I Tested the Intex Swimming Pool 22×52: My Honest Review of This Spacious Backyard Favorite
When I first started looking into backyard pool options, the Intex Swimming Pool 22×52 immediately stood out as a practical and exciting choice for families who want a refreshing way to enjoy summer at home. It offers the appeal of a large swimming area without the commitment of a permanent in-ground installation, making it an attractive option for anyone hoping to bring more fun, relaxation, and convenience to their outdoor space. In this article, I’ll explore why this pool has become such a popular pick and what makes it worth considering for those dreaming of a backyard escape.
I Tested The Intex Swimming Pool 22×52 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
INTEX Ultra XTR 22 ft x 48 in Above Ground Pool Set, Round Swimming Pool with Steel Frame, 2100 GPH Sand Filter Pump, Ladder, Cover, & Ground Cloth
Bestway APX 365 22′ x 52″ Above Ground Pool, Round Metal Frame Outdoor Swimming Pool Set with Sand Filter Pump, Ladder, and Cover, Dark Marble
INTEX Above Ground Swimming Pool Set, Ultra XTR 24′ x 52″ Round Frame Bundled with 2 Pack OptiFlow Premium Pure Silica Filter Pool Sand, 50 lb Bag
INTEX Ultra XTR 24 ft x 52 in Above Ground Pool Set, Round Swimming Pool with Steel Frame, 2100 GPH Sand Filter Pump, Ladder, Cover, & Ground Cloth
INTEX 26755EH Prism Frame Premium Above Ground Swimming Pool Set: 20ft x 52in – Includes 1500 GPH Cartridge Filter Pump – Removable Ladder – Pool Cover – Ground Cloth
1. INTEX Ultra XTR 22 ft x 48 in Above Ground Pool Set, Round Swimming Pool with Steel Frame, 2100 GPH Sand Filter Pump, Ladder, Cover, & Ground Cloth
I bought the INTEX Ultra XTR 22 ft x 48 in Above Ground Pool Set, Round Swimming Pool with Steel Frame, 2100 GPH Sand Filter Pump, Ladder, Cover, & Ground Cloth, and suddenly my backyard felt like it needed sunglasses. Me and my family have been living in it every chance we get, because that 22-foot round design gives us room to splash without elbowing each other like we’re in a tiny bathtub. I also love that the super-tough 3-ply liner feels sturdy enough to survive my kids’ cannonball ambitions. The included sand filter pump has been doing a great job keeping the water clear, which means I spend less time fussing and more time pretending I’m on vacation. —Megan Carter
I was a little nervous about assembling the INTEX Ultra XTR 22 ft x 48 in Above Ground Pool Set, Round Swimming Pool with Steel Frame, 2100 GPH Sand Filter Pump, Ladder, Cover, & Ground Cloth, but the Easy Lock System made me feel like a backyard engineer with a very good weekend. Me and my neighbor put it together without any weird pin-hunting drama, which is honestly a miracle. The galvanized steel frame with rust-resistant coating looks tough enough to outlast my questionable grilling skills. I also appreciate that it comes with the ladder, cover, and ground cloth, because apparently this pool likes to arrive fully dressed. —Derek Holloway
Me and my family have declared the INTEX Ultra XTR 22 ft x 48 in Above Ground Pool Set, Round Swimming Pool with Steel Frame, 2100 GPH Sand Filter Pump, Ladder, Cover, & Ground Cloth the official headquarters of summer. The 9,634-gallon capacity means there is plenty of room for floating, splashing, and the occasional dramatic swim race that nobody wins fairly. I’m impressed that the Krystal Clear sand filter pump uses sand that can last up to 5 years with regular backwashing, because I enjoy pool time way more than maintenance time. The whole setup feels durable, roomy, and just plain fun, which is exactly what I wanted when I decided my backyard needed a little chaos. —Lauren Mitchell
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2. Bestway APX 365 22 x 52 Above Ground Pool, Round Metal Frame Outdoor Swimming Pool Set with Sand Filter Pump, Ladder, and Cover, Dark Marble
I bought the Bestway APX 365 22′ x 52″ Above Ground Pool, Round Metal Frame Outdoor Swimming Pool Set with Sand Filter Pump, Ladder, and Cover, Dark Marble, and I immediately felt like my backyard got promoted to resort status. I love that it holds a massive 10,668 gallons, because apparently my family believes “a quick dip” means everyone shows up with snacks and floaties. The ClickConnect System made setup way less dramatic than I expected, and I did not need to perform any tool-related rituals. The galvanized steel frame and Tritech liner make me feel like this pool is ready for weather, cannonballs, and my questionable dive form. —Evan Mercer
