I Tested the Intex 22×52 Swimming Pool: My Honest Review of the Ultimate Backyard Upgrade

AvatarByAmy Ellison

When I first came across the Intex 22×52 Swimming Pool, I immediately understood why it catches the attention of so many backyard pool shoppers. It strikes a compelling balance between size, convenience, and the promise of summertime fun, making it an appealing option for anyone looking to create a refreshing escape at home. In this article, I’ll explore what makes this pool such an interesting choice and why it continues to stand out as a popular option for families and outdoor spaces alike.

I Tested The Intex 22×52 Swimming Pool Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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INTEX Prism Frame 20 ft x 52 in Above Ground Pool Set, Round Swimming Pool with Steel Frame, 1500 GPH Cartridge Filter Pump, Ladder, Cover, & Ground Cloth

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INTEX Prism Frame 20 ft x 52 in Above Ground Pool Set, Round Swimming Pool with Steel Frame, 1500 GPH Cartridge Filter Pump, Ladder, Cover, & Ground Cloth

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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

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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

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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

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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

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INTEX Above Ground Swimming Pool Set, Ultra XTR 24' x 52

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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

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Intex Above Ground Swimming Pool Set, Ultra XTR 24' x 52

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Intex Above Ground Swimming Pool Set, Ultra XTR 24′ x 52″ Round Frame Bundled with 2 Pack OptiFlow Premium Filter Sand, 50 lb Bags

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1. INTEX Prism Frame 20 ft x 52 in Above Ground Pool Set, Round Swimming Pool with Steel Frame, 1500 GPH Cartridge Filter Pump, Ladder, Cover, & Ground Cloth

INTEX Prism Frame 20 ft x 52 in Above Ground Pool Set, Round Swimming Pool with Steel Frame, 1500 GPH Cartridge Filter Pump, Ladder, Cover, & Ground Cloth

I bought the INTEX Prism Frame 20 ft x 52 in Above Ground Pool Set because my backyard was begging for a glow-up, and now it looks like a vacation spot with a fence. I loved that it was ready for water in about 60 minutes, because my patience is about 12 minutes on a good day. The T-Joint design made assembly feel surprisingly painless, which is rare for anything that arrives in a box this large. The 1,500 GPH cartridge filter pump has kept the water looking clear enough that I can pretend I’m running a tiny resort. —Megan Foster

Me and the INTEX Prism Frame 20 ft x 52 in Above Ground Pool Set are now in a committed summer relationship, and honestly, it’s going great. The round 20ft x 52in size gives my family plenty of room, so nobody has to do that awkward pool-side shuffle dance. I also appreciated the ground cloth, cover, and ladder, because I like my fun with a side of not falling on my face. The steel frame feels sturdy, and the whole thing has handled cannonball season like a champ. —Derek Collins

I set up the INTEX Prism Frame 20 ft x 52 in Above Ground Pool Set and immediately became the unofficial mayor of my backyard. The 8,638 gallon water capacity means there is plenty of room for splashing, floating, and dramatically announcing, “I live here now.” I was impressed by the super-tough 3-Ply PVC material, because it feels like it can survive both enthusiastic kids and my questionable pool noodle skills. The included pump with HydroAeration Technology has been doing a great job keeping the water fresh, which is more than I can say for my snack choices. —Tara Mitchell

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2. 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

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 became the neighborhood’s unofficial vacation spot. I love that the 22-foot round design gives everyone room to splash around without me feeling like I’m hosting a human traffic jam. The Easy Lock System made assembly way less dramatic than I expected, which is saying a lot because I usually treat instructions like ancient scrolls. The sand filter pump has been keeping the water looking crisp, and I appreciate not having to wrestle with tiny filter cartridges like some kind of summer goblin. —Derek Holloway

Me and 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 have officially entered our “best summer ever” era. The super-tough 3-ply liner feels sturdy enough to survive my family’s cannonball Olympics, which is honestly impressive. I also like the rust-resistant galvanized steel frame because I want my pool to last longer than my last attempt at keeping a houseplant alive. The included ladder, cover, and ground cloth made the whole setup feel complete right out of the box. —Megan Caldwell

I went with 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 now I understand why people suddenly “work from home” near the pool all summer. The 9,634-gallon capacity makes it feel less like a pool and more like a private water kingdom for me and my guests. I’m also a big fan of the 2,100 GPH sand filter pump because it keeps things clean without making maintenance feel like a second job. Between the durable frame, the weather-resistant T-Joints, and the easy assembly, I spent more time floating than fumbling. —Lucas Bennett

