These hot summer days are keeping me away from my PC, but still, I manage to do my work from time to time. In this post, I want to show you my above-ground Intex swimming pool. It helps me find my piece of heaven while the outside temperature goes high touching the red scale on the thermometer.
I have an above-ground rectangular frame Intex swimming pool mid-size with an excellent fitting in my yard. It helps me stay cool during the heatwave. Before this model, I’ve used to cool myself in the Intex 15ft x 48in an inflatable above-ground pool set. After two seasons passed by, I’ve decided to go with something more convenient. Now I have this above-ground, rectangular metal frame swimming pool. I love this pool, and that is why I want to write a short review and detailed post for everyone who is looking for a small swimming pool to install in a yard.
Intex Metal Frame Pool Review
This is a quite popular model and durable as well. I’m using it for the second season already, and I can’t see any teardowns on its outside surfaces. Some teardowns on the inside are present, by my fault. I talk about it later on. Keep reading my own Above Ground Intex Pool review.
Let me go at the in-depth details of the Intex Metal Frame above ground pool. It is one of the most popular pool models on the U.S. market today. This pool is absolutely great for small yards, to keep you cool on hot summer days.
From a functionality standpoint, it’s for all intent and purpose a great above ground pool. Its user-friendly installation process is second to none. Still, I suggest a two-person installation because it is more appropriate. In addition to that, this above-ground pool is easy to move around your residence backyard. It is a light pool, and it is easy to move around if you have additional help.
Intex Pool Installed Chlorine Floater Pool Inlet Jet Nozzle Intex Metal Frame
An above-ground Intex swimming pool is suitable for outdoor installation if the surface isn’t that flat. The sturdy metal frame ensures that it does not collapse. The outer walls are made with a super-tough laminated PVC which safeguards against wear and tear.
Features and Benefits
- The metal frame is great against tears and leaks. You’ll not have to worry about unlevel ground unless your backyard is on a stiff slope
- A small cartridge filter pump maintains high water hygienic level. You’ll always have refreshing clean water because of the Intex Krystal clear cartridge filter pump
- A safeguard shuts off the pump when an electrical pump comes into contact with the water
- A one year guarantee to repair or replace the Krystal clear cartridge filter pump in case it malfunctions
- This above-ground Intex pool easily fills with water by using an outdoor hose or even a garden watering pipe
- It doesn’t take up lots of space, so it’s perfect even if you’ve got a small backyard
I could say this pool is quite safe and easy to maintain. Mine is, and I want to write a few words on that topic. I’m using my pool for two seasons now and there are no signs of wearing from the outside. However, the inside surface has bleached by my fault. On the first season using this pool, I’ve putting chlorine granules directly inside. These chlorine granules are hard to melt in the water, and staying on the bottom they do remove the original color making this pool look like burned on the sun.
- The red center pops up when chlorine is running low. That means it is time to refill
- An adjustable dispenser allows for just the right amount of chlorine to be released over time as the unit floats
- Dispenser accepts 1” and 3” chlorine tablets with storage for up to four tabs at once
- The twist-lock cap keeps stored chlorine secure until ready for dispersion
- This floating chlorination dispenser is made of durable ABS plastic to last from season to season
To avoid these burning-like stains in your pool, I suggest using a Floating Chlorinator Dispenser. These are cheap, and by using them your pool should stay like new from the inside. If you decide to use a floating dispenser, keep in mind buying 1” or 3” chlorine tablets, depending on a Floating dispenser model.
To improve on the hygiene in your pool I strongly suggest using a Filter pump. Personally, I use the Intex Krystal Clear Cartridge Filter Pump. This filter pump has been specially designed for above-ground pools. It is not the strongest pump you can find, but with a 1000 GPH pump flow rate, it is more than just enough.
Keep in mind that the pump flow rate is determined by a total pool water volume. Read for pool specifications and buy a propper pump with enough flow rate capacity.
Sometimes the Intex Metal Frame above ground pool comes with an Intex Krystal clear filter pump. If not, buy one. This pump + Chlorine tablets are maintaining the water freshness.
Take a closer look: Under my pool, I’ve placed 1-inch thick styrofoam to keep it from tearing of the concrete floor. You should do the same. Place some kind of protective base. It will repeal a small rock and sand from making small leaking holes underneath.
How to Choose an Above Ground Pool?
When you’re looking for an above-ground pool, think about the space you have in the yard. Also, think about extra space for equipment or just for extra three feet of clearance on each side to accommodate the supportive frame uprights.
Let’s take, for example, the rectangular swimming pool that I have. Extra space is required for the pumping system, and for all these metal uprights all around the pool.
It depends on the pool size, you have to calculate some extra space to go around. It is worth it, to spend hot summer days swimming with your family. Buying above ground pool is cheaper and more convenient compared to building an inground pool. Above-ground pools have another great advantage. They are easy to install and remove when they are not in use. This comes in handy even more in the areas with temperate climates. Folding pools are a great budget option and for those living in the area with 2 max 3 hot months. I use mine from June up to September in the best-case scenario. Late August month is time to disassemble the Intex pool and store it.