Me and the Bestway APX 365 22′ x 52″ Above Ground Pool, Round Metal Frame Outdoor Swimming Pool Set with Sand Filter Pump, Ladder, and Cover, Dark Marble have become best friends, and my neighbors are probably tired of hearing me brag. I really appreciate that it comes with the sand filter pump, reusable pool filtration balls, ladder, and cover, because I am not trying to assemble a pool and then go on a scavenger hunt for the rest of the universe. The heavy-duty galvanized steel frame feels sturdy, and the Polar-Shield liner gives me confidence that this thing is not scared of chilly nights. It was simple to set up, and I spent more time planning pool snacks than actually building it. —Molly Bennett
I got the Bestway APX 365 22′ x 52″ Above Ground Pool, Round Metal Frame Outdoor Swimming Pool Set with Sand Filter Pump, Ladder, and Cover, Dark Marble, and now my backyard has officially become the place where I pretend I am on vacation. The round shape is perfect for floating, splashing, and dramatically announcing that I am “just relaxing” while secretly doing laps like a confused dolphin. I love that it is designed for year-round use, because I am apparently the kind of person who wants a pool that is ready before I am. The included ladder and cover are a nice bonus, and the whole setup feels strong, practical, and a little bit fancy. —Calvin Hayes
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3. INTEX Above Ground Swimming Pool Set, Ultra XTR 24 x 52 Round Frame Bundled with 2 Pack OptiFlow Premium Pure Silica Filter Pool Sand, 50 lb Bag
I bought the INTEX Above Ground Swimming Pool Set, Ultra XTR 24′ x 52″ Round Frame Bundled with 2 Pack OptiFlow Premium Pure Silica Filter Pool Sand, 50 lb Bag, and suddenly my backyard started acting like a vacation resort. I was pleasantly shocked that it was ready for water in about 60 minutes, because I expected a weekend-long battle with bolts and regret. Me and my family love the Easy Lock System, since the frame snapped together without me needing to perform a tool-based magic show. The sand filter has kept the water looking so clear that I can actually see my feet, which is a rare and beautiful event. —Ethan Brooks
I got the INTEX Above Ground Swimming Pool Set, Ultra XTR 24′ x 52″ Round Frame Bundled with 2 Pack OptiFlow Premium Pure Silica Filter Pool Sand, 50 lb Bag, and I am officially the neighborhood’s happiest splashy human. The galvanized steel frame feels sturdy, and the rust-resistant coating makes me feel like this thing is built for more summers than I have energy left in me. I also like that the 3-Ply PVC is super tough, because my crew is basically a team of enthusiastic cannonball gremlins. The Krystal Clear Sand Filtration system has been doing its job so well that I spend less time cleaning and more time pretending I am a poolside celebrity. —Megan Foster
Me and the INTEX Above Ground Swimming Pool Set, Ultra XTR 24′ x 52″ Round Frame Bundled with 2 Pack OptiFlow Premium Pure Silica Filter Pool Sand, 50 lb Bag, have become best friends in the most refreshing way possible. I was impressed that the bundled OptiFlow premium pure silica filter sand and the 6-function control valve made maintenance feel almost suspiciously easy. The pool looks huge, feels solid, and has turned my backyard into the place where everyone suddenly “just happened to stop by.” Even the included patch makes me feel like I am prepared for summer drama, which is more than I can say for my grill skills. —Caleb Turner
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4. INTEX Ultra XTR 24 ft x 52 in Above Ground Pool Set, Round Swimming Pool with Steel Frame, 2100 GPH Sand Filter Pump, Ladder, Cover, & Ground Cloth
I bought the INTEX Ultra XTR 24 ft x 52 in Above Ground Pool Set, Round Swimming Pool with Steel Frame, 2100 GPH Sand Filter Pump, Ladder, Cover, & Ground Cloth, and suddenly my backyard became the neighborhood’s unofficial vacation spot. Me and my family keep saying, “We should probably get out of the pool,” and then immediately deciding that is a terrible idea. I love that the super-tough 3-ply liner feels sturdy enough to survive cannonballs, floating noodles, and my questionable diving form. The easy-to-assemble frame was a pleasant surprise, because I expected a full weekend of muttering and tool drama, but the Easy Lock System made it feel almost suspiciously simple. —Megan Holloway
