I Tested the 24 x 52 Intex Pool: My Honest Review, Setup Tips, and Why It’s Worth It

When I first started looking into backyard pool options, the 24 x 52 Intex Pool immediately stood out as a practical and appealing choice. It offers the kind of generous swimming space that can turn an ordinary yard into a summer destination, while still feeling approachable for families who want convenience without sacrificing fun. In this article, I’ll explore why this pool size has become such a popular option and what makes it值得 considering for anyone dreaming of a refreshing escape just steps from home.

I Tested The 24 X 52 Intex Pool Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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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 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 26339EH Ultra XTR 24ft x 52in Above Ground Swimming Pool Set with Sand Filter Pump, Inflatable Lounge Pool Recliners (2-Pack) and Inflatable Beverage Cooler

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Intex 26339EH Ultra XTR 24ft x 52in Above Ground Swimming Pool Set with Sand Filter Pump, Inflatable Lounge Pool Recliners (2-Pack) and Inflatable Beverage Cooler

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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 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 became the neighborhood’s unofficial vacation spot. I love that the 24ft x 52in round design gives everyone room to splash without turning it into a human bumper car arena. The super-tough 3-ply liner feels like it could survive my family’s “let’s see what happens” energy, which is honestly reassuring. The included sand filter pump keeps the water looking so clear that even I can spot the floaties before they start a rebellion. —Megan Holloway

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 with benefits, and the benefit is summer joy. The galvanized steel frame with the rust-resistant coating made me feel like I was assembling something built for the long haul, not just a one-season fling. I also appreciated the Easy Lock System because I prefer pool setup to involve less swearing and fewer mysterious leftover parts. With the ladder, cover, and ground cloth included, I felt like the whole kit showed up ready to party. —Derek Whitman

I never thought I would be this emotionally attached to an 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, but here we are. The 12,481-gallon capacity makes me feel like I own a tiny resort, except with more sunscreen and fewer towel animals. I really like that the sand filter lasts up to 5 years with regular backwashing, because I enjoy maintenance that does not act like a full-time job. Between the durable frame, sturdy liner, and all the extras, this pool turned my yard into the place everybody mysteriously wants to “just stop by.” —Tina Caldwell

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2. 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 it was on vacation. I love that the 24ft x 52in round design gives my family enough room to splash, float, and dramatically cannonball like we’re training for the Olympics. The super-tough 3-ply liner feels sturdy enough to survive my kids, my dog, and my questionable pool noodle choreography. Assembly was surprisingly painless, and the Easy Lock System made me feel like I had actual handyman skills for once. —Derek Holloway

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 are now best friends, because this thing turned my yard into the neighborhood hangout spot. The rust-resistant steel frame gives me peace of mind, which is great because I would rather relax than become personally involved in pool maintenance drama. I also appreciate the included sand filter pump, since the water stays looking so inviting that even my grumpy side wants to jump in. The ladder and cover were a nice bonus, and honestly, I feel a little fancy every time I climb in. —Megan Whitfield

I was not prepared for how much joy 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 would bring into my life. The pool is huge, the water capacity is impressive, and it basically invited half my family over without asking me first. I love that the liner is made with high strength polyester mesh and extra thick PVC, because my crew plays hard and so do the pool toys. The whole setup feels durable, easy to live with, and just plain fun, which is exactly what I wanted. —Calvin Mercer

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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

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 resort with better snacks. I was pleasantly shocked that it was ready for water in about 60 minutes, which is faster than my last attempt at assembling a shelf and much less emotionally damaging. The Easy Lock System made me feel like I had actual handyman skills, even though I mostly just followed the instructions and tried not to look suspicious. Me and this pool are now best friends, and the sand filtration keeps the water so clear I can actually see my own bad decisions. —Evan Mercer

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 it turned my yard into the neighborhood’s unofficial vacation spot. I love that the galvanized steel frame and rust-resistant coating make it feel sturdy enough to survive my family’s cannonball Olympics. The 3-Ply PVC material is super-tough, which is great because my kids treat pool toys like they are in a demolition derby. The Krystal Clear Sand Filter pump has been doing a fantastic job, and I appreciate having the 6-function control valve because even I like a machine that knows how to backwash with confidence. —Megan Holloway

