type, size, accessories, and other features to make sure your family gets the most out of your pool, and with the number of options that Intex provides, it’s easy to get overwhelmed.

If you’re looking to buy an Intex pool, check out our top recommendations. If you want some general tips on how to choose an Intex pool, keep reading our shopping guide.

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Just like with an in-ground pool, it’s important to maintain the proper chemical balance of the water in your Intex pool. Not only does it keep the water clean but it can also help prolong the life of the liner.

Intex pool benefits

  • Cost

On average, it costs at least $22,000 to install an in-ground pool. Intex pools are available at a fraction of the price, and many options are even cheaper than other aboveground pool options.

  • Easy installation

Intex pools are extremely quick and easy to set up. Some only require inflation, while those that feature frames typically take only one to two hours to set up.

  • Easy maintenance

None of an Intex pool’s parts are concealed, so it is much easier to care for than an in-ground pool.

  • Space

Intex pools come in a variety of sizes – from models that can accommodate two people to those that hold eight or more – so even if your yard isn’t large enough for an in-ground pool, there’s likely an Intex model that will fit it perfectly.

  • Mobility

Even the largest Intex pools can be moved around your yard if necessary. Inflatable options are easy to deflate and transport, while those with frames can be disassembled and reassembled without much trouble.

Types of Intex Pools

  • Children’s

The Intex pools made for kids are the smallest the company offers. They’re designed to accommodate just a few children and an adult for supervision. They’re similar to the larger inflatable vinyl models, but they usually feature bright colors and bold designs that appeal to youngsters. Some children’s pools also provide fun features like a built-in slide or water sprayer.

  • Inflatable Vinyl

Intex inflatable vinyl pools offer the easiest setup of all their models, though these pools aren’t the most durable. The pools are made entirely of vinyl, so you only have to inflate the top ring and add water. Intex inflatable vinyl pools come in a variety of sizes that can usually accommodate up to six people. Because they are less sturdy or durable than pools with frames, they’re best used simply for cooling off and light play.

  • Vinyl with metal frame

Vinyl Intex pools with a metal frame are more durable than the inflatable vinyl models. The metal frame gives the pool added stability, so you can use it for more vigorous activities, such as exercise or water sports. Even the pools with frames can usually be set up in an hour or less. They’re available in a variety of sizes that accommodate eight people or more.

  • Vinyl with premium metal frame

If you want the most durable Intex pool, a vinyl model with a premium metal frame is your best bet. It offers a strong steel frame that is treated to resist rust, as well as laminated triple-ply vinyl sidewalls. Like the other metal frame pools, it’s easy to set up, so you can be adding water to the pool in about an hour.

An Intex vinyl premium metal frame pool is larger than the other models and ideal for the most vigorous exercise and play. These models can easily fit eight or more people.

Intex pool features

Size

When you’re trying to decide what size Intex pool to buy, consider both the size of your yard and the number of people who will use the pool at any one time. Here are some general guidelines.

  • A pool that’s 8 feet in diameter and 30 inches deep can fit two to four people.

  • A pool that’s 15 feet in diameter and 42 inches deep should comfortably fit four to seven people.

  • A pool that’s 18 feet in diameter and 48 inches deep can fit eight people or more.

Shape

Intex pools are available in three shapes, rectangular, oval, and round, so you can choose the option based on personal preference and the space available in your yard.

Ease of installation

All Intex pools are fairly easy to install, but you can set up some more quickly than others. The inflatable styles are the easiest to set up because you only have to inflate the top ring, which takes a matter of minutes. The pools with metal frames require you to snap the frame pieces together. These Intex pools can take one to two hours to set up.

Pump

All Intex pools come with some type of pump to filter the water, so you can leave the water in your pool for more than just a day. Most models have either a sand filter or a cartridge filter pump.

  • Sand filter pump

    • Easy operation

    • Reliable performance

    • Removes small particles

    • Requires regular maintenance
       

  • Cartridge filter pump

    • Filters larger volume of water than sand filter

    • Removes up to twice as much debris as sand filter

    • Filters out much smaller particles than sand filter

    • Must be cleaned regularly

    • Requires limited maintenance

    • Usually more expensive

Accessories

Some Intex pools come with accessories to enhance your swimming experience.

  • Cover: Many Intex pools come with a cover so you can keep leaves and other debris out of the pool between uses.

  • Ladder: Deeper Intex pools come with a ladder to make getting in and out easier.

  • Maintenance kit: Some Intex pools include a maintenance kit to make it easy to keep the pool in top condition.

  • Games: Some of the children’s pools and larger Intex pools come with pool toys or games like volleyball or ring toss.

Intex pool prices

Intex pools vary in price based on the type and size, but in most cases you can expect to pay between $10 and $1,650.

  • Budget-friendly

Intex kids’ pools are the least expensive option, and these typically range from $10 to $35. Small Intex inflatable vinyl pools are also a good value, ranging from $65 to $300.

  • Mid-range

Medium to large Intex inflatable vinyl pools typically cost between $300 and $600. Medium to large Intex vinyl pools with metal frames usually cost between $500 and $800.

  • Expensive

Medium Intex vinyl pools with premium metal frames typically cost between $800 and $1,200. Large vinyl pools with premium metal frames cost between $1,200 and $1,650.

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Always cover your Intex pool when it isn’t in use to keep dirt, leaves, and other debris out of the water.

FAQ

Q. What sort of preparation do I have to do before setting up an Intex pool?

A. It’s important that you place an Intex pool on completely flat or level ground. If the area where you plan to set it up is uneven, you might need to level it out. Clear the area of any hard objects like rocks or branches, as well as particularly hardy grasses like St. Augustine or Bermuda that can actually grow through the vinyl liner. Many Intex models come with a ground cloth to lay down before you set up the pool, which helps protect the vinyl. If your pool doesn’t come with a ground cloth, you can purchase one separately or use a heavy-duty tarp instead.

Q. Do I have to put my Intex pool away for the winter?

A. Some owners prefer emptying and disassembling their pool to store it away for the winter. However, if you live in an area where the temperature doesn’t usually drop below 32°F in the winter, you can choose to leave it up if you follow some simple steps.

  • Make sure the water is as clean as possible.

  • Remove the ladder and any other accessories.

  • Close off the drain plug and other fittings.

  • Add winterizing chemicals to the water.

  • Place an Intex cover over the pool.
     

Q. Are Intex pools safe for dogs or other pets to use?

A. While you might be tempted to let your favorite furry friend cool off in your Intex pool in the summer, it’s not a good idea. Teeth and claws can easily tear the vinyl lining and cause leaks.

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