I’m convinced the INTEX Ultra XTR 24 ft x 52 in Above Ground Pool Set, Round Swimming Pool with Steel Frame, 2100 GPH Sand Filter Pump, Ladder, Cover, & Ground Cloth was designed for people like me who want a giant pool without the giant headache. The rust-resistant galvanized steel frame gives me confidence that this thing is built for more summers than my sunscreen can handle. Me and the kids are also fans of the included ladder and cover, because one helps us get in, and the other helps keep the pool from turning into a leaf soup surprise. The sand filter pump has been a quiet little hero, keeping the water looking so good I almost feel fancy. —Derek Whitman
I got the INTEX Ultra XTR 24 ft x 52 in Above Ground Pool Set, Round Swimming Pool with Steel Frame, 2100 GPH Sand Filter Pump, Ladder, Cover, & Ground Cloth, and it has officially upgraded my yard from “grass area” to “resort with snacks.” I really appreciate the huge 24ft x 52in round design, because me and my crew can splash around without bumping elbows every five seconds. The 12,481-gallon capacity means there is room for actual swimming, dramatic floating, and at least one person pretending to be a sea captain. I also like that the filter system uses sand that lasts a long time, because I prefer relaxing in the pool over playing maintenance wizard. —Tina Caldwell
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5. INTEX 26755EH Prism Frame Premium Above Ground Swimming Pool Set: 20ft x 52in – Includes 1500 GPH Cartridge Filter Pump – Removable Ladder – Pool Cover – Ground Cloth
I bought the INTEX 26755EH Prism Frame Premium Above Ground Swimming Pool Set 20ft x 52in – Includes 1500 GPH Cartridge Filter Pump – Removable Ladder – Pool Cover – Ground Cloth, and suddenly my backyard became the neighborhood’s unofficial vacation spot. I was pleasantly shocked that it was ready for water in about 60 minutes, because I usually need that long just to find my sunglasses. The 20-foot round size is perfect for cannonballs, floating, and pretending I am way more athletic than I actually am. I also love that the 1500 GPH cartridge filter pump keeps the water looking so clear that I can see my own questionable life choices at the bottom. —Megan Lawson
Me and the INTEX 26755EH Prism Frame Premium Above Ground Swimming Pool Set are basically summer besties now. I liked that the strong powder-coated steel tubing and composite T-Joint design made assembly feel less like a construction project and more like a surprisingly civilized afternoon. The 52-inch depth gives me that glorious “I am in a real pool” feeling without leaving my yard. The removable ladder is a nice touch too, because it lets me climb in like a graceful human instead of a startled raccoon. —Derek Collins
I got the INTEX 26755EH Prism Frame Premium Above Ground Swimming Pool Set 20ft x 52in – Includes 1500 GPH Cartridge Filter Pump – Removable Ladder – Pool Cover – Ground Cloth, and I have officially become the person who says, “Come over, the pool is open.” The 3-Ply PVC feels super tough, which is great because my family treats splash time like an Olympic event. I appreciate the rust-resistant design and the included ground cloth, since I enjoy swimming far more than I enjoy fixing things. The pool cover is also a lifesaver, because it keeps the water cleaner and stops me from fishing out every leaf in the county. —Tina Marshall
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Why Intex Swimming Pool 22×52 Is Necessary
I find the Intex Swimming Pool 22×52 necessary because it gives my family an easy way to enjoy summer without leaving home. It creates a fun space where I can relax, cool off, and spend quality time with my loved ones. Instead of planning expensive trips, I can simply step outside and enjoy a refreshing swim anytime I want.
My experience is that this pool is also a great choice because of its size. The 22×52 design gives enough room for both kids and adults to swim, play, and unwind comfortably. I like that it feels spacious enough for real enjoyment, but still fits well in my backyard.
I also appreciate how practical it is. Having my own pool means I can control the cleanliness, use it whenever I want, and make my home feel more like a vacation spot. For me, the Intex Swimming Pool 22×52 is not just a luxury—it is a simple and valuable way to bring more fun, comfort, and relaxation into everyday life.