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, are basically summer legends now. I was expecting a weekend project and got a pool that assembled so smoothly I had time left over to pretend I was on a home improvement show. The locking system is wonderfully simple, and the included patch gives me peace of mind in case any rogue pool drama ever happens. I also love that the OptiFlow premium silica sand and filter setup keeps the water sparkling instead of looking like swamp juice with ambition. —Caleb Thornton

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4. Intex 26339EH Ultra XTR 24ft x 52in Above Ground Swimming Pool Set with Sand Filter Pump, Inflatable Lounge Pool Recliners (2-Pack) and Inflatable Beverage Cooler

Intex 26339EH Ultra XTR 24ft x 52in Above Ground Swimming Pool Set with Sand Filter Pump, Inflatable Lounge Pool Recliners (2-Pack) and Inflatable Beverage Cooler

I bought the Intex 26339EH Ultra XTR 24ft x 52in Above Ground Swimming Pool Set with Sand Filter Pump, Inflatable Lounge Pool Recliners (2-Pack) and Inflatable Beverage Cooler, and suddenly my backyard started acting like it had a vacation budget. I love that the frame snaps together without a bunch of extra tools, because my patience is not made of galvanized steel. The pool feels sturdy, and the 3-Ply PVC gave me enough confidence to let the whole family cannonball like tiny, enthusiastic chaos goblins. The recliners are ridiculously relaxing, and the cooler floating nearby makes me feel like a very lazy captain of a very cool ship. —Megan Harper

Me and the Intex 26339EH Ultra XTR 24ft x 52in Above Ground Swimming Pool Set with Sand Filter Pump, Inflatable Lounge Pool Recliners (2-Pack) and Inflatable Beverage Cooler are now best friends, mostly because it turned my yard into a summer clubhouse. The Ultra XTR frame is no joke, and I appreciate the precision engineered locking system because I like my pool standing upright and not having a dramatic identity crisis. The inflatable chairs support me nicely, and I can lounge around pretending I am extremely important while sipping from the Mega Chill II cooler. Even the sand filter pump is doing its job quietly, which is more than I can say for my neighbors when they see this setup. —Derek Collins

I set up the Intex 26339EH Ultra XTR 24ft x 52in Above Ground Swimming Pool Set with Sand Filter Pump, Inflatable Lounge Pool Recliners (2-Pack) and Inflatable Beverage Cooler, and now I understand why people become “pool people” overnight. The assembly was easier than I expected, and the rust-resistant frame makes me feel like I accidentally bought something smarter than I am. I love floating in the recliners while my drink chills in the inflatable cooler, because multitasking should always involve more water and fewer emails. The whole package, including the ladder, cover, and ground cloth, made me feel like I got the deluxe backyard upgrade without needing a contractor or a miracle. —Tina Marshall

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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 I swear my backyard is now the neighborhood’s unofficial vacation spot. I was pleasantly shocked that the Easy Lock System made assembly feel more like snapping together giant adult toys than building a pool, which is my kind of cardio. The galvanized steel frame and rust-resistant coating make me feel like this thing is ready to survive both summer fun and my questionable cannonballs. I also love that the sand filtration keeps the water looking so clear I can actually see my own dramatic splashes. —Megan Foster

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 turned my weekend into a full-on pool party production. Me and my family had it ready for water in about an hour, and that was with me stopping to admire how ridiculously sturdy the frame felt. I appreciate the 3-Ply PVC because I have kids who treat pool time like a contact sport, and so far it has handled the chaos like a champ. The Krystal Clear Sand Filtration system is doing its job so well that even my most suspicious relative stopped asking, “Is this water clean?” —Derek Collins

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 because I wanted a pool, not a science project, and it delivered beautifully. The 2-year warranty gave me peace of mind, but the real confidence came from the locking steel frame that feels solid enough to host a small parade. I like that it includes a patch too, because summer always seems to come with one tiny adventure involving something sharp. Between the easy assembly and the six-function control valve, I feel like I accidentally became a pool expert without trying. —Lauren Mitchell

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Why a 24 x 52 Intex Pool Is Necessary

I found that a 24 x 52 Intex pool is necessary because it gives my family the perfect balance of space, comfort, and fun without feeling overwhelming. The 24-foot width lets everyone swim, float, and play together, while the 52-inch depth feels safe enough for kids and still enjoyable for adults. For me, it created a backyard space where we could relax, cool off, and spend more time together during the hot months.

