Once that was done, we simply snapped together the hard plastic support pieces of the frame with the metal ones and secured it with the thick band to give the framework a little bit of extra security against rambunctious kids. The paper instructions were plenty sufficient to get the job done, and it took less than half an hour from start to finish. We let a line of rambunctious kids hop in and out and back in again, day after day. In order to get the main part of the frame built, we had to pin the side supports in the corners and then pin the beams, which only works if you have one person pinning while the other person is holding the pieces in place on the opposite end.
Note that, according to the manufacturer website, the pump and filter won’t completely prevent algae growth. In order to do that, Intex suggests purchasing an Intex Krystal Clear Saltwater System, which runs about $140 on intex purespa the low end. A saltwater system will help maintain the correct chlorine and pH levels in the pool, which is necessary not only to prevent algae issues but also to kill any harmful bacteria that may be looming in the pool.
Intex sells solar blankets , though these blankets do not have high user ratings. The Intex metal-frame pool options come in sizes ranging from 10′ across x 30″ deep to a whopping 24′ across by 52″ deep. An “Ultra Frame” pool style is also available and boasts a stronger liner and an easier assembly method . While not large enough to feel intrusive in the yard, this pool is still big enough to accommodate a lot of kids. They wouldn’t be able to float as the little ones did—the water is too shallow—but they’d be able to hang out in it while cooling off and taking selfies, which is all our teenagers want to do anyway.
Keeping it covered when not in use will help to prevent some of this. Overall, this above ground pool is pretty easy to maintain thanks to the 110- to 120-volt Krystal Clear Cartridge Filter pump system, which, according to the Intex website, has a flow rate of 530 gallons per hour. The filtration system was simple to use , and it proved to be effective at keeping the water clean. After deciding that a 12-foot by 30-inch round Intex Prism pool style was the perfect fit for my family, I couldn’t wait to set it up.
A pool ring inflated on a hot summer day may also cause the ring to appear deflated in the evening because the air inside the ring is at a lower pressure than the ambient air when the temperature drops. Some customers complain that the Easy Set pools develop a slimy film on the underside of the inflated ring and that the overall diameter of the pool is less than stated on the packaging . A day trip to the water park with a couple of kids in tow can easily top $100, so we love that you can buy the Intex 12ft x 30in Metal Frame Pool Set and get a summer’s worth of entertainment for around the same price. This durable above-ground pool is a solid investment, especially if you’re looking for ways to coax the kids into being active under the summer sun. I agree, Jen- we actually looked at a solar heater , but the cheapest system cost more than the pool…
But, after a quick trip to the store and another new pool, we were ready to try again and hope we had better luck. This may be the first time in two years that most kids will be able to explore the wonders of the great outdoors. Marie Field-Faith makes sure her young ones are protected from the harmful rays of the sun with Orange and Peach Sunblock for Babies and Kids.
I live in Jersey where it gets mighty cold and we receive our fair amount of snow and I have had my 16′ Intex pool up for 8 years possibly 9 years and have never taken it down. In fact, we didn’t even cover it for the past 2 winters. No rips, holes, collapses but liner is starting to wear along the top where liner wraps around the rim bars.
It managed to combat the constant influx of dirt and grime from little feet jumping in and out of the pool. Our younger ones refused to wear flip flops when walking to or from the pool, so they gave this filtration system a run for its money between the bits of grass, leaves, and dirt stuck to their feet. Even with that influx of grime, the water turned from cloudy to clear every time we ran the pump.
A small gap will be required at the top of the bucket opening so that the pump can pull the DE into the filter system. Care for your Intex pool properly to enjoy swimming in crystal clear water all summer long. During winter, the brand recommends draining, disassembling, and storing the pieces in a safe location. To drain, remove the cap from the valve on the exterior pool wall and hook up a hose. I’m also not super thrilled that the cover Intex sells as an accessory, blows off in the slightest of winds; a problem if you don’t want to clean leaves and bugs out of your pool each day. However, the kids didn’t listen to me and yet the pool stood firm.
The Summer Waves pool is certainly nicer looking, thanks to the woven details on the exterior, but it is slightly more expensive. Overall, the Intex won us over with its quality construction and reasonable price. The filtration system was simple to use, and it proved to be effective at keeping the intex purespa water clean. We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best products—learn more about our process. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. Angelica Leicht is a product reviewer for The Spruce who specializes in reviewing home, decor, and family products.