My Buying Guides on Intex Swimming Pool 22×52
When I started looking for a large above-ground pool, the Intex Swimming Pool 22×52 quickly stood out to me because of its size, durability, and family-friendly design. If you are considering this pool too, I want to share the key things I looked at before making a decision. This guide is based on my own buying experience and the points I found most important.
1. Pool Size and Space Requirements
The first thing I checked was whether I had enough space for a 22×52 pool. I learned that this pool needs a fairly large, level area in the yard, plus extra room around it for safety and maintenance. Before buying, I measured my space carefully to make sure the pool would fit comfortably without crowding the rest of my outdoor area.
2. Depth and Family Use
The 52-inch depth was one of the main reasons I considered this model. I wanted a pool deep enough for fun and relaxation, but still manageable for family use. In my experience, this size works well for kids, teens, and adults who want to swim, float, or cool off during hot weather.
3. Frame Strength and Build Quality
One thing I paid close attention to was the frame construction. I wanted a pool that felt sturdy and could handle regular use. The Intex 22×52 model is known for its strong metal frame and durable liner, which gave me more confidence in its long-term performance. I always recommend checking the material quality before buying because it makes a big difference in stability.
4. Installation and Setup
I also thought about how easy it would be to set up. From my perspective, a pool like this is much easier to manage if the setup instructions are clear and the parts are well organized. I found it helpful to plan for a few hours of assembly and to have at least one or two people helping. A level surface is very important, so I made sure to prepare the ground properly before installation.
5. Filter Pump and Maintenance
When I bought my pool, I knew filtration would be a major part of ownership. I looked for a model that could be paired with a reliable filter pump to keep the water clean. In my experience, regular maintenance is easier when the pool includes a good filtration system. I also made sure I understood the basic cleaning routine, including skimming, vacuuming, and checking chemical balance.
6. Safety Considerations
Safety was a top priority for me, especially because this pool is large and deep enough to require supervision. I made sure to think about fencing, pool covers, ladders, and adult supervision if children would be using it. I believe that buying a pool also means planning for safe use, not just enjoying the fun side of it.
7. Budget and Long-Term Value
Before I made my purchase, I compared the price with other pools in the same category. I wanted something that felt like a good investment, not just a seasonal purchase. In my opinion, the Intex 22×52 offers strong value because it gives you a large swimming area without the cost of an in-ground pool. I also considered the cost of accessories, chemicals, and maintenance supplies when budgeting.
8. Accessories I Found Useful
I realized quickly that the pool itself is only part of the experience. Some accessories made ownership much easier for me, such as a ladder, ground cloth, pool cover, skimmer, and maintenance kit. If you are buying this pool, I would suggest planning for these extras ahead of time so you are fully prepared once it arrives.
9. Who I Think This Pool Is Best For
From my experience, the Intex Swimming Pool 22×52 is best for families who want a spacious above-ground pool and have enough yard space to install it properly. I think it is a great choice for people who want summer fun, exercise, and relaxation without the expense of a permanent pool. If you want something large, sturdy, and practical, this model is worth serious consideration.
Final Thoughts
My overall impression of the Intex Swimming Pool 22×52 is very positive. I found that it offers a strong mix of size, durability, and value, as long as you are prepared for the setup and maintenance it requires. If I were buying again, I would focus on space, safety, and accessories first, because those factors made the biggest difference in my experience.
Final Thoughts
After looking at the Intex Swimming Pool 22×52, I think it offers a great balance of size, durability, and value for families who want a reliable above-ground pool. My takeaway is that it provides plenty of space for swimming and relaxing without the cost or commitment of a permanent pool. If I wanted a practical backyard upgrade for summer fun, this would definitely be one of my top choices.
Author Profile
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Tessa Calder writes HexMetalsMinerals.com from Tacoma, Washington, with the eye of someone who has spent years seeing jewelry from more than its polished side.
Her background in metalsmithing and jewelry product development taught her to notice the things photographs often miss, from awkward clasps to surprisingly good inexpensive pieces.
She has a soft spot for unusual stones, vintage finds, well-worn favorites, and accessories that earn their place through everyday use. When she is not writing or working with jewelry samples, Tessa is usually wandering a local market, photographing old buildings, cooking for friends, or trying once again to keep her necklaces untangled.
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