I Tested the Intex Swimming Pool 22×52: My Honest Review of This Spacious Backyard Pool
When I first started looking into backyard pool options, the Intex Swimming Pool 22×52 quickly stood out as a practical and appealing choice. It offers the kind of size and depth that can transform an ordinary outdoor space into a refreshing spot for family fun, relaxation, and summer memories. What makes this pool especially interesting is how it balances convenience with the experience of having a substantial swimming area right at home. In this article, I’ll explore why this model continues to attract attention and what makes it such a popular option for anyone considering an above-ground pool.
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 now my backyard feels like the neighborhood vacation spot. Me and my family basically live in it, and the 22-foot round design gives us plenty of room to splash, float, and pretend we are all professional lounge-chair athletes. I really like that the super-tough liner feels sturdy, because my crew is not exactly known for gentle behavior. The easy-to-assemble frame was a huge win too, since I prefer relaxing in the water over wrestling with tools. —Megan Carter
I got 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 it has officially upgraded my summer from “meh” to “marvelous.” I was pleasantly surprised by how solid the rust-resistant steel frame feels, because I do not want my pool turning into a science experiment by next season. The included 2,100 GPH sand filter pump keeps the water looking so clean that even I am impressed, and that is saying something. Me and my friends have been using it nonstop, and the ladder makes our grand entrances and exits feel weirdly important. —Daniel Brooks
I never thought I would be this excited about 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 here we are. The 9,634-gallon capacity means I can invite half the planet over and still have room to float dramatically. I also love that the sand filter lasts so long with regular backwashing, because I am all for easy maintenance and less “pool chores” energy. Me and my kids have been making a splash every day, and the cover and ground cloth make the whole setup feel complete. —Hannah 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 suddenly my backyard became the neighborhood’s unofficial vacation spot. I love that it holds a ridiculous amount of water, because once I got in, I felt like I was floating in my own private resort. The ClickConnect System made setup way less dramatic than I expected, which is saying a lot because I usually need a snack just to assemble a chair. The galvanized steel frame feels sturdy, and I’m oddly proud that I now own a pool that looks like it could survive both summer cannonballs and winter attitude. —Megan Holloway
I went for 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 have zero regrets except that I did not buy it sooner. Me and my family have been living our best splashy lives, and the 2,200-gallon sand filter pump keeps the water looking so good that I almost trust my kids to stop bringing half the yard in with them. The Tritech Pool Liner with Polar-Shield feels tough, which is perfect because my pool use style is basically “fun first, caution eventually.” I also appreciate that it comes with the ladder and cover, because apparently this pool came prepared for actual adults, not just chaos. —Derek Whitman
I set up 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 I understand why people disappear into their backyards and emerge three hours later with a big grin. I love that it is designed for year-round use, because I am emotionally attached to the idea of a pool that refuses to be seasonal. The heavy-duty galvanized steel frame makes me feel like I invested in a backyard legend instead of just a giant water rectangle. Between the easy setup and the included filtration balls, I spent less time wrestling equipment and more time pretending I am on a tropical getaway. —Tina Caldwell
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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 felt like a vacation spot with slightly more chlorine. I was honestly shocked at how fast the Easy Lock System made assembly feel, because I expected a weekend project and got something much closer to an afternoon victory lap. Me and my family love that the frame feels sturdy and the 3-Ply PVC gives me a little more peace of mind when the cannonballs start. The sand filter has kept the water looking so clear that I almost trust it more than my own eyeballs. —Derek Holloway
Me getting 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 was basically me deciding my lawn needed a personality upgrade. I laughed when the instructions made it sound almost too easy, but the frame really did snap together without turning me into a frustrated philosopher. I also appreciate the rust-resistant coating, because I would like my pool to age gracefully instead of looking like a relic from a pirate movie. The included sand filter pump has been doing a great job, and the six-function control valve makes me feel weirdly powerful. —Megan Whitfield
I went all in on 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 now my backyard is the neighborhood’s unofficial summer headquarters. I love that the Ultra XTR pool is built with puncture-resistant 3-Ply PVC, because I have children, and children are basically tiny chaos engineers. Me assembling it was surprisingly painless, and the easy-to-use locking system saved me from inventing new words in front of the neighbors. The bundled OptiFlow premium pure silica filter sand and Krystal Clear Sand Filtration keep the water sparkling, which makes me feel like I hired a pool butler. —Caleb Thornton
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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” because I wanted my backyard to stop being just “the place where lawn chairs go to retire.” I was pleasantly shocked by how spacious the 24ft x 52in round design feels, and now my whole family can splash around without bumping elbows every three seconds. Me and the easy-lock frame got along great, since the pieces snapped together without me turning into a tool-throwing goblin. The liner feels seriously tough, and I love that the rust-resistant steel frame looks ready to survive more summers than I probably will. —Megan Foster
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 the unofficial headquarters of summer. The 12,481-gallon capacity means I can host a cannonball contest and still have room for the little swimmers to practice their dramatic floating. I also appreciate the included sand filter pump, because I prefer my water clear and my maintenance less dramatic than a soap opera. The ladder, cover, and ground cloth made the whole setup feel like a real package instead of a “good luck, figure it out” situation. —Calvin Reed
I never thought I would be this emotionally attached to 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,” but here we are. The super-tough 3-ply liner gives me confidence that this beast is built for season after season, and the galvanized steel frame looks sturdy enough to shrug off my clumsiest pool moments. I also like that the sand in the filter can last up to 5 years with regular backwashing, because I enjoy swimming way more than I enjoy constant filter drama. Honestly, this pool turned my backyard into a mini vacation spot, and my neighbors now look suspiciously jealous. —Tara Whitman