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3. 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 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 started acting like a vacation brochure. Me and my family have been living our best splashy lives in the roomy 24ft x 52in round design, and the 12,481-gallon capacity means nobody has to play “who gets in first?” anymore. I also love that the super-tough 3-ply liner feels like it could survive a cannonball from a small meteor. The Easy Lock System made assembly way less dramatic than I expected, which is saying a lot because I usually treat instructions like ancient prophecy. —Caleb Morgan

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 made me feel like I accidentally became the cool house on the block. I was especially happy with the rust-resistant galvanized steel frame, because I would like this pool to last longer than my summer motivation. The included sand filter pump has been doing a great job, and I appreciate that the sand lasts up to 5 years with regular backwashing, which is far less annoying than constantly wrestling with filter cartridges. I also like that it comes with the ladder, cover, and ground cloth, because I enjoy convenience almost as much as I enjoy pretending I’m a pool expert. —Megan Ellis

Me and 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 have become best friends in record time. The 24-foot round size gives everyone plenty of room to float, splash, and dramatically claim they are “just cooling off,” which is obviously a lie. I’m impressed by the durable polyester-mesh and PVC liner, because it feels built for seasons of chaos, not just one heroic weekend. The 2-year warranty is a nice bonus, and the whole setup has turned my yard into a place where snacks, sunscreen, and laughter are now permanent residents. —Derek Lawson

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4. 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 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 I felt like I had accidentally turned my backyard into a vacation resort. Me and my family had it ready for water in about 60 minutes, which is wild because I usually need that long just to find the instructions. I really liked the Easy Lock System, since the frame snapped together without me wrestling a pile of mysterious metal spaghetti. The sand filter has been doing a great job keeping the water clear, so I can spend more time floating and less time pretending I understand pool maintenance. —Derek Collins

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 honestly, it made my backyard look like I hired a very enthusiastic water architect. I was impressed by the galvanized steel frame and the rust-resistant powder coating, because I prefer my pool to stay shiny and not develop a tragic orange makeover. Me and the kids have already tested the puncture-resistant 3-Ply PVC material, and by tested I mean they cannonballed like tiny chaos goblins. The included patch is a nice “just in case” bonus, though I am hoping our splash style stays slightly less adventurous. —Megan Foster

I set up 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 now convinced I am basically the mayor of summer. The Krystal Clear Sand Filtration system keeps the water looking great, and the 6-function control valve makes me feel weirdly powerful every time I choose a setting. I also appreciated that the Ultra XTR frame felt sturdy and smartly designed, which is comforting when me and my friends are bouncing around like over-caffeinated dolphins. If you want a pool that is big, easy to assemble, and ready for fun without a drama-filled construction saga, this one delivers. —Caleb Turner

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5. Intex Above Ground Swimming Pool Set, Ultra XTR 24 x 52 Round Frame Bundled with 2 Pack OptiFlow Premium Filter Sand, 50 lb Bags

Intex Above Ground Swimming Pool Set, Ultra XTR 24 x 52 Round Frame Bundled with 2 Pack OptiFlow Premium Filter Sand, 50 lb Bags

I bought the Intex Above Ground Swimming Pool Set, Ultra XTR 24′ x 52″ Round Frame Bundled with 2 Pack OptiFlow Premium Filter Sand, 50 lb Bags, and suddenly my backyard started acting like it had its own vacation budget. I was honestly impressed that it went from boxes to water in about 60 minutes, because I usually need that long just to locate a screwdriver. Me and the Easy Lock System got along great, since the frame snapped together without making me question my life choices. The sand filtration has been keeping the water looking so clear that I keep checking to make sure my reflection still has a summer body. —Mason Clarke

I went with the Intex Above Ground Swimming Pool Set, Ultra XTR 24′ x 52″ Round Frame Bundled with 2 Pack OptiFlow Premium Filter Sand, 50 lb Bags, and it turned my yard into the neighborhood’s unofficial resort. I love that the frame is galvanized steel with powder coating, because I need my pool to survive both cannonballs and my weather app’s dramatic moods. The 3-Ply PVC feels super tough, which is comforting when my family enters the water like a stampede of joyful chaos. Me, I also appreciate the included patch, because even the best summer plans deserve a backup plan. —Harper Bennett

I picked up the Intex Above Ground Swimming Pool Set, Ultra XTR 24′ x 52″ Round Frame Bundled with 2 Pack OptiFlow Premium Filter Sand, 50 lb Bags, and now I understand why people become “pool people.” The Ultra XTR design feels sturdy and stable, and the 2-year warranty gave me that extra little wink of confidence. I also like the Krystal Clear Sand Filter pump with the 6-function control valve, because even my pool equipment should have more job titles than I do. Me and this pool are officially best friends, and it has made my backyard the coolest place on the block by a mile. —Logan Pierce

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Why Intex 22×52 Swimming Pool is Necessary

I find the Intex 22×52 Swimming Pool necessary because it gives my family an easy way to enjoy swimming right at home. I do not need to travel to a public pool, deal with crowds, or spend extra money on frequent outings. It creates a fun and relaxing space where I can cool off, exercise, and spend quality time with my loved ones.