NOTE: Take a look at the space where you want to install the pool. If you have a small backyard, you should go for a small pool. You should leave enough space around the pool for fencing the above-ground pool. You will also need space for installing the pump and filter.
Buy Quality For Years of Joy
If you decide to buy a pool, for yourself or the whole family, make sure to buy a pool that is durable and with all quality that comes with it. Don’t try to save a few bucks, that could cost you even more. Cheap pools tend to leak or collapse after the first season of use. I encourage you to buy a decent swimming pool, that could last 3-4 or even 5 seasons if you properly maintain it.
Good quality above-ground Intex pools come with steel frames and have tough sidewalls made from durable PVC materials. I like Intex pools, love their simple construction and quality. The whole family using this rectangular metal frame pool second year now already. My next pool, I hope, will be Intex. Maybe a bigger one, hope so.
NOTE: Above ground pools size vary a lot. Depending on your needs, you can choose a height starting from 40 inches all the way up to 54 inches. If you have childrens, maybe you shouldn’t go for a very deep pool.
How long the above ground pool could last?
Well, we can’t expect it to last forever. Even in-ground pools don’t last forever. Every pool needs maintenance and repairs from time to time.
Unlike the in-ground pools which tend to last for decades, above-ground pools last approximately between 3-7 years maximum. The most obvious reason is that the sidewalls are made of liners that are susceptible to wear and tear. Depending on the quality of the swimming pool, you’ll need to replace your pool after a couple of summers. That isn’t something to worry about. Keep in mind that these pools are reasonably priced, and they are actually made to be replaced every few years of usage.
The rule applies: the older the pool, the higher the risk of it starting to leak or even collapsing.
If you choose an Intex above-ground pool, in the package you’ll find a repair kit. This repair kit should help you to extend the life of the pool. Small leaking points are easy to repair. However, when the time comes, you just need to replace the old pool with a new one.
Although a high-quality above-ground pool can last for a long time, don’t expect them to last more than 6-7 years.
These days high-quality materials are used in pool production which is why they can last for so many years. Keep in mind, even if it isn’t leaking, sun exposure has a negative impact on its appearance and lasting in general. The other factor that determines how long a pool will last is maintenance level.
Above Ground Pool Water Depth
The usual depth of above ground swimming pools is either 42″, 48,” 52″, and 54″. Bear in mind that these are the heights of the sidewalls, but not really the depth of the pool because the standard above-ground pool is not filled with water up to the very top of the pool.
The water level should always be about 6″ below the top of the pool. In general, most above-ground pools don’t have a deep end. That is OK I think, and if you’re looking for something with a deep end, you should consider looking at inground pools. The inground pool is much more expensive, and way too ahead of this pool budget range.
What Are The Benefits of Above Ground Pool?
The main difference and advantages of above-ground pools over inground pools are explained in the text that follows.
They are way much cheaper: Although a swimming pool was always considered to be for the very rich, this applies only to inground pools. A standard above-ground pool is much cheaper than an inground pool. This gives people a chance to own a swimming pool within a budget. So if you are on a tight budget, you should consider this option.
Above-ground pools are easy to install: The outstanding feature of the above-ground pool is the ease of installation. The process of installing it is simple and easy. In most cases, you don’t need the help of a professional to do it.
Easy to maintain: Unlike inground pools whose cost of maintenance is quite high, above-ground pools have a low cost of maintenance. You don’t need to buy expensive pumps because most solutions come with their own pump.
Variety of different swimming pool models: When it comes to a variety of models and designs, you will be spoilt for choice because there are so many options that are available. You can choose the size that suits you best. You have the option of going small ones that can even fit into your garage and some which can be extra-large. Some are large as a 20-foot container.
Above-ground pools are secure and safe: These pools are safe because the entry-level is high. Therefore, someone can’t easily fall inside. There also tend not to be very deep compared to inground pools which have deep ends.
Learn How to Increase Pool Safety
It is pretty important to keep the pool environment safe. Prevention of drowning should be given the first consideration. Some of the measures you can take to increase the safety around the pool include.
- Secure the pool by the fence
- Take swimming lessons
- Supervise
- Learn first aid technique of drowning
- Have a first aid kit
- Learn Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
Final words
When you’re looking for an in-ground pool vs an above-ground pool, your preference will mostly be determined by the amount of money you want to invest and the climate where you live. If you live in a place where the climate is warm in most months of the year, you should consider buying an in-ground pool because the investment will be worth it.
On the other hand, if you live in a place where the climate is cold in most months of the year, you should go for the above-ground pool. The other thing to consider is your budget. If your budget is limited, you should consider going for an above-ground pool, as they are cheaper, and the cost of maintenance is not that high.
Keep in mind that above-ground pools have so many different sizes and that you can find one to fit in your backyard. I just love my pool, and I’m more than satisfied with it. My whole family enjoys the fresh pool water, maintained with chlorine tablets and a small Intex Krystal Clear Cartridge Filter Pump that came in the package.