Buying guide for best intex pools
You don’t have to be a kid to enjoy cooling off in a pool on a hot summer day. Unfortunately, the cost of building an in-ground pool is just too great for many homeowners. That’s why aboveground pools are such a popular alternative, and it’s difficult to top Intex pools when it comes to affordable aboveground pools that are easy to install.
Intex offers a wide variety of pools to choose from, so it can be tough to find the right option for your yard. You have to decide on the right type, size, accessories, and other features to make sure your family gets the most out of your pool, and with the number of options that Intex provides, it’s easy to get overwhelmed.
If you’re looking to buy an Intex pool, check out our top recommendations. If you want some general tips on how to choose an Intex pool, keep reading our shopping guide.
Intex pool benefits
On average, it costs at least $22,000 to install an in-ground pool. Intex pools are available at a fraction of the price, and many options are even cheaper than other aboveground pool options.
Intex pools are extremely quick and easy to set up. Some only require inflation, while those that feature frames typically take only one to two hours to set up.
None of an Intex pool’s parts are concealed, so it is much easier to care for than an in-ground pool.
Intex pools come in a variety of sizes – from models that can accommodate two people to those that hold eight or more – so even if your yard isn’t large enough for an in-ground pool, there’s likely an Intex model that will fit it perfectly.
Even the largest Intex pools can be moved around your yard if necessary. Inflatable options are easy to deflate and transport, while those with frames can be disassembled and reassembled without much trouble.
When researching Intex pools, we look at the two main types offered by the company: inflatable vinyl pools and vinyl pools with metal frames.
In our research, we look at inflatable pools for kids, larger inflatable pools, and vinyl pools with metal frames.
Some consumers need an inflatable pool large enough for several kids and an adult. We make a point to look for pools this size in our research.
One of the selling points of Intex pools is the price. These pools cost much less than in-ground models. That said, there are several price tiers in the Intex lineup, and we look at all of them.
Because Intex pools come in a range of sizes, most consumers will be able to find one to suit their outdoor space. We analyze the pool size offerings from Intex.
Easy setup is a definite selling point for a backyard pool. We look at inflatable Intex pools that can be set up in minutes and frame models that take a few hours to prepare for swimming.
Customers want to know how easy it is to clean and maintain a pool by Intex. We note that compared to in-ground models, the process is quite simple.
Inext offers round, oval, and rectangular pools in various sizes to fit different needs. We keep these factors in mind when shortlisting the best Intex pools.
We know many shoppers are looking for a pool to be used by children. In our research, we look for Intex pools with features that appeal to youngsters and families.
Our research includes finding out which accessories come with a pool, such as a pump, ladder, cover, maintenance essentials, water sprayer, or game assortment.
Types of Intex Pools
The Intex pools made for kids are the smallest the company offers. They’re designed to accommodate just a few children and an adult for supervision. They’re similar to the larger inflatable vinyl models, but they usually feature bright colors and bold designs that appeal to youngsters. Some children’s pools also provide fun features like a built-in slide or water sprayer.
Intex inflatable vinyl pools offer the easiest setup of all their models, though these pools aren’t the most durable. The pools are made entirely of vinyl, so you only have to inflate the top ring and add water. Intex inflatable vinyl pools come in a variety of sizes that can usually accommodate up to six people. Because they are less sturdy or durable than pools with frames, they’re best used simply for cooling off and light play.
Vinyl Intex pools with a metal frame are more durable than the inflatable vinyl models. The metal frame gives the pool added stability, so you can use it for more vigorous activities, such as exercise or water sports. Even the pools with frames can usually be set up in an hour or less. They’re available in a variety of sizes that accommodate eight people or more.
If you want the most durable Intex pool, a vinyl model with a premium metal frame is your best bet. It offers a strong steel frame that is treated to resist rust, as well as laminated triple-ply vinyl sidewalls. Like the other metal frame pools, it’s easy to set up, so you can be adding water to the pool in about an hour.
An Intex vinyl premium metal frame pool is larger than the other models and ideal for the most vigorous exercise and play. These models can easily fit eight or more people.
Intex pool features
Size
When you’re trying to decide what size Intex pool to buy, consider both the size of your yard and the number of people who will use the pool at any one time. Here are some general guidelines.
A pool that’s 8 feet in diameter and 30 inches deep can fit two to four people.
A pool that’s 15 feet in diameter and 42 inches deep should comfortably fit four to seven people.
A pool that’s 18 feet in diameter and 48 inches deep can fit eight people or more.
Shape
Intex pools are available in three shapes, rectangular, oval, and round, so you can choose the option based on personal preference and the space available in your yard.
Ease of installation
All Intex pools are fairly easy to install, but you can set up some more quickly than others. The inflatable styles are the easiest to set up because you only have to inflate the top ring, which takes a matter of minutes. The pools with metal frames require you to snap the frame pieces together. These Intex pools can take one to two hours to set up.
Pump
All Intex pools come with some type of pump to filter the water, so you can leave the water in your pool for more than just a day. Most models have either a sand filter or a cartridge filter pump.
Sand filter pump
Cartridge filter pump
Filters larger volume of water than sand filter
Removes up to twice as much debris as sand filter
Filters out much smaller particles than sand filter
Must be cleaned regularly
Requires limited maintenance
Usually more expensive
Accessories
Some Intex pools come with accessories to enhance your swimming experience.
Cover: Many Intex pools come with a cover so you can keep leaves and other debris out of the pool between uses.
Ladder: Deeper Intex pools come with a ladder to make getting in and out easier.
Maintenance kit: Some Intex pools include a maintenance kit to make it easy to keep the pool in top condition.
- Games: Some of the children’s pools and larger Intex pools come with pool toys or games like volleyball or ring toss.
Intex pool prices
Intex pools vary in price based on the type and size, but in most cases you can expect to pay between $10 and $1,650.
Intex kids’ pools are the least expensive option, and these typically range from $10 to $35. Small Intex inflatable vinyl pools are also a good value, ranging from $65 to $300.
Medium to large Intex inflatable vinyl pools typically cost between $300 and $600. Medium to large Intex vinyl pools with metal frames usually cost between $500 and $800.
Medium Intex vinyl pools with premium metal frames typically cost between $800 and $1,200. Large vinyl pools with premium metal frames cost between $1,200 and $1,650.
FAQ
Q. What sort of preparation do I have to do before setting up an Intex pool?
A. It’s important that you place an Intex pool on completely flat or level ground. If the area where you plan to set it up is uneven, you might need to level it out. Clear the area of any hard objects like rocks or branches, as well as particularly hardy grasses like St. Augustine or Bermuda that can actually grow through the vinyl liner. Many Intex models come with a ground cloth to lay down before you set up the pool, which helps protect the vinyl. If your pool doesn’t come with a ground cloth, you can purchase one separately or use a heavy-duty tarp instead.
Q. Do I have to put my Intex pool away for the winter?
A. Some owners prefer emptying and disassembling their pool to store it away for the winter. However, if you live in an area where the temperature doesn’t usually drop below 32°F in the winter, you can choose to leave it up if you follow some simple steps.
Make sure the water is as clean as possible.
Remove the ladder and any other accessories.
Close off the drain plug and other fittings.
Add winterizing chemicals to the water.
Place an Intex cover over the pool.
Q. Are Intex pools safe for dogs or other pets to use?
A. While you might be tempted to let your favorite furry friend cool off in your Intex pool in the summer, it’s not a good idea. Teeth and claws can easily tear the vinyl lining and cause leaks.