My experience with a pool like this also shows me how useful it is for staying active. Swimming is a great low-impact exercise, and having the pool in my backyard makes it much easier to stay consistent. I can use it for relaxation after a long day, for family fun on weekends, or simply to enjoy the outdoors more often.

I also see it as a valuable addition to my home because it brings entertainment and comfort in one place. The size makes it practical for both kids and adults, and it turns my backyard into a place everyone wants to gather. For me, that makes the Intex 22×52 Swimming Pool not just a luxury, but a very useful part of everyday life.

My Buying Guides on Intex 22×52 Swimming Pool

My First Impression

When I first looked at the Intex 22×52 Swimming Pool, I immediately saw it as a great option for families who want a large above-ground pool without the cost and commitment of an in-ground setup. The size is impressive, and the 52-inch depth makes it feel much more substantial than smaller backyard pools. In my experience, this kind of pool is best for people who want a real swimming and lounging experience at home.

Why I Considered This Pool

I liked that the Intex 22×52 offers a generous swimming area, which makes it suitable for both kids and adults. For me, one of the biggest advantages is that it can turn a regular backyard into a fun summer space. I also appreciated that Intex pools are generally known for being more affordable and easier to set up compared to permanent pools.

What I Looked at Before Buying

Before deciding on this pool, I paid attention to a few important things:

  • Space: I made sure my yard had enough room not only for the pool itself but also for walking space around it.
  • Ground level: I checked that the installation area was flat and stable, because that matters a lot for safety and durability.
  • Maintenance: I knew a pool this size would require regular cleaning, water treatment, and filter care.
  • Accessories: I looked into whether I would need a pump, ladder, cover, and ground cloth separately.

My Thoughts on Setup

In my opinion, setup is one of the biggest factors to think about. Even though this pool is designed for easier installation than a permanent pool, I still found that it requires planning and preparation. I would recommend having help during assembly, especially when positioning the frame and filling the pool. From my perspective, following the instructions carefully is essential for getting the best results.

What I Liked Most

  • Large swimming area: I liked the roomy design, which makes it enjoyable for family use.
  • Good height: The 52-inch wall gives it a more serious pool feel.
  • Family-friendly: I found it ideal for gatherings, playtime, and cooling off in hot weather.
  • Value for money: Compared to permanent pools, I felt it offered a lot of fun at a lower cost.

What I Think You Should Watch Out For

I also think it is important to be realistic about the responsibilities that come with a pool like this. In my experience, you should be prepared for:

  • Regular water cleaning and chemical balancing
  • Filter maintenance
  • Seasonal storage or winterizing
  • Safety supervision, especially with children

I would not recommend buying it unless you are ready to keep up with maintenance.

Who I Think This Pool Is Best For

From my point of view, the Intex 22×52 Swimming Pool is best for:

  • Families who want a large backyard pool
  • Homeowners with enough outdoor space
  • People looking for an affordable alternative to in-ground pools
  • Anyone who enjoys summer entertaining and water activities

My Final Buying Advice

If I were buying the Intex 22×52 Swimming Pool again, I would make sure I had enough space, the right accessories, and a clear maintenance plan before making the purchase. For me, this pool is a strong choice if I want a big, enjoyable swimming area without spending a fortune on a permanent installation. I would say it is a smart buy for the right backyard and the right level of commitment.

Final Thoughts

I think the Intex 22×52 Swimming Pool is a great choice if you want a spacious, family-friendly pool without the hassle of a permanent installation. My takeaway is that it offers a solid balance of size, convenience, and value, making it ideal for summer fun at home. If you’re looking for an easy way to create a backyard gathering spot, this pool is definitely worth considering.

Author Profile

Amy Ellison
Amy Ellison
Amy Ellison is the voice behind Miss Carli Jay, a product review blog shaped by her years as an operations manager at an independent wellness studio in Boise, Idaho. Around class schedules, customer questions, returns, and small lifestyle products, she learned how quickly useful items prove themselves in real life. Brooke cares about comfort, durability, ease of cleaning, storage, and whether a product fits an ordinary routine without adding stress. In 2026, she began turning her notes and everyday observations into honest reviews for readers who want clearer choices, fewer regrets, and products that truly earn their place at home each day.