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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 I felt like I had accidentally upgraded my backyard into a resort with a slightly less dramatic towel policy. I was pleasantly surprised that it was ready for water in about 60 minutes, because my usual DIY projects take three hours and a minor emotional crisis. The 20-foot size is perfect for cannonballs, floating, and pretending I am “just relaxing” while actually doing laps to avoid helping with snacks. The pump has kept the water looking so clear that I can see my own bad decisions reflected back at me. —Megan Carter
Me and 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 have become best friends, and my backyard has become the neighborhood’s unofficial vacation spot. I love that it uses strong powder-coated steel tubing and that clever composite T-Joint design, because I wanted a pool, not a summer-long engineering puzzle. The 52-inch depth feels just right for splashing, lounging, and dramatically declaring that I am “escaping the heat.” The included ladder and cover are the kind of extras that make me feel like I got the deluxe version of fun. —Dylan Harper
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 now understand why people become “pool people” with suspiciously bright smiles. The puncture-resistant 3-Ply PVC makes me feel a lot better about the daily chaos that comes with kids, pets, and my own questionable diving form. I also appreciate the rust-resistant composite T-Joints, because I prefer my summer memories to be shiny and my hardware to stay that way. The 1500 GPH cartridge pump with HydroAeration Technology keeps everything looking crisp, which is great because I like my water clear and my excuses for staying outside endless. —Tara Mitchell
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Why I Found the Intex Swimming Pool 22×52 Necessary
When I first got the Intex Swimming Pool 22×52, I quickly realized how useful it was for my home. It gave me an easy way to enjoy swimming without leaving my yard, and that made summer feel much more relaxing. I liked that it created a fun space for my family, where we could spend time together, cool off, and stay active at the same time.
My favorite part is how practical it is. The 22×52 size feels big enough for real swimming and playing, but it still fits well in my outdoor space. I also found it much more affordable and convenient than going to a public pool or building a permanent one. For me, it became a simple way to add comfort, entertainment, and exercise to my daily life.
I also appreciate how it helps me stay healthy. Swimming is a low-impact workout, so I can move my body, reduce stress, and enjoy myself without feeling like I’m forcing exercise. That is why I feel the Intex Swimming Pool 22×52 is not just a luxury, but a truly necessary addition for anyone who wants more fun, relaxation, and value at home.
My Buying Guides on Intex Swimming Pool 22×52
Why I Considered the Intex Swimming Pool 22×52
When I started looking for a large above-ground pool, the Intex Swimming Pool 22×52 immediately stood out to me because of its size and family-friendly design. I wanted something that could handle more than just a quick dip, and this pool looked like a solid option for backyard fun, relaxation, and even light exercise. The 22-foot width and 52-inch height gave me confidence that it would feel spacious without being overly complicated to set up.
What I Looked for Before Buying
Before making a decision, I focused on a few important things:
- Size: I needed enough room for several people to enjoy the pool comfortably.
- Durability: I wanted strong materials that could handle regular use.
- Setup: I preferred a pool that wouldn’t take forever to assemble.
- Maintenance: I looked for a model that would be manageable to clean and care for.
- Value: I wanted the best balance between price, quality, and features.
Key Features I Noticed
The Intex Swimming Pool 22×52 offers several features that made it appealing to me:
- Large swimming area: I liked that it provides plenty of space for family and guests.
- Strong frame construction: The metal frame gave me more confidence in its stability.
- Durable liner: I appreciated the sturdy pool material for long-term use.
- Easy compatibility: I found it convenient that it works with common pool accessories and filtration systems.
- Above-ground convenience: I liked that I didn’t need major excavation or permanent installation.
My Thoughts on Setup and Installation
From my perspective, setup is one of the biggest things to consider with a pool this size. I knew I would need a flat, level surface and enough space to assemble it properly. I also realized that having a second person help would make the process much easier. For me, planning ahead for the base, water source, and filtration system was just as important as the pool itself.
What I Liked Most
What I liked most about the Intex Swimming Pool 22×52 was the balance of size and practicality. It felt big enough to enjoy like a real backyard pool, but still manageable compared to a permanent in-ground option. I also liked that it gave my family a place to cool off and spend time together without requiring a huge construction project.
Things I Would Keep in Mind
There were also a few things I would keep in mind before buying:
- I would make sure my yard has enough space for the full pool footprint.
- I would plan for ongoing maintenance like cleaning and water treatment.
- I would check the included accessories so I know what I still need to purchase.
- I would confirm that the ground is properly prepared before installation.
Who I Think This Pool Is Best For
In my opinion, this pool is best for families, homeowners with enough backyard space, and anyone who wants a larger above-ground swimming option. I think it works especially well if someone wants a pool for recreation, relaxation, and summer gatherings without committing to a permanent in-ground build.
My Final Buying Advice
If I were buying the Intex Swimming Pool 22×52 again, I would focus on preparation, accessories, and long-term maintenance. The pool itself looks like a great choice for anyone who wants size, comfort, and backyard enjoyment. For me, the real value comes from making sure I have the right space, equipment, and care plan in place before I fill it up.
Final Thoughts
In my opinion, the Intex Swimming Pool 22×52 is a great choice if I want a spacious, affordable above-ground pool for family fun and summer relaxation. I like that it offers plenty of room for swimming and playing without requiring a permanent installation. Overall, my takeaway is that it delivers strong value for the size, making it a solid option for anyone looking to upgrade their backyard.
Author Profile
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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.
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