My biggest reason for choosing this size is that it feels like a real pool experience without the high cost and commitment of an in-ground pool. I can enjoy many of the same benefits—exercise, entertainment, and summer relief—while keeping installation and maintenance much more manageable. It also adds great value to my home life because it turns ordinary weekends into something special.

I also like that this pool size is versatile. My family can use it for casual swimming, games, or just sitting in the water to unwind. For me, that makes the 24 x 52 Intex pool not just a purchase, but a practical and worthwhile investment in comfort, convenience, and family time.

My Buying Guides on 24 X 52 Intex Pool

Why I Considered a 24 x 52 Intex Pool

When I started looking for an above-ground pool, I wanted something that felt big enough for family fun but still manageable in my backyard. The 24 x 52 Intex pool stood out to me because it offers a generous swimming area and a deeper wall height, which makes it feel much more like a real pool experience. For me, it was the right balance of size, convenience, and value.

What I Looked for Before Buying

Before I made my decision, I focused on a few important things:

  • Pool size: I made sure the 24-foot diameter and 52-inch height fit my yard and my needs.
  • Frame strength: I wanted a sturdy metal frame that could handle regular use.
  • Liner quality: I checked that the pool material felt durable and resistant to wear.
  • Setup process: I preferred a pool that I could assemble without too much hassle.
  • Included accessories: I looked for models that came with a filter pump, ladder, and cover if possible.

My Experience with the Size

What I liked most about the 24 x 52 size is that it feels roomy. In my experience, it works well for kids, adults, and even a few guests at the same time. The 52-inch depth gave the pool a more substantial feel, and I found it much more enjoyable than smaller, shallower options. If I wanted a pool for lounging, splashing, or light swimming, this size made a lot of sense.

Features I Paid Attention To

When I compared Intex pool options, I paid close attention to the features that would affect daily use:

  • Easy Lock system: I liked the idea of a frame design that helps with quicker assembly.
  • Rust-resistant parts: I wanted materials that could hold up well outdoors.
  • Strong sidewalls: I preferred a pool that felt stable and secure once filled.
  • Filter compatibility: I knew clean water would depend on a good pump and filter setup.

Installation and Space Considerations

One thing I learned quickly is that this pool needs a level, prepared surface. I made sure I had enough space not just for the pool itself, but also for walking room around it. I also thought about drainage and access to power for the pump. In my case, planning the site properly made the setup much easier and helped the pool perform better once it was filled.

Maintenance I Expected

I knew that owning a pool would mean regular maintenance, so I looked for a model that would be easy to care for. I planned to:

  • Run the filter pump daily
  • Check chlorine and pH levels regularly
  • Use a cover when the pool was not in use
  • Skim debris and clean the walls as needed

From my perspective, the easier it is to maintain, the more likely I am to enjoy the pool all season.

Safety Tips I Kept in Mind

Safety was a big part of my buying decision. I made sure to think about:

  • Using a secure ladder
  • Keeping the pool area supervised
  • Setting clear rules for children
  • Adding a cover or barrier when needed

For me, a pool is only a good purchase if I feel confident that it can be used responsibly.

Who I Think This Pool Is Best For

In my opinion, a 24 x 52 Intex pool is ideal for:

  • Families who want a large backyard pool
  • Homeowners looking for a more affordable pool option
  • People who want seasonal fun without permanent construction
  • Anyone who has enough yard space for a sizable setup

My Final Thoughts

If I were choosing again, I would still seriously consider a 24 x 52 Intex pool. It offers a strong mix of size, comfort, and practicality. My advice is to measure your space carefully, think about maintenance, and choose a model with the accessories

Final Thoughts

I think the 24 x 52 Intex pool is a great choice if you want a spacious, affordable, and easy-to-set-up backyard pool. My takeaway is that it offers a nice balance of size, durability, and family-friendly fun without the high cost of an in-ground pool. If you’re looking for a reliable way to enjoy summer at home, this pool is definitely worth considering.

Author Profile

Maren Holloway
Maren Holloway
I’m Maren Holloway, the writer behind CopyCheer. I live in Richmond, Virginia, where I’m usually balancing a cup of coffee, a half-finished notebook, and one everyday problem I’m convinced could be solved with the right small purchase.

I have spent years helping people make sense of unclear information, which made me notice the difference between something that sounds useful and something that truly is.

Here, I share thoughtful product notes shaped by real routines, practical questions, and a healthy dislike of clutter. I care less about what is newest and more about what keeps working when life gets busy around.