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.
Repeat this process as necessary to achieve a crystal-clear Intex pool. Once the pool has begun to clear, remove the filter and spray it with a hose to remove the DE. Mix the DE and water in the bucket to create a suspension.
Stacy, we had some difficulty removing the horizontal bars, too. If the bar is stuck to the actual liner, turning it will sometimes help loosen it. If you are trying to dislodge the first horizontal bar , then try raising the vertical bars at an angle until you can slide one end of the horizontal bar out. It is a tricky thing to do – but once the first one is out, the rest of the bars are easy. There are a number of similarly sized above-ground pools that compete with Intex’s 12-foot set, and one of the top options is the 12-foot x 33-inch Summer Waves Active Frame Pool.
It is important to choose the right place for the pool. The location should be a flat surface cleared of sharp objects, with four feet of space all the way around. And yet, it needs to be within a reasonable distance of an outlet and water source. The manufacturer site warns that sand should not be used to level out the ground, as it could shift, putting pressure on the frame or causing it to become unstable. Would the neighborhood youths flock to our yard like flies on honey for a dip? And, most importantly, how hard would it be to clean after a serious swim session filled with rambunctious kiddos jumping in, out, and back in again while covered in grass and dirt?
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 frame pool 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.
Hi Rob, we actually had the same thing happen to our vinyl liner. After about 2 years of use, it developed a few holes. We did find a replacement liners, but the replacement liners cost as much as buying the entire pool kit again! I wish the liners would come down in price, as it is very intex baby float wasteful to have the poles and hardware thrown away when an entirely new pool kit is purchased. A pool water monitoring kit is necessary to adjust the chlorine and pH levels of the pool. Chlorine, alkaline pH adjusters, and acid are available at any local hardware or pool store.
And when a nasty storm blew through with winds as high as 50 mph, I held my breath waiting for my beloved pool to collapse; but it didn’t. In fact it’s so sturdy that when I noticed I had erected it with one of the legs a little bit angled, I couldn’t physically move it once the pool was filled. Lastly, what better and more stylish way to carry all new faves than the Kanya Bea Large Knot Bag? It’s 100 percent handcrafted so it’s unique with a refined Filipino style, delicate and minimalist in its approach, and went through an eco-friendly artisanal process.
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.
The brand also offers Disposable Swim Pants allowing babies to enjoy swimming without worries. They also have Kids Face Mask which has a child-friendly design that encourages kids to wear them to prevent them from catching the virus or spreading it. Intex pools are an inexpensive, affordable above-ground pool option for families on a budget. The overall cost of an Intex pool is increased by the purchase of necessary accessories, but the expense is well below that of a permanent above-ground pool system. The only safe way to heat an Intex pool is by using a solar blanket.
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 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.