Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)We looked at getting a "real" pool but couldn't justify the cost. This arrived quickly and was complete. We did pay the extra to have the site prepared, we have a pretty good slope to our yard and really did not like the idea of all of that digging. Once the water compacted the soil, there is still a very minor dip at one end, only about one inch difference total but enough to notice with the water level. I personally don't think that is possible to have dirt completely level. Be sure to check for stones, even a few inches down from the surface. The weight of the water will accent these bumps pretty well.
I had read other reviews that said it was a pain to put up and with three small kids, we opted for a pool installer to set it up. Wish we hadn't. It was Lincoln logs, easy as pie to put together. You definitely need two or more people though. The pieces fit together easily but snugly, especially once the water started going in. The kids have a tendency to hang on the sides as they adjust goggles and whatnot, but it is fine. We did upgrade the ladder to one with a bigger platform and a gate for the kids' safety.
The pump is wonderful. We had a 12' round with the most pitiful pump the year before. We had algae and sediment problems all summer. It was a serious pain. This pump actually moves a lot of water. I had purchased a used PoolFrog system from Ebay and put that in line with the pump. One mineral cartridge a season, and one BacPac every 6 weeks, and I swear that I never had to add a single thing all summer. The water was clear and beautiful every day.
The cleaning kit that came with pool works great too. The skimmer and vacuum really get the sand and grass off the bottom. It never looked bad until I was done sweeping, then I looked at what it picked up. Yuck! I had to sweep about two or three times over the season, simply because of grass stuck to feet and things.
Honestly, we love it. It is big enough for several kids and a few adults, it isn't obnoxious blue, and I get to spend more time IN my pool, than MAINTAINING my pool.
Don't follow the enclosed directions for winterizing. You will crack the plunger valves like we did. A cheap fix though, $30 for two new valves and it is as good as new. We live in NE Ohio and left it up for the winter with a chemical kit in it before and it was fine.
The solar cover that comes with it is sad. Upgrade to a bubble one.
That's it.
We love it. Couldn't be happier.
****It is now more than halfway into the second season and the pool is still great. We actually added a solar heater to the pool this year and the pump works fine with it. Our local pool store tried to tell us the pump wasn't strong enough to push the water through the heater and the frog but it is fantastic. We actually have to turn the pump off sometimes to keep the water from getting too warm. The vacuum works with the heater intalled also. No tears, fading or discoloration of the liner, interior or exterior. Still love it.****
Click Here to see more reviews about: Intex Ultra Metal Frame Pool w/ New Child Safety Barrier Ladder - 18' x 52" complete set
Here's the next step in Metal Frame pool and beauty! Announcing Intex's new Ultra-Frame Metal Frame Pool. This new frame with its unique shape is stronger than traditional round metal frames. And it's easier to assemble - the new shape allows for the pieces to fit together so smoothly and securely - no seperate locking pins are needed! Which means a cleaner, even better looking pool than the traditional metal